Not terribly long ago we received a voicemail entry from Dave Hanifan in regards to coming up with a Stogie Review sampler for a new cigar smoker as well as an intermediate smoker. During the recording of Episode 25 we didn’t do such a great job of answering the question as it was asked, and we rambled off several cigars that a new and intermediate smoker might enjoy.
The purpose of this article is to answer Dave’s question the way it was asked, and to possibly come up with a small list of cigars that a smoker could take to a cigar shop and purchase at their leisure. The Sampler is made up of 2 of each cigar listed for a total of 12 cigars.
Dave’s Question
Stogie Review
New Smoker Sampler
Stogie Review
New Smoker Sampler
Cigar: Tatuaje Serie P
Body: Medium
Approximate Price: $3.25
The flavors are straight forward and easy to follow while being smooth.
The cigar is made up of mixed filler which brings the overall cost down.
Cigar: Padron Londres Maduro
Body: Medium
Approximate Price: $2.30
Flavors are smooth and rich all while being easy to smoke and follow along with.
Wrappers can be a little rough aesthetically but smoke well.
Cigar: Oliva Serie G Maduro
Body: Medium
Approximate Price: $3.50
My favorite early afternoon smoke
Smokes just as good with water as it does with coffee
Cigar: Perdomo Reserve Champaign
Body: Mild – Medium
Approximate Price: $6.50
Attractive buttery flavors that get you salivating
Smokes very well with a slow and even burn.
Cigar: Rocky Patel Connecticut
Body: Mild
Approximate Price: 4.50
Smooth flavors that stand out while being easy on the palate
Cigars International exclusive
Cigar: El Rey Del Mundo Robusto Larga
Body: Medium
Approximate Price: $3.60
Medium body with a rich Honduran Tobacco flavor that doesn’t overwhelm
Well behaved cigar that burns slow and even.
Approximate Grand Total
$47.30
Please Note
The prices associated with the cigars listed above are derived from Local PA cigar shops as well as online vendors. The state and or store you purchase these cigars from may have different pricing and result in a much different bottom line.
Following Dave’s guidelines, what 12 cigars would you put together to make up your “New Smoker Sampler”?
Wow, thanks Walt, that is one awesome list of cigars there.
I’ve not tried the El Rey Del Mundo, the Padron Londres or the Oliva Serie G Maduro. I love other Padron cigars and the Oliva brands have never dissappointed me so I’m looking forward to trying out those two cigars. I’ve never tried any El Rey cigars so looking forward to that as well.
The RP connecticut is a great cigar and I’d say a good alternative if it’s not available is the Carlos Tarano Tarano. I’d say they are pretty much identical in flavor and burn. I’m sure there are others just as good and better but for availability and cost, those two are closely matched.
I like the pick of the Perdoma Champagne and would add that the Cameroon version would be a good swap if the Chapagne is not available. You did a great review on the Cameroon and it’s the same price and quality with a bit more ooomph on the spice scale. That being said, I smoke more of the Champagnes then the Cameroon’s so I have to love your choice 🙂
Dave
The only cigar on the list I’ve smoked is the Perdomo Champaign, and I agree with Dave, they’re quite good. Since you are taking requests, how about a similiar list of medium to full bodied and flavored. I think I’ll be ready to make the move after I smoke the ones on the list I haven’t tried.
THANKS!
Gusto1,
I’m planning on making this a three part series to cover Medium to Full cigars for those that have been smoking a few months then another for people that wouldn’t have any trouble smoking the fuller bodied blends.
Dave,
I’m glad you enjoyed the list. I really enjoy the Perdomo Cameroon as well and plan on putting it in a future sampler. I left it out this time because I thought the flavors of the Champaign were more suited toward newer smokers.
I’ve been smoking for a couple of years already and have not tried the Oliva Series G maduro and thanks to your reccomendation, I enjoyed the belicoso yesterday. The burn was a little faster as Walt mentioned in his review, but I liked it. Its a nice creamy medium body cigar that was a nice change of pace.
P.S. I had the ash burn longer than the cigar itself!!!