Non-Cuban

[Deano]

I don't know much about non-Cuban cigars, and I've only tried a few.

So I've created this new forum for discussion on non-Cuban cigars.

[Montesmoke]

My first choice are cuban cigars, but with out a doubt there are some top NC smokes out there that would even give the top brand cubans a run for their money! Padron cigars, alec bradley, Kristoff, Lone wolf, rocky patel just to name a few.

[smokiejoe]

some of the spanish cigars are good,also this vandenberge cigars from germany that i have been goin on about lately would give a cuban a run for its money.some cigars i bought in france wasnt bad too,they were in packs of 5 and had a decent smoke.what i used to do is ask the shop owner that i wanted to have a look and feel of the cigar and if it felt nice and solid and smelt ok then would buy and try them out,but i must admit they were ok .marks out of ten on them,would be a 7,or 8.so worth a try.

[Major_Tom]

Most of my 'regular' smokes have been Dominican "3x3" coronas, (have only been smoking since xmas) since I got them cheap (still expensive compared to monte, so I know where I am going in future!)

They are alright and smoke well, although are one-dimension compared to the cubans I've tried.

[cohibaIV]

I love Cubans, but dare a say it..I also love Dominican cigars, like Ashtons.

[Major_Tom]

Saved! 3 more weeks in Northern Ireland and finally got some over - chinchilero piccadillos and la invicta coronas (cheap and cheerful). New lighter arrived too, very pleased. Cheers Mr Orchant.

[Montesmoke]

Have not tried those cigars before what are they like tom?

[Major_Tom]

The picadillos (4"x50g) are very light and hopelessly one-dimensional, but enjoyable nevertheless. Have a very characteristic smell to them which is not particulary exciting. I don't think I'll get any more but will enjoy them for the time being.

[Montesmoke]

Nice big gauge 50, i do like the large gauge cigars, the occidental double maduro Torpedo is a nice cigar nice flavours.
I have just fired one up!

[Ulsteredz]

I'm only an occasional cigar smoker (certainly not an expert) but I feel that there are Dominican and Honduran cigars that are are just as good (if not better) than many of the Cuban brands. G Smith and Sons @ Charing Cross Rd., London have a good selection if you're interested.

[Ulsteredz]

Nice big gauge 50, i do like the large gauge cigars, the occidental double maduro Torpedo is a nice cigar nice flavours.
I have just fired one up!

So would you say that size matters?

[Major_Tom]

You mean are the bigger gauges always "better" than the smaller?

With a larger gauge the roller has more space to play with to combine different leaves and create something interesting -but just because there is more space doesnt mean it automatically gets taken advantage of. So, Larger gauges are not better, but the "better" cigars tend to be larger gauge! (subtle but important difference between correlation and causation...)

As a rule the more 'special' cigars tend to be larger gauge (just looks at the limited editions coming out).

Incidentally I have been sitting here with a cup of VERY strong tea and it has just hit me that it tastes just like the Picadillo I was on about earlier. So I can now put on my Kon-nes-sure hat on and say they taste of tea.

[Montesmoke]

i find that the larger gauge cigars are better

[emeraldisle]

Among the non Cuban cigar family I have sampled Santa Damiana/Charatan/Balmoral and Hyde Park.

[Montesmoke]

I quite like the Santa Damiana tubulares, nice smooth smoke, medium construction quality.