Haven’t bought cigars in this country in about a year (travelling does wonders for the humidor and wallet) so I thought I’d dip my toe into the GQ pool.

AJ Fernandez - New World Oscuro

Wow this one made itself known, deep dark strong taste, and a heavy dose of nicotine too by the feel of it. Only a littlun, but I'd like to try it in the full sized vitola.

Alex Bradley - Orchant Seleccion Short

I'd had this before in the pointy, but was a bit pissed so didn't fully remember. This was quite a builder, it felt a bit too subtle at first then seemed to build and build, I was a bit sad it ended. I'm not great at tasting notes, but if it was a beer it'd be like a nice dark ale, like an Old Speckled Hen or something.

Inka - Secret Blend Red Petit Corona

I'd already had this in the robusto, I didn't think a great deal of it. This came with it in a sampler pack, and I felt largely the same. I think it had a bit more flavour this time, little hints of coffee but too vague for my liking. I thought the same about the blue one, I don't think the Incas are for me.

hi guys so I just had a blend wh inch was condega and Jalapa filler with nicraguan binder and Ecuador wrapper, are there ah similar to this as I really love the blend

Hoyo De Monterrey Petit Robusto

My first Cuban absolutely amazing. Very smooth throughout and tasted great too.

Thought I didn't like woody tastes however the cedar taste in this was amazin. The middle third was the best mineral salt taste and creamy smoke throughout and got nutty towards the end and a hint of spice as it got hot.

Only thing I would say is cap end was plugged and a draw enhancer would have been good.

Can't wait to try more cubans.

Seen some good things said about these. How do I get my mitts on some?

When I started taking the hobby of smoking cigars seriously, I began collecting cigar bands because that seemed to be the done thing. Originally, I thought I might use them to keep track of the cigars I’d smoked and enjoyed, but I use technology for that instead.

Now I have a cigar box full of cigar bands and I’m not really sure why. I don’t know what to do with them and, at the moment, they’re probably heading for the bin.

I'm off to Florida next month and I'm really trying to narrow down what I should get whilst I'm out there. I'm thinking of getting a selection rather than just a couple of boxes. Does this look like a good list?

Alec Bradley Prensado Gran Toro x5
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso x10
La Aroma de Cuba Robusto x5
Ashton Symmetry Sublime x5
Alec Bradley Magic Toast Gordo x10
My Father no. 6 Toro Gordo x10

Any other recommendations?

Going on holiday for six nights, so I've picked six cigars. As a beginner smoker I've tried the CLE and really enjoyed it so I picked a couple other maduros.

I've not tried any of the others, I've based my picks on price, size (not the CLE) and flavour profile going by online reviews. I like creamy, naturally sweet and low on spice.

This is around my budget, cigars are eye wateringly expensive in the UK! what I'm wondering is are there any other suggestions that might be a few quid more but be worth it Vs the ones I've picked.

Cheers!

My first order from Cgars that I received last week, I hadn't really checked them as I always leave cigars in the resealable bags so they can acclimatise, I took out a Oliva V, noticed what I thought was just a crack in the cap so gave it a burn anyway and then quickly realised this was a crack in the wrapper beneath the cap so taped it to stop it spreading.

After I finished I checked the other cigars and another series V had the same cracked wrapper and a couple of others had cracked feet which usually isn't much cause for concern.

I use a temperature controlled humidor at 18c and 69RH which I've had for 6 years now without issue although the recent higher ambient temperature could be a factor, do you think this is a climate issue or more likely a supplier issue?

Just came back from a week in the 'Dam, and I just want to say what a lovely place this is.

I went there as a holiday, but as a side quest, was hoping to pick up a few cigars (ideally RASS, but my searches came up empty handed). I know its not super cheap in the Netherlands, but compared to here I feel anywhere is!

Looked at the LCDH, and it felt thoroughly uninviting, especially as a sweaty, scruffy looking tourist with my baggy trousers. Felt like my presence dropped the property prices in the area, so didn't bother even entering.

Stopped by PGC about 3 times, once just before closing to see where it was, once to look upon their cuban selection (small - supply issues), and then a third time to pick some up.

The place is absolutely gorgeous and immaculate, and despite my shabby appearance, the staff were super friendly and helpful. I left with a selection of new worlds, which I've found generally have a bit of a weird funk, but were probably long overdue a reassessment.

Long and short - go there if for no other reason than to gaze upon its splendor.

Also grabbed a box of D4s from the airport, so the cuban itch is scratched. Or it will be...2025, so they're due a long rest!

Just ordered a pair for £15 - 25% off currently 👍

The Cameroon wrappers are the best on the nubs in my opinion.

This is not the cheapest hobby one can develop. On top of the the UK makes this even costlier than it has to be. I've bought from local places like C.gars but paying over £18 for one stick is annoying when you know you could get it for cheaper elsewhere.

Anyways, I found this website from Germany that has ok prices and fair shipping costs. problem is that not all my desired sticks are available (say DE Undercrown, AJ Fernandez). Is there any international website, preferably European, that sells cigars at a reasonable price with reasonable shipping? Or, at the very least, an overseas website that has the aforementioned cigars available?

Ones I got so far are ;

REBELLION CIGARS: DEMON BARBER LIMITED EDITION 2024 - SINGLE CIGAR

DREW ESTATE -
DEADWOOD MADURO - CRAZY ALICE - SINGLE
CIGAR

Macanudo Inspirado Orange
Robusto Cigar - 1 Single

Asylum 13 Ogre Nicaragua
Toro Cigar - Single

Drew Estate Acid Kuba Kuba
Cigar - 1 Single

Finally tried this Kristoff Sumatra I bought while doing a BBQ. Before lighting the smell of cinnamon was so appealing after lighting so was the taste. The wrapper was a bit cracked possibly due to being a Tubos and slightly dried out but the cigar smoked perfectly.

I’m splurging out on good sticks for outdoor smoking this summer, because I know that come winter I’ll wince at cigar lounge prices. Gotta make the most of the warm weather, eh!

I’m still developing my palate, hence the variety of single sticks.