OK, yeah, I'm Canadian. For undisclosed reasons, I will have to purchase my cigars while in the US. Given that our selection of cigars is *ahem* a little wider than what's available to my American brothers, I'm wondering what I should smoke on my next trip.
Thanks for the reminder, I should have been more clear. I stick to medium- to full-bodied cigars. My standby up here in the Great White North is the ol' Montecristo #4.
Sorry I left off a letter - should've read "Rocky Patel": http://www.rockypatel.com/ Their maduro rendered me useless... I swear they put opium in these things. Here is a good review: http://www.stogiereview.com/?p=190 But expect to pay around $10, not $4 as the reviewer claims.
As odd and varied as the brand is, I have really grown to like Acid's Roam. Very smooth and creamy smoke with a tolerable smell and a good flavor. 7X48 so it's a good 45 minutes of relaxation.
If you make it to the Los Angeles area, be sure to spend an evening at the 2nd Street Cigar Company, in Belmont Shore. The owner is a great guy (Ferrari guy I believe) & is a gracious host. http://www.2ndstreet-cigars.com/
+1 If I could afford it, I would only smoke these. As it is, once a week will do. For a budget, El Ray del Mundo Maduros are very nice.
To conclude this thread, I did pick up a Rocky Patel (can't remember which) and enjoyed it, but let's just say I brought my own cigars which I legally purchased in my country.
Im not a fan of the rocky line of cigars at ALL. I can smoke the decade, but i really do not enjoy them. The blends they use seem to not smoke harmoniously to me. While flavorful, its kinda like a good steak with to much seasoning. The fuente opus X, padron line, and the ashton VSG and ESG and TATUAJE are all unarguably world class legal smokes in the US. They meet even the cuban cigar smokers pallet
An avid cigar smoker, who has enjoyed the Monte 2# just this past Friday night, and 4# I purchased a box in December I would suggest the Rocky Patel Decade Ashton Classic in any size Davidoff (domincan) in any size you choose. Olivia V series in a torpedo Diamond Crown Maximus Don Lino 1989 in a maduro San Cristobal in a torpedo This is the Dominican version not the Cuban. Blended by Don Pepin for Ashton. A very good smoke. All medium bodied, none are considered spicy. The Maximus would be on the stronger side of medium though.
I would have to 2nd your list as well,,,,the decade wasnt "THAT" good though, BUT one you made me remeber are the new GOD OF FIREs, an excellent medium smoke
This past weekend, I had a great experience with the new San Cristobal belicoso. Beautiful puro made of Nicaraguan leaf. A gentlemen at my cigar shop recomended it when they were out of Padron 1964/1926. While not in the same league (almost!) as the Padrons, it was a fantastic cigar at a very nice price. FYI, it is made by Ashton, and is just a recycled brand name from the 80's. My advice would be to try it, then buy a box before CA rates it and they sell out...
los cubanos are readily available at rip prices. otherwise just bring with life is too short... not to smoke cubans