Vintages 2000-2010

[mb7]

So my fellow BOTL's, what years have been the best in your experience to date? I know the 99-01' vintage there were some quality control issues, I have a few monte #2 and diplo #2 from 2000 left over from a box, unfortunately 1 out 2 is plugged, rolled too tight etc...

I have enjoyed some cigars from the 05' vintage recently, but find the 08's to be coming into a nice place and IMO should age gracefully. I cant keep my hands off of this 08' vintage right now.

I have read the 2010's had terrific weather and should shape up to be wonderful sticks...im no where experienced enough to be able to tell if this vintage will be as good as projected. The 2010's, with the exception of a few, that I have had were nice but still a little "green" for my pallet, possibly in a dumb phase, really not sure, so looking for any insight from all of you.

 

[Bass man]

My favorite are 2002, early 2003, 2006, 07 & 08. Haven't smoked enough newer stock to form an opinion. To me 2004 & 05 suffered from a blandness, with little difference between brands.

 

[ahbroody]

I was under the impression with the tobacco is being put into reserves for a few years before being used. Which is part of the reason current product smokes so well fresh I thought.
00 and 01 were generally bad, there are some exceptions, but as a whole many are tent pegs. Had some good 03.

 

[vivalanation734]

New to the habanos game, but my 07-08-09 boxes are great. Most are ready to smoke IMHO.

 

[Jfire]

imo 08 was not ready that year or early 09 but now starting to smoke good. 09 and 10 have been decent already but great potential for aging..... Seems the aging thing is definitely whats going on. Reports from several including one known vendor who is transparent and visits several times a year states that some warehouse are jam packed with tobacco and thus the aging of younger leaf instead of being rolled and out to distribution. My guess was prob around the 08 time period conceding with the world economic slowdown. Early then 08 you'll have to get the Fogs opinions.

 

[matty07]

this guy doesnt know anything except his cigars spot on my friend i agree from what ive smoked pretty much the same as you hehe i am digging on the 08s as well i have some from 09 that are pretty good as well but got to get more in stock im running low hopefully this week :smokingme:smokingme

 

[MiamiE]

08 was a great year, especially for H. Upmann's!

 

[ahbroody]

You meam like the #2, Connie1, mag46 tubos, Sir Winnie's
Yeah I think you meant those.

 

[Alwayslit]

The last part of the decade has been great. The last half of 01-04 were good. The years 05 and 06 were hit or miss

 

[njstone]

I've had some crap and some good ones 00-01. Not much experience between then and 07, but 07 Bolis are great now.

 

[mb7]

Yeah, I have some 08' BRC's that are smoking very well right now, an old faithful if you will. Love the Upmann 46 from 08'. RyJ short churchill from 08'. Others from 08' I enjoy are RASS, Famoso's, Epicure 2's and especially the Partagas Shorts.

Im looking to back fill with other vintages before they become extinct so keep the suggestions coming, thanks!

 

[Don Andres]

With the exceptions of the '00, and early '01, it's hard to find a universally disappointing recent vintage.

Cheers
Drew P