quick question.....

[bigjohnson]

At the moment I don't have much money to spend, I'm in the landscaping buisness, and well, Not much spending cash this time of year. anyway.....

I always hear of how good cubans are, but I have never had one. I was wandering if there are any legal, lower priced smokes that have the same flavor charicteristics as a cuban? What would you say is the closest, or are they really totaly different? I tend to smoke hoyo de monterrey's, and I know they are an original cuban brand, are they even close to there cuban counterpart? Thanks for the help, maybe one day I can enjoy one, but untill then, I want to here what you think :ballbounc/

[bballbaby]

The pinar pre-embargo cigars would be a good place to look...they're made from cuban tobacco that was imported and supposedly stored before the embargo was in place and the tobacco has been stored until now. I wasn't impressed when i had one several years ago.

Pete Johnson of Tatuaje fame is makeing his cigars in the cuban style, whatever that means. They are good.

[RigilKent]

i would say post a wish list in the 2008 Habanos WishList thread and see what happens .....:grin:

[bigjohnson]

Thanks guys.

[MichiganM]

It's impossible to compare Cuban vs Non-Cuban across the board because there are so many different flavors on both sides.

First, start with what brands you like...do you like strong or mild cigars, big or small, etc etc etc. It's easier to compare once you have a footing on what you enjoy.

[bigjohnson]

I should have elaborated more. I usually like a strong flavored cigar, and usually like to chill and smoke for an hour, or two, so I like a good sized cigar. Like I said, I like most of the hoyo line, esepcially the Excalibur Prensado Oscuro. I also like the gurkha vintage shaggys, these two are my main smokes. So anything along these lines.

[Jwrussell]

Big J, as has been said, there really is no comparing Cubans and non-cubans. The flavor profiles really are completely different. And no, the non-cuban versions of cubans taste nothing like their Cuban counterparts. The others hear have much more experience in the current NC cigars out there, but it sounds as if you have plenty of room to explore in that arena. I'll never tell anyone to stay away from cubans, I love them, but I might suggest exploring the NC world a bit more. There have been a ton of extremely high quality smokes coming out of that arena lately: Don Pepin, Tatuaje, just to mention a couple. And if you haven't delved into CAO or Torano yet you are missing a ton of wonderful smokes.

Best of luck!

[Asher]

I should have elaborated more. I usually like a strong flavored cigar, and usually like to chill and smoke for an hour, or two, so I like a good sized cigar. Like I said, I like most of the hoyo line, esepcially the Excalibur Prensado Oscuro. I also like the gurkha vintage shaggys, these two are my main smokes. So anything along these lines.

I can't help you with Cuban cigars, but PM me with your address and I'll send you a few NC sticks you might like.

[jeeper]

I can't help you with Cuban cigars, but PM me with your address and I'll send you a few NC sticks you might like.

Nice job Asher :thumbsup:

[Proud Bear]

If you cannot get your hands on CC's, or don't want to pay the price, I would suggest either Pepin or Tatuaje as a reasonable alternative.

I prefer the Tatuaje Havana VI Angeles as a great short smoke with great Cuban characteristics. It is full bodied while remaining smooth.

IMHO, the Fuente Hemingway Classic is a great substitute as well. Tons of cedar and a beautiful creamy taste. It doesn't pack the bold punch of some of the CC's you will find, but is very reminiscent of the Partagas or Sancho Panza lines of CC's.

Good luck in your search.

Bear

[smokem94]

See Habanos Wish List!

[Asher]

Nice job Asher :thumbsup:

I've been the recipient of a lot of generosity here, and I'm just trying to pay-it-forward.