Are NC's Value for money?

[Cubist]

I've tried a few NCs in the past (Mostly selection packs) and have not found any I liked, in fact IIRC, I found most to be very rough smokes.

I would have continued trying to find some that I liked, however to me the prices were not much better than a lot of CCs, and so did not represent good value.

I?ve also noticed in recent threads that some of the NCs mentioned are ?20-?25 sticks, that?s well into decent CC territory. Do you guys that smoke a lot of NCs really think they offer value for money in terms of quality & cost? I just don't see it myself.

[Simon Bolivar]

IMHO, as someone who smokes 95% Cubans, NC's used to be around a third of Cuban prices so frequent smokers would smoke some to keep the budget down. Now they are only just less or similar cost, they are only worth it if you really enjoy them (which of course applies to Cubans too).

Frankly I have never tried a modern NC that I wanted to buy but my experience is limited, as like you I haven't found any that suit me, that have progressive flav during the smoke & more than just a peppery profile. Personally I can't be bother to trawl through 50 -100 different brands in the hopes of finding an NC I do care for but there are others on here that enjoy the hunt so I 'll leave further comments to them.

[SHAMZ84]

I've not really ventured in the NC playground yet...partly because I want to try all the Cubans first....but also because the options available to you is.massive and just don't know where to start.


There are plenty of guys in the group who will be able to recommend some good cigars to try..I hear Olivia are great NC sticks...that's my 2 pence worth

https://www.themysterywhisky.co.uk

[TonyN]

I'm the same as simon on this matter.

[Niela]

I have smoked more NCs than CCs so far and the reason is mostly budget. However, it is not the only reason for me. I find that NCs offer a different pallet to CCs. Many of them are excellent smokes and can easily compete with CCs. I usually get my NCs from friends that travel to the US and bring me a box or two. So the price difference is stark.

If you like some recommendations, let me know what you like in a cigar and what flavors you prefer and I can make some recommendations.

[Niela]

PS: I have rarely had a NC that has pepper notes to it. I know that many do, but you learn quickly which do and which don't. Not a fan of pepper myself, I have found many many, that offer a flavour profile you can't get from Cubans. On the other hand, none of the NCs taste like CCs either. It's simply a matter of widening the spectrum of flavours.

[Niela]

PPS: Another factor for why I smoke more NCs is that you can smoke them straight away without having to put them away until retirement and hope you were lucky to get a good box. I also never had a plugged NC or any other construction problems with them.

[Kickback]

Padron
Oliva v series
Drew Estate

The Cubans I've had have never really impressed. Still got to try many more makes but I've found more NC I like.
As for price, they're all very expensive in the UK. A more affordable past time away from our heavy taxation.

[groundhog]

Are NCs value for money?

Yes.

(You just have to choose well)

[thedame007]

Are NCs value for money?

Yes.

(You just have to choose well)

Can tell you're drunk

[TheMonk]

Never ventured too much into NCs, but I've tried more then a few, and IMHO most are not good value for money. If, however, you value construction quality above all else, you're less likely to be disappointed by good NCs then Cubans. Flavourwise, Cubans are just in another league for me.

[SHAMZ84]

Never ventured too much into NCs, but I've tried more then a few, and IMHO most are not good value for money. If, however, you value construction quality above all else, you're less likely to be disappointed by good NCs then Cubans. Flavourwise, Cubans are just in another league for me.

Hey monk haven't seen you around in while...hope your keeping well.

https://www.themysterywhisky.co.uk

[TheMonk]

Hey monk haven't seen you around in while...hope your keeping well.

www.themysterywhisky.co.uk

I'm good, thanks, hope you're well too! Been very busy with work... hardly any time for smoking, I need to get back to it soon.

[Moley]

There are some NC gems, but like most have said its finding them. I like theres so many because its an excuse to keep trying lol

[Cubist]

Hi Niela, I think I'm of the same view as yourself. I would like to find some NC's that are decent smokes in their own right (they don't have to be similar to CC's), but have an issue with the cost when compared to cubans, and also the difficulty sorting the wheat fom the chaff.
I currently favour light to medium flavour smokes, RyJ Chuchill, Short Churchill, ELDM Choix Supreme, my favourite vitola being the churchill. If you can recommend a mild to medium smoke in the churchill vitola or similar that would be great.