Good Newbie Brands?

CohibaMan

Young Ape
Hi, I've been looking into some online sampler packs to build up my modest humidor with a variety. While I don't have a ton of knowledge on brands that are above and beyond the small selection in town I think I may have found a few on jrcigars.com that could be good:

Helix 3 Pack Sampler
https://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=itemDetails&ItemCode=HETUS

Romeo Y Julieta Reserve Maduro No. 444 Sampler
https://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=itemDetails&ItemCode=JU444

Bolivar 3 Cigar Sampler
https://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=itemDetails&ItemCode=BO3S

MonteCristo Platihum No. 5
https://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=itemDetails&itemcode=MXPL5

There was also something called the '10 Assorted Premium Dominican Toro 'that came up after I added the first item to my cart, though I can't find the link now.

If I can get some feedback on these from the ol' wise gorillas around here that'd be awesome! Any suggestions on some other sampler packs would be much appreciated. Thanks! :tu
 
Although it's tempting to gravitate toward some of the famous Cuban brands (Romeo y Julieta, Bolivar, Montecristo), remember that their non-Cuban counterparts are not really counterparts - they're entirely different companies not related in the least to the Cuban brands. The reputations of those "big names" are based on the Cuban cigars, and the non-cuban cigars don't always have much of their own reputation to live off of. That being said, there are tons of really great non-cuban brands out there to try (Padron, Rocky Patel, Arturo Fuente, Tatuaje, Don Pepin Garcia and Oliva are some that come to mind). You won't find all of those at JR's, but look at Famous Smoke and Cigars International and you'll find some great stuff.
 
Although it's tempting to gravitate toward some of the famous Cuban brands (Romeo y Julieta, Bolivar, Montecristo), remember that their non-Cuban counterparts are not really counterparts - they're entirely different companies not related in the least to the Cuban brands.


True but that doesn't mean some of them are not good. I will say that the MC CC is completely different than the NC. However, those platinums are some good smokes.
 
The 5Vegas line at Cigarsinternational.com is very good and relatively cheap. Look for some samplers or 5'ers of (Padron, Rocky Patel, Arturo Fuente, Tatuaje, Don Pepin Garcia) like mentioned above.

OH and there is always
cigarbid.com

:r
 
Buying a bunch of random sticks is a sure way to break the bank. Buy carefully and check what others say about the smokes you plan on buying. Top25Cigar is a wealth of information. Everyone has a different palate but there are good and bad smokes regardless of taste. Probably the best way to try new smokes is to get involved in the NST. http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=126857

Trading with fellow gorillas can be both educational and fun!:tu
 
Definitely will join in, if they provide free shipping


Hi, I've been looking into some online sampler packs to build up my modest humidor with a variety. While I don't have a ton of knowledge on brands that are above and beyond the small selection in town I think I may have found a few on jrcigars.com that could be good:

Helix 3 Pack Sampler
https://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=itemDetails&ItemCode=HETUS

Romeo Y Julieta Reserve Maduro No. 444 Sampler
https://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=itemDetails&ItemCode=JU444

Bolivar 3 Cigar Sampler
https://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=itemDetails&ItemCode=BO3S

MonteCristo Platihum No. 5
https://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=itemDetails&itemcode=MXPL5

There was also something called the '10 Assorted Premium Dominican Toro 'that came up after I added the first item to my cart, though I can't find the link now.

If I can get some feedback on these from the ol' wise gorillas around here that'd be awesome! Any suggestions on some other sampler packs would be much appreciated. Thanks! :tu
 
I have only tried one on your list, the MC, and I liked it, However being a noob myself I highly recommend the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 or 1992, it is a very good cigar. I am looking forward to trying some Taboo Twist soon as I hear they are great also.

If you PM me your address I will be happy to send you a few RP Vintage 92's
 
However being a noob myself I highly recommend the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 or 1992, it is a very good cigar. I am looking forward to trying some Taboo Twists
:tpd:
Sancho Panza in either the Double Maduro or the Extra Fuerte are also good choices that can be had for a reasonable price. The 5 Vegas Gold are a very good mild cigar also.
 
I've tried the RYJ Maduro and Monte Platinum on your list, and both are good cigars, the platinum is excellent. If you're wanting to try a Montecristo blend, the Classic blend is a bit milder than the platinum, and IMO a bit better. CAO Golds are another good transitional cigar between mild and stronger bodied cigars.
JR doesnt sell them, but everyone would probably agree that you should try a Padron as well.
 
:tpd:
Sancho Panza in either the Double Maduro or the Extra Fuerte are also good choices that can be had for a reasonable price. The 5 Vegas Gold are a very good mild cigar also.


I have to agree with the 5 Vegas Gold also, I really enjoy them too.
 
Although it's tempting to gravitate toward some of the famous Cuban brands (Romeo y Julieta, Bolivar, Montecristo), remember that their non-Cuban counterparts are not really counterparts - they're entirely different companies not related in the least to the Cuban brands. The reputations of those "big names" are based on the Cuban cigars, and the non-cuban cigars don't always have much of their own reputation to live off of...

Can someone explain this to me please?

I assume it's so you can buy "Montecristo" smokes in the states, but how do you know which one you are getting?

I'm asking because I'm from Australia, and I'm currently looking around for a good place to hit the slope and if I'm going to buy a Montecristo, I would prefer that it is a Cuban Montecristo, if you know what I mean.

^_^
 
Can someone explain this to me please?

I assume it's so you can buy "Montecristo" smokes in the states, but how do you know which one you are getting?

I'm asking because I'm from Australia, and I'm currently looking around for a good place to hit the slope and if I'm going to buy a Montecristo, I would prefer that it is a Cuban Montecristo, if you know what I mean.

^_^

We can only buy Non-Cuban(NC) cigars in the US. All Cuban products have been under embargo since the early 1960's. You should not have any trouble distinguishing betweent the NC and Cuban products. No reputable store will try to deceive you, but dont be afraid to ask. :2
 
Cool, thanks, but when you say "You should not have any trouble distinguishing betweent the NC and Cuban products", is there anything specific I should be looking for?
 
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Thanks everyone for the suggestions, now I'm gonna have to make a trip to the cigar shop. :ss

(I feel kinda like it's Christmas :tu)
 
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