Anyone Tried These?

[rodwha]

CAO Gold Karats, Cohiba Red Dot Pequenos, or Macanudo Cafe & Maduro Ascot or Ascot Moduro, or Macanudo Gold Label Ascot?

[sparky426]

Haven't smoked any except the red dot pequenos. Not a bad quick smoke but not worth the price IMHO

[projectsunfire]

I bought quite a few Red Dots back when I didn't know any better. Worst overpriced cigar I have ever had.

[Zeede]

I had the Macanudo Cafe Crystal, which I believe is the same thing but comes in a glass tubo. It was the second cigar I ever had in my life, so I enjoyed it. It was pricey for what it was though.

[DBragg]

The Macanudo Ascots (non maduro) are one dimensional and mild. They arent terrible, but I wont spend money buy to them. The red dot pequenos are similar to the larger red dots, also kind of one dimensional. Red dots arent intrinsically bad, just way overpriced and not overly complex. Not something that im going to run out and buy either.

I cant speak to the CAO's, but I would give them a shot over trying your other alternatives.

[Tombstone]

I have smoked the Cohiba and Macanudos you listed. I found them to be enjoyable. I have not had that particular CAO but I have had much of their line and find them a nice mid-range smoke.

[rodwha]

I enjoy the CAO Gold Robustos and figured the Karats ought to be good in my book. Not having much experience it may become too mild mannered or may just be what I like.

The price per cigar for the Karat is $1.96 ea in bulk vs $1.87 ea for the Pequenos vs $1.30 ea for the Ascot. But the Ascot may be more mild than I prefer...

Mostly I'm looking for something inexpensive (<$2 ea) and figured I may find better quality by going quasi cigarillo (trying to stay 30 ring +) vs a cheaper robusto. But then I'm also trying some of them...

[c.ortiz108]

I personally think Red Dots are terrible. The robusto was literally one of the worst cigars i smoked last year, and I imagine the mini version would be even worse. Macanudo Cafe is a pleasant enough mild, uneventful smoke - nice with a cup of afternoon coffee.... I'd smoke one if given to me, but I wouldn't go out of my way for one. It has a reputation for being flavorless, like sucking through a straw. I think that's a little harsh, but it is super.mild.

[rodwha]

Can anyone compare these with an Avo Classic or CAO Gold (the only two I'm familiar with)? They are both medium, but are mild in comparison to a few I've tried (CAO Black and Mi Amor).

[rodwha]

How about Arturo Fuente Cubanitos or Exquisitos?

[Zeede]

Give the Flor De Oliva line a try. $2/stick and pretty darn good.

[rodwha]

I have Oliva Flor de Oliva's on my list ($37/20).

Also have the 3 small cigars and Cuban Delights on the list, as well as a single of 5 Vegas Gold, 5 Vegas Classic, Alec Bradley American Classic, Estd 1844, Nica Libre, and Nub by Oliva, but I need to drop one...

I'll also need another Avo/CAO sampler along with another sampler to work with on a trade (don't want the cat out of the bag).

My list is far from solidified...

[rodwha]

steelman: Are these good?

[jhedrick83]

How about Arturo Fuente Cubanitos or Exquisitos?

Never had the Cubanitos the Exquisitos can be hit or miss, the Maduro ones can be good if given some time to chill and smoked slowly. If you are looking for a good budget smoke, CI has Gran Habano Vintage 2002 (robusto or Churchill) that you can get off CBID for ~$33 on freefall for a bundle of 20.

[StogieNinja]

CAO Gold Karats, Cohiba Red Dot Pequenos, or Macanudo Cafe & Maduro Ascot or Ascot Moduro, or Macanudo Gold Label Ascot?

No, no, no, no, no, and no.

All of us were newer at one point, flipped through various catalogs and web pages looking at the ad copy for all the CI offerings that made our mouths water. Here's the thing: the photos and copy make ALL cigars sound good. Most of them suck.

Here's my suggestion: don't go shopping.

Seriously. I'd recommend smoking what you have, letting us know what you like, and asking for suggestions within parameters (IE, price, size, flavor profile), and let the collective wisdom of the group help create your shopping list.

[rodwha]

I'm certainly looking for a good inexpensive smoke, and I think I'd also like a smaller cigar for those times when there just isn't much time.

I know that I like CAO Golds so I figure I ought to like their Karats. But then I figured the Cohiba Red Dots, being a more pricey stick, ought to be better or at the least on par with CAO. They are a hair cheaper...

[StogieNinja]

Are you looking for any particular price ceiling, and do you have a particular flavor profile you're going after?

