Tapping your expertise

[Tennessee Dave]

It's been a long time since I smoked a Cuban. Nearly 20 years now and since it was during the 1990's cigar boom and counterfeiting of Cubans was so prevalent I am not even sure that it was real. I was very inexperienced and most likely would not have known one way or the other. I am now ready. I have done a lot of research reading hundreds of reviews. Based on what I have read and knowing what my taste preferences are I am looking at a box purchase of Partagas Lusitanias or Cohiba Siglo VI. Based on reviews these would seem to be right in my preference range; however, even with the research I have done I am still a novice and would appreciate any advice or recommendations that those of you with a lot of experience are willing to share with me. I love a lot of the Nicaraguan blends by Tatuaje and Illusione. I do like the ones with less of that pepper and spiceness (or if present subsides as the smoke progresses) than is typical for most of the Nicaraguan blends. Being on somewhat of a fixed income I want to avoid a bad buying decision. I look forward to your replies. If there is information that I should be aware of that you had rather not post here please PM me. As I start what will be a new journey for me, I am willing and anxious to learn all I can to ensure that this will be a rewarding experience. Thanks to all who took the time to read this.

 

[AlohaStyle]

You definitely can't go wrong with Lusi's or Siglo VI's, good choices to look at. With that said, those are 2 cigars that really benefit from aging. Cohiba is commonly regarded as a marca to age and the Siglo VI is a larger ring gauge meaning it takes a little longer than the skinnies. Same goes with the Partagas Lusi... it's a large cigar and many people prefer to age these.

I am definitely not trying to talk you out of these cigars, but if I were you, I would also buy a smaller cigar that you can enjoy now while letting the Sig VI or Lusi age a bit. You can always sample from those boxes every few months to see how they're coming along, but also have a cheaper box to smoke now. Maybe a box of Siglo VI and also a Ramon Allones Specially Selected? or Party Lusi's and H.Upmann Connoisseur No. 1? Or get one of those boxes and look for 5ers or do a box split with someone for another cigar?

 

[BMack]

Honestly, with the preference of Tatuaje and Illusione I'm thinking you'd be a fan of the PSD4 or something from Bolivar...that's not to say you won't like the others but it was just my first thought. They're all going to be pretty different. What Tatuajes and Illusiones do you like specifically?

 

[mdwest]

If you can hold off for a couple of months.. there will dozens of CC options at the HERF in Gatlinburg in April.. you'll be able to sample several different things while youre there.. see what you like or maybe dont like.. before going all in on a box of something..

(lots of swapping, trading, gifting, etc.. of cigars will be going on.. Im going to guess you'll end up smoking several CC's before you leave..)..

 

[Tennessee Dave]

Honestly, with the preference of Tatuaje and Illusione I'm thinking you'd be a fan of the PSD4 or something from Bolivar...that's not to say you won't like the others but it was just my first thought. They're all going to be pretty different. What Tatuajes and Illusiones do you like specifically?

I like the Tatuaje Noella and Noella reserve. I also enjoyed the La Riqueza. In the Illusione line I enjoy the Epernay and Fume D Amour line. LOL, yeah I know...two different ends of the spectrum but what can I say. I have to have a change of pace.

 

[Tennessee Dave]

If you can hold off for a couple of months.. there will dozens of CC options at the HERF in Gatlinburg in April.. you'll be able to sample several different things while youre there.. see what you like or maybe dont like.. before going all in on a box of something..

(lots of swapping, trading, gifting, etc.. of cigars will be going on.. Im going to guess you'll end up smoking several CC's before you leave..)..

Wow! Never would have thought of that. Sounds like a better plan than the one I have now. Thanks to all that responded. I am all ears and I am also very patient. Thanks for the advice. Looking forward to learning everything Cuban from you fine folks. You can teach a old dog new tricks contrary to what SWMBO says!

 

[BMack]

I like the Tatuaje Noella and Noella reserve. I also enjoyed the La Riqueza. In the Illusione line I enjoy the Epernay and Fume D Amour line. LOL, yeah I know...two different ends of the spectrum but what can I say. I have to have a change of pace.

Yeah, I'm definitely thinking you'll like Bolivar...but I certainly think you need to try some before you buy a box, especially of the price of the boxes you were thinking of. PM incoming

 

[Stillinger]

to be fair, the sig6s of late have been pretty good fresh.

Probably better off aging both of them, but I think most would find them pretty good.

 

[Tennessee Dave]

BMack thanks for the PM

 

[Tennessee Dave]

@BMack Man you were right. I checked some prices. While it won't stop me I surely need to know exactly what I like and want before I spring for a box. So now I am on a quest to do some major sampling. So much to learn... date codes, Factory codes (which I have discovered is ever changing). The journey will be fun. It's good to embark on new adventures at my age.

 

[JuzCallMeDee]

theres a vendor that sales samplers of 10,20 or 30 sticks. ive never purchased from them but ive been told by the CC vets that its a legit source.

 

[Xavier Dredo]

theres a vendor that sales samplers of 10,20 or 30 sticks. ive never purchased from them but ive been told by the CC vets that its a legit source.

It is

 

[plumber1965]

good to know i was told it was good but have never had the cohones to order anything yet