Reviving this thread. Boy it seems hard to find authentic advice/reviews on Cubans. I've found some video reviews, but most are shaky and extremely boring. The text reviews are often short and go along the lines of "Cuban cigars are great - this is my first one! Love them!"
I've been doing exhaustive research and narrowed my short list down to these sticks (in boxes). I need only two boxes, totaling 50 sticks:
H. Upmann No. 2 - I've read some bad reviews of boxes of Monte 2's, showing significant issues with draw. I originally wanted the Montes, but CA has consistently rated the H.Upmann as superior to the Monte - the cigar bought by those 'in the know.
Partagas Series D. No. 4 – The talk of the town, but I’ve heard some bad things about quality control on these as well. Too many people buying them? I’m sure I’d love them – if not they don’t sound like they’d be too hard to get rid of!
Cohiba Siglo II – Great size for an easy smoke and something all my friends would love to be handed. It carries the name plus consistency, as well as being on sale for a little over $20 less than normal.
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 – This is the wild card. I haven’t researched this cigar as extensively but several reviewers point that this stick has what the PSD4 is lacking in quality. Looks like a safe bet.
I’m considering the H. Upmanns with the Cohibas. Also, my seller lists and suggests the option of opening the boxes and padding them for shipping, otherwise they would not be liable for damage. Sound advice?
Thanks all! I hope to join into the regular pages and get going with some passes soon!
EDIT TO ADD: I just discovered I can purchase three packs of the Hoyos and Partagas I listed, for a bit more - but they're in tubes and I can try them! Might do this...