Maggie’s Favorite cigars of 2012

[ZLBubba]

As 2012 draws to a close, I wanted to see what the Hide's favorite cigars were this year since I know that quite a few of us enjoy a good stogie once in a while. I had three favorites this year, two that are fairly easy to find and the other not so much.

My first fave is the Crowned Heads Headley Grange cigar:

I got my first stick about 2 months ago, loved it, and have been smoking at least one every couple weeks since. I had some of my old teammates up in DC two weeks ago and we all enjoyed this smoke with some nice dark rum.

My second fave has the same great strength of flavor and potency, but in a smaller package.

Tatuaje makes some great limited lines of cigars, and this Tatuaje Reserva is one of them. Either the Headley Grange or the Tatuaje Reserva would be an awesome gift to yourself or stogie-smoking buddy.

My final fave is a bit harder to find but was the undisputed champion of our cigar smokes in eastern Afghanistan: the (Cuban) Partagas Serie P No. 2!

That smoke crossed all lines of rank, branch, and taste profile. It was so popular that I never went to an outpost without them in my little Pelican humidor. This was what we smoked at a tiny outpost in Sar Howza Paktika, as well as as FOB Airborne, Wardak, and at the command HQ at Bagram Airfield. It's a strong cigar with great flavors. You can't get it here in the States, but if you happen to be traveling abroad and want to enjoy some nice Cuban contraband overseas, you'd be hard pressed to find a better smoke.

What stogies have made your favorites list for 2012?

 

[Yama Arashi]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Quite a few sticks from Arturo Fuente are always my go to cigars, but this year, the two I enjoyed the most were the Alec Bradley Prensado cigars, and the Hoyo De Monterrey Reposado En Cedros Marco.

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

my vote goes to the monte christo cabinet selection toro

 

[Graham]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

1) Cohiba Exquisitos (Cuba)
Best full-bodied smoke from a small ring guage (tactical) cigar
No explanation necessary (El Laguito)

2) Partagas Serie P No.2 (Cuba)
Has now surpassed one of my all-time favorites, the Montecristo No.2, due primarily to its boldness: Black pepper, coffee bean, leather and sweet cappuccino.
Awesome!!

3) H.Upmann No.2 (Cuba)
Consistetly good for the fourth year in a row: A solid core of earthy flavor, hints of nuts and coffee beans on the finish.

4) Cohiba Siglo V (Cuba)
They've finally got the Siglo series working right: A richer and more refined character. Filler and wrapper from the best plantations in Pinar del Río, with the filler getting a special fermentation process after arriving in bales from tobacco warehouses in the provinces.

5) Arturo Fuenta Rosado Sungrown Magnum R
Really not bad for an Ecuadorean wrapper and Dominican filler.
Too long a smoke for me, though.

6) Any (Cuban) Corona from Partagas, Romeo y Julieta (my old-time favorite), or Bolivar (my new favorite).

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

I've got a box of the Prensados and they are awesome. It's no wonder that got cigar of the year.

That Hoya De Monterrey Reposado is dead sexy. I'll keep a look out for it.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1) Cohiba Exquisitos (Cuba)
Best full-bodied smoke from a small ring guage (tactical) cigar
No explanation necessary (El Laguito)

2) Partagas Serie P No.2 (Cuba)
Has now surpassed one of my all-time favorites, the Montecristo No.2, due primarily to its boldness: Black pepper, coffee bean, leather and sweet cappuccino.
Awesome!!

3) H.Upmann No.2 (Cuba)
Consistetly good for the fourth year in a row: A solid core of earthy flavor, hints of nuts and coffee beans on the finish.

4) Cohiba Siglo V (Cuba)
They've finally got the Siglo series working right: A richer and more refined character. Filler and wrapper from the best plantations in Pinar del Río, with the filler getting a special fermentation process after arriving in bales from tobacco warehouses in the provinces.

5) Arturo Fuenta Rosado Sungrown Magnum R
Really not bad for an Ecuadorean wrapper and Dominican filler.
Too long a smoke for me, though.

6) Any (Cuban) Corona from Partagas, Romeo y Julieta (my old-time favorite), or Bolivar (my new favorite). </div></div>

You've got mighty fine taste in cigars there! I haven't tried the Exquisitos yet, but looking to grab some in January. Two Cubans that really made my head spin were the Cohiba Behike 54, and the Partagas Serie D No 4. Serious smokes, and some serious coin. Here's some stogie porn:

Seaaggie, where'd you pick up that Montecristo? You're the third person I've heard like that cigar. For some reason, the shops around me don't carry too many sticks of Montecristo. I'll snag one the next time I've got a chance, or just break down and order three or four online. Is that Montecristo a Honduran or Nicaraguan?

