Brand qualities/properties (RyJ, 5 Vegas, RP etc)

[ashauler]

Excellent points CNB. I have found the same to be true within a certain manufacturers lines as well. For me, Oliva is a good example. There is a significant difference between the Fdo line, the various serie lines ( O-S-Special S), and the Master Blends. IMHO, the quality of construction and consistency improves as you move up the line......just like the price.

I smoke quite a few FdO maduros, @ $2/stick......but I also have the $11 MasterBlends and the $6 Series O and S in the cooler.

[DeeDubya]

I've smoked a couple Oliva Serie V, one was great the other no so. For a quick smoke I love the little "Special G" in either maduro or camaroon. IMO they are very close to the Hemingway Short Story, for half the price. I have smoked a few different Olivas and for the price they are pretty consistant in construction, even draw and burn. Like Ashauler said, consistancy improves with the price.

[cigar no baka]

I've smoked a couple Oliva Serie V, one was great the other no so. For a quick smoke I love the little "Special G" in either maduro or camaroon. IMO they are very close to the Hemingway Short Story, for half the price. I have smoked a few different Olivas and for the price they are pretty consistant in construction, even draw and burn. Like Ashauler said, consistancy improves with the price.

Exactly. In general, excellence improves with price, but not always.

[nhcigarfan]

I have found certain manufacturers do have some flavor trends. I think the most apparent is Perdomo. Their construction is above average. I put it at the top with the others CNB mentioned. Most, if not all, of their cigars flavor profiles are grounded in "earthy" profiles.

That being said, a lot of their cigars don't develop, flavor-wise, past the earthy profile, or that profile overpowers the rest.

I think their newest line, the habano is a bit different from the others. I like the flavor, strong yet not as earthy, with some spice up front and the construction is far superior than a high 4 to low 5 priced cigar.