Looking for advice only. Would you experienced CC enthusiasts recommend that a newbie with under a years experience stay w/ NC or make the plunge to CC? Lately, I have only been reading the habano thread and been researching different sites, prices, etc. It doesnt seem that the prices for cc's are as much as I was anticipating. Im just worried that if I make the plunge, Ill be hooked and wont enjoy NC as much or ever again. Please advise and thanks in advance.
Make the plunge?
- Thread starter Jmac8504
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AlohaStyle
BoM Sept '12 & Aug '13
^ exactly. Only you can answer that question man. But, my recommendation would be to smoke some of each and over time, you'll find out what you prefer. If over time you end up liking CCs more, why would you worry about not wanting something you don't like as much?
Yup.
It's all up to you. Smoke what you like, like what you smoke. See if some vendors offer sampler packs as well. That would be a good place to start on what you might like or dislike.
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StogieNinja
Derek | BoM June 2014
I've been smoking for about a decade, and frequently for about seven years. I still smoke a lot of both. No harm if you do end up smoking all Cubans, and no harm if you don't, we live in a time where there are plenty of excellent options from all over. Enjoy the ride!
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It's really about value for your money. Habanos are competitively prices and are high quality. I have noticed that even many cheap Habanos are quite good. When buying non Cuban there are also plenty of good cigars. There are far more options and discounts available. The value for quantity of cigars is there for NCs. For me there are 4 tiers of cigars- Habanos (premium), then regular Habanos, then Premium NC and reg NC. So if you can weigh the cost and factor in quality there should be a good mix of Habanos and NC. But the execute this plan , you must know your cigars (ones you enjoy) and where to buy them.
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I cannot tell you what to smoke.
I have been smoking cigars since 1980, both CC and NCs. There are some of both in my humidor at this time. One day I grab a Dominican, the next I grab a CC, the next is a Nicaraguan puro.
I enjoy them all! They each have a place and a time to be puller into the rotation. Presently I am smoking a pipe!
Smoke what you like and enjoy it!!!
That sounds trite, but it is the truth.
However, if you never try a CC, you will not know if it will fit in your rotation or not - or become the only stick you grab!
Enjoy!
Peace of the Lord be with you.
I have been smoking cigars since 1980, both CC and NCs. There are some of both in my humidor at this time. One day I grab a Dominican, the next I grab a CC, the next is a Nicaraguan puro.
I enjoy them all! They each have a place and a time to be puller into the rotation. Presently I am smoking a pipe!
Smoke what you like and enjoy it!!!
That sounds trite, but it is the truth.
However, if you never try a CC, you will not know if it will fit in your rotation or not - or become the only stick you grab!
Enjoy!
Peace of the Lord be with you.
I would say life is short, jump right in and try everything you can. Grab a habanos sampler and try them and see what you like, and then go on from there. I smoke both cc's and nc's. The thing I like about nc's is that they don't need aging, you can smoke 'em after a humidor acclimation period. Some cc's need aging to fully appreciate the flavors, and other cc's can be had young. It's all about trial and error, so don't waste time, jump right in.
It's a good time to be a cigar smoker. There are so many good cigars out there it's ridiculous. That goes for both Cubans and non-Cubans. Me personally, I smoke both regularly. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a creamy, slightly spicy cigar with medium strength - I'll grab a Cuban. Sometimes I want a pepper bomb that's full strength - I'll reach for a La Flor Dominicana.
You'll love Cubans. But it won't lessen your love of non-Cubans.
You'll love Cubans. But it won't lessen your love of non-Cubans.
I love a good, aged Habanos. I also love a lot of NCs. Im about 60%/40% - NC/CC and Ill continue to smoke both for a while. Like Derek, I dont think Ill ever go full CC snob. Although limited, I do have an understanding of leaf quality classification and grading; the variance from harvest to harvest, year to year both in CCs and NCs. Ive had plenty of bad CCs and enough good NCs, to keep smoking them. For me the biggest draw to CCs initially was reputation and mystique, then the experience of aged quality Cuban leaf combined with affordability. The latter seems to be deteriorating. Customs/farmies getting pricey, Cohiba through the roof, other marcas following suit and only a few good releases each year which tend to get bought up by flippers. Value is fading. One thing quality Cuban leaf does have going for it is its ability to hold sweetness and develop complexity through multiple fermentation cycles and into 2nd maturation. I find that most NCs are best fresh or with 1-3years but there are examples of NCs with legs. Conversely, time will do nothing for a shitty box of RG Perlas.
I would try them with an open mind and low expectation. Your initial impression will likely be that they are rolled too tight and are quite soft in profile. Buy/trade for a few aged CCs (hopefully theyve been stored correctly and you dont get dry cardboard), maybe get involved in some passes. Grab a handful while traveling etc. Smoke some fresh and put some down to age.
Depending on where you live, just be sure to get the real deal ad go for it. No fakes though. If you don't know your vendor you may as well follow your dog around and smoke the fine "Cubans" he/she will provide free of charge.
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I would echo all the previous posts. I've probably got more cc than nc but that's mainly due to living in the UK. I enjoy certain 2nd brands over others and the same for cc. A good Cuban is better than a great nc IMHO and a bad Cuban is still way better than bad nc. That's just my opinion but I would highly recommend taking the plunge in to the world of Cuban cigars. The depth of flavours in the best Cubans can be amazing.
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Very true about the trial and error. Many mistakes in purchases I had to make before perfecting my lineup. True about Habanos aging as well. Some Habanos (Romeo y Julieta in particular) must be aged or they are no better than NC. I have also found there are tons of NC cigars that are dirt cheap and smoke quality is similar to premium priced NC cigars. For example, I am going to order some super cheap NC cigars that are excellent values in my opinion- Key West 1876 and Omar Ortez. The key west Churchills are like 35 dollars for box 25. Omar Ortez has a Toro (6" by 54) that comes in box 60 for 156 bucks. Both are excellent for the price. So the moral of the story find the cheap NC to fill the bottom of your lineup and budget the rest to premium NC and Habanos that fit your tastes
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