"Beginner" Maduro

[ggiese]

I went out today with my want list.
Here's what I got...

Oliva Serie G Maduro Churchill
Hoya de Monterey Excaliber No. 1(I think)
Padron Maduro 6000
Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Churchill
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro Torpedo
I bought two each of these. Thanks for all of the guidance.

I went to six different stores (four of these were in the same shopping plaza. I didn't even have to move my car). Most of these are cigarette shops right on the county line. Cross the line into Cook County, IL (Chicago) and taxes go up. At each one, I ask if they had Opus X. At one of the "real" cigar stores, the guy said their other store had them and to tell the guy there I was one of his customers. I go to that store and ask, telling the guy where I got my info. The guy says they don't have them. I asked if they're out of them or just don't carry them. He says they're out of them, but he seems cryptic. I asked him if they were getting them in any time soon. Finally he says I should come back tomorrow and see Jim and he will tell me.
Are these things held that tightly? I felt I had to have some sort of status as a steady customer to get them.
My last stop was a store about a half mile from this one where they always have a "Buy 3, Get One Free" policy. Their prices might be a little higher (not noticeably). He had Opus X in a 10 count presentation box. They were either Reserva d'Chateau or Double Corona size. They were also in glass tubes. The price was $29.95 each, but if I buy three and get one free, they're $22.50 each.
Is this the way these cigars are usually presented and is the $22.50 in line for a B&M?

Matt

$29.95 does seem a bit pricey for Opus X, but not fully sure what deal they're offering.

Where do you live in the Chicago area? If you're on the north side, stop by either Cigars and More locations either in Libertyville or Long Grove. Sign up for their members club (it's free). Take a look around - you should find most (if not all) of what you need. When they get in the "rare" Fuente product (e.g. Opus X, Anejo, Hemingway Maduro, etc.) they will send you an e-mail. Cigars and More only charges manufacturers suggest list price for those cigars. You won't be gouged...

BTW - check out the Edge maduro. For the money, it's a great cigar. The Padron thousand series Maduro's are also a very nice cigar. I also like the Sancho Panza maduro's for the $$$.

Good luck and good hunting!

[ash13brook]

I'm in the far South suburbs. Monee. Just off I-57 about 10 miles South of I-80.
If I buy 3 of those, they're $22.46 each because of the "Buy 3, Get One Free" deal. That still seem high? I don't mind buying three if the price ends up being good. If I really like them, I'll be glad I have them. If not, I can trade them away.

Matt