So I started keeping notes at least, first on my BlackBerry and now on my iPhone, of the last two. I'll buy sampler packs, or receive one as a gift from a friend, and if I like it, I make note of it. So I have a list of 10-12 ones that I really like, and then I just look for them to go on sale. I'd love to buy better ones, but right now I have to look for $5 - $10 cigars, on sale for $2.50 - $3.50, considering my budget.
Puppy, I hardly new ye. I've had the #9 it's a really nice smoke. I tend to be a Hoyo Excaliber man. The #1 in claro is probably my go-to smoke. It's the only band that I prefer the claro to the maduro.
The number 9 is the one you mentioned that you D buys you: Liga Privada No. 9 by Drew Estates.
The Hoyo I mentioned is Hoyo de Monterey, Excalibur Series. it has a brown and yellow wrapper. The number I is a double corona size, so it's big. The other sizes are all good too and a little cheaper. The NoI runs around 5-6 bucks a stick here.
In the price range you mentioned, you can't go wrong with a Punch Rothschild. It's a 54 ring gauge, about 5 inches long. So You can knock one out in less than an hour. They only come in Maduro that I know of, but they are medium bodied and really tasty.
The La Finca is a claro. They have a red band W/ black writing. They run 2.50-3.75 per stick, depending on size/shape. I like the torpedos in that which are around 2.75-3.00. It's probably the best smoke for the money that I have tried.
Oh, the box-pressed Arturo Fuentes are good tasting and pretty reasonable too. You just have to get used to the square x-section.
I'm getting excited! I will fire up a Punch Rothschild to you tonight Puppy.
Dan, Whatever Olivio they're giving away is to you buddy.
Seriously, buying online is cost effective, but find your local tobbaconist and get to know them. it's fun to walk around in the walk in humidor, plus most of them have tastings periodically. They'll have a rep from one of the companies in and either give away or offer excellent deals on that guys line. Plus it's fun to hang out at the store. A lot of times they'll have scotch or beer too.
T-minus 15 minutes...
ADAPT. OVERCOME. IMPROVISE. -Tom Highway
Me: 43 W: 40 S12 & S9 Married 17yrs Together 20yrs
I think I'll stop on my way home! One of my fave "everyday"/can't-go-wrong smokes is a La Aroma de Cuba. Nice oily wrapper, and always consistent and medium-bodied. I think I may go pick one up, and look for one of the ones you mentioned, AG.
Barkley's having a rough time. i noticed he hadn't posted in a few so I checked in with him last night. He responded, but it was pretty short. Said he's not doing so good. I tried to encourage him a little. I gotta leave work in a few. can you drop in on his post and buck him up a little too?
Thanks.
ADAPT. OVERCOME. IMPROVISE. -Tom Highway
Me: 43 W: 40 S12 & S9 Married 17yrs Together 20yrs
Fuente's are good. If you ever want to spend a little extra, La Gloria Cubana's are AWESOME! Oily and super tasty. Hard to find at a good price tho. Sometimes u can find them in a sampler.
I just smoked a FAT RP 1990 with a buddy and had a couple beers. Free ticket for country thunder fell thru and I didn't want to pay $75 for music I don't like, so I passed.
Thanks for all the cigar tips. I'll have to try some of them.
I'll check in with Barkley too. Thanks for the heads up. I'm not at work today and doing this all on my Blackberry is a bit tough.
Have a great weekend guys! Thanks for all your help!
Let me know if u ever get to WI. I'd love to hook-up for a smoke and a drink!
I just may do that, Dan. My folks live in NW 'burbs of Chicago, and hail from Racine and Milwaukee.
Had to settle for a 5 Vegas Classic (Red) tonite, as my D23 had some car trouble and I had to give her a jump on my way home from work, so no time to hit the 'gar store. Enjoying it as I type this!
