Budget Habanos

[craig]

My first review here and I thought I'd try something new to me, one of those aging reviews where the same cigar is smoked at regular intervals. And, just for fun, a comparison. Right.

I've reduced the comparison down to a few questions. New answers will be added at each sampling.

Mar/Apr 2011 reviews at http://www.cigarsmokers.com/threads/...009#post165009

Jul 09 reviews at http://www.cigarsmokers.com/showpost...7&postcount=19

Nov 08 introduction and first review:

So what are budget Habanos like, anyway? One attempt, Guantanamera, was awful. However, which of the rest of these short-filler cigars are worth smoking, and when? I picked six, five of which are less expensive than any long-filler Habanos. Starting with the least-expensive:

The Jose L. Piedra Petit Cazadore (4 1/8"x43) and Petit Cetro (5"x38) are the cheapest Habanos currently being imported into Canada. Just assume the JLP's are random-blend cigars, and you won't be disappointed. Uniquely, JLP does not use tobacco from Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Rio, etc.). The best JLP's are the Conservas, but those are priced too closely to the Quintero Panatela's to be considered.

The carton of Jose L. Piedra Petit Cazadores purchased had a July 08 date. Four months old, they were much too fresh for me. The Petit Cetros carton was stamped October 07 and those were closer to smoking status, but still had a tannic aftertaste. Both will probably benefit from at least couple years of rest from their box dates.

The mild panatelas (5"x36) are the favoured contenders for best Habanos per dollar. First, the Rafael Gonzales. Each box of Rafael Gonzales Panatela Extras (RGPE) carries Mr. Gonzalez' famous directive:

In order that the Connoissoeur may fully appreciate the perfect fragrance they should be smoked either within one month of the date of shipment from Havana or should be carefully matured for about one year.

The Habanos website calls the above, "curious."

This box of RGPEs has an October 07 box date, so Mr. Gonzalez' "curious" directive has been followed. However, carefully matured for a bit longer is what I'm thinking.

The second, and more well-known panatela, is the Por Larrañaga. At best, the Por Larrañaga Panatella is, well, a Por Larrañaga, but earthier. The earth dissipates as the cigar gets older, and then it may become like a lighter, less complex Montecarlo. These January 08 cigars are too tannic right now, but should get better.

The Quintero Londres Extra (4 7/8"x40) is a like a Partagas/RA/Bolivar Fuma . The wrappers even look like a lighter Ramon Allones - definitely the best-looking cigars of this group. However, besides quality of flavour, what you also give up is consistency - from draw to draw. This June 07 box is not ready, but is still enjoyable. Smoked now it is strong, almost like a Lito Gomez.

Last is a benchmark in hand-rolled short-filler Habanos: The Por Larrañaga Montecarlo. This $3.50 6 1/4" x 33 thin smoke rewards only the patient smoker. The PLMC is not complex or in-your-face; it is all about caramel. You may not want a caramel cigar every day, but one sure goes nice with coffee once in a while. This FEB 06 box is very smokeable now. Unfortunately, it is too cold here for these cigars now.

I will smoke these all again in early 2009, and every few months thereafter. I hope to post a detailed review of one of the cigars as well each time. edit: see post #7 for review schedule

Full pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/baldhea...7609453201833/ Check out the colours in the HavanaHouse seal:

[nhcigarfan]

Nice work.

[SmoknTaz]

Lots of info to chew on, thanks Craig.

[Diesel Grinch]

This looks interesting.

DG

[bigwhiteash]

No doubt!


I wish I could smoke Cuban cigars

[pmp]

Good read. I agree on the montecarlos. I am smoking a box now from 07 and there is a little harshness on the first inch but overall these are very tasty now.

I would have to put my vote in for h upmann corona majors. They are cheap, they taste great, and they come in tubes so they travel very well.