There are some JR alternatives that I found to be not bad for the price. If you never seen their concept, the idea is they have cigars that supposedly are similar in taste and quality to the cigar they are trying to imitate ( and they have a lot of choices ).

The price per stick is $1 - $2 at most. So if you get a chance to stopby their store in VA maybe you can buy a variety of sticks at that price and if you later try one that you like I would be happy to either split an order with you or just order the whole box and send it you way.