Trip to the USA - The return (page4)

[omegar]

Within the next couple of weeks I shall be making a (very) short trip to the USA.
It would be a shame not to bring back my allowance of 50 cigars.... and just a hundred yards or so from the hotel where I shall be staying (out in the sticks in PA) there is a HUGE cigar store.

They have some really good deals, especially on samplers. e.g.
The Rocky Patel Connecticut Mega-Sampler includes:
5 - Rocky Patel Connecticut Robusto (5.5" x 50)
5 - Rocky Patel Connecticut Toro (6" x 50)
5 - Rocky Patel Connecticut Torpedo (6.5" x 50)
5 - Rocky Patel Connecticut Churchill (7" x 48)

... and many, many different brands that I have never heard of :rolleyes:

1. Any suggestions as to what I should bring back with me? Obviously they will be NCs. (An allowance of 50 cigars is 50 cigars of any size or value, right?)

2. What precautions should I take with cigars in my suitcase (or carry-on) with the low humidity of an aeroplane? What would you do?

Thanks
Rod

[TJCoro]

Really? Where in PA are you going? I have a mate (my agent, actually) who lives near there.http://www.myemoticons.com/images/what-s-hot/new-featured/gangster.gif

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-char067.gif BB

:juggle: Hey BB! I think senor :mullet: spud (aka larrysputnik) has been known to spend time there.

[omegar]

Staying on the outskirts of Bethlehem PA.
Visiting the Martin Guitar factory in Nazareth, just up the road.

Rod

[James811]

Partagas black classico, RyJ habana reserve, punch london club are 3 of the best in my opinion

[bfg84]

Your right 50 cigars is 50 cigars. Some of my faves are RP sun grown, short stories or CAO gold not the maduro version though, oliva V or G. Hope you have a good trip. Dan

[omegar]

Well... I am off on Sunday, returning Wednesday for my flying visit.

I joined a US cigar forum to see what the locals would recommend for my 50 sticks....
.... and got a list of more than 50 different cigars. :smile:

I think I am now fairly decided. I have to go with a list of some sort, because there are so many to chose from!

I might as well go for Churchills, because the duty free limit is 50 sticks of any size.
Day 1 I shall buy two or three singles as "tasters"... and then.....

1 Box of either:
* Man O'War Virtue Churchill (22)
* Don Pepin Garcia Blue (25)
(whichever I like best from a taster single)

Then 5 x 5 packs:
* the other one of the above
* R&J Habana Reserve
* E P Carillo Churchill Especial
* CAO Gold
* and one other to decide in-store
OR 10 "Double Happiness" sized cigars as the last two. 10 counts as 10, even though they are double length and designed to be cut in half :p

That should work. Yes?

The irony of the trip.... I have stayed at this same hotel several times over the last 5 or 6 years, and I never realised that one of the largest cigar stores in the US is just 100 yards from the hotel.:cool:

Cheers
Rod

[Bad-Yeti]

Hehe I think I know where you're going ;)

I've tried a fw double length cigars in the past.....damn they're rank.

I would recommend the El Rey del Mundo robusto beautiful little obscuros wrapped tissue, great tast at only $39.00 or something silly.

The virtues are lovely too however i'd try the Standard MOW if you havn't already ;)

Have fun matey. :D

[omegar]

I've tried a fw double length cigars in the past.....damn they're rank.

As in bad, or very bad? :biggrin1:

The Double Happiness sampler that I am looking at are pretty inexpensive!
The Double Happiness Sampler includes:
1 - 5 Vegas Triple-A Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Diesel Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Double Happiness Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Graycliff G2 Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Graycliff Turbo Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Gurkha Blue Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Gurkha Red Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Man O’ War Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Man O’ War Ruination Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Padilla Achilles Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)

Some decent brands, some not so decent?

Cheers
Rod

[TJCoro]

Well... I am off on Sunday, returning Wednesday for my flying visit.

I joined a US cigar forum to see what the locals would recommend for my 50 sticks....
.... and got a list of more than 50 different cigars. :smile:...

Cheers
Rod

:nerd: Although you will be there for only a shot time, it's a good idea to try as many on your list as possible before diving into a box. There are some on your list that I consider to be "meh" as senor :playball: stevietheboy would say.

Now, if it were me, I'd give a few others sticks a go, like the A. Fuente 858 line - such as the "Rosado Sun Grown" and the "Claro," or the Hemingway line- such as the "short story" that so many around here seem to like, and my personal favorite, "Signature."

Just my last-minute thoughts. :41:

:catsmoker: Perro, el Perro

[Bad-Yeti]

Well, okay not dreadful, but not great I had the Gurkha one twice first time I snipped it in half, it wasn't great. The second time I tried to smoke the whole thing....yeah that didn't go to well ;)

[cohibaIV]

TJ speaks sense at last....

