Boutique/small batch recommendations

[8ball]

Ok guys, I admit my fault. I spend too much time on CI, JR, etc... And not enough time supporting places like my local b&m &small batch cigars. For years I've been smoking stuff like cao, rp, Oliva, Pepin, AJ Fernandez, and the usual CI stuff that's cheap. I have limited exposure with DE, tatuaje, & ilusione.

I'm really ready to step up my game and go outside my comfort zone. Only problem is that I see all kinds of makers and brands that I just have no experience with, so I'm looking for some recommendations. Generally $7-10 each is probably my max.

I enjoy full and medium cigars and don't really get down with milds. I'm mixed on Connecticut (unless full bodied), & corojo, but love ligero, oscuro, Cameroon,habana, maduro (probably missing some others).

Anyone have any suggestions on makers or individual cigars that I should try? Thanks for any replies, you guys have been really helpful so far. I'm heading to a local b&m on Tuesday, and just feel like I'm gonna be overwhelmed with sticks I've never heard of.

 

[Zmilin]

Try the Warped Dlor de Valle, Espinosa Laranja, Liga 9 and T52 from DE, and pretty much any Tatt. I've yet to have a bad Tatt but I do seem to really like the Miami 10 year sticks (I forget the line name).

 

[bostoneo]

Small batch just restocked on Roma Craft to! make sure you use code BOTL for 20% off

 

[BigEasy]

Anything from Crowned Heads, Caldwell and Warped is money well spent.

 

[TraderCigarCo.]

They had a Caldwell sampler pack on there last week.

 

[BrewinHooligan]

RomaCraft is definitely deserving of your attention and they are wallet friendly too. Anything from Tatuaje should be in your wheelhouse unless you aren't a fan of spice. I am also yet to be let down from anything made from My Father and Crowned Heads. Caldwell is good to check out as well.

 

[Mikenice81]

Even though you won't find it at Small Batch I recommend the Paul Stulac Lord of Albany Maduro. It blew the La Jugada Prieto out of first place on my favorites list. Plus it is $1 -$3 cheaper per stick depending on where you buy it.

I have little experience with the stuff at Small Batch. However, I have smoked the La Aurora 100 Anos Robusto. I loved it. It is a sweeter cigar but the red pepper, oak, and citrus keep it balanced and delicious. Then by the end coffee, leather, and a couple of other flavors have crept in and it finishes out smoother than Barry White.

 

[vcut89]

Im also a big fan of Room 101 delicious and also crowned heads and Caldwell are outstanding

 

[juggy4805]

Definitely try Caldwell Cigars. Very good for the price.

 

[redneck_toy]

If you can find them, I highly recommend the Gonzo Santeria 2009 by Epicurean. Incredible smoke! Cigar Frederation had then in stock last time I checked.
They'd be at the upper end of your price range though

 

[hot grits]

great suggestions so far.
Also give the illusione epernay a shot. I especially like the petit (i think thats what they call their small ring gauge size.
Than there's the Quesada Espana corona which is one of my all time favorites.
Also the Herrera Esteli. I am partial to the lonsdale, corona or lance.

 

[mwlabel]

EloGio is an easy winner. I prefer the Habano line, but the LSV is a fuller smoke. Try both.

 

[Mossome]

The Illusione Fume d Amour are outstanding as well as their Rothcildes. From Tatuaje, I personally prefer the J21 though around here the Noella Reserve seem to be the choice. Caldwell The King is Dead.

 

[Old Smokey]

Some excellent suggestions above. To those already listed I would add Regius Exclusivo USA. I bought a 5'er of the Lanceros and they are great smokes.

 

[jonnylieberman]

Don Pepin!

 

[StogieNinja]

Caldwell Long Live The King
Warped La Colmena No44
Matilde Corona

 

[HIM*]

Reinado if they have them. I second pretty much all the other recommendations as well.

 

[dharbolt]

Reinado if they have them. I second pretty much all the other recommendations as well.

Yes.

Along worth anything tatuaje roma craft or illusione. Also viva Republica

 

[Lezanstar]

Don Pepin!

This. The blue is a must try and they have it on the sites you mentioned as well as most B&M. Anything from My Father/Pepin is hard to go wrong. A lot of solid advice on this page. Grab a 4 pack of the aquaitaine mode 5 from small batch as well if they are still in stock.

 

[8ball]

Yeah guys, this is an awesome list and I'll be heading to my b&m and doing some searching. I'll report back. We're getting a free Roma craft cigar at the st paddys day event, so that's a nice start.