Is this a good value ? Had some delicious cigars this week

[SkyKing]

Sunday was my 35th wedding anniversary. After an afternoon at the arboretum, then a fabulous Italian dinner, I smoked my first OpusX, a Reserva D'Chateau generously included in my first trade as a Newbie, e.g., the Newbie trade. The smoke itself was absolutely delicious. I was surprised that the burn was not sharp and the wrapper started bursting on the last third. But it still might have been the most flavorful cigar I've tried. Bursting might have been partially my responsibility as I was toking this one like it was a choo-choo, it was so good.

I also tried a couple of Padrons from the same source. I understand why they are so wildly popular.

I was thinking of dropping my cigar club memberships - until one of them sent me this month's selection. I got 2 each Punch Gran Puros; Tatuaje La Rigqueza; E.P. Carrillo Elencos Elite; and Gran Habano #3 Habano Total cost was $29.00. I'm curious if folks here think it a good value.

I gave Riggueza an A-; I really enjoyed the Punch Puro and might order more. At this very moment, I'm enjoying the Carrillo and this might be my favorite of the bunch. Haven;t got to the Habano yet. This Carrillo is a sweet smoke - and I mean that in a good way.

I'm trying lots of different sticks and it is fun but confusing. I'm far from settling on a favorite. For now, I'm enjoying the exploration. My goal is to find that perfect bang for the buck smoke. I don't know how much I will pay for it. Could be $3 bucks or $8 bucks.


Next stop: I'm waiting on a fiver of Ortego Series D recommended by BlindByScience.plus a bundle of JR Limited Editions 6x56.

ax

 

[Kid Montana]

The problem with those subscription services is you do get decent value for money, if you like everything they send you. Unfortunately 30% will be shit cigars intended to "round out" the selection, 40% will be reasonably decent smokes, with the remaining 30% turn out to be your lifelong favorites. After sampling a range, dump the plan and just buy stuff you know you like. An alternative would be to dump the plan right away and try the Newbie trade where you're much more likely to get a good price for good sticks which you're guaranteed to enjoy.

 

[SkyKing]

The problem with those subscription services is you do get decent value for money, if you like everything they send you. Unfortunately 30% will be shit cigars intended to "round out" the selection, 40% will be reasonably decent smokes, with the remaining 30% turn out to be your lifelong favorites. After sampling a range, dump the plan and just buy stuff you know you like. An alternative would be to dump the plan right away and try the Newbie trade where you're much more likely to get a good price for good sticks which you're guaranteed to enjoy.

Good point. I already did one with DrunkFish and he sent me some AWESOME smokes. I was already thinking of your suggested strategy. Will cancel and apply the bucks to another trade.

 

[rx2man]

Thats the CI deal. I had the C.com one and they sent some interesting stuff but at $50 a mo for 10 I think, it started to get a little expensive but the per stick price always added up to about $80. So was fair, was not paying attention to the newb sampler trade and probably should have.

 

[SkyKing]

I love the Newbie Sampler trade. If I had tried that first, might not have joined the clubs at all. You're right, it was the CI deal. I also get a pack from Thompson. As a newbie to CP, I hesitate to name vendors for fear of appearing to be a shill. Also, don't wish to have to defend dealing with Thompson. I've actually been happy buying from JR and CI; so-so with Thompson. Got some Sun Grown Fuentes from them that were not in prime condition - meaning they were somewhat dry and at least one was cracked at the foot.

I have discovered that the Big name online vendors don't carry many of the better or at least more popular cigars smoked at CP. I was extremely surprised and found it odd when I discovered that JR doesn't carry Padrons.

 

[Devil Doc]

JR doesn't carry Padrons for a reason. The former owner, Lew Rothman, and Orlando Padron had a big fight over Rothman naming a cigar after Padrons brother, a number of years ago. Rothman claims to refuse to carry Padrons. I suspect it's six of one half dozen of the other. Those two have been known to hold a grudge for a long, long time.

Doc

 

[SkyKing]

I suspected something was behind it. Industries get small at the top. Love the intrigue. See it in Fly Fishing. Similar stories as to why Bass Pro doesn't carry a certain line of fly tying vises. Vice was involved.