Hallelujah....

[TJCoro]

TJ speaks sense at last....

Hallelujah....

Excuse Me? They call me Mr. Tibbs!....:doh: errrr, Perro, el Perro, aka the stupid looking dawg smiley!


Names :catsmoker: Perro, el Perro, and I mostly speak wisely, muchachos!

[omegar]

TJ

I don't have a lot of time there to do a lot of sampling.
Arrive Sunday late
In the store Monday morning for samples
In the store again Tuesday morning to buy the stash
On the plane back Tuesday afternoon.

Basically that gives me three samples max to try out.
I'll make one of them the A Fuente Hemingway Classic (7x48)

Cheers
Rod

[omegar]

There are some on your list that I consider to be "meh"


:catsmoker: Perro, el Perro

So tell me which ones!! Don't let me buy something I will regret!

Rod

PS. My favourite cigars are Trinidad Robusto Extra and Reyes, if that helps

[TJCoro]

[INDENT]

So tell me which ones!! Don't let me buy something I will regret!

Rod

PS. My favourite cigars are Trinidad Robusto Extra and Reyes, if that helps

The Trinidad line is one of my all-time favorites, too! :41:

But regarding your list, I've tried several and you won't find any boxes in don TJ's massive unit. The Man of War is the only stick on your list I'd be interested in trying.
There are so many NCs to choose from, it ain't easy. :hmmmm2: I suggest you talk with the guys in the shop and consider those I suggested.

:nerd: Update: I just looked at your original list and the Rocky Patel's are decent sticks, especially the Vintage Line ( '90 and '92).

Good Luck! :thumb:

:catsmoker:

:juggle: Hey el Perro! I would give the Sosa Governor Maduro a go, based on Senor TrippleXXX's fine review, if they have it.

[cohibaIV]

And treat yourself with a few God of Fire...

[omegar]

:hmmmm2: Which one???

2007 Don Carlos
2007 Carlito Fuente
(Both of which are pretty pricey!)

You... enabler you! :biggrin1:

Rod

[TJCoro]

:hmmmm2: Which one???

2007 Don Carlos
2007 Carlito Fuente
(Both of which are pretty pricey!)

You... enabler you! :biggrin1:

Rod

I have smoked both the '05 and '06 Double Robusto Carlito and both were GREAT! Can't speak to the 2007 line, however.

:catsmoker: Perro, el Perro

[Jonnyjay]

im amazed no one has mentioned Padron cigars..

Trust me, get any of the anniversary series, or any Padron for that matter.

Also, get the following...amazing cigars

"Oliva Master Blends 3"

"San cristobal Classico"

"Oliva Series V"

"CAO Brazilia" are very nice too

Partagas black are good but really really heavy on nicotine

Rocky Patel Decades are also great..

And also Padron's...did i mention that allready!!!!

[Smallclub]

2. What precautions should I take with cigars in my suitcase (or carry-on) with the low humidity of an aeroplane? What would you do?

Easy: I would buy a cigar caddie. They are very cheap in the USA.

[TJCoro]

im amazed no one has mentioned Padron cigars..

Trust me, get any of the anniversary series, or any Padron for that matter.

Also, get the following...amazing cigars

"Oliva Master Blends 3"

"San cristobal Classico"

"Oliva Series V"

"CAO Brazilia" are very nice too

Partagas black are good but really really heavy on nicotine

Rocky Patel Decades are also great..

And also Padron's...did i mention that allready!!!!


:nerd: The lad's correct about the upper-end Padron sticks, but they've been mentioned so often around these parts I understand how it was overlooked. Plus, it's in the price raged of the God of Fire!http://www.myemoticons.com/images/emotions/shocked/whoa.gif

As for most of those mentioned above, including the Decade (sorry senor :rock:CIV)...."meh!" http://www.myemoticons.com/images/people/gender-neutral/smoking.gif

:catsmoker: Perro, el Perro

[rokkitsci]

I'll add another nod for the Padron Anniversarios over a God of Fire. Or over any other suggestions that have been made here for that matter. One of the best NCs made, period.


ISent from my iPhone by iGeorge

[James811]

Might get myslef some of the Padrons after all this NC talk :)

[omegar]

I just arrived in Bethlehem after a long trip over the pond.I will be making my "final" list tonight before heading over the road to CI in the morning. Rod

[Kdot]

I'll add another nod for the Padron Anniversarios over a God of Fire. Or over any other suggestions that have been made here for that matter. One of the best NCs made, period.


ISent from my iPhone by iGeorge

Ive had a few Padron 45ths and just cant seem to get on with them. Ive gave them enough chances and feel as though im missing out on something...or you guys just have shit tastebuds!

[monkey66]

Ive had a few Padron 45ths and just cant seem to get on with them. Ive gave them enough chances and feel as though im missing out on something...or you guys just have shit tastebuds!