 

[mountainman308]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

If you can find the Partagas Series P, they are awesome. As far as state-side legal cigars go the La Gloria Cubana Series R and N are my favorite, followed in close second by the La Aurora Ruby.

 

[jcfd2201]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Enjoyed a few varieties of the Avo line this year and the Fuente Chateau Fuente has always been one of my favorites for a regular smoke.

Edit: My civil service paycheck, nor my wife, allow for some of the phenominal choices presented above!

 

[lash]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jcfd2201</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Enjoyed a few varieties of the Avo line this year and the Fuente Chateau Fuente has always been one of my favorites for a regular smoke.

Edit: My civil service paycheck, nor my wife, allow for some of the phenominal choices presented above! </div></div>
+1
Champagne taste but beer pocketbook here too. I've found I can get pretty tasty gars for less cabbage by getting on email lists for Cigars International and others. CI sends out Tuesday specials and weekly specials, so I watch for the ones I like and buy boxes then.

 

[dohnuts58]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

I have enjoyed Rocky Patel greatly, as well as Cohiba Esplendinos. And, I hate to say it, but Acid (by Drew Estate) are actually pretty good, I liked the Acid Roam pretty well

And Perdomo Champagne 10th anniversary

 

[aloreman]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Don pepin jj maduro

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lash</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jcfd2201</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Enjoyed a few varieties of the Avo line this year and the Fuente Chateau Fuente has always been one of my favorites for a regular smoke.

Edit: My civil service paycheck, nor my wife, allow for some of the phenominal choices presented above! </div></div>
+1
Champagne taste but beer pocketbook here too. I've found I can get pretty tasty gars for less cabbage by getting on email lists for Cigars International and others. CI sends out Tuesday specials and weekly specials, so I watch for the ones I like and buy boxes then. </div></div>

You know, the internet has certainly given us the chance to try all kinds of good cigars for much less than we can buy them at a brick and mortar store. When I first started smoking, I joined cigar.com's Cigar of the Month club. I think it's $30/month, but you get 5 cigars, all of which would be more than $6 at your local store. Often they toss in at least one $12~13 stick as well so you're usually getting a pretty good value. I have stayed with the program simply to get cigars that I may not know about or have a chance to try otherwise. I'd definitely recommend giving it a look.

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1) Cohiba Exquisitos (Cuba)
Best full-bodied smoke from a small ring guage (tactical) cigar
No explanation necessary (El Laguito)

2) Partagas Serie P No.2 (Cuba)
Has now surpassed one of my all-time favorites, the Montecristo No.2, due primarily to its boldness: Black pepper, coffee bean, leather and sweet cappuccino.
Awesome!!

3) H.Upmann No.2 (Cuba)
Consistetly good for the fourth year in a row: A solid core of earthy flavor, hints of nuts and coffee beans on the finish.

4) Cohiba Siglo V (Cuba)
They've finally got the Siglo series working right: A richer and more refined character. Filler and wrapper from the best plantations in Pinar del Río, with the filler getting a special fermentation process after arriving in bales from tobacco warehouses in the provinces.

5) Arturo Fuenta Rosado Sungrown Magnum R
Really not bad for an Ecuadorean wrapper and Dominican filler.
Too long a smoke for me, though.

6) Any (Cuban) Corona from Partagas, Romeo y Julieta (my old-time favorite), or Bolivar (my new favorite). </div></div>

You've got mighty fine taste in cigars there! I haven't tried the Exquisitos yet, but looking to grab some in January. Two Cubans that really made my head spin were the Cohiba Behike 54, and the Partagas Serie D No 4. Serious smokes, and some serious coin. Here's some stogie porn:

Seaaggie, where'd you pick up that Montecristo? You're the third person I've heard like that cigar. For some reason, the shops around me don't carry too many sticks of Montecristo. I'll snag one the next time I've got a chance, or just break down and order three or four online. Is that Montecristo a Honduran or Nicaraguan? </div></div>

I pick them up local. pm me your mailing address, i can have my wife send one to you. If i remember right they are a blend, but don't quote me...they are incredibly smooth and go very good with a canadian wiskey (crown xr or cask 16)


the place is the Briar Shoppe in the west university district of houston.

 

[hondo1312]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

I bought a box of Avo 85th Anniversary in April of 2011, and have smoked 2 between now and then. Those are #2 on my list.

