Cuban Limited Editions

[KPP]

I'm curious what the group consensus is on ELs. I've read, on multiple forums, where folks have eluded to the fact the cc le's have a profile unto themselves, and could almost be identified as their own marca. I assume this is due to the similarities in flavor profile from one to the other.

My experience is very small compared to most, but I've tried the following:

2006 Partagas D3
2009 Boli Petit Beli
2009 Upmann Mag 48
2009 RyJ Duke
2010 Monte Grand Edmundo

I have been impressed with exactly zero of the above. The 2010 Monte I felt was the best of all that i'd tried...but there was nothing there to differentiate it from say a quality NC Maduro IMO (think Tat 7th Reserva, Liga Privada etc)...and those have the added element of spice. Was the Monte good? Sure. Was it $16 good?....nope. $8 maybe, but not $16. Are the common denominators in the LE flavors being so similar chocolate, earth, and leather? If so, I pretty much can see that from those that I have tried.


Even with my limited experience, I know enough now to stick with the regular lines in these cigars...cause IMO they haven't been at all worth the price tag.


Any other opinions on these people might have? Certain ones people have loved...or hated? Do you agree about the similarities in flavor profile? Etc. etc.

*Please note, I'm asking about LEs specifically, not Regionals.

 

[Jwrussell]

I've stayed away from the LE's. Too much money when the regular line smokes are plenty good. That being said, having watched the trend, I've noticed that most aren't that impressive when they come out but many have really come to shine with age.

 

[JGD]

I've stayed away from the LE's. Too much money when the regular line smokes are plenty good. That being said, having watched the trend, I've noticed that most aren't that impressive when they come out but many have really come to shine with age.

This is also what I have heard overall.

 

[KPP]

That being said, having watched the trend, I've noticed that most aren't that impressive when they come out but many have really come to shine with age.

That was not at all the case for me & the 2006 Partagas....

Easily the worst of the ELs I've smoked.

But I do know there are people that loved at least one out of every few that come out each year. Just curious what differentiates that smoke they might have loved from the others flavorwise....other than perhaps just maybe the particular moment it was smoked being more special (with friends/family, on vacation etc.), or having a different band.

 

[gibbleguts]

That was not at all the case for me & the 2006 Partagas....

Easily the worst of the ELs I've smoked.

But I do know there are people that loved at least one out of every few that come out each year. Just curious what differentiates that smoke they might have loved from the others flavorwise....other than perhaps just maybe the particular moment it was smoked being more special (with friends/family, on vacation etc.), or having a different band.

All of the EL use a 3 year aged sungrown wrapper I believe. It does tweak the blend vs reg line and some may not like it. Once it has had some time to settle they can be quite good the OR D3's are great, I really like the wrapper on the short robo T and it was fantastic from right on the rolling table. . My favourite EL is the Trinidad ingenios. It is funny how much the price vs reg blends goes up. Here in Canada it is usually less then a 15% hike vs the reg. The same for in Havana online guys just don't discount as heavily as they know there will be an end to the supply at some point.

Posted via Mobile Device

 

[U-Boat Commander]

I echo the sentiments above that you need to let the LEs age for 5-6 yrs before they really shine. And when they do shine, they are amazing. I have boxes of HU Mag 50 LE 2005 and Party SD No. 1 2004 and they are probably two of the best cigars I have ever smoked.

For whatever reason the 2006 Party LE was not the greatest cigar. But the 03s and 04s are amazing. Perhaps the 06s just need more time.

 

[U-Boat Commander]

All of the EL use a 3 year aged sungrown wrapper I believe. It does tweak the blend vs reg line and some may not like it.

Posted via Mobile Device

That's not correct. Initially, the LEs used two year old aged wrappers from the upper level of the plant. Since 2007 all of the tobacco (wrapper, binder, & filler) is aged for two years.

 

[Alwayslit]

I've stayed away from the LE's. Too much money when the regular line smokes are plenty good.

.....with age regular line smokes are even better.

 

[Jwrussell]

.....with age regular line smokes are even better.

No argument here. I've yet to hear enough overly positive about the EL's to justify them to me. Then again, I'm not sure I could. The prices are just out of my reach for the most part.

 

[zathan]

I have a couple ELs sitting in the humi. I am still waiting to smoke them so I can't tell right now but some people just rave about them.

 

[BoSox55]

LE Monty 08 Sublimes was one of the best smokes I've ever had. Each year they keep getting better & better.

 

[Chelski]

LE Monty 08 Sublimes was one of the best smokes I've ever had. Each year they keep getting better & better.

Ditto on the Monte Sublimes. I have a full box aging, whilst smoking 1 every 6months from another box. Also, the Grand Edmudos are good smokes and are relatively inexpensive - for LEs, so I just may get another, whilst the price is good.

 

[orangedog]

I have some resting but I've found fewer rather than more to show real potential to outshine the regular production... the PSD5 from 2008 was probably the best partagas I've had... so I could see giving those a chance to age. I got a pretty decent deal on some of the RyJ Dukes so I've set those aside. I really want to put some of the Mag 48s aside too... but I haven't had one yet that didn't have construction issues, so I've passed. They demand a premium at retail, and if they give me an indication to warrant the premium (either ROTT or after age), then I'm game... unfortunately that hasn't often been the case.

 

[maverickdrinker]

so far, my favorite ELs have been the 2008 montecristo sublimes and the 2010 montecristo grand edmundos. Stocked up on these for the long haul.

 

[AlohaStyle]

I really enjoyed the Mag 48's fresh but haven't been so impressed lately. Not sure the reason or if I just have such high expectations when I smoke them now. I personally don't think the majority of them are worth the extra money, I would rather age some regular releases.

 

[Bass man]

I've found most LEs taste like each other, rather than having distinctive flavors. Haven't bought any since 2007, and IMHO, the best were the early ones- Hoyo & Party Piramides, and Montecristo DCs.

 

[maverickdrinker]

If the cohiba 1966s are like the samples that I have smoked, they will be on the pick up list.

 

[BEN(SWEDEN)]

You need to try the Cohiba piramides 2006 LE, Monte Sublimes LE 2008, Cohiba Sublimes 2004 LE, Cohiba Double Coronas 2003 LE, Partagas SDN1 2004 LE, Partagas SDN3 2001 LE and Partagas Piramides 2000 LE, those are the best LE IMO.

The Boliva LE is the nastiest cuban cigar I have ever had. It is discusting imo.

 

[BEN(SWEDEN)]

LE Monty 08 Sublimes was one of the best smokes I've ever had. Each year they keep getting better & better.

They are getting harder and harder to find, at least the boxes from 2008. The boxes from 2009 have not been as good imo.

 

[ciggy]

You need to try the Cohiba piramides 2006 LE, Monte Sublimes LE 2008, Cohiba Sublimes 2004 LE, Cohiba Double Coronas 2003 LE, Partagas SDN1 2004 LE, Partagas SDN3 2001 LE and Partagas Piramides 2000 LE, those are the best LE IMO.

I don't know Ben....sounds like this needs a second opinion! :thinkidea Hurry up and send one of each to me and I'll let you know for sure!!!! :stretchgr