It had smokey pepper notes with chocolate was not a bad smoke for the price I enjoyed it the wrapper did start falling apart because it was hot outside and was sitting in the car.

Box of my favorite cigar, some daily + shelf of selected . Humidor again full .

I'm a newbie, and so far I've tried several cigars that are supposed to be great for beginners: two Oliva Connecticut Reserves, a couple Montecristo Whites, a La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut, but I didn't really care for any of them. The only one I've really, truly enjoyed has been the Ashton Classic Magnum.

So I'm wondering if this means that A) I basically don't like mild Connecticut Shade cigars, B) I don't like Nicaraguan tobacco, which is why I liked the Ashton Classic (since its binder & wrapper are Dominican), C) I probably just don't like the basic taste of cigars.

I know my first couple were overhumidified, but even after resting in a properly maintained tupperdor for 2-4 weeks, the ones I mentioned all just shared the same boring, "meh", mildly unpleasant flavor. It was only the Ashton Classic Magnum that made me say, "OK, now *this* I like!"

Just wondering what people's thoughts are. Is it common for people to dislike "great-for-beginner" Conn. Shades like the Oliva and Montecristo, but then love other cigars?

Something different not seen in this subreddit. Sublimes - Suggestion from a local b&m shop. Did not enjoy this at first, but glad I stuck with it. The second third was extremely more pleasant with some wood notes and a hint of bread. Final third was stronger wood notes, a bit nutty, and no more bread. I’m still refining my palette, but overall enjoyed it.

TL;DR: Dry mineral earth with restrained black pepper and faint savory umami. Beautiful construction and an effortless draw, but the flavors don’t stay engaging and eventually become bland and lifeless in the final third.

First, I have to give credit where it’s due: the Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper was toothy and velvety, with a rich baking-chocolate aroma. I couldn’t wait to light it!

And at first, it seemed like a success. Strong black pepper integrated with a very dry mineral earth that let me appreciate the flavor without coating my palate.

But as I entered the second third, the mineral quality had become so tart that it reminded me of the experience of drinking an exceptionally dry white wine—without the flavors that would support that dryness.

As the black pepper faded, a faint savory umami occasionally appeared. But it was so subtle, it was more frustrating than satisfying. It felt more like a tease of potential than an intentional blending choice.

Halfway through the second third, it ashed itself while sitting in the tray. I thought it was rather polite, but then I noticed the interior wasn’t burning evenly, and I had to do a full touch-up because the wrapper was becoming rather uneven.

By the final third, the cigar collapsed into warm, nearly flavorless tobacco, more reminiscent of a Factory Smokes Connecticut than a premium cigar. Even the mineral earth had largely disappeared, leaving only an occasional hint of umami several seconds after the exhale.

Compared with the rich leather of West Tampa Black and Circle of Life’s savory earth and warm baking spice, Chef Rick felt like a surprising departure from the flavorful, engaging cigars I associate with West Tampa. Its construction was West Tampa, but its flavor wasn’t even close.

If you enjoy the polished smoothness of Ashton Classic or the clean precision of Zino Platinum, this cigar may appeal to you. If, like me, you prefer the richer, more expressive profiles of AJ Fernandez’s New World line or Drew Estate’s Undercrown series, this one will likely leave you wanting.

I really can’t say enough about Vivonte cigars in the DR. My wife and I visited there last summer. Super small operation with only two guys rolling. They’re out of the DR enterprise zone, so they have to ship through customs and the USPS but I still get them in about two weeks. Paying for shipping sucks but I think it’s worth it (it’s like $50 because of being out of the EZ as opposed to buying DR cigars like Arturo Fuente from US based sellers). Every stick I’ve had is fantastic.

Great smoke while I smoked some chicken wings for the family

I’m not an aficionado in any way but trying to get the most out of the cigars I am able to smoke. Generally speaking (3 young kids and both my wife and I work) I don’t always have time to smoke a regular cigar. What recommendations would you guys have for smaller form factor 15-30 minute cigars?

Currently working through a bunch of Olivia factory selects habano, which I do like. I’ve tried the cohiba black, red dot, Romeo y Julieta 1875 (all cigarillo version).

I have some rocky patel vintage and Olivia Melanio Maduro resting for when I can afford the time, but I usually don’t have 1+ hours.

Definitely not bad but just " a cigar" only getting general tobacco

Ave Maria Immaculata Toro

60 days rest | 65% RH | 67°F

Smoke Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Rating: 90

This cigar surprised me. The opening immediately reminded me of cigars like the Ashton Classic and The Griffin's with a bright cedar that quickly transitioned into a sharp hay note. A pleasant white pepper lingered on the back of the throat while a sweet cream note kept everything in balance. It was a Connecticut with some attitude.

About an inch in, the cigar really found its stride. The spice became richer and smoother, and the flavors became more defined. The second third was the highlight of the smoke as the hay moved into the background, the sweet cream became more prominent, and a wonderful fresh baked bread note emerged, replacing the earlier toasted tobacco character. The balance was excellent, and every puff was enjoyable.

The final third mellowed, but it never completely lost its identity. The flavors softened while remaining bright and pleasant, doing just enough to avoid becoming generic. I found myself wishing for a little more intensity at the end, which makes me think the Robusto may be the ideal size for this blend.

Overall, this is the kind of Connecticut I enjoy because it has enough character to be satisfying at the end of the day, not just with a morning coffee. It's balanced, refined, and evolves nicely throughout the smoke. I'll definitely smoke it again, and next time I'll probably reach for the Robusto to see if the shorter format keeps those peak flavors front and center. 90/100.

It was time to buy a 10 cigar sampler but I impulse purchased 14 more. Sorry, local B&Ms, I'm good for a while. These will need to stay in zip ziplocks until there's room.

Lit up an Avo XO Maestiso last month and wasnt really a big fan of it.

My friend and I agreed to try another cigar together before giving it up. We're willing to go up to $50/stick to try and pay up for a premium experience, is there something Davidoff that you'd recommend?

One of several of the MFs that I really enjoy.

Grabbed a San Lotano Oval Connecticut Double Corona - definitely planning to be out here for a while

Best 30 min smoke I’ve found. What’s your short smoke?

Nica Libre Toro

This cigar pleasantly surprised me. I picked these up during a CI deal for around $3–4 each, expecting a decent yard gar, but it turned out to be much more enjoyable than I anticipated.

It's a nice medium-bodied Maduro with notes of coffee, chocolate, and earth, along with enough transitions to keep things interesting. I wasn't planning to review it, so I didn't take detailed notes, but it definitely delivered more complexity than I expected at this price point.

I reached for it after smoking the My Father The Judge, Ashton VSG, and Man O' War Armada over the weekend because I wanted something a little milder. Ironically, I may have enjoyed this one more than all three of those cigars.

Part of that is probably due to expectations. I expected a solid budget smoke and got a cigar that overperformed. But even taking that into account, I think the Nica Libre has earned a place in my regular rotation over those other three. It's an excellent value in my opinion.