any cigar smokers?

Cigars, where do I start?

Okay, first off, like anything in life, you get what you pay for. This is so true with cigars. Muriels, Swishers and the White owl type dog rockets sold at the counter of a truck stop, Wal-Mart, or convienence store are okay at best. These cheapies are machine made with non tobacco fillers. They are what they are - an okay smoke. Inexpensive to purchase, and without alot of true smoking satisfaction.

To step up into something you will really be impressed with, look for a hand made (hand rolled) cigar. These can be found at a local cigar/tobacco store, or online. Some that are worthy of a google search are Cuban Crafters (Miami), Holts (Philly), and Thompsons (Tampa). I have bought from all of them, and have been satisfied with their service, price, and cigars.

To keep things short and sweet, I'll just post some personal favorites that I think most guys will enjoy.

Cuban Crafters Cabinet selection.
Don Kiki White label (2000 harvest)
Don Kiki Brown label
Cupido Tuxedo
CAO Brazillia
Rocky Patel (1992 harvest)
Rocky Patel (1990 harvest)
Acid One

The above sticks listed run about $3-$5 per, and will last roughly an hour depending on the size. After smoking some of these, the Swishers will never be the same....(grin)

I have found that it's a good idea to try the sampler packs. Most every cigar store offers a sampler variety pack where you get anywhere from 6-12 different sticks. It's a safe bet you'll find something to your liking, and some perhaps you may not be privy to. But the sampler packs are reasonabley priced.

I have been to the Cuban Crafters store in Miami a number of times in the last few months and have found these guys to be very good. If you buy a box of cigars and are not 100% satisfied, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

I even got to meet Don Kiki, world renowned boutique cigar maker and owner of Cuban Crafters cigar shop. Hell of a nice guy. Next time you find yourself in Miami with an hour to kill, I'd reccomend swinging by the store. 3604 NW 7th Street. On my first vist there I was welcomed with a complementary cigar and a shot of cuban coffee (###### good stuff). You can park your largecar in front, or on a side street.

SMOKE 'EM IF YA GOT 'EM!

 

Rocky Patel Edge Maduro (60 ring gage)
Onyx Reserve
Ghurka Black Dragon
Ghurka Warlord (quite strong....nice after a fine meal)
Oliva Series V
Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Maduro

....and my all time favorite....

Comacho Triple Maduro.....60 ring gage....

I agree with Winchester.....try the samplers.

Also......if you find that you like to partake in a fine smoke..... invest in a quality humidor and set it up correctly.

Winchester....you have good taste in cigars. How is that Acid One? Is it a mild/medium smoke...strong....?

R/

Frat

 

I agree on the humidor, it's a must have. The Acid one was very good and not strong - closer to medium than full bodied. It tasted awesome. I've smoked a few of the Acids - Kuba Kuba, Blue moon, and another I can't recall, and the acid one was the standout to my taste. When I free up some room in my humi, I'll probably get a box of the Acid ones.

There's a few Ghurkas I've smoked and was impressed with. World reserve I think.

I've also smoked a Patel 80th aniv - a $30 stick. Was'nt really any better than the $5 ones above. I have a few left ripening in the humi, so they'll probably get even better.