Nudge In The Right Direction

[Smell the Colors]

I know there have been a bazillion "what's the best newbie cigar" threads, but I was hoping to get some suggestions based on what I've had. Most of my cigars were some time ago and before I was more informed about cigars. That being said I'll describe my most recent cigar, and my thoughts on it.

The cigar was a Cusano 18 Robusto. It had a easy draw, and mild flavor - didn't pick up on much for flavor (that could be just my inexperience, I'm not sure), but I did get some spicyness. The burn was a little uneven, but a touch up here and there got it burning straight enough.

I'm thinking I need something a bit stronger and was hoping based on my description I could get a nudge in the right direction. Any ideas?

[neoflex]

Give the CAO Brazilia a try. It's a great all around smoke. Have yet to meet someone who has not liked it. If you want to try something similar that has a little less strength also give the Italia a try. Just my .02. I am also biased that these are some of my favorite smokes.

[NCatron]

The Cusano 18 robusto I had was pretty much flavorless.

You want mild but flavorful, get the Carlos Torano - Casa Torano.

[Smell the Colors]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

Originally Posted by NCatron

You want mild but flavorful

I don't neccessarily want to stick to mild smokes. I wouldn't say the Cusano was like sucking warm air, but I think it was a bit too mild and I might like to step it up a little. I might give that one a shot, but I just wanted to be clear that I wasn't trying to limit myself.

[palm55]

Purely subjective here!

Check out a nice, mild maduro.... If your palate is OK with it, continue to explore! If not... Continue to explore the Con Shades, or perhaps the Naturalles!

It's not the destination... It's the journey!!!

[SilverBullet]

Punch Elite maduro's - smaller yet flavorful medium strength less than $2/ stick. Got this from one of Txmatt's threads. Search for those they contain a wealth of knowledge.

[DonWeb]

Originally Posted by neoflex

Give the CAO Brazilia a try. It's a great all around smoke. Have yet to meet someone who has not liked it. If you want to try something similar that has a little less strength also give the Italia a try. Just my .02. I am also biased that these are some of my favorite smokes.

and then test the rest of the cao family. the cameroon anny, the mx2, etc.

[Alpedhuez55]

I like the Cusano 18 Paired Maduro much more than the natural wrapper. It has more flavor but still is pretty mild.

[Smell the Colors]

Thanks for all the suggestions. This is the list I've got going so far:

CAO Brazilia
CAO Cameroon Anny
CAO MX2
Carlos Torano - Casa Torano
Punch Elite Maduro
Cusano 18 Paired Maduro
other mile Maduros

[Jeff]

CAO Gold and CAO Criollo are both a step up in flavor from the Cusano but won't blow you away. The Criollo has a bit more spice than than the Gold.

I think you sound somewhat similar to me. Enjoy a flavorful cigar if it is pretty smooth and doesn't develop a harsh taste somewhere along the line. These can be a little pricier but they are ones that I've enjoyed FWIW.

Fuente Don Carlos
Diamond Crown
La Unica - the Camaroon wrapper
Graycliff Original - the red band
Dunhill Signed Range
Zino Grand Master

I also like the Camacho Carojo Diploma. It's on the fuller bodied side (for me) but thought it was pretty smooth. Also had one CAO CX2. Since I've only had one, I'm kind of lukewarm right now. Want to give it another smoke before I pass any judgement.

[WetExit]

I have to second Jeff's suggestion of the CAO criollo. In my experience, the corona offers some good flavor without being overpowering. I've also tried one in a belicoso (longer, bigger ring range) which had more power. They're tasty and have that "spicy" yumminess. I'm also a fan of the La Aroma de Cuba line.

...and Don't forget about the Padrons!!