For those curious, Nica Libre's are nothing like Padron's

[Rev2010]

Had one of these last night, the boxpressed Diplomatico. This isn't a review really, I'm only posting this being Cigar.com states, "Fans of Padron should enjoy this cigar since it encapsulates the same flavors without the high price point, so it works as a great alternative to Padron."

Well, that's just good 'ol fashion BS. It's a decent cigar but IMO it's just average. It's medium bodied, unlike Padron's, and has nowhere near the same taste. Don't know where they came up with that lol. Anyhow, The construction is very nice, looks are very nice, draw was great, but burn is quite uneven. It tasted ok and was a decent cigar for the price I paid (10 for $27.50), but overall I just thought, "Meh... it's ok but nothing special".

So, for anyone wondering if they really are in any way similar to Padron's the answer is flat out no, not at all.


Rev.

[Cigar Man Andy]

I agree. They have smart marketing. They look similar, but that's all. I will sit on my box for a year or so and see how they age, but they are nothing special as of yet.

[SMOKE20]

I knew that they werent special right off the bat. Just like a while back when the TNT cigars padron alts were popular. It was marketing. I think the Nicalibre is a good smoke. It definitly needs some good aging time and we will see if it is better.

Just a matter of time. I think there marketing is really geared to newer smokers that may not have the palate to tell a difference

[Cigary]

I agree here. There are a lot of cigar places out there who tout "alternatives" as a cigar that is like the big name brands. Baloney, that is like comparing hamburger to a Rib Eye steak. There is one company in particular who is marketing one of their cigars as tasting like the Opus Reserve and it's all a gimmick. I don't mind cigar retailors trying to advertise their inventory but they cross the lines when they try to suggest that their $3 cigar rivals top brand names cigars like Padron, Opus, etc.

[Pugsley]

Talk about timing, I have a box of 20 and a 5 stick sampler coming today. I guess I'll bury them in the bottom of my humidor and let them sleep for a while. Got them on special, came out to $2 per stick, so if they're half way decent it's still a good buy.

[UPGRAYEDD]

Originally Posted by Cigary

I agree here. There are a lot of cigar places out there who tout "alternatives" as a cigar that is like the big name brands. Baloney, that is like comparing hamburger to a Rib Eye steak. There is one company in particular who is marketing one of their cigars as tasting like the Opus Reserve and it's all a gimmick. I don't mind cigar retailors trying to advertise their inventory but they cross the lines when they try to suggest that their $3 cigar rivals top brand names cigars like Padron, Opus, etc.

I agree and I'll take it one step beyond. When retailers have those "exclusive" blends from some some master blender, those exclusive cigars are "typically" not "typical" of the masters normal work.
As a general rule, I just avoid cigars that claim to "taste like" good cigars.

[tx_tuff]

I was gifted one of these and not smoked it yet, but plan on it. I norm don't smoke a lot of Pardon Maduros anyway but its good to know. I got an email from Cigar.com yesterday trying to sell me the natural wrapper ones now, the name is slightly different but can't remember it.

[SMOKE20]

Age and age I think will do good things with these cigars. That seems to be a key factor in many of the "cheaper" alternatives

[GoonerMD]

I've never had a Padron, but I think the Nica Libre is alright...I've got 10 of these that have been sitting in the humi for about a month before I started smoking them...not bad at all...I will have to get my hands on some Padrons now, of course...just to verify the difference!lol

[Nocturnus]

I agree. They are a good smoke, but nothing close to a Padron. I will get a box of them though..