Closest ISOM tasting Non-ISOM

[sd_smoker]

I just tried an Oliva Master Blend and it was about as close to a Cuban-tasting domestic as I've had. Either way, it was very good!

[Fredster]

Originally Posted by 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.

I agree 100%, Ashton VSG, some Opus x's, and the Padron 1926 are all strong as Cubans, but they lack depth and complexity. Age helps, but it doesn't make them as good as Cubans. The Opus with a few years comes the closest to me, but it still doesnt have the depth or fullness of body. The do get fairly complex and retain some decent strength. They also cost on average 2-3 times more than the Cubans that I prefer.

[Fredster]

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.

Iv'e "mentored" about a dozen ISOM virgins to the slippery slope of plastic debt. Seriously though, I have no problem gifting cigars to people that enjoy them. I would recommend that you smoke Domestics a good while first. Kind of like learn to walk before you run. You should sample some of the best Domestics and find out what you like and don't like, so you have something to compare to. Once you start getting into cigars a few months or so (maybe you already have) and know which cigars you really like, then I would sample a few Cubans. One of the funniest posts I read came from my new friend Joe, (heartpumper on C.S.) he said "since he started smoking Cubans his Domestics are like the forgotten step child in the back of his humidor." Everyones tastes are different, maybe you'll be one of the few that say I don't see what all the fuss is about?

[Heartpumper]

Yeah, thanks, Fredster.

Now the contents of my humidor are worth more than my car, and the Florida University system won't trade my sons tuition payments for boxes of domestic cigars.

I am NOT a cigar aficionado, can't taste burnt Madagascar, think all ISOMs smell like chocolate and horse dung......

But dang it, Cubans offer a whole new level of cigar taste and enjoyment. They are absolutely a different smoke experience. The old favorite domestics(LGC Serie R, Cohiba XV, don't do it anymore.

I smoke bands off, and refuse to share with my domestic cigar friends, so I don't think I'm trying to show the world I'm special. I just like 'em. There you go, starting to cry again.

[Bruce5]

SummerKC and 909.
I will send each of you one fine Habano. Probably something med-bodied.
PM me your address.
.
Down the road, you will either be loving me or cursing me.

Loving me for increasing the pleasure of your hobby, or:
Cursing me for increasing the balance of your credit card.
.
The condition is that you put up a post reviewing the cigar here on Club Stogie.
.

[SeanGAR]

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.

MOOCHING 101

As an ongoing public service, I am going to describe mooching in detail, outline good and bad attempts at mooching, and teach you to hone your mooching skills so you never have to buy another cigar.

First we will learn something about our prey....the generous BOTL with a stocked humidor. BOTLs are inherently generous. They don't think twice about sending a complete stranger a selection of cigars that they spent their hard earned cash on. You need to take advantage of their generosity by ingratiating yourself and making friends amongst the BOTL community.

Here are some ways to do that:
1. Send cigars first, bomb a brother.
2. Be helpful, be funny, be clever.
3. When sharing cigars, share your good stuff. Nobody wants your Thompson's Phoenix ammonia-soaked Robustos, but hauling out a few Short Stories will bring your BOTLs smiles.
4. Herf with the big dogs. Highly recommended, and BTW, remember lesson No. 3, bring the best stuff you have.

Here are some things that rarely work:
1. Flat out beg for cigars.
2. State "Send me cigars because I have big boobs".
3. Act all innocent and casually drop the line you won't be opposed to accepting gifted cigars....and by the way, I HAVE BIG BOOBS, send me cigars and I'll drop the url of my web site where you can see for yourself. This approach is ... ahem .... a bust.

This public service announcement has been brought to you by MOAN (MOochers ANonymous).

Guys, this is supposed to be a joke. We all know that nobody here would either mooch or send gifted cigars, ISOM or otherwise.

[summerkc]

Originally Posted by SeanGAR

Here are some things that rarely work:

2. State "Send me cigars because I have big boobs".

Dammit! And I was saving up for a nice set for myself!

If anyone does want to see my boobs for cigars, I'll be happy to share them, they are only A cups though...

[SeanGAR]

Originally Posted by summerkc

Dammit! And I was saving up for a nice set for myself!

If anyone does want to see my boobs for cigars, I'll be happy to share them, they are only A cups though...

Now don't quote me on this, but I think the key here is to PRETEND that you are a stacked female, if you're not one already.

[LeafHog]

Originally Posted by summerkc

Dammit! And I was saving up for a nice set for myself!

If anyone does want to see my boobs for cigars, I'll be happy to share them, they are only A cups though...

Got you beat, I've got at least B-cup man boobs.

[(909)]

Originally Posted by LeafHog

Got you beat, I've got at least B-cup man boobs.

Thanks Seangar for getting this one going. I'm a visual person and my mental images of KC and LeafHog are forever changed.

[LeafHog]

Originally Posted by (909)

Thanks Seangar for getting this one going. I'm a visual person and my mental images of KC and LeafHog are forever changed.

Here's one for your minds-eye (909) - Man Breast Puppet Theater!

[summerkc]

Originally Posted by LeafHog

Got you beat, I've got at least B-cup man boobs.

Well, I'm working hard getting mine upgraded, been downing lots of beer. (So much beer your man boobs might start looking good to me)

[summerkc]

Originally Posted by (909)

Thanks Seangar for getting this one going. I'm a visual person and my mental images of KC and LeafHog are forever changed.

(in my best Austin Powers impersonation) Yeah, baby! Were sexy bitches, yeah!

[kansashat]

I'd show ya mine, but I'd have to get out the weedeater 1st.

BTW, I smoked a Punch Rare Corojo Pita last nite that had some Cuban like aspects.....nice, but just didn't take me for the full ride.

[summerkc]

Well, I have now smoke my first Cuban and I have to say that it was a awesome experience.

My first was a H. Upmann Mag. 46. It looked great, with a reddish-brown color and actually looked like it had a metallic shimmer to it.

The taste of the cigar was great, definately one of the best I've had (you bastards!). It was very smooth and was not the least bit harsh. It was very earthly and spicey and I also had a strange but good metallic taste, almost like copper.

If I hadn't had got a small buzz from it (maybe because I smoked it so fast, because it was so good) I would have said that it was a mild bodied cigar because I am used to full bodied cigars being so harsh.

I didn't experience any flavor changes like you guys sometimes talk about but it was excellent all the way through. The only other thing was that it burned a little unevenly, but not enough to detract from the cigar.

I have to say that it was one of the best experiences I've had with a cigar, maybe not #1, but definetely in the top 5 cigars I've smoked. (What is that slippery, sliding feeling I feel? )