[rodwha]

They certainly aren't going to tell you how sorry something in their inventory is, eh?

I have a very limited experience. I tried a brown bag special which wasn't all that bad for the most part but didn't keep tabs on them after I found they didn't sell them as bundles or boxes so there just wasn't much point.

What I've really enjoyed so far are the Avo Classics and CAO Golds, which is why I figured their Karat ought to be worth while to me.

[rodwha]

I began looking at cigarillos at a cheaper (<$2) price for what I figured would be a higher quality compared to the same price but a full sized cigar.

As I figure I'll need cheaper (<$2) cigars as I'm finding myself in the garage more often than I figured, I'd be open to cigarillos (doubt my terminology is correct but slimmer, shorter cigars) that were (<$5).

My upper limit on cigars at the moment would be $8, though I'll no doubt buy a nicer cigar for a special occasion and would likely buy a Cuban if restrictions are loosened up. But I couldn't buy many, and even Avos won't be stocked in number until I've built up a stash of other cigars. At the price point CI has the Avo/CAO's for I'd just buy several of those.

[Zeede]

Unless you're coming off from smoking cigarettes and need the nicotine hit, I would suggest that you smoke better cigars less often. Quality over quantity.

I smoked my first cigar in the beginning of March of THIS year and to date have smoked a dozen cigars. That's not much more than one per week, but I have really enjoyed it and like that it makes me slow down for 60-150 minutes. I have only smoked this frequently because of the incredible generosity here, otherwise it would probably be one every two weeks or less.

Why? Because I'm on a tight budget for my hobbies, so I understand that you love cigars and want to smoke more often, yet without destroying your wallet in the process.

[rodwha]

I quit smoking about 4 years ago. It's not for the nicotine and would smoke one that was decaf. I figured I'd only smoke a couple a month at best but have found myself smoking maybe three a week or so.

Part of my search for a good cheaper cigar is that I have many hobbies demanding of me my money (black powder shooting and lead projectile casting along with beer brewing, which is what eats most of my money). For any to age I'll need a rather large stash built up.

For cheaper/bulk I figured the cigarillos would do both quality and cheap...

[BMack]

Skip all of those. I'd recommend some Perdomo Fresh-rolled cuban wheels and let them sit for a few months. Cheaper than all of those by a fair bit and will taste a lot better. You can find some Man O War and Diesel cigars for cheaper than those mentioned also, again better cigars. Also, check out the basic Oliva line the G and V are great cigars for a great price. All of the aforementioned age really well.

Almost forgot the Ambos Mundos Sumatra, you can have these for near $4 a piece(maybe less) and they swing well above their weight class. The Habano version is not nearly as good, in my opinion.

[Zeede]

Well, to use one of your hobbies as an example, what would you tell someone who wanted to drink Miller Lite because it was cheaper than Redhook ESB, thus allowing them to be able to drink more often?

I am just a quality over quantity guy. My daughter and I love sushi, so we go to a place we like twice a month rather than get supermarket pre-made sushi twice a week.

[rodwha]

I'm certainly not about quantity over quality, but I also don't generally believe that the more expensive end is generally worth the additional cost (all depending of course). For instance I LOVE rye whiskey. I've found one of my favorites, and the first I had, is Ranger Creek .44 Caliber. It costs $45 for a 375 ml bottle. I have one, but I rarely drink it as its very hard to find and a bit pricey. My go-to is Wild Turkey at $25 for a 750 ml. I try things that may cost up around $40 but that's for a 750 ml, but I don't buy anything lower than maybe $20 as I don't want anything that's just not very good. But if I found that Jim Beam tasted better to me I'd likely buy it. I would not ever buy any bottom shelf cheap stuff. But Ranger Creek isn't even close to top tier stuff.

And when I buy beer (only craft beers) I am known for picking up the 12 pack of Sierra Nevada that's on sale unless there's something I haven't tried or something that just begs to be taken home. Though I do spend $10 on a 22oz bomber now and then I don't often because I just don't see it as worthwhile when I can add a few bucks and take home a whole 12 pack of great beer. However I'd drop some money were it one of those iconic beers such as Pliney or whatnot that I just cannot get but hear so much about, and refuse to buy the kit to make it at home as it won't truly be Pliney...

My hygiene is all name brand as I don't cut certain corners, but I have a Ford as I don't feel the additional expense outright, nor the upkeep, of a higher end German vehicle is worthwhile. And I prefer to support our economy as much as possible, though that's a different subject...

