Need specific advice on Cigar Choices

[defcon3]

I'll be as brief as possible. I was an occasional cigar smoker for the past 3-4 years only smoking Monte Cristo Platinum's and Helix. I never fully got into because I thought they were just ok...

Then I came across Gurkha's Master Select, everything for me changed!!! It had no scratch, bite, or harshness (more smooth and creamy actually) and was full of aromatic flavor, at least for me. I then realized it's all about each individuals unique palate!?!

Cigars are expensive, so I have been trying most of Gurkha's products.
Not all of them are as good, but most are at least pretty smooth and flavorful, which leads to my question. Is it possible to identify my likes and look for specific types of cigars with other brands based upon the Master Select?

I know there is alot of experience here (I learn more here everyday from you guys) and would truly appreciate any advice you can provide...

[Herf N Turf]

Originally Posted by defcon3

I'll be as brief as possible. I was an occasional cigar smoker for the past 3-4 years only smoking Monte Cristo Platinum's and Helix. I never fully got into because I thought they were just ok...

Then I came across Gurkha's Master Select, everything for me changed!!! It had no scratch, bite, or harshness (more smooth and creamy actually) and was full of aromatic flavor, at least for me. I then realized it's all about each individuals unique palate!?!

Cigars are expensive, so I have been trying most of Gurkha's products.
Not all of them are as good, but most are at least pretty smooth and flavorful, which leads to my question. Is it possible to identify my likes and look for specific types of cigars with other brands based upon the Master Select?

I know there is alot of experience here (I learn more here everyday from you guys) and would truly appreciate any advice you can provide...

IMO, Gurkha's, are at best, average cigars. I've seen, based on your posts, that you're ernest in your desire to learn. But, I think you really need to branch out and broaden your horizons.

Here's my suggestion of things you should try:

La Gloria Cubana Serie R (Bold, but creamy)
Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 (most call them stronger, but I find them mild-ish but tons of creamy goodness)
Romeo y Julieta Anniversario Belicoso (medium bodied, yet very complex)
CAO Italia Piazza (medium strength, full bodied and a yummy smoke)
Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 SILVER Torpedo (this is a magnificent smoke, Medium strength, yet tons of great flavors)
Macanudo 1968 (spendy, but a good smoke, based on your like of Gurkha's)
Padron 6000 maduro (just a really solid example of what a good, full-bodied maduro cigar ought to be)
Camacho Legend Ario (a full bodied, delightful smoke that doesn't break the bank)
CAO Criollo (a creamy, chocolatty delight with a lot of complexity)

These are just some of my personal favorites. I tend to like full-strength, full-bodied cigars, but these are smokes, which cater to my palate, yet aren't overpowering.

Good luck and stick with it!

[defcon3]

I really appreciate the super detailed suggestion list and will try them out bit by bit

I have been trying other cigars, it's just I have the killer experience with the Master Select, I figured I would try Gurkha's line up...

I did try the CAO gold maduro, smooth but lacked some natural sweetness...

I also have three 5 Vegas I am going sample tomorrow.... Gold, Series A, and Classic

It's just that Padron 1926 freaked me out!!! Either not for me or I am far from being there yet. That was a $25.00 cigar I simply could not smoke!!! To me it tasted like a stale, unfiltered, Marlboro red with a massive ring size!!!

But again I am trying and with the key notes on your list that helps alot!!!

[docruger]

just buy some samplers so you can try lots and lots and lots

[saigon68]

Rocky Patel '90's & '92s-creamy, plenty of smoke; great cigars. Padron 7000 is a what a maduro is all about. Ghurka Ancient Warrior (loved every Ghurka I've tried); Punch Gran Puro. Now this is a different smoke entirely, just so you know. I love 'em but taste is subjective: Kuba Kuba; Java.

Sancho Panza Double Maduro Escodero-one hell of a smoke & reasonable.
Hoy De Monterey Excaliber rounds out my list such as it is. If there is duplication here my aplogies. It's late...

[Phantom57]

Stick to Dominican cigars for a while. Try some of the more upscale Arturo Fuente sticks, ie, the Don Carlos line and maybe the Hemingway line. The Gurkhas are not considered particularly good cigars among experienced smokers.

[calhounhusker]

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

IMO, Gurkha's, are at best, average cigars. I've seen, based on your posts, that you're ernest in your desire to learn. But, I think you really need to branch out and broaden your horizons.

Here's my suggestion of things you should try:

La Gloria Cubana Serie R (Bold, but creamy)
Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 (most call them stronger, but I find them mild-ish but tons of creamy goodness)
Romeo y Julieta Anniversario Belicoso (medium bodied, yet very complex)
CAO Italia Piazza (medium strength, full bodied and a yummy smoke)
Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 SILVER Torpedo (this is a magnificent smoke, Medium strength, yet tons of great flavors)
Macanudo 1968 (spendy, but a good smoke, based on your like of Gurkha's)
Padron 6000 maduro (just a really solid example of what a good, full-bodied maduro cigar ought to be)
Camacho Legend Ario (a full bodied, delightful smoke that doesn't break the bank)
CAO Criollo (a creamy, chocolatty delight with a lot of complexity)

These are just some of my personal favorites. I tend to like full-strength, full-bodied cigars, but these are smokes, which cater to my palate, yet aren't overpowering.

Good luck and stick with it!

I'll agree with most of this list except the CAO Criollo and RyJ Anni. Just couldn't finish either of these smokes.

The Padron, CT Exodus, Series R, and CAO Italia are fantastic cigars though. I would also give the Nub Conneticut or cameroon a try.

