I used to be partial to Swisher Sweets, but it's been ages.

.

i only got that JR Principales in maduro
but i just ordered a JR ultimate sampler
http://www.jrcigars.com/jr/index.cfm/hurl/evt=itemDetail/itemcode=JRUSMP

i also ordered some vintage 1999 Punch pyramids
http://www.jrcigars.com/jr/index.cfm/hurl/evt=itemDetail/itemcode=PU993

will post a review after i get them later this week.

here's the review:

from the JR ultimate sampler the only one I would buy again was the Pricipales
the No. 1 was a little better than the Toro, but I wouldn't spend my money on them again.


the Punch 1999 pyramids were super good.  i give it an A+.
one of the best cigars i've smoked
well worth the money. 

Acid Kuba  Kuba 

Acid Kuba  Kuba

 

Arturo Fuente 858 (I like the Maduro more than the Natural), for an everyday, 5 Vegas Gold or Classic for an anytime.  Perhaps not the most expensive, but very consistently smooth and tasty.

My faves lately are Montecristo #2 and Bolivar Belicosos. If on budget, Arturo Fuente Queen Bees and CAO (various) are good. Cohiba Maduro 5 and Limited Ed and Hoyo Del Monterey are excellent as well.

My fav...
Arturo 858 maduro and La Gloria Cubana in most any size.
I don't indulge very often since smoking at the range is prohibited now.

My fav...
Arturo 858 maduro and La Gloria Cubana in most any size.
I don't indulge very often since smoking at the range is prohibited now.

Just picked up a La Gloria Cubana Serie 5 this evening, (along with a couple of La Traviata Maduro, and some Partegas 1845s for variety), looking forward to trying the La Gloria tomorrow.  Like to try before I box order online.  Seems kinda similar to reloading, nice to make sure the components "work" before ordering in bulk. 

this is what i have in my humidor right now:
Henry Clay vintage 1999, torpedo's
Punch vintage 1999 and 2000, torpedo's
H. Upmann originals
Avo maduro

of those, the Henry Clays are the strongest, and boldest tasting
Punch are the sweetest tasting, i cant tell the difference between the 1999 and 2000
Upmanns are maybe the best made, close to the Avo, Upmanns are mild to medium and smooth tasting
Avo are mild to medium, well made, also smooth, maybe a little stronger than the Upmann originals
overall i would rate them 1st to last:
Punch
Upmann
Avo
Henry Clay
only reason the Henry Clays are last is bc they are stronger, and i just dont like strong cigars on a regular basis, but are great for a special occasion.
they are all very close in overall ratings to me.  i would recommend any one of these to try.

Check out Illusione Rothschildes or Tatuaje Tattoos for some nice budget sticks.

Ain't you guys forgetting something?

Ain't you guys forgetting something?

whats that?

whats that?

...
When possible, I enjoy a snifter of fine brandy or cognac with my cigar.

i ejoyed a beer and a smoke while waiting out the storm over the weekend
a well balanced meal.   

i ejoyed a beer and a smoke while waiting out the storm over the weekend
a well balanced meal.   

...
That works for me too.

Just finished a Cru Royale.  Wasn't really my taste, sorta bitter.  Not harsh, but bitter, almost had somewhat of a grapefruit-type bitterness and taste.  On a side-note, I have a quick question for you more experienced cigar smokers.  As a whole, do you find that the perfecto and torpedo shaped cigars have relatively tighter draws than say toro shapes?  I recently tried an AF Hemingway Best Seller Maduro (perfecto) and a La Traviata Maduro (torpedo), and I had a tough time getting a nice draw from both.  Took almost 1/2 the cigar before they loosened up enough to get the draw I like and the amount of smoke I like.  I don't think they were plugged, just seemed to have a really tight draw for awhile.  I really like the flavors of these two cigars once they opened up, just seemed like it took way more work than smoking a regular shape. 

Just finished a Cru Royale.  Wasn't really my taste, sorta bitter.  Not harsh, but bitter, almost had somewhat of a grapefruit-type bitterness and taste.  On a side-note, I have a quick question for you more experienced cigar smokers.  As a whole, do you find that the perfecto and torpedo shaped cigars have relatively tighter draws than say toro shapes?  I recently tried an AF Hemingway Best Seller Maduro (perfecto) and a La Traviata Maduro (torpedo), and I had a tough time getting a nice draw from both.  Took almost 1/2 the cigar before they loosened up enough to get the draw I like and the amount of smoke I like.  I don't think they were plugged, just seemed to have a really tight draw for awhile.  I really like the flavors of these two cigars once they opened up, just seemed like it took way more work than smoking a regular shape. 

i don't think the draw or tightness of the cigar depends on the shape so much.
i prefer the larger cigars, i get more smoke with less effort, and better taste.
IIRC, i had a couple AF that were a tight draw as well.  could be the brand.

i ejoyed a beer and a smoke while waiting out the storm over the weekend
a well balanced meal.   

Looks like the only thing missing is one of your revolver's in the pic....

Looks like the only thing missing is one of your revolver's in the pic....

yep, that would complete my picture.
ATF.