My favorite stick (same as in 2011, 2010, 2009, etc) is the Padron 1964 Exclusivo Maduro. Never fails to be absolutely outstanding.

The Davidoff Millenium probably ranks at #3.

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Ok, from Montecristo's website


Montecristo Cabinet Selección
Considered by most to be the world's most famous cigar, the aristocratic Montecristo bears a noble legacy that sets it apart at every level. Now Montecristo elevates the pursuit of perfection to new heights with Montecristo Cabinet Selección, a complex and provocative blend of the finest Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian long filler tobaccos and Connecticut broadleaf binder, hand-rolled in the finest Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The limited edition Montecristo Cabinet Selección is an enticing invitation to savor a fuller-bodied smoke with a distinctively alluring aroma.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Binder: Broadleaf Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian

 

[HellsCanyonArmory]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Had a local cigar shop open up here in town and I've been trying a few new smokes. Bar none my favorite this year that went on every hunting trip with me was the Alec Bradley 'Black Market'... Sub $10 cigar that has made my all time favorite list.

I'm not expert on cigars and usually try to stick to the sub $8-$10 range as it can get spendy in a hurry!

Mike

 

[Graham]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two Cubans that really made my head spin were the Cohiba Behike 54, and the Partagas Serie D No 4. Serious smokes, and some serious coin.</div></div>I have not had the big Cohiba. The Partagas is excellent for a Robusto - on par with the Robusto-sized Cohiba.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Favorites are the (Non-Cuban) Montecristo #2 Torpedo when it's a special occasion and, for 'everyday' smoking, Upmann 1844 Churchills.

Not a big Cuban cigar fan. Of the few I have had, I find them strong for my palette... Good, but just not my thing. The exception to that is the Cohibas. Damn they're good... .

When they plant Castro for his dirt nap, (hopefully followed by a lifting of the embargo) I look forward to enjoying a genuine Cohiba!

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[MilsurpShooter]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

I joined a cigar of the month club from Cigars International so have been trying a variety of them. However, of the ones I've had this year the major one sticking in my mind are my two all tim favorites from last year as well

CAO Black and Arturo Fuente Short Story. Those two cigars for some reason always stand head and shoulders above the rest. N series from Gloria Cubana wasn't too bad either though.

Only Cubans I can get my hands on are Romeo y Julietas, those are for special occasions. Had one when I finally got my Savage back from customer service and it worked. I had a Rocky Patel Punch too however, just in case it didn't work lol

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

for sub ten dollar try all of the cristof (sp.) cigars...for the money they are hard to beat.

 

[Jrogers05]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As 2012 draws to a close, I wanted to see what the Hide's favorite cigars were this year since I know that quite a few of us enjoy a good stogie once in a while. I had three favorites this year, two that are fairly easy to find and the other not so much.

My first fave is the Crowned Heads Headley Grange cigar:

I got my first stick about 2 months ago, loved it, and have been smoking at least one every couple weeks since. I had some of my old teammates up in DC two weeks ago and we all enjoyed this smoke with some nice dark rum.

My second fave has the same great strength of flavor and potency, but in a smaller package.

Tatuaje makes some great limited lines of cigars, and this Tatuaje Reserva is one of them. Either the Headley Grange or the Tatuaje Reserva would be an awesome gift to yourself or stogie-smoking buddy.

My final fave is a bit harder to find but was the undisputed champion of our cigar smokes in eastern Afghanistan: the (Cuban) Partagas Serie P No. 2!

That smoke crossed all lines of rank, branch, and taste profile. It was so popular that I never went to an outpost without them in my little Pelican humidor. This was what we smoked at a tiny outpost in Sar Howza Paktika, as well as as FOB Airborne, Wardak, and at the command HQ at Bagram Airfield. It's a strong cigar with great flavors. You can't get it here in the States, but if you happen to be traveling abroad and want to enjoy some nice Cuban contraband overseas, you'd be hard pressed to find a better smoke.

What stogies have made your favorites list for 2012?
</div></div>

The patragas is awesome. I received a box for my wedding and have been going through a box a year since. by far my favorite smoke.

 

[Graham]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

You know, for four bucks each the Henry Clay Coronas really aren't all that bad as simply a smoke. But those kinds of cigars are not in the same league as one with its own distinct character.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

For the guys reading this who are deployed in Afghanistan, check out the Italian PX at ISAF headquarters in Kabul if you're looking for some Cubans. They've got a humidor on the left as you walk in the door that sometimes has some decent smokes. I bought Montecristo No. 2s and Partagas Serie P No. 2s from them last year and deals better than the duty free in Dubai, Istanbul, and Madrid. Definitely check it out if you're moving through Kabul or have contacts up there.

