Howdy All:

Do any of you enjoy the experience of a fine cigar? I don't smoke them very often, but do enjoy one from time to time.

I recently vacationed in Europe, where nice cuban cigars are in abundance! My favorite is the Monticristo #4.

A few cigars made it back with me to the States [I'm not saying they're cubans! ] and are resting nicely in my humidor.

Once they're gone, I won't have any until I return to Europe.

1. Anyone know of a cigar similar to the Monte Cristo?

2. Either way, what's your favorite cigar? Do you have any tips on mantaining your himidor and smoking cigars?

Though I'm a novice, I sure love the experience of sitting on the deck of my house, looking at the trees, and taking a few good draws on a nice cigar!

mmmmmmmmm...nothing like a Montecristo A and a glass of Richard Hennessy after dinner...life is good!

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

Before I finished your post I was thinking the exact same thing. Decks fresh air and a good cigar go together like peas and carrots.

I, too, enjoy a cuban cigar but they are getting too pricey, and my regular source doesn't travel up here to the states much anymore.

A good alternative to a cuban (in terms of flavor and strength) would be the "Bolivar Fuerte" line made by JR Cigar. The "regular" Bolivar doesn't cut it for me, but the "Fuerte" (strong) line is excellent. The price is great too - about $75 for a box of 25. Check out www.jrcigar.com for details.

I also enjoy the Punch rothschild (5"x50) in natural wrapper. It's a great everyday cigar (about $90 for a box of 50).

Chris Blanchard

I too have picked up cigar smoking, for about a month now. I do enjoy sitting out on the deck, enjoying the view, and smoking a fine cigar.

Here are my favorites so far:
CAO Cameroon Belicosos
Romeo Y Julieta Vintage #4

A good site for cigars:
http://www.famous-smoke.com/cigars/index.cfm

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Mark
97 S500
91 535iA

I've been smoking cigars for about 15 years. Some of my favorites are Arturo Fuente "double chateau", Dunhill, Romeo Y Juliet and Baccarat. Basically if it comes from a humidor, I'll try it.

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Mike

90 300D 511k
95 C280 133k
14 BMW 528i

I'm not a smoker, but my father has at least one cigar a day. I had a friend who just recently went to Cuba. I had him bring my father back some Romeo y Julietas and some Cohibas. These were all churchills and for a box of each, it was less than $200 total. I guess if you ever go to Cuba, you are allowed to bring back 2 boxes of cigars and 1 or 2 bottles of rum.

I always thought that it was illegal to bring any cuban cigars into the country.

When returning from Europe, I had the cigars in one suitcase and the boxes/wrappers removed and packed in another suitcase. That way they're always separated and can't be assumed to be together.

Maybe I was wrong.......

Thanks for the posts, everyone!!

I use to smoke all the time, however, I couldn't handle the taste in my mouth the next morning.

I still smoke at least 6 per year, however, I smoke the tiny/small ones. I have a stash of Cuban Romeo y Juliet and Punch tiny cigars in a humidor, which I fill only with distilled water.

:-) neil

I feel fortunate that I didn't throw them all away after getting back to the states. They seemed so dried out (even in Spain) that they were unsmokeable. I asked a local cigar shop about them and they said they would be worthless.

Nevertheless, I got out the humidor and put them inside. A couple days later, I took the whole thing, with the cigars, over to the shop and the man there said both humidor and cigars were in perfect shape! Went home and enjoyed one right away.

This forum is becoming civilized. This thread has been up for three days, and not one Clinton Joke? :p

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Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
2005 SL55 AMG Kleemanized
1984 500 SEC
1967 W113 California Coupe
[SIGPIC]
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/myphotos

Don't have LOTS of experience but the first cigar I ever smoked was a genuine Cohiba - very good

Padron Anniversario Exclusivo!!!!!!!! - By far my favorite!

La Gloria (did not like it)

Romeo Ye Julieta (sp?) don't remember which type exactly but very good.

Macanudos are also quite good.

I've been wanting to try an Arturo Fuente Opus X but haven't found them in my travels.

My brother-in-law brought back some Monte Cristos (#3 if I remember correctly) directly from Cuba. Don't know how he got through customs! They were quite good but REALLY strong!

I used to have a connection to a printing company who's reps always gave clientel FIST fulls of Cubans!

Maybe it's because, by his own rationale, he was the "smokee", not the "smoker"!

Volkl42
Sorry to tell you but...
If he paid 200 for 2 boxes of Cuban Churchills they are STREET cigars.
From the factory stores Cohiba abd R&J are both priced well above this.
The usual line from someone on the street is that their brother, sister, uncle etc. work at the factory and stole them.

Have said this, they can be decent cigars.
Just not the real thing.

I've been smoking cigars for about 8 years now, great way to relax and force yourself to stay put for an hour.

Alternatives to a GOOD cuban. All of the following have exhibited an even burn, consistent quality and nice wrappers.

- Arturo Fuente "Short Story" consistently one of the best cigars I've ever had.

- AVO's (Their Corona's **Light Wrapper** are surprisingly robust)

- Dunhill's (If you like a mild flavor, minimal aftertaste), great quality

- Arturo Fuente "Opus X" Great cigar, wish they were easier to find and a bit cheaper ($28 Each)

- Arturo Fuente - Several of their limited cigars are excellent

Occasionally you can find quality Te Amos which are inexpensive and surprisingly good.

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Afshin

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