Same for me (and the entire Pardon range includng the family reserves) but most seem to love them.

Sent from happy tappy tap.

[TJCoro]

Ive had a few Padron 45ths and just cant seem to get on with them. Ive gave them enough chances and feel as though im missing out on something...or you guys just have shit tastebuds!

http://smileys.emoticonsonly.com/emoticons/r/rastaman-3510.gif Dat a bad bwoy.


Same for me (and the entire Pardon range includng the family reserves) but most seem to love them.

http://smileys.emoticonsonly.com/emoticons/r/rastaman-3510.gifMi link yu up layta, monkey bwoy!


:nerd: Well boyz...if you still have any left in your pint-size units, I suggest you put them up for sale in this fine forum and let others who actually know what a good stick should taste like have a go at 'em!

:catsmoker: Perro, el Perro

:juggle: Hey el Perro! I think that's what Catalina Joy said! :eyebrows:


http://smileys.emoticonsonly.com/emoticons/r/rastaman-3510.gif Haha! Dem bashment gyal!

[omegar]

OK...... On my way home now, at this moment sitting at Newark (New York) waiting for the plane to board. 50 sticks in my suitcase The main buy was a box of 24 La Traviata Intrepido, a couple of God of Fire by DC, plus a whole bunch of pairs of other sticks. The guys at CI were incredibly helpful, and I spent over an hour there this morning. Looking forwards now getting home this afternoon, and filling up the humidors.
Rod

[TJCoro]

OK...... On my way home now, at this moment sitting at Newark (New York) waiting for the plane to board. 50 sticks in my suitcase The main buy was a box of 24 La Traviata Intrepido, a couple of God of Fire by DC, plus a whole bunch of pairs of other sticks. The guys at CI were incredibly helpful, and I spent over an hour there this morning. Looking forwards now getting home this afternoon, and filling up the humidors.
Rod

:nerd: I hadn't heard of the 24 La Traviata Intrepido until now. That's one big-arse stick (7X54). I read some pretty decent reviews this morning on this one, including one from a lad who turnedhttp://www.myemoticons.com/emoticons/images/msn/our-favourite/ill.gif green by the end of the stick (over 2 hours)! I used to be a fan of some of the CAO line, but not much lately.. Very interested to hear your thoughts on this one.http://www.myemoticons.com/images/emotions/thinking/ponder.gif



:catsmoker: Perro, el Perro

:juggle: Hey el P! Catalina Joy prefers the slimmer "Radiant."

:

[omegar]

Apparently, the La Traviata Intrepido is a cigar that is only sold "in store", and a limited number of stores are allowed to buy them if they don't put them on internet sale.

I don't normally buy big cigars at all. My largest is a Robusto, and that is rare. But being allowed to bring in 50 sticks of any size, then most of what I bought are larger ones. Big cigars are the "thing" in the USA. apparently.

Anyway, the test will be in the smoking and tasting. We'll see!

Just got home, and now for the unpacking. :smile:

Rod

[TJCoro]

Apparently, the La Traviata Intrepido is a cigar that is only sold "in store", and a limited number of stores are allowed to buy them if they don't put them on internet sale.

Rod

:nerd: Well, maybe that's what they told you muchacho, but I found several vendors on the internet that have them for sale for just over 100 US bucks!

If you've smoked one already, please let us know your thoughts when you have a moment. And if not, let us know as soon as you do. We Coros are always looking for good alternative to fine puros!::41:

:catsmoker: Perro, el Perro

[omegar]

I am probably feeling too seedy after my trip and the flight home to try a cigar tonight. We'll see how quick I recover.

Here's the stash from the trip...

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-04-latraviata.jpg
La Traviata. ($89.71)

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-05-samples.jpg
A mixed lot of odds and ends
Monecristo Media Noche Churchill
La Aroma de Cuba Churchill
La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Churchill
La Herencia Cub Osc. Fuerte Toro
E P Carillo Maduro Golosus (6x60)
Man O' War Ruination Robusto #2
RP Vintage 2003 Torpedo


http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-05-godoffire.jpg
A couple of specials.
God of Fire (2007) Robustos by Don Carlos
I couldn't resist.

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-05-doubles1.jpg

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-05-doubles2.jpg

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-05-doubles3.jpg
Double Happiness Sampler (counts as 10 cigars out of my allowance)
1 - 5 Vegas Triple-A Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Diesel Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Double Happiness Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Graycliff G2 Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Graycliff Turbo Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Gurkha Blue Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Gurkha Red Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Man O’ War Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Man O’ War Ruination Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)
1 - Padilla Achilles Two-Headed Monster (10” x 48)

And a few shots of the inside of the store...