 

[Sportin Wood]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

 

[Don'tTaseMeBro]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Ghurka's and Ave Maria are my favorites right now. The Ave Maria Reconquisto's are incredible. Also, for a quick smoke, try the Man O' War Puro Authentico. All of these are great smokes from start to finish!

 

[Yama Arashi]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: seaaggie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">for sub ten dollar try all of the cristof (sp.) cigars...for the money they are hard to beat. </div></div>

The brand is Kristoff, and yes, they are great smokes.

 

[bigdaddydmd]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Don'tTaseMeBro</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ghurka's and Ave Maria are my favorites right now. The Ave Maria Reconquisto's are incredible. Also, for a quick smoke, try the Man O' War Puro Authentico. All of these are great smokes from start to finish! </div></div>

Agreed. I enjoy AJ Fernandez's cigars and his Man O' War line. Especially the Virtue. Tried the Ave Maria's a few months back and it is now my favorite cigar. A little spendy for my wallet for an everyday smoke, but I break them out when I feel like celebrating something. That leathery and peppery finish is great.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

A good friend got me into Fernandez's San Lotano line. It's a really good smoke. I tend to favor the San Lotano Oval when I can find them.

 

[Maggot]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Humbolt Supremeo

 

[SledDog]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

I like a wide range but have 2 I always fall back on, Macanudo and Partagas. One is smooth and sweet, perfect with dessert or beer, one is bit spicy and terrific with brandy or scotch. Inexpensive, predictable, just 2 great smokes.

 

[Prison Mike]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Humbolt Supremeo

</div></div>

Is that cat nip?

My vote goes to the Acids, but Im a rookie.

 

[Don'tTaseMeBro]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Has anyone ever tried the Rocky Patel Vintage line? Curious if I should order some. I'n Afghan so I can't just stop by the cigar shop to peruse. Need some feedback. Thanks!

 

[TimK]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

You guys and your expensive cigars. We have happy hour for our employees every Frifay evening, and they all smoke. My wife and I smoke at least two more each per week. When you add it all up, we go through a box and a half a month.

As a result, I have become king of the affordable cigar. My favorites are the entire Baccarat line, La Unica 400, Romeo 1875 Exibition #3. My wife might as well own stock in Macanudo.

 

[MilsurpShooter]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Don'tTaseMeBro</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anyone ever tried the Rocky Patel Vintage line? Curious if I should order some. I'n Afghan so I can't just stop by the cigar shop to peruse. Need some feedback. Thanks! </div></div>

Definitely worth it. I prefer the 90 over the 92 though, smoother flavor profile with a sweet (but not sickening sweet) finish. Good leather tone and some hints of spice, but not as prevalent as you would get in a full bodied cigar. They rank up in my top 5.

I also rate them on after taste. I've had some good ones but a few hours after finishing it tastes like a small heard of camels has crawled over my tongue lol. Those are some of the few that haven't done it to me.

 

[Don'tTaseMeBro]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tim K</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You guys and your expensive cigars. We have happy hour for our employees every Frifay evening, and they all smoke. My wife and I smoke at least two more each per week. When you add it all up, we go through a box and a half a month.

As a result, I have become king of the affordable cigar. My favorites are the entire Baccarat line, La Unica 400, Romeo 1875 Exibition #3. My wife might as well own stock in Macanudo. </div></div>

Nothing wrong at all with less expensive sticks man. There are some damn good smokes out there for $2 or $3 a piece. Doesn't matter how much they cost, as long as you and the wife like them! And a woman smoking a cigar is sexy as hell!

 

[Joe-n-TX]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Padron. 3000 usually. 26 & 64 anniversary for the special occasions.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Joe-n-TX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Padron. 3000 usually. 26 & 64 anniversary for the special occasions. </div></div>

MMMMMmmmmm, Padron Anniversary cigars are so good. That was the first ultra premium cigar I ever had. I bought the 26 about 4 months before I got out of the Army and gave it a position of prestige in my humidor until my ETS date rolled around. GREAT cigar.

 

[Graham]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

The standard Padron Churchill Maduros are very good as well, and cheaper.

