First post, but probably an old question

[Brian Scherzer]

This is my first post here (Hello!), so excuse the newbie question. I seem to have little problem finding more expenisve cigars that I like. The problem seems to come in when trying to find an "everyday" type of cigar in the less expensive bracket. I have read a lot of reviews on Top25Cigar.com, bought a fair number of the cigars, and found that my tastes must run counter to the norm. For example, a number of the reviewers rated the Davidoff Grand Cru #1 as being "bold" in taste. I found it to be light to my own tastes.

My size preferences tend towards the Lonsdale size.......40-44 being a great ring size for me, and 5-6.5 inches being a great length. My preferences in the mid-range priced cigars are the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic and the Ashton VSG Illusion (just found a box of these). I wish that I understood cigar vocabulary well enough to describe why I like these two cigars, but they just "taste right" to me. However, I can't financially consider either one of these to be an "everyday" (maybe two in a day) smole. I'd love to find a couple of cigars in the $5 range that I can enjoy smoking without feeling like I'm robbing my future retirement. I do realize that tastes may differ but, hopefully, there will be some suggestions that will lead me to my goal!

[drew_goring]

If I was an everyday smoker, I would probably load up on JL Piedras. They are great buck or 2 a piece smokes...and get even better with age. Although if you live in the US that is not an option for you.

[kevin7]

Welcome to CS. Top25Cigar is a bunck of fucking idiots that

are part of club stogie and dont know a fucking thing about cigars . Try the Joya De Nicaragua Antano line,Gran Habanos #3 and #5,Sancho Panza extra fuerte

[bigpoppapuff]

i'd say..... joya de nicaragua celebracion
fonseca sun grown cedar


two very tasty cigars...nicely priced...

[illilli]

Welcome to the forum!

I think the Sancho Panza Extra Fuerte that kevin mentioned are terrific and they have that sharp bold bite to them. You might even try a Padron 2000, it's a little lighter than the SPEF, but it is very tasty and pretty inexpensive. Lastly, although I haven't had one in a while, from what I hear and what you are saying, you might like a 5 Vegas Series 'A'.

On a sad note, I am sure you would have loved the Oliva O Bold Omni, which is very high on my list of cigars to love, but is no longer in production. It was 6 x 46, so it approaches the lonsdale size. I don't think anyone has any left, but you might find a 5-pack somewhere.

[597]

Welcome from Maryland

[Brian Scherzer]

Thanks for the welcome, guys! I'll begin looking at the suggestions this week and try them out.

[boomshay]

welcome to the boards, from iowa

[rsanz]

If I was an everyday smoker, I would probably load up on JL Piedras. They are great buck or 2 a piece smokes...and get even better with age. Although if you live in the US that is not an option for you.

Hi Drew,

I know I haven't exactly been the best behaved noob on the board (nor the worst!), but how would you say these compare to some similar prices US sourced smokes?

I just placed my 1st order at P Ex for some Montes to see if they come through without attracting NZ customs attention (they're not illegal here, just taxed to buggery). If it works I might grab a box of these with my next order. But I can't find the JL Piedra brand locally to try some out and don't particulally want to blind buy a whole box of ISOM dog rockets.

Cheers in advance
Rich

[stjohnroe]

I would second the sugestion of the JL Piedras, nice full smoke at a low price. Not much fuss to them but great for an every day.

So far my favourite budget US smoke is the Sanch Panza Dbl Maduro line, tasty and cheap.

[bigsmoke]

Yes, I would second trying the Joya De Nicaragua cigars. As stated by others, there are two lines. I forget which is which, but basically the darker cigar is a little stronger. That is the one I prefer. Try them out in a robusto size, that is my favorite.

[drew_goring]

Hi Drew,

I know I haven't exactly been the best behaved noob on the board (nor the worst!), but how would you say these compare to some similar prices US sourced smokes?

I just placed my 1st order at P Ex for some Montes to see if they come through without attracting NZ customs attention (they're not illegal here, just taxed to buggery). If it works I might grab a box of these with my next order. But I can't find the JL Piedra brand locally to try some out and don't particulally want to blind buy a whole box of ISOM dog rockets.

Cheers in advance
Rich

I would say for the price, they can't be beat. (IMO). Although granted I have very little experience in 1-2$ non-cooban sticks.

[sprangalang]

Welcome to the forum!

[rsanz]

Thanks Drew and stjohnroe for the JLP advice. I'll add a box to my next order.

So that I'm not totally guilty of hijacking the thread here's some sort of answer to the original post:

For a pretty strong cheap 'domestic' (domestic for some but not for me) I have enjoyed the cigar.com red label (http://www.cigar.com/cigars/viewcigar.asp?brand=278).

Also there are these which have been recommended here quite a few times but I think it all started with chefchris (http://www.famous-smoke.com/cigars/s...fm/inum/17243). Thanks for putting me onto these.

Additionally, for a mild smoke to start friends on this hobby I have had good results with the cigar.com purple labels. In fact I've ordered a couple of boxes for friends after they've tried 'em.

Cheers
Rich