The Guantanamera Cristales was part of the very first bunch of cigars I bought (terribly overpriced at the store). I now ordered a box of these together with a buddy of mine, and I smoked one to see what I would think of it now. I'd be happy to hear comments from those who have smoked these.
The box is the standard ISOM box: not much to look at, but it keeps the sticks out of harms way
The cigars all come individually protected by plastic tubos. This could give the impression of them being dogrockets, but I think it's handy. Easy to take with you. Plus they're pre-clipped (or rolled so that the head is open). It lit up well, had some burning problems at the start, but paying some attention to it from there on kept it burning evenly. The first third of the cigar was very mild, but after that it got a bit stronger. This is no doubt a lightbodied cigar with perhaps a medium strength flavor. The flavor I mainly tasted was that of mocha and the basic Cuban taste (cedar?). I would compare it to another cheap ISOM, JL Piedra, except the Guantanamera had a milder and more versatile flavor. The Piedra is pretty straight forward, and by that I mean it doesn't have many different flavors to perceive. Another ISOM in the same price-class, Quintero Brevas, is totally different. Much more spicier.
A small problem with the pre-clipped head was that if I didn't keep it dry, it easily got squashed between my lips! Just a heads up for those who might try one of these.
All in all, for this price, the Guantanamera Cristales is a great deal :thumbs:
Of course, seeing how I got a box of RASS in the same order, the Guantanamera was a side-attraction... :whistling:
The box is the standard ISOM box: not much to look at, but it keeps the sticks out of harms way
The cigars all come individually protected by plastic tubos. This could give the impression of them being dogrockets, but I think it's handy. Easy to take with you. Plus they're pre-clipped (or rolled so that the head is open). It lit up well, had some burning problems at the start, but paying some attention to it from there on kept it burning evenly. The first third of the cigar was very mild, but after that it got a bit stronger. This is no doubt a lightbodied cigar with perhaps a medium strength flavor. The flavor I mainly tasted was that of mocha and the basic Cuban taste (cedar?). I would compare it to another cheap ISOM, JL Piedra, except the Guantanamera had a milder and more versatile flavor. The Piedra is pretty straight forward, and by that I mean it doesn't have many different flavors to perceive. Another ISOM in the same price-class, Quintero Brevas, is totally different. Much more spicier.A small problem with the pre-clipped head was that if I didn't keep it dry, it easily got squashed between my lips! Just a heads up for those who might try one of these.
All in all, for this price, the Guantanamera Cristales is a great deal :thumbs:
Of course, seeing how I got a box of RASS in the same order, the Guantanamera was a side-attraction... :whistling:
. A buddy gave it to me. It almost turned me off to the whole cuban cigar idea until I found out it was just a cheapie. My next choice was the PSD4 
. Sure am glad I gave cubans a second chance :love: ! I have since tried the JLPs and the Quinteros and find them to be much better quality than the Guantanameras. But then I do happen to like fuller bodied smokes.
that you say Rocks so much. I think I am going to make some calls tomorrow to see about when they will be back in stock or just pay a premium for a box from somewher that has them