 

[shooter65]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Gurkha

Gurkha and Glen

 

[mercer2]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

my favorite

 

[JohnnyK]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Arturo Fuente VSG. Any size

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mercer2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my favorite

</div></div>

what a novelty, they any good

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Hopefully someone in here can help me. My favorite cigar is the Don Guillermo Vanilla. I cant, for the fuck of me, find anywhere to buy them. I only found one source online (the amish shop) and it looks like a goofy website. Someone help me out!

 

[Here2Learn]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

www.birminghamcigars.com

 

[kellogg2185]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

How about the Arturo Fuente 585, any fans? I've had them mentioned to me a few times lately, what are your opinions? Like my scotch hobby, I don't have the budget to dive in, so I take advantage of deals on the internets as well, when I see them.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

wow...

Cuban, not very impressed except with the dark Bolivar that was quite tasty, and the Monte Cristo that was pretty good, but just not quite dark enough.
Best cigars of 2012? That means a very high bar, one that only goes toward those cigars that exhibited not only superior construction, but overall great taste and were exemplary of their flavor profiles. With that stated, I will list them as such, one not any better than the other, because each has it's own greatness and profile of flavor with highlight notes:

Kristoff Maduro Ligero - nice maduro wrapper, superb construction, even burn and notes of dark toast, leather, a little pepper, and very smooth with a nice medium full body and good scent from outside

Joya de Nicaragua Dark Antono - rich, medium heavy power, smooth burn, excellent structure, and loads of spice. Heavy nutmeg, allspice, and very smooth with lots of good earth, coffee, and cocoa. Walking up on it gives superb scent in the air

Essencia- The epitomy of what one would look for to go far beyond the JdN in flavor profile. It's spice was top notch, but oh so smooth with a background richness that was never heavy on the palate. Walking up on it was the scent of dark mocha and a hint of pie spice in the air

Core/Obsidian/Prensado - dark maduro wrappers, notes of espresso, toast, leather, and lots of cocoa with a toasty finish. Full bodied, lots of power, and just good smoke. The doors got shut, windows closed, and a 'what the hell are you smoking!?!?!?!' guess it didn't give a good note walking up on it, but man it was good

Gurkha Shaggy Maduro 2102 release - these are just damn good cigars. Medium body, solid flavorts of coffee, cocoa, toast with a nice overall finish and construction. A favcorite for the year as well as past. It's just a damn good smoke for a weekly or even a daily if budget allows.

Drew Estate Undercrown - nothing less than superb. damn good flavorful medium to heavy body, nice presence and just a good cigar. A huge surprise to smoke as it was without a doubt the best offering from DE in a standard blend cigar, quite nice. The notes of espresso, cocoa, toast and even flavor was just good.

Diesel - great power, lots of smoke, full flavors, and just a hugely rich cigar...but a 601 or a Camacho SLR delivers the same in a nicer way. Great cigar for 2012, but another repeat that is still held in my book by what I see as better cigars with the same flavor profile

Personal favorites:
Padron 1926 40th anni
Essencia
Kristoff Maduro
JdN Antano
Shaggy Maduro
Gurkha Royal Reserve
601 Oscuro/Maduro
Camacho Triple Maduro, SLR Maduro, Corojo

older favorites:
La Flor Dominicana DL series, Factory Press, Limatado, El Jocko
Gurkha Legend
Partags Celebracion(Cuban)
JdN Antano 1970
La Aurora Ruby
La Aurora 100 Anos
Diamond Crown Maximus

WTF???'s:
Any Room 101...Camacho, WTF are you thinking??? Oh, ok, crap blends for overhyped youthful LA wannabes, got ya...

I can honestly say that I tried several cigars over 2012. Many of them were nothing more than training wheels marketed to youthful dilettante cigar aficionados. Some of them were mediocre crap with fancy labels, and one or two were overhyped dog rockets. As to what was great, and good, well, I have pretty much narrowed down to a few select brands and sizes with a short list under 10 or so sticks that I will stay with. Anything new comes out, I'll look at it, maybe try one, but my guess is that nothing of merit will get out until mid year next year. I can honestly say that 2012 was one hell of a mediocre years as applied to cigars.

 

[RJW]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Great review Switch.

For a great under $5 smoke stick, you can't go wrong with the Brickhouse.

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wow...

