SLR Regios

[WhiteLightning]

So I've only smoked a handful of cc's in my short cigar history and two of them were the SLR Regios. Both of which were generously gifted by the Brothers here. I have to say that I was not impressed. The first one that I smoked showed a lot more potential than today's. Although I still thought the first was just good. Today's SLR had a horrible burn and draw. It barely wanted to stay lit even after touchups. I wrestled with this cigar for 45 minutes with the hope that it would turn around. My attempt was in vain, needless to say.

I'm wondering here if I'm missing something. Is this a great cigar and I just can't appreciate it or is it an average one that is hit or miss. Also, in the back of my mind is the thought that these two might have been imitations, just don't have the knowledge to tell and only have fuzzy pics. The bands seemed like they were printed in someone's basement with a broken embosser. The wrapper color was different between the two but I am led to believe that this sometimes the case with cc's.

The last bit of info that I have is that the humidor conditions are fine being that everything else is smoking well and have had no other concerns. Of the other cc's that I have had I notice the "twang", and it is consistently there although hidden at times, and with these two I noticed that it was only present for the first inch.

Any opinions?

 

[RigilKent]

never had one but they could be fakes. im sure someone here has an opinion on them and can add more advice

 

[Fox]

Eddie, are they "young" cigars? Occasionally, CC's go through a sick period and sometimes, you just get a bad cigar or two and even a bad tobacco crop. There are times when I will only like one or two cigars from an entire marca, such as the RyJ Churchill and Short Churchill. I do not much care for the rest of RyJ cigars. Now, having said that, I will add that I am a big SLR fan. I find their line to be highly underrated and one of the very best values in today's market. BUT - I do not much care for the Regio. IMHO, the Series A, Lonsdale and Churchill are all superb and better choices from SLR.

 

[WhiteLightning]

Fox, Thanks for the input. I believe they were young cigars and the one I had yesterday was probably just a dud. As for now the SLR Regio won't be on my list of future purchases. I'll look into the other options you mentioned.

 

[justinphilly]

I think the SLR's are a marca that either need to be smoked ROTT or put away for A LONG nap.. I have a box from 1994, that are smoking awesome right now, but I simply cannot enjoy any more recent vintages..

I also think ERDM's suffer a similar fate.

Not to say that the ones you have smoked aren't fake, but dont be discouraged if they aren't smoking well now..

Hope this helps.

 

[terrantheman]

I love the serie A it does sounds like a young cigar that was over humidified? What RH do you keep your cigars at? Cuban cigars are far better when kept between 60 and 65% IMO...

 

[Hot_Sauce]

I have only tried 1 SLR regio and that was a few years ago. I thought it was a good cigar (especially for the price) but it was nothing earth shattering that made me want a box/cab.

Word on the street is that the more recent late 2006 and the 2007 Regios are smoking very well? Can anyone here confirm this?

 

[gibbleguts]

Would love to help here but all I can say is I generally love SLR only problem being is I have never tried one newer than 2000. I agree that they are very underrated and that is why you can usually find boxes from the early 00 still. Hope you have better luck with the rest of the cc's you try

 

[Terrasco]

You know, Habanos came out a couple of years ago and said they were rolling their cigars with tobacco that had 5 years age so that they would smoke great out of the box. I don't know if that is really true. They do seem to smoke better out of the box, but it is no substitute for putting some age on them.

 

[Kurtdesign1]

You know, Habanos came out a couple of years ago and said they were rolling their cigars with tobacco that had 5 years age so that they would smoke great out of the box. I don't know if that is really true. They do seem to smoke better out of the box, but it is no substitute for putting some age on them.

Not quite the case. Habanos never really released information about additional 'aging' of tobacco, IIRC. They shared that information with those who toured factories or asked questions. Also, it isn't 5 years. It varies between 1-3 years, allegedly, depending on type of tobacco. This coupled with a different tobacco strain has led to much more 'ready' cigars since about 2005 plus. Though you are correct, it is no substitute for putting some age on them rolled.

 

[diesel]

Had a few regios from 01'. Could have hammered nails with them. PLUGGED. Word on the street, go for the PCs.

 

[tubaman]

I agree with Fox, the Regios are not the best of the line. I much prefer the lonsdale and serie A. The Regios are ok though. Sounds like you caught them in a sick period. Or, maybe you just don't like the SLR line Eddie. SLR's are not highly counterfeited cigars like Montes and Cohibas, although there are fakes out there.

Ron, cigars from 99-01 are notorious for having a multitude of problems and inconsistencies. I have one box of Sir Winstons that are tent pegs, and others that have smoked great. Those years, it's very hit or miss.

 

[tubaman]

The bands seemed like they were printed in someone's basement with a broken embosser. The wrapper color was different between the two but I am led to believe that this sometimes the case with cc's.

Any opinions?

It is not uncommon for SLR bands to have very poor quality. Since your cigars came from different boxes, the wrapper color wouldn't bother me much. The wrapper shade is usually very consistent within the box, but the shade can vary alot between boxes. I've had SLR lonsdales with nut brown wrappers and once bought a box that had almost a candela color! All were from legit sources.

 

[Terrasco]

Not quite the case. Habanos never really released information about additional 'aging' of tobacco, IIRC. They shared that information with those who toured factories or asked questions. Also, it isn't 5 years. It varies between 1-3 years, allegedly, depending on type of tobacco. This coupled with a different tobacco strain has led to much more 'ready' cigars since about 2005 plus. Though you are correct, it is no substitute for putting some age on them rolled.

Thanks for clearing that up. I never really believed it. You know how things get around on the internet...

 

[Clint]

Eddie,

IMHO, SLR is a great, well made and underrated CC.
Regios have nowhere near the spice and punch of the Serie A...Try one before you give up on the brand!

Happy smoking,