Closest ISOM tasting Non-ISOM

[Matt R]

Originally Posted by clovis

oopps...matt is correct

Not the first time I've heard that.

[2chairs]

Originally Posted by Matt R

Not the first time I've heard that.

But those usually happen on the pro-gay threads.

[Fredster]

I would second Flip Flop, in saying none. The only domestics I can smoke ( and thats not often due to price and they still don't taste as good as Cubans to me) are an occasional Opus X. They have a nice spiciness and good strength as far as Non-Cubans go, however the aroma is distinct and smells nothing like Cuban leaf. I've tried the Padron 1926 that so many compare to Cubans and some even say is better and I just don't see how. It's strong as hell but very one noted to my tastebuds, and the aroma just plain stinks to me.

[summerkc]

You guys make me feel like I am smoking hand rolled pieces of cow sh#t! Wish I could legally (or illegally) try one of these one-stick-wonders.

I will try one of the suggested cigars and see what I think.

Thanks for the comments!

[Bruce5]

Okay, the chicken/steak thing was a little extreme.

The Camacho 11/18 is a little close, but also, the Flor Dominicana
Double Liguero robusto extra or toro size (not the chisel).

[Fredster]

Originally Posted by Bruce5

Okay, the chicken/steak thing was a little extreme.

The Camacho 11/18 is a little close, but also, the Flor Dominicana
Double Liguero robusto extra or toro size (not the chisel).

I think it was pretty much true.

[kansashat]

Originally Posted by summerkc

You guys make me feel like I am smoking hand rolled pieces of cow sh#t!

There have been times that this would have been the more desirable alternative.

[Bruce5]

SummerKC.
I do not think anyone is attacking your smoking habits.
You threw a question out there that would invite such responses.
Once people have gotten "hooked" on Habanos, most of them tend to
smoke domestic cigars less. This is very true for most of the guys I have seen post here as well as for myself. There is just a totally different flavor in cuban tobacco that can not be found in non-cuban tobacco. Any tobacco seed (even cuban) that is not grown in Cuba on Cuban soil will not have this taste. I felt the same way in the beginning, I could not even taste the difference between the two. But once I could, I started smoking Habanos more and more and domestics less and less.

I would suggest you beging smoking different types of Habanos so you can see that all the hype is REAL.
Good Luck,
Bruce

[Matt R]

Fred..... I'd suggest trying a Fuente 858 Sungrown. This is maybe the only non-Havana I enjoy as much as the run of the mill Havanas.

Originally Posted by Fredster

I would second Flip Flop, in saying none. The only domestics I can smoke ( and thats not often due to price and they still don't taste as good as Cubans to me) are an occasional Opus X. They have a nice spiciness and good strength as far as Non-Cubans go, however the aroma is distinct and smells nothing like Cuban leaf. I've tried the Padron 1926 that so many compare to Cubans and some even say is better and I just don't see how. It's strong as hell but very one noted to my tastebuds, and the aroma just plain stinks to me.

[AF MAN]

Originally Posted by Matt R

Fred..... I'd suggest trying a Fuente 858 Sungrown. This is maybe the only non-Havana I enjoy as much as the run of the mill Havanas.

As all here know.and as stated by my username I'm an AF lover.The Hemingway line,and the AF Double Chateau Sungrown can put me in a state of bliss in a heartbeat,but the "Big Boy" Non ISOMS that most immulate the taste of cool Havana nights IMHO rank as follows...La Aurora 100 Anos Belicoso,Camacho Diploma Corojo(Special Blend).and bringing up the rear,but by no means a slouch...the Diamond Crown #6 Robusto...also considering the fact that I have taken the ride down that "slippery slope" more than once I hope this doesn't offend anyone,or compromise my standing in the jungle.but I just can't see what all the "Hoopla" reguarding ISOMS is all about.IMHO,it's like comparing a Lexus to a Jaguar,except one requires more maintenance!

