How much does price really matter?

[FPDoc77]

Since smoking cigars I havent really noticed a huge correlation between price and taste. I have noticed construction for more expensive cigars tends to be better but nothing to write home about. I have now smoked about 50% of the cigars in my local very large cigar shop. I have noticed you probably shouldnt dip below 3 bucks but thats my only advice. The best smokes that I have tried are between the 3-8 dollar range. I smoked a great bolivar (glass tube) cant remember which kind for 7 which was excellent. The Ashton Cabinet #8 I smoked for 12 bucks was low 80's at best. Am I missing something? I would love a flavorful creamy hints of coffee and wood but have yet to find it. Im definately not a fan of flavored cigars. I detest Acid and anything of the like. Maybe some more experienced smokers can give a bit of advice. Am I missing something?

[ggiese]

Yep - you're missing introducing yourself!

Who are you???

[TheSilentChamber]

You get what you pay for. Like anything there are some exceptions though. Sometimes you can find a great cigar for $5, sometimes you'll get a average one for $15.

[FPDoc77]

Yep - you're missing introducing yourself!

Who are you???

Sorry...no intention of being rude. I am a family practice physician in Cleveland who loves cigars...(of course in moderation). Searched for a nice cigar message board and seem to have found one. Not new to smoking but not as experienced as some. Here to learn and teach. I do appreciate your interest.

[bigpoppapuff]

You get what you pay for. Like anything there are some exceptions though. Sometimes you can find a great cigar for $5, sometimes you'll get a average one for $15.

...or how about a GREAT cigar for $2-3 (el camino dominicana..by matasa)..i'd pick one of them up before i'd pick up an opus x (which i don't like)...there are very good to excellent cigars in many price ranges...the fun is in the hunt...

[bigpoppapuff]

hey doc...i want some food from corky & lenny's....and a steak from the hyde park....

[kevin7]

Welcome to CS Doc. Learning what you like is part of the expierence . Try everything and dont judge by price or how pretty the band is ect ect ect

[ggiese]

Sorry...no intention of being rude. I am a family practice physician in Cleveland who loves cigars...(of course in moderation). Searched for a nice cigar message board and seem to have found one. Not new to smoking but not as experienced as some. Here to learn and teach. I do appreciate your interest.

Thanks!!! Welcome to the board!

My doctor prescribes cigars (in moderation) as a way to relieve stress... And I truly and thoroughly enjoy my time smoking cigars - so it's gotta help my heart!!!

Kevin7 and BigPoppaPuff are absolutely correct. The nice thing is you'll find all kinds of recommedations on this (and other boards) about great low-priced smokes (the holy grail of cigars).

But there are expensive cigars that are just mind-blowing (some of the Davidoff's come to mind - especially the Anniversario series - the construction and flavor are phenomenal). Part of the joy of a very expensive cigar is the blending of the tobacco's. If they pull it off correctly, the cigar is awesome...

Anyways - enjoy the board!!!

[FPDoc77]

I appreciate the welcome guys. Davidoff I have not tried. I have stayed away from davidoff due to alot of mixed reviews and the high price range. Do you have a specific davidoff that you think would knock my socks off? If so...I would definately try it out and review it here. And to the previous Opius X reference...I was thinking about trying one. Any other thoughts on the Opius? Im willing to pay the money for a cigar with great flavor.

[bigpoppapuff]

i don't like opus x...no thumbs up from me...buy some ashton vsg's...or a la aurora preferido...

[ggiese]

I appreciate the welcome guys. Davidoff I have not tried. I have stayed away from davidoff due to alot of mixed reviews and the high price range. Do you have a specific davidoff that you think would knock my socks off? If so...I would definately try it out and review it here. And to the previous Opius X reference...I was thinking about trying one. Any other thoughts on the Opius? Im willing to pay the money for a cigar with great flavor.

I like Opus, but I also like Sancho Panza's Extra Fuerte's (at about 1/4 the price)... I think the Opus carries a pretty steep price tag for a "decent" cigar. They're a good smoke, but unfortunately hard to find does not necessarily equate to the best out there. I think the Anejo's are a better smoke (and cheaper too, if you can find them). You should be seeing Anejo's hitting the stores pretty soon now (beacause of Christmas - they're the dark wrapper cigars with the red ribbon wrapped around the foot - if you can find them at a reasonable price, buy all you can get your hands on!!!). I also like the Diamond Crown Maximus - which are in the same price range as the Opus. To me they are a bit smoother (and sweeter) smoke. They're made with the same quality as the Opus, but for some reason not as hard to find.

The Davidoff that I think knocks socks off is the Anniversario line. Unfortunately, you're gonna pay for 'em (around $20 or more each). They are a very nice cigar, easier to get and better than the Opus (IMHO). The Millenium blends are nice too, if you like a stronger cigar and they are a bit cheaper than the Anniversario (Still in the mid teens, though).

But - if you're gonna look at Davidoff's - the AVO's and Griffin's are nice as well. Some of the taste profiles are very similar to Davidoff, at a much better price (I especially like the AVO Signature line). You're still talking the $8-15 range.

[Baron Porthos]

Welcome from Wisconsin.

[TheVitaleMob]

I would love a flavorful creamy hints of coffee and wood but have yet to find it.

I would suggest the Carlos Torano Signature Collection. They have a great cedary taste because they are individually wrapped in cedar, and have been known to have a hint of chocolate and coffee in the flavor profile. Online: $3-4, B&M:$5-7 (There should be a review of them in the reviews forum here.) I've heard that the Tribute Series and the Exodus Gold series from Torano are very tasty as well, but never had the good fortune to try them.

By the way, IMHO, price doesn't matter. Smoke what you like, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

[FPDoc77]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the advice.

[SuperChuck]

Like anything else, personal preference is more important than price. For example, I like small, sporty cars. Therefore, a Hummer or Range Rover is not as appealing to me as a cheaper car that's smaller. Dig?

I'm a fan of full-bodied cigars, so mild cigars just plain aren't interesting to me, no matter how expensive they might be...

[Kenyth]

Like clothing, sometimes you're paying for the label. Not only does price not necessarily mean a great cigar, but consistency can be a problem too. Tobaccos from various areas have their good and bad years. That means that the quality of a certain brand can vary significantly between cigars of different batches. That being said, the more expensive cigars generally have a higher chance of being consistently good. Sometimes, I wish they'd put the factory and year on the cigar. That way, like wine, you could find the exact cigar you're looking for.

[Krautle87]

I really don't know what to make of it, but lately I've had a great RyJ Maduro and Partagas Black, and have been disappointed by an OpusX and Padron 64.

[Drake]

I really don't know what to make of it, but lately I've had a great RyJ Maduro and Partagas Black, and have been disappointed by an OpusX and Padron 64.

i had a R&J maduro last week that was so plugged, i didn't even make it a half inch down

[cigarsarge]

Opus are over priced and over hyped. The Anejo and Hemmingway Maddie line are much better choices for Fuentes.

Padron 26's and 64's are my favorite domestic hands down.

My favorite bang for the buck smoke is the Joya de Nicuragura Antanos. All sizes of em knock my socks off.