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-1.jpg

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-2.jpg

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/cistore-3.jpg

And as if that haul wasn't enough.... this box of 25 was waiting for me when I got home thisafternoon.

http://www.rod-neep.com/cigars/1111ci/bolipc01.jpg

Rod

[cohibaIV]

The God of Fire look really nice as do the Boli's

CIV

[TJCoro]

http://www.4smileys.com/smileys/cool-smileys/smiley-with-glasses16.gifA very nice looking selecting of NCs, muchacho. The only way to really learn about NCs - the good, the bad, and the ugly - is to dive in a give 'em a go. And dive in you did!http://www.4smileys.com/smileys/cool-smileys/smiley-with-glasses24.gif

In the parlance of this forum - NICE HAUL! http://www.4smileys.com/smileys/cool-smileys/smiley-with-glasses35.gif


:catsmoker: Perro, el Perro

[Detroit_Waves]

That looks like a great haul! and what a great looking shop too! Is the whole shop kept to humidity? As there are a lot of boxes lying around judging by some of those photos. I would love to find a shop like that with that big a selection here in LA!

Let us know how everything tastes! Im always on the look out for new NC to try. Especially as lately im becoming less and less impressed with what im trying!

[omegar]

That looks like a great haul! and what a great looking shop too! Is the whole shop kept to humidity? As there are a lot of boxes lying around judging by some of those photos.

Yes, the whole building is kept up to the correct humidity. There are open boxes on display of one of everything that is in stock. The only cigars behind glass are the more expensive ones such as the God of Fire.


Let us know how everything tastes! Im always on the look out for new NC to try. Especially as lately im becoming less and less impressed with what im trying!

Indeed I will, although it will take me some time to work throught them all. The problem for me though, is that I am going to have to wait until my next visit to the US to replenish stocks of the cigars that I like, as most of them are not available here in the UK.

Its a topsy-turvy world. Like anyone, I am looking for cigars that I would buy again. I will only buy more of a cigar that I can rate 8/10 or above. Here in the UK we can obtain Cuban cigars (albeit expensively), and I have yet to rate any of them at less than 7/10. To date, I haven't been able to rate a Non-Cuban at as much as 7/10, but when I do, they will probably be out of reach.

Rod

PS. I tried one of them last night, and it is definitely on my "buy again" list.

[omegar]

Well, two months since the November trip....

And I am going back to the US again this weekend. Once again staying at the same hotel, just 100 yards or so from one of the largest cigar stores in the USA (Cigars International).

Highlights of the November haul (and I have smoked at least one of each)

in order:

1. God of Fire Don Carlos 2007 Robusto - stunningly good (I since bought a box)
2. La Aroma de Cuba Churchill - excellent
3. La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Churchill - excellent again. A bit stronger. This blend rated 2nd in CA Cigar of the year, but I prefer the other above
4. CAO La Traviata Churchill - very similar to a Cuban taste profile, and not expensive (plenty left from the box)
5. Man O' War Ruination Robusto #2 - a sound 90 and very tasty

Most others were OK (80-89) but wouldn't warrant me buying more when there is so much choice.

The dogs, in my opinion, were:
Diesel
Graycliff
Gurkha

After trying some other of the "American" NC brands since, I suspect that my two boxes to bring back from this trip will both be Arturo Fuente. Those are extremely good! Especially the Hemingway line, and the Don Carlos line. But I will be visitng the store Sunday morning and buying some other singles to try before my main buy and final decision on Tuesday before the flight home.

Rod

[The Prince, Moseley]

If you like a medium smoke, I went through many before going for My Father Toros and Fuente Rosado Sun Grown 54 - both excellent and the last one was less than $9 a stick.

Good luck

Keith

[omegar]

I think that I need to try the Rosado. Reviews seem to suggest that it is a little more full than the others?

[Pandyboy]

What a great haul, La Traviata is one of my favuorite NC's, also heard good things about the God of fire and La Aroma de Cuba.

[tippexx]

Jesus .... one hell of a cigar trip Omegar ..... and one almighty haul! :hail:

[omegar]

:smile: That's why I am looking forwards to my trip tomorrow..... 50 more cigars to bring back as my allowance. Too good to miss the opportunity, even though it will create a humidor space problem (again). I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that I need a cabinet in which to store boxes.

Rod

[bfg84]

I am so jealous! Would love to be going to the US<ST1:p right now, to replenish my stocks with some good value NCs

Have a great time !

Dan

[omegar]

The irony is.... before I planned this spur of the moment trip, I organised to have someone bring two boxes over for me when they come from the US to England next month. So now I will have 100 more to find space for! :rolleyes:

[spirit_of_will]

The irony is.... before I planned this spur of the moment trip, I organised to have someone bring two boxes over for me when they come from the US to England next month. So now I will have 100 more to find space for! :rolleyes:

What a horrendous problem to have to resolve! ;)