C Aficionado best lists from 2006, 2007 etc....

[Easto]

Just like everyone else I'm trying to get the best bang for my buck so I've been searching the CA lists from years back and seem to have found a few deals. For example I can get a box (25) of Olivia Series G Cameroon Robustos for $84.00. This was rated as the number 11 pick in 2006.

So I guess my question is... Do you think doing this is a good idea? Before everyone gets a little excited and tells me to try one before buying a whole box, I understand. I do know what I like but I would like to try something new and something that has a relatively good reputation (I'm only using that cigar as an exmaple). Do you think the flavor and reputation would endure on older choices or would the cigar change enough over the years to make it a questionable purchase?

Easto

 

[drewman285]

I think the Oliva Serie G is a great cigar. It was one of my favorites when I first started smoking due to it's mildly sweet Cameroon wrapper, that everyone seems to crave when they first start smoking. When it comes to medium to fuller cigars the Oliva Serie V was rated number 1 back in 2007 I believe? Another great one is the Oliva Serie O both of these are pretty robust sticks but absolutly great smokes and easy on the pocket book! I know these are just a few and all Olivas but for the quality and taste you just can't not mention them. Happy smoking .

 

[Pugman1943]

You might also look at the Arturo Fuente Cameroon wrapper Natural. Many sizes can be had for $90 per box, and most of the folks here will say "they have never had a Fuente that they did not like"

CI and Bonita are good places to look for the best deal IMO.

Enjoy whatever choice you decide on.

Ed

 

[tomthirtysix]

Do you think the flavor and reputation would endure on older choices or would the cigar change enough over the years to make it a questionable purchase?

That's going to depend on the cigar. In theory, what was a good cigar 3 years ago shouldbe a good cigar today. However, that's only true if the manufacturer kept the blend the same and was on top of quality control. One particular brand I hear that complaint about quite often is Rocky Patel. When a line of his is first released, it's good, but something happens along the way, and the later releases aren't as good.

If you're using those lists, you're also assuming your tastes are in-line with CA's. I do know that the last few years, when I had a subscription, along with the Top 25, they also published a 'best bang for your buck' list. They listed cigars all under a particular price point - maybe $5? - That scored best in their testings, but just not high enough to make the top 25. Maybe see if you can find that list as well.

 

[MoeCizlak]

Remember Tom, they let price basically determine the #1 cigar of last year. So I have since taken all of their advice with a grain of salt.

 

[w00ts!te]

This is true. I didn't hear much hype about the cigar even after it was pronounced #1. That is a good way to ruin a label if the producers don't know how to handle the demands.

 

[scthornton]

There are some assumptions that have to be made such as changing the blend, crops, harvest, quality etc. This was already mentioned, but would be a key. Some years crops of tobacco are better than others, so what may have been good 3 years ago, may not be the same today, could have been a banner year, etc. You can probably feel fairly safe sticking with well known high quality cigar producers and their long standing marcas. IMHO, there are a lot of "other" factors that go into CA's rankings. I love to read them, see their comments, look at their ads/articles etc., but you should take it with a grain of salt. I use it merely as entertainment as I'm sure others do to. There are times when you'll see something you want to run out and try, sometimes you agree, sometimes you wonder if it had to do with advertising revenues...

 

[thechenman]

The Olivia G Robuto is actually one my my favorites. It has never let me down, and they are so affordable at the same time, whcih makes the experience even better whenever I smoke them.