In my endless pursuit of cheap and cheaper, I find myself delving into the 2 dollar and change cigars. In that range, my personal favorite is the Fonseca KDT Cadete. Nonetheless, I obtained some Belinda Belvederes from 12/00. The come in a cheap looking box, but have a very nice box press. In cello, tapered slightly at both ends, wrappers are decent, with bigger veins than you expect to see on "good" cubans. These cigars were introduced for the Eastern European market in the late 80s and are (at least the Belvedere) all long filler, supposedly arriba leaf.
I've smoked three of these this week, and I have an unlit one in my mouth as I type. The firm box press almost makes it look like one of the shaped cigars (Padron Anny, Patel Vintage, etc.). The caps are, of course, crappy looking ... you almost don't need to cut these guys, punch is definately out.
Prelight draw is unremarkable ... just tastes like tobacco ... imagne that. They spark up easily, and burn very evenly. I haven'd had to diddle with these the same way I do with cheap short-filler Flor de Canos I have had. The taste is decent ... strong enough for a half-drunk commie, and strong enough for me. Surpisingly rich, decent twang. There is a place for elegant, subtle cigars ... but the Belinda is on the opposite side of the fence. Certainly these knock the tar out of FdC Selectos of simlar price and vintage, but I still prefer the KDTs for a cheap hit of cuba. Even the '05s are smoking well.
I've smoked three of these this week, and I have an unlit one in my mouth as I type. The firm box press almost makes it look like one of the shaped cigars (Padron Anny, Patel Vintage, etc.). The caps are, of course, crappy looking ... you almost don't need to cut these guys, punch is definately out.
Prelight draw is unremarkable ... just tastes like tobacco ... imagne that. They spark up easily, and burn very evenly. I haven'd had to diddle with these the same way I do with cheap short-filler Flor de Canos I have had. The taste is decent ... strong enough for a half-drunk commie, and strong enough for me. Surpisingly rich, decent twang. There is a place for elegant, subtle cigars ... but the Belinda is on the opposite side of the fence. Certainly these knock the tar out of FdC Selectos of simlar price and vintage, but I still prefer the KDTs for a cheap hit of cuba. Even the '05s are smoking well.
