Is anyone here into the JR Alternative line?

[nativetexan_1]

In a word, "No." Tried one bundle, once. Wasn't impressed.

[Walter MItty]

You kind of have to pick through then and find the types that are more pleasing to your palate, but there are some smokable ones in the group. The key is to not expect too much of them in relation to their supposed match. But they are a nice smoke for working around the yard or mucking out the septic tank. You will find irregularities within the bundle.

I have smoked worse. Much worse. They do get somewhat better with age.

[Shriner4cigars]

For me, I do not reccomend them.

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by Shriner4cigars

For me, I do not reccomend them.

I must be a tobacco slut. It seems the cheap cigars ($2 - $6) have been tasting better to me than the super-premium ones.

What a blessing.........

I'm going to try the other JR Alt. tonight.


I went back to the brick and mortar today and they couldn't tell me what cigar the last one was... they said that they can't keep the JR's in stock. That really sucks because I was going to buy a bundle.

[Aaron871]

The other one was completely un-smokable.
There was something wrong with the binder and filler.... it would draw but no smoke would come through. I cut it in half and the filler had a spot that looked like styrofoam in the middle.

[Arnie]

Originally Posted by Aaron871

The other one was completely un-smokable.
There was something wrong with the binder and filler.... it would draw but no smoke would come through. I cut it in half and the filler had a spot that looked like styrofoam in the middle.

Ooops.... Dang packing peanuts!!

[zeavran1]

Bought a 5pack of Macanudo because of the price when I started smoking and I thought they were good. I have one left that has been resting for almost 2 years. Might have to smoke it this weekend in the morning with coffee.

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by Arnie

Ooops.... Dang packing peanuts!!

Could have been. I'm sure the binder must have had a hole in it somewhere also. That really sucks because I really had high hopes after the 1st one. I'm not giving up yet.....

[ncstogie]

I use the punch alternatives for when I want to try to mess around with flavriong, I put htem in a glass jar humidor and instead of solution I fill the humidifier with bourbon usually makers mark and let it infuse the cigars for a few weeks. they aren't bad smokes and the price points makes them attractive to experiment with.

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by ncstogie

I use the punch alternatives for when I want to try to mess around with flavriong, I put htem in a glass jar humidor and instead of solution I fill the humidifier with bourbon usually makers mark and let it infuse the cigars for a few weeks. they aren't bad smokes and the price points makes them attractive to experiment with.

Tell me about the flavor. Does it taste like bourbon when it burns?

[ncstogie]

Originally Posted by Aaron871

Tell me about the flavor. Does it taste like bourbon when it burns?

What got me started on this was a smoke shop I would frequent on vacation and they always had a jar of smokes infused with Makers. Does it taste like Bourbon not necessarily but it does add some flavor alot of it depends on how often you season them. I have only tried it twice and would recommend 4 weeks time and fill the humidifier disc 3 times during that period. They burned surprisingly well considering they did feel a little moist. I usually just experiment with 5 or so at a time, and I think my first batch came out better but none were deemed bad or unsmokable by me and the buds I shared them with.

[laststandchili]

I was buying JRs Cohiba Siglo IVs like a fiend for a while. No idea if they're comparable to the real thing, I seriously doubt it, but it was a well made and very reasonably priced knockaround smoke IMO.

A couple months before SCHIP they raised the price $10/bundle. Haven't bought any since.

I also tried the alternative to the RP Edge maduro. Foul.

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by laststandchili

I also tried the alternative to the RP Edge maduro. Foul.

So your saying it's a perfect match?

[laststandchili]

I liked the first few Edge I smoked, but the last couple didn't work for me. I haven't spent much time with RP products in some time. Last one was the winter edition with the PA broadleaf wrapper.

The JR Alt was sopping wet. Tried dry boxing, left them in my 65% RH vault for months, I even left a couple on the porch in January for a long weekend. Damp, crappy, and very soft and spongey.

[Aaron871]

Originally Posted by laststandchili

Damp, crappy, and very soft and spongey.

Yeah, the unsmokable one I was talking about was really soft. The quality control must not be very diligent.