[karmaz00]

yeah try a little of this and that to see what you like...good luck

[defcon3]

I appreciate all the suggestions and for taking the time to reply to the novice here. I am forming a overall blueprint and will keep records!!! Using the following -

Phantom57 = Stick with Dominicans (perhaps their tobbaco properties)

Docruger = Get Samplers (Random process of elimination)

Saigon68 = Close Choices (Comparable to Gurkha MS)

Herf N Turf = Detailed lists (Experience - Trial & Error)

Calhounhusker = Recomendations and warning!

Karmaz00 = Roll the dice

What I am envisioning is a grander scheme here and trying to develop my scientific theroem as such:



Example: Master Select uses a Havana 2000 Wrapper (not sure of it's origin or what that means) a Dominican binder, and a combination of Honduran, Dominican, and Nicaraguan Ligero Filler. Further investigation of the term "Ligero" is needed to better complete my overall analysis.

Logic tells me, once I am able to decimate the above, and then use that information combined with everyone's recommended choices and advice, I should be able to expand my horizons while making the best possible choices and thus avoiding cigars I would not enjoy...

Right?!?

[calhounhusker]

Originally Posted by defcon3

I appreciate all the suggestions and for taking the time to reply to the novice here. I am forming a overall blueprint and will keep records!!! Using the following -

Phantom57 = Stick with Dominicans (perhaps their tobbaco properties)

Docruger = Get Samplers (Random process of elimination)

Saigon68 = Close Choices (Comparable to Gurkha MS)

Herf N Turf = Detailed lists (Experience - Trial & Error)

Calhounhusker = Recomendations and warning!

Karmaz00 = Roll the dice

What I am envisioning is a grander scheme here and trying to develop my scientific theroem as such:



Example: Master Select uses a Havana 2000 Wrapper (not sure of it's origin or what that means) a Dominican binder, and a combination of Honduran, Dominican, and Nicaraguan Ligero Filler. Further investigation of the term "Ligero" is needed to better complete my overall analysis.

Logic tells me, once I am able to decimate the above, and then use that information combined with everyone's recommended choices and advice, I should be able to expand my horizons while making the best possible choices and thus avoiding cigars I would not enjoy...

Right?!?

With all honesty, I would try just about whatever you can get your hands on. Taste is completely subjective, and some people love the cigars I just can't stand. I would do a little bit of bombing but it seems like getting addresses and such when being a noob is kinda difficult on this site.

[tx_tuff]

Ligero is from the top priming of a cigar plantand is the strongest leaf. Havana 2000 is a type of tobacco grown from Cuban seed.

Illusione has a new cigar out that I tried the other day.
Illusione Epernay: This cigar was very very smooth and complex. Produced a ton of smoke and good flavor. Also noticed about half way thru the smoke it left a bitter chocalate taste on my lips. I was very impressed with this cigar, you should try it.

[Rubix^3]

Based on my experience certain types of flavors in too strong a dose seem unpleasant to a newer palate. Some of the fuller fare smokes out there have a lot of leather and earth, usually accompanied by some variation of spiciness or "peppery" flavor. These can be difficult for a newbie to enjoy. You can however find smokes that have a lot of flavor, but in a range that is perhaps more "sweet" and easier on the palate. I have found that Ashton VSG is a perfect balance of these attributes. It was an easy cigar to like when I was newer to cigars, but it has also remained one of my favorites after sampling a world of cigars. Rocky Patel's vintage line is also good in this way. The RP Vintage 1990 is a fantastic, smooth smoke. I agree that the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos is also a must try for you. Hope these suggestions help. Be sure and post some reviews after you sample some of these. Cheers!

[jledou]

Some different taste that you might like:

Oliva G
Padron regular or X000 line
Tatauje P series (white label)
Don Pepin Cuban Classic (black label)
Rocky Patel 1990 or 1992

Samplers that include some of the cigars mentioned before are also a great way to explore different cigars without spending a whole lot.

[zucc]

hey defcon i completely agree with you one the gurkha master selects it is one of my favs as well.
the other ones that i like also are
padron's 1964
RP decade
any carlos torano's
la flor Dominicana ligero

try some of those and let me know how you liek them

[defcon3]

Ok, here is my plan I have devised:

I have copied all the suggested cigars into a word document. I am now in the process of identifying the source countries, wrappers, binders, and fillers. I do believe there is an overall blueprint or roadmap that can be devised! Perhaps visio will be used for the flowchart or mapping function. The Gurkha Master Select will be used as the source benchmark as it is my apex cigar (so far) as it possess all the properties I have not truly found in any other yet such as a ton of natural sweetness, smoothness, no bite or bitterness what so ever, and complexity in flavor.

I will then use Excel to keep a record (already started) on each cigar I have tried e.g. likes, dislikes, tastes, smooth, bitter, etc...

Rubix^3, = You bet I will post some reviews and thanks for your suggestions!!!

tx_tuff = Thank you for the Ligero and Havana 2000 info. I am having trouble finding a retailer that carries that cigar!

jledou = Thank you for your suggestions!

zucc = Glad to here your admiration of my fav cigar too!!! I added yours to the list as well.

My problem, I am very picky person and very analytical!!! I will post some reviews later, But this will payoff and if anyone is interested in the final outcome of my formula, let me know! Perhaps a Powerpoint Presentation?!?

I am going to have to take a break on the cigar smoking for at least a day or two though. For some reason my tastebuds and senses are not registering the experience as acutely. I have been sampling two a day!!! Has this ever happened to anyone here?