What is it about the CC..

[TraderCigarCo.]

.. that draws you in?

I know some of you brothers are just downright CC whores! So, I'm curious, with all the deliciously tasty NC that are out there on the market today, what is it about the CC blends that keep you coming back for more?

 

[Tennessee Dave]

For me they just seem to have a bit more finesse. At their best there is just a sense of balance and elegance that seems to bring the experience of smoking a cigar to an ethereal level. I have had this same experience with some NC's as well though not nearly as often as with CC's. I also have been impressed with the ability to retro them right from the first light without any nose burn. I have not found this to be the case with most NC's. This is a mystery to me as NC tobacco has aged considerably longer than CC tobacco and I would expect the opposite to be true.

 

[JuzCallMeDee]

different/clean flavors. more flavor, less power/pepper. no ashtray mouth. palette/preference changes....

 

[pbibby]

For me they just seem to have a bit more finesse. At their best there is just a sense of balance and elegance that seems to bring the experience of smoking a cigar to an ethereal level. I have had this same experience with some NC's as well though not nearly as often as with CC's. I also have been impressed with the ability to retro them right from the first light without any nose burn. I have not found this to be the case with most NC's. This is a mystery to me as NC tobacco has aged considerably longer than CC tobacco and I would expect the opposite to be true.

This.

 

[pbibby]

different/clean flavors. more flavor, less power/pepper. no ashtray mouth. palette/preference changes....

And this.

 

[D Quintero]

Personally dig the nose of burning Cuban leaf. abajo , arriba , medio tiempo , tripa corta . It's all good .
'13 crops were especially a Godsend . And some insanely good deals of < 42rg regular & special custom productions are to be had month in month out .
Thanks !

 

[Catawbamatt]

it's all about that twang bro

 

[Brazos Hunter]

CC's share a very distinct flavor profile that I love and can't find in any NC. I do still enjoy a Garcia or Monte NC with several yrs age from time to time.

 

[TraderCigarCo.]

For me they just seem to have a bit more finesse. At their best there is just a sense of balance and elegance that seems to bring the experience of smoking a cigar to an ethereal level. I have had this same experience with some NC's as well though not nearly as often as with CC's. I also have been impressed with the ability to retro them right from the first light without any nose burn. I have not found this to be the case with most NC's. This is a mystery to me as NC tobacco has aged considerably longer than CC tobacco and I would expect the opposite to be true.

I'd have to agree with those points. I've always found something "special" about the CC's I've smoked. And I wouldn't even go as far to say they are better than any other NC's I've had. They are just very very different, unique and special. Thanks Dave!

CC's share a very distinct flavor profile that I love and can't find in any NC. I do still enjoy a Garcia or Monte NC with several yrs age from time to time.

Completely agree with you, Michael. Very distinct.

 

[icehog3]

Dave hits many of the highlights for me in his post. Especailly spot on for the "nose smokers". I find they have, in general, more complexity than the majority of NCs I smoke.

Add to the mix that I can get the regular production CCs I love for less than many/most of the top end NC cigars, and the choice becomes even easier for me and my palate.

Not to say there aren't many NCs I enjoy...Several Fuente lines, LFD, Illusione, Room 101 and many more. I just don't smoke them nearly as often as I reach for a Habano.

 

[StogieNinja]

People always say it's the "allure of the forbidden." Well, truth is, they're easy to come by, and cost less than their NC counterparts.

The bottom line is, I reach for them more often because nothing else tastes the same.

A few come close (La Aurora 100 Anos, Warped La Colmena, and Quesada Espana, to name a few), but there is no equivalent.

 

[W.B.]

Really like the way you asked the question. Seriously.

My answer to it is just a ditto as above, but with less eloquence.

 

[shadowcam]

When it's great. Its great. Most of the time it's a roll of dice if it's any good. The consistency in draw and flavor is seriously lacking. I have no idea how anyone can smoke CCs 100% of the time. I buy both frequently for collection purposes but the smoking NC to CC ratio is 3 to 1 for me.

Btw: not trying to start a argument between NC and CC smokers. Smoke what you like. I am just giving my opinion and I've smoked enough CCs to give it IMO.

 

[danmdevries]

I'm not a fan of the big peppery nasal cavity burning bombs that seem to be the popular choice.

Dominican Republic does a good job avoiding this in some of their blends. There's not too many Nicaraguan sourced cigars that satisfy to that end

But Cuba is a treasure trove of smooth creamy mild profiled cigars of all strengths. Can get my ass kicked by one that doesn't show its strength in the flavor. Just so many flavorful choices without the burn.

 

[JuzCallMeDee]

oh, i forgot the part about them being rolled on the thigh of virgin women.

 

[HIM*]

I enjoy the body and flavor with the easy going strength. Granted I generally only smoke them in the morning or early afternoon. Later in the day I tend to prefer something bolder and stronger.

 

[atllogix]

I have experienced a few spot on cc Siglo VI which wqs my very first, Bolivar Royal Corona, and a couple others and even though I have had similar wowing nc cigars, there was something different. I don't believe forbidden fruit has anything to do with it as I have smoked cc that I wasn't all that fond of or was just an average smoke.

About construction. I have always read cc have a tendency to lack in construction but for me ratio wise NC definitely has construction issues more often.

 

[Triple-T]

Agree with most posts thus far. CC are the best at what they do and why I reach for one. Medium smoke with great complexity. Not too peppery, not too spicy, and a mint or mouth wash saves your breath.
That being said, they have their share of frustrations. needing to age then or buy sticks with some years on them. More plugs or right rolls, and wrapper fragility all headaches. I've never needed a draw poker with a nc.
TTT

 

[StogieNinja]

A batch of Monte 2's rolled at the My Father factory = "the dream"

 

[Mr. McSquirelly]

I think ultimately it comes down to that strange word 'terroir.' A word vitners use to describe native idiosyncracies of climate and soil. For some reason, Pinar del Rio and Vuelta Abajo produce something unique and special. But Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco is damn good too. I haven't been comparing Cubans and Non-Cubans for too long (one can beat their head against that wall all day and all night). But I've smoked a JH OBS three hours after PSD4 with a meal in between and drinking same Isley, and OBS easily stood up to PSD4, but in a strictly non-comparative sense, if that makes any sense. Lol.

P.S. I am no expert, just me lowly dos pesos.