Is it real?

[Bigga Petey]

This may have been bandied about a bit already, but I have to ask. I don't get my paws on hardly any ISOM's, only have one in the humi that was gifted to me by a friend. As I am quickly learning, there are MANY brands of smokes out there. Some obviously better than others. The question I have, is the ISOM really that much better than perhaps a good premium Dominican or Honduran or other? Or is it the fact that the ISOM is hard to come by that makes it special? The leaf is grown in virtually the same climate, and I'm sure that the seeds of the Cuban varieties have found their way onto non-Cuban farms. So what might the difference be?


Inquiring minds want to know.

[SeanGAR]

Originally Posted by Bigga Petey

So what might the difference be?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Soil and microclimates differ - even within Cuba the best tobacco only grows in one small area of the island. Cuban cigars often have a special taste that some people love, it is hard to say exactly where that taste comes from but we know something as simple as ash color differences (Cuban ash can be almost coal black, and is generally much darker than non-Cubans) are related to mineral content differences in the soil.

[Navydoc]

For me the taste difference between Cubans and Non-Cubans is so dramatic that it's a sure fire way for me to recognize fakes....and if I can't tell from the taste then....heck, who cares it's a great cigar (probably cheaper too). Maybe you should fire up that cuban and see for yourself (hopefully it's not a pinar...that your calling cuban)

[Bigga Petey]

Thanks for the replies!

Navydoc, it's a RyJ Churchill napping in the humi.
It'll take a special occasion to set that one on fire.

[singlguy9]

Originally Posted by Bigga Petey

This may have been bandied about a bit already, but I have to ask. I don't get my paws on hardly any ISOM's, only have one in the humi that was gifted to me by a friend. As I am quickly learning, there are MANY brands of smokes out there. Some obviously better than others. The question I have, is the ISOM really that much better than perhaps a good premium Dominican or Honduran or other? Or is it the fact that the ISOM is hard to come by that makes it special? The leaf is grown in virtually the same climate, and I'm sure that the seeds of the Cuban varieties have found their way onto non-Cuban farms. So what might the difference be?


Inquiring minds want to know.

IMHO, a lot of people "wax on" about Cubans becasue they're hard to get and taboo in the US. I have been gifted/sold cubans over the years that have been just "so so" and the folks they came from "absolutely loved" em'", which tells me they liked em' simply because they were cubans. Some people like to boast about smoking cubans and will turn their nose at all non-cubans.......to me, that's all about status and nothing more.

It's my understanding that most if not all tobacco grown for cigars in Honduras, Nic., etc. come from "cuban seed". Given that, the soil and climate are different in Cuba and good cuban cigars have a unique flavor (the "twang" everyone talks about). Personally, nothing is as good as a "good" cuban cigar. However, that perfect "cuban" taste isn't present in all cubans I've smoked. Day in and day out, there are a lot of non-cuban cigars that compare in flavor, construction, draw, etc.

I just let my own taste be my guide. I posted in another thread that the 98 Partagas Lusitania is the best cigar I've ever had. This is true, but I smoked a Camacho Diploma last evening that I liked very much.

If I could afford it and it wasn't so risky, I would probably gravitate to smoking mostly cuban cigars. Generally, I do like the flavor profile better than other cigars. However, I do some some folks that prefer Nic. or Honduran cigars better..................all about personal taste.

[Navydoc]

Originally Posted by Bigga Petey

It'll take a special occasion to set that one on fire.

Waking up this morning and being able to take another breath is all the special occasion I need. I guess this becomes more significant the older you get.....

[(909)]

I'd have to agree with the others. ISOMs do typically have a taste all their own. Are they better than DR,Honduran etc? no, just different.

I really like the way that ISOMs taste, I also really like Padron 64s, La Aroma de Cuba, Fuente Hemingways, RyJ Bullys and lots of others. I have to admit that after my first ISOM, I figured out a way to get more and now have a few boxes in my humi. On the other hand, after I smoked Hemingway Short Storys, I bought a box of those too.

I guess it boils down to what YOU like.

[Bigga Petey]

Originally Posted by Navydoc

Waking up this morning and being able to take another breath is all the special occasion I need. I guess this becomes more significant the older you get.....

I hear ya....
No spring chicken here neither Doc.
If something doesn't hurt when I get outta bed, I worry. LOL!

[Nely]

After having a few cubans you will realize that they are different. The taste and aroma are very distinct. Now of course, there ARE not so great cubans out there, but a lot of people prefer them over a nic or honduran stogie. If you stick to the classic cubans you'll be ok. For me they are a treat, and there are very few domestic stogies that can compare to a great cuban cigar IMHO. I believe that the best cigar is the one you enjoy.