Having a hard time enjoying an AB fine and rare

[ichett]

I picked up a 2012 fine & rare from a local B&M about a month ago for $18. It started off nice with kick of pepper, spices, and nice creaminess. 10 minutes into it, it started getting a bit annoying. I can't keep this to stay lit, probably due to its thick wrapper, and I have to continuously puff at it to keep it lit but that's causing it to get a bit harsh. I'm also having to touch up every 5 minutes. This has to be the most annoying smoke ever. For $18, it's a tough sell for me. I'm half way through and thinking if giving it up.

Anyone else having issues like mine?

 

[BrittS88]

I've only had two of them but never had that issue... sounds like an issue I normally have with damp sticks though. Maybe it was stored wrong at the b&m and hasn't adjusted to your humi yet?

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[ichett]

I keep all my humidors between 60-65%. The third smoked much better. Expected much more from a $16 cigar.

 

[problemsolverjc]

It is definitively annoying to spend that much on a stick and not have an enjoyable time.

 

[milhouse]

i have a hard time enjoying any AB... the only exception to me is the black market, which is a great cheapie

 

[Fairway1]

I had a Prensado that acted the same way.

 

[ChefBoyRG54]

i have a hard time enjoying any AB... the only exception to me is the black market, which is a great cheapie

I agree, however i really enjoy the maxx Brazil

ChefBoyRG54

 

[StogieNinja]

In my experience, AB sticks often have terrible burn. I've had this problem with everything from a fresh Prensado, to a 2-yr old Tempus Maddy that had been stored in perfect conditions for the two years. The Tempus and the Fine & Rare are both great sticks, when they burn right. When they don't... yeah, suuuper annoying. I've pretty much stopped smoking AB sticks for that reason.

 

[aaron72]

Of the three years, the '12 has seemed to be the worst version. I've also heard that these are smoked better fresh as they do not age well.

 

[ichett]

Maybe I'm asking too much but for $16-$18 cigar I expect near perfection. Just not worth my time to waste it on a cigar like this.

 

[Carpenter69]

Maybe I'm asking too much but for $16-$18 cigar I expect near perfection. Just not worth my time to waste it on a cigar like this.

I don't think that's asking to much. To some $18 isn't a lot, to me it's a lot to spend on a stick that seems like a job to smoke. Cigars are suppose to be relaxing. I'm also trying the fine and rare again. First time was just meh.

 

[ichett]

Maybe I'm asking too much but for $16-$18 cigar I expect near perfection. Just not worth my time to waste it on a cigar like this.

I don't think that's asking to much. To some $18 isn't a lot, to me it's a lot to spend on a stick that seems like a job to smoke. Cigars are suppose to be relaxing. I'm also trying the fine and rare again. First time was just meh.

I might give it another try. Maybe to 2013.

 

[Mr.Maduro]

i have a hard time enjoying any AB... the only exception to me is the black market, which is a great cheapie

Agree. AB is one brand I never buy anymore.

 

[Incognito_T]

All AB's have a real muddled flavor to me. Honestly never been impressed


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[Justjosh]

Maybe I'm asking too much but for $16-$18 cigar I expect near perfection. Just not worth my time to waste it on a cigar like this.

I completely agree with this.
I'm one for smoking expensive sticks, but honestly, in that price range, I expect a much better experience than you are relaying.

Though I tend to agree that it sounds like it was a wet stick

 

[Deadhead]

I would agree with most people's assessment with AB, however I do really enjoy the new Nica Puro. In my opinion it is a whole different ballgame than any other stick they have made. As far as an $18 cigar, you can get a Padron 1926 or 64, a LP FFP, a bunch of great Tatuaje stuff, and the list could go on and on. There are way to many good cigars in the $12-$18 price range to deal with something sub par.

 

[tedp]

I had my first Fine & Rare a week ago and it was fine, $8.00 fine, not $18.00.

 

[JEB]

I gave up on his stuff. I kept getting a metallic tin taste on all of them.

 

[StogieNinja]

Maybe I'm asking too much but for $16-$18 cigar I expect near perfection.

Especially when I can get a Montecristo Grande Edmundo LE 2010 for $15, the AB F&R really comes up lacking in terms of bang-for-buck.