Cuban, not very impressed except with the dark Bolivar that was quite tasty, and the Monte Cristo that was pretty good, but just not quite dark enough.
Best cigars of 2012? That means a very high bar, one that only goes toward those cigars that exhibited not only superior construction, but overall great taste and were exemplary of their flavor profiles. With that stated, I will list them as such, one not any better than the other, because each has it's own greatness and profile of flavor with highlight notes:

Kristoff Maduro Ligero - nice maduro wrapper, superb construction, even burn and notes of dark toast, leather, a little pepper, and very smooth with a nice medium full body and good scent from outside

Joya de Nicaragua Dark Antono - rich, medium heavy power, smooth burn, excellent structure, and loads of spice. Heavy nutmeg, allspice, and very smooth with lots of good earth, coffee, and cocoa. Walking up on it gives superb scent in the air

Essencia- The epitomy of what one would look for to go far beyond the JdN in flavor profile. It's spice was top notch, but oh so smooth with a background richness that was never heavy on the palate. Walking up on it was the scent of dark mocha and a hint of pie spice in the air

Core/Obsidian/Prensado - dark maduro wrappers, notes of espresso, toast, leather, and lots of cocoa with a toasty finish. Full bodied, lots of power, and just good smoke. The doors got shut, windows closed, and a 'what the hell are you smoking!?!?!?!' guess it didn't give a good note walking up on it, but man it was good

Gurkha Shaggy Maduro 2102 release - these are just damn good cigars. Medium body, solid flavorts of coffee, cocoa, toast with a nice overall finish and construction. A favcorite for the year as well as past. It's just a damn good smoke for a weekly or even a daily if budget allows.

Drew Estate Undercrown - nothing less than superb. damn good flavorful medium to heavy body, nice presence and just a good cigar. A huge surprise to smoke as it was without a doubt the best offering from DE in a standard blend cigar, quite nice. The notes of espresso, cocoa, toast and even flavor was just good.

Diesel - great power, lots of smoke, full flavors, and just a hugely rich cigar...but a 601 or a Camacho SLR delivers the same in a nicer way. Great cigar for 2012, but another repeat that is still held in my book by what I see as better cigars with the same flavor profile

Personal favorites:
Padron 1926 40th anni
Essencia
Kristoff Maduro
JdN Antano
Shaggy Maduro
Gurkha Royal Reserve
601 Oscuro/Maduro
Camacho Triple Maduro, SLR Maduro, Corojo

older favorites:
La Flor Dominicana DL series, Factory Press, Limatado, El Jocko
Gurkha Legend
Partags Celebracion(Cuban)
JdN Antano 1970
La Aurora Ruby
La Aurora 100 Anos
Diamond Crown Maximus

WTF???'s:
Any Room 101...Camacho, WTF are you thinking??? Oh, ok, crap blends for overhyped youthful LA wannabes, got ya...

I can honestly say that I tried several cigars over 2012. Many of them were nothing more than training wheels marketed to youthful dilettante cigar aficionados. Some of them were mediocre crap with fancy labels, and one or two were overhyped dog rockets. As to what was great, and good, well, I have pretty much narrowed down to a few select brands and sizes with a short list under 10 or so sticks that I will stay with. Anything new comes out, I'll look at it, maybe try one, but my guess is that nothing of merit will get out until mid year next year. I can honestly say that 2012 was one hell of a mediocre years as applied to cigars.
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I have to agree with you on the Ghurka shaggy and the Kristof maduro. although I have to disagree with you on the Monte Christo. was it the Cabinet Selection you tried? I find it is much more complex tasting, and much more smooth to smoke. I think its a good medium body cigar without being too light on flavor.

 

[Yama Arashi]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kellogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How about the Arturo Fuente 585, any fans? I've had them mentioned to me a few times lately, what are your opinions? Like my scotch hobby, I don't have the budget to dive in, so I take advantage of deals on the internets as well, when I see them. </div></div>

Great sticks, as are most of the Fuente line.

Although, it's actually the 8-5-8. They're on the cheaper side, and pretty much one of the flagships for Fuente's standard line of cigars.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Favorite cigars of 2012

Switch, where ya been, man? I was hoping you'd chime in with your favorites for this year.

Switch was one of the guys who pointed me in the right direction a few years back when I first started smoking. I can partly blame him for my love of cigars.

I've tried a few of the ones you liked: the Kristoff Maduro Ligero, the JdN Dark Antono, and the Drew Estate Undercrown. All of them were very good, but the Undercrown was by far my favorite of the three. What's funny is that the same week I finished my last one, my buddy in Kandahar emailed me like he'd discovered the secret to life: "Dude, have you ever smoked an Undercrown? They're un-fucking-believable." Drew Estate is making some seriously good sticks.

I love the shout out to the Camacho Triple Maduro. I smoked one just last Saturday with one of my best friends. That cigar is tough to beat.