[MoTheMan]

Originally Posted by Bruce5

SummerKC.
I do not think anyone is attacking your smoking habits.
You threw a question out there that would invite such responses.
Once people have gotten "hooked" on Habanos, most of them tend to
smoke domestic cigars less. This is very true for most of the guys I have seen post here as well as for myself. There is just a totally different flavor in cuban tobacco that can not be found in non-cuban tobacco. Any tobacco seed (even cuban) that is not grown in Cuba on Cuban soil will not have this taste. I felt the same way in the beginning, I could not even taste the difference between the two. But once I could, I started smoking Habanos more and more and domestics less and less.

I would suggest you beging smoking different types of Habanos so you can see that all the hype is REAL.
Good Luck,
Bruce

Trust me folks, I knew Bruce5 when he was just a newbie. Now he's spoiled rotten by Havanas, hardly touches Domestics anymore. Me, on the other hand, I still like to smoke the occassional domestic (& yes, AF's are some of my favorites).

[Fredster]

Originally Posted by Matt R

Fred..... I'd suggest trying a Fuente 858 Sungrown. This is maybe the only non-Havana I enjoy as much as the run of the mill Havanas.

Thanks Matt,I'll give it a try. I started out on Fuentes, and have smoked most of them. I used to like the Don Carlos and Hemmingway line. I have a great deal of respect for the family and the quality cigars they produce. I've met both Sr. and Jr at various cigar charity functions, and they are both truly nice, genuine people.
I smoked my first Cuban around 97, I still remember, it was a Hoyo Corona. I sat there just dumbfounded at how a cigar could have that much full, sweet, earthy flavor and yet not be harsh. From there it was a quick slide down the slope. There were times, around 1999 that the quality got so bad I was getting boxes that close to half the box had draw problems. I slowed down and bought less cigars, but I could not go back to the Fuentes. None of them had the depth or complexity that I craved in a Cuban cigar that was "on". Yes, AFman they are high maintenence, but to me they are absolutely worth the trouble. The last couple years, the quality has been great and there are fewer dissapointments, but I still get cigars occasionally that aren't "on", and most are still better than many Domestics to my tastes. Evertime someone has said "try this it's as good as a Cuban", I've kicked myself for spending the money on a cigar that doesn't blow me away. I've tried the Aurora and the Diamond crown, but not the Camacho. Neither impressed me enough to buy more. I bought a A.F. Don Carlos Torpedo the other day, this used to be one of my favs. Hadn't smoked one in about 5 years. The cigar was so weak and bland compred to a Monte #2 or Upmann #2 I couldn't even finish it. Sad part is it cost more than both of these. I don't mean to offend anyone or say my tastes are right and yours are wrong, bit it still shocks me when I hear someone say they prefer Domestics to Cubans.

[soulskater]

There may be non-cuban cigars that are strong or earthy or heady or rich... but not at the same time. One of the strongest cigars I've ever smoked was an Opus X that Carlos Jr. allowed me to take from his stash. It was very strong but it lacked depth. The strongest cigar I've smoked was a Cuban Dunhil that Poker gave to me... not so much gave but bequithed to me since it was so strong. I couldnt breathe right for a week. That cigar wasnt just strong but complex. Havanas just have a unique flavor that is not found anywehere else.

[(909)]

Originally Posted by Bruce5

I would suggest you beging smoking different types of Habanos so you can see that all the hype is REAL.
Good Luck,
Bruce

Great idea Bruce! KC and I are in the same boat, I can't seem to find any ISOMs in my local shop and I'm sure that you'd be willing to shoot us over a couple of samples so that we can see for ourselves that all the hype is real. This could be a sort of "mentor" program for non ISOM smokers to introduce us into the world of ISOMs. All Club members with ISOMs send them to those of us that haven't tasted nirvana we will in turn tell you guys what we think and thank you over and over as each shipment of ISOMs arrives at our door.

[summerkc]

Originally Posted by (909)

Great idea Bruce! KC and I are in the same boat, I can't seem to find any ISOMs in my local shop and I'm sure that you'd be willing to shoot us over a couple of samples so that we can see for ourselves that all the hype is real. This could be a sort of "mentor" program for non ISOM smokers to introduce us into the world of ISOMs. All Club members with ISOMs send them to those of us that haven't tasted nirvana we will in turn tell you guys what we think and thank you over and over as each shipment of ISOMs arrives at our door.

I second that!