Hello

[stjohnroe]

Welcome from the UK.

Having smoked a fair selection of both ISOM and NCs I have to say that there is a lot going for both.
When you get to the top end, Ashton VSG, Opus etc for the NC and Cohiba, Trinidad etc for th ISOM you learn that they all have their individual merits.

edit: After some thought I will say that this applies to the whole price range, considering cigars like la Gloria Cubana (Serie R maduro) and the NC Sancho Panza (Double Maduro - I really enjoy these when I have the chance to get hold of them). It is kind of like the comparison between French and new world wines, while there are very reliably good regions and appelations from France, some of what the new world delivers can be breathtaking e.g. Chillean Sauv Blanc.

edit again: Oh and the (NC) Punch Rare Corojo is also a real treat. Think that I have covered most of the price range here, on the ISOM side I have favorites ranging from JlP and Cuaba to RA, Punch and HdM through Cohiba and Trinidad.

Stick around, try the newbie thread and try to enjoy a wide selection of the cornucopia of good cigars that are out there.