ISOM's are a pain in the ass......

[BeersOnTheBoat]

Originally Posted by chibnkr

BeersOnTheBoat: Fair enough. All are entitled to their opinion. However, please keep in mind that, but for the rare/vintage stuff, almost all of the Habanos I smoke are less expensive than many of the domestically available stuff (especially Opus, PAN, and the like).

Absolutely correct Sir. I have not partaken in super premium either Habano or otherwise. I am admittedly cheap. When I do have the chance to "legally" have a habano I look for something on the lower price range (I just can't bring myself to spend $25, $30 or $50 on one stick, no matter how wonderful it probably is). I was in Toronto two days ago and got a couple lower end Partagas. Loved it, but I suppose its hard to say that a $10 - $15 stick from DR, HON or NIC would not be much better than the ISOM of the same price. Apples and oranges, really. I suppose its the taboo nature and mistique of the Habano that makes is so appealing. Forbidden fruit. Heck, that's really the only reason I spend even that much. But, there is THAT unmistakable taste that is truly unique.

If they were available in the US without all the Canadian taxes or Mexican counterfits and I didn't have to worry about "The List" it would/will be different.

Someday, man......someday

[chibnkr]

Originally Posted by BeersOnTheBoat

I just can't bring myself to spend $25, $30 or $50 on one stick, no matter how wonderful it probably is

You know, I used to say this very same thing...then I slid waaaaaaaaay down the slope. Soon enough, I was buying and smoking $50, $100, $200, even $300+ cigars... Are they worth it? Maybe. Probably. Yeah, I guess that they must be to me otherwise I wouldn't buy them. Funny how things change!

[BeersOnTheBoat]

Originally Posted by chibnkr

You know, I used to say this very same thing...then I slid waaaaaaaaay down the slope. Soon enough, I was buying and smoking $50, $100, $200, even $300+ cigars... Are they worth it? Maybe. Probably. Yeah, I guess that they must be to me otherwise I wouldn't buy them. Funny how things change!

....and we wonder why we make more money now than any other time in our lives but still have not money.....

[j6ppc]

Most Cubans (vintage Dunhill or Davi notwithstanding) are in fact cheaper and better tasting than premium NCs IMHO. Just my .02

[Seanohue]

Originally Posted by j6ppc

Most Cubans (vintage Dunhill or Davi notwithstanding) are in fact cheaper and better tasting than premium NCs IMHO. Just my .02

the only non-cubans I really like are Pepins and prem Fuentes and for the same prices, and sometimes cheaper, I can get cubans that are worlds better. Just makes sense to me to spend the money on the cubans. As for vintages, well, luckily I started early, so I will have them in 10+ years, seeing as I can't afford the age/rarity premium while still in college.

[nwksaxman@hotmail.com]

I don't trust those websites. My fater-in-law is sent to london england a couple of times a year for work and he brings me back a couple of sticks. Inconsistancy is the word of the day. Some are incredible others not worth flushing. I have noticed that they seem "green". like they were pushed out the door too soon to turn a profit. The dominican republic is producing far supirior product. including the Anejo I am enjoying right now!!!! no matter where the cigar somes from they should "never rush the hands of time". corny i know but the#1 rule to liveby in our line of enjoyment

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by nwksaxman@hotmail.com

The dominican republic is producing far supirior product.

You're entitled to your opinion.

[carbonbased_al]

Originally Posted by nwksaxman@hotmail.com

. The dominican republic is producing far supirior product.

Based on a handfull of samples you get at random from england? How do you even know what you smoked was even authentic? If the DR was making such a superior product they'd stopped claiming that all their cigars tasted cubanesque, and come from cuban seed etc etc

Quality control standards in Cuba have gone up significantly over the last few years. They are easily on par with any cigar made in the DR or any other country for that matter. Making assumptions

[bonggoy]

Originally Posted by nwksaxman@hotmail.com

The dominican republic is producing far supirior product.

Is it possible that you just prefer Dominican cigars? Cuba went through a rough patch between 1999 to 2000 but they've been producing exemplary cigars ever since.

[chibnkr]

You're right. That's it. I'm out. All done with Habanos.

[K Baz]

Originally Posted by chibnkr

You're right. That's it. I'm out. All done with Habanos.

PM me maybe I can take your stock from you and you can go by some better NCs.

I have to warn you though, I am hip to cubans not being as good as everyone once though (I read it in this thread) so I will have to give you $ 0.45 on the dollar for your current stock.