I certainly don't want any nasty cigars/cigarillos, but if a $2 stick is nearly as good as a $5 stick I'll try it, and if I find it's OK I'll likely stock it. And the only reason I'm giving cheaper cigars a chance is that I've read several times that cheap cigars doesn't necessarily mean subpar, though they may not compare.

I really like my Avo's, which are far from high end, but at nearly $200 a box I'll not be smoking them exclusively. I really like the CAO's I've had and feel they compare favorably and would be buying them by the box if it weren't for the sweet deal CI has on the Avo/CAO sampler. Anything more expensive would be special ocaission and likely one stick at a time. I'd certainly drop some cash on a Cuban...

If these <$2 sticks don't compare well enough to a CAO then I'll not waste my time or money on them. But some of them I'm told are actually pretty good such as Oliva Flor de Oliva. I can't find a single stick or a small bundle, but because I'm told they are good I'm willing to buy the box and try them. If I don't like them I can see about trading them out on the dog rocket subforum I suppose.

[rodwha]

If my hobby funding was much higher I'd not be quite as concerned and would likely find me purchasing higher end sticks, though I'd also still buy the Avo/CAO sampler as its just a good deal to me. I'm certainly pleased with both.

[rodwha]

On the flip side we buy Apple products. These, we found, are certainly worth the extra expense as we've no longer had virus issues and their customer service has been great. We had far too much trouble with the various PC's and took back the last purchase (new as a Christmas present) and nearly tripled the cash for the Mac.

I wouldn't buy grocery store sushi either!

[Hardheaded]

On the flip side we buy Apple products. These, we found, are certainly worth the extra expense as we've no longer had virus issues and their customer service has been great. We had far too much trouble with the various PC's and took back the last purchase (new as a Christmas present) and nearly tripled the cash for the Mac.

I wouldn't buy grocery store sushi either!

I buy grocery store sushi all the time, but thats mostly because it is made in house by actual sushi chefs trained in Japan. The same stores with killer produce and craft beer.

If you are looking at under $2 a stick and really want something cigarillo size give Villiger Exports a try. They are dry cured so you don't have to keep them in a humidor and the Maduro ones at least are pretty tasty.

For bigger smokes that fall in that range check out Schizo or Casa de Garcia. You might be able to find them locally as singles. They won't blow your mind but they are well worth the $2 price and then some.

[dbach11]

In defense of the Macanudo Maduros, I think they're a good introduction to typical maduro flavors without knocking you on your ass. Definitely one dimensional though, and they benefit from a few months of rest. And they're pretty expensive for what they are... This is starting to sound more like an indictment than a defense, but I'm just saying that if an easy intro is what you're looking for then they're worth a try imo.

[Zeede]

Bob, I agree that there are definitely finishing returns. However, up until you get to the $10 mark, I think there is a good progression in terms of the cost/quality scale. Don't be afraid to try $6 sticks or even some $8 ones. Nothing says you can't have $2 Flor De Olivas all week then relax Friday night with your favorite $8 one. :)

[rodwha]

I only want a $2 stick if it tastes OK. If it's not even remotely comparable to a CAO than I won't want them. As I can get the sampler of those and Avo's putting them at $3.50/ea I'll be keeping plenty of them eventually. I know I can't go wron there!

[Zeede]

Hehe, and I still haven't had any CAOs. Too many cigars, too little time. My local B&M stocks a bunch of them, and my uncle from Alabama loves em. We will probably share some at the reunion in August.

[rodwha]

An opinion coming from a green, wet behind the ears newbie, but I find them nearly as enjoyable (Gold) as I do the Avo Classic.

Had it not been for that sampler I likely wouldn't have tried them. $35 for 5 Avo's I like and 5 CAO's to try compared to $40 for the same Avo's, well...

[droy1958]

Hendrik Kelner 4 x 4 or 3 x 3 (tubos) Bundles by Davidoff are pretty decent mild to medium smokes. You can usually get them for around forty dollars if you can find them in stock...

[jp1979]

The AB seconds from cbid are not horrible for $2.00-$3.00 a stick

[jp1979]

you need to know about CAO???? Usafvet509

[Usafvet509]

rodwha, I like your Third Day signature! As for CAO, they make some damn fine $4-5 cigars. Small cigars? CAO Italia piccolo's and Brazilia carioca's. And as jp1979 pointed out, I am a CAO freak, especially for the VR.

[Zeede]

rodwha, I like your Third Day signature! As for CAO, they make some damn fine $4-5 cigars. Small cigars? CAO Italia piccolo's and Brazilia carioca's. And as jp1979 pointed out, I am a CAO freak, especially for the VR.

What are the VRs?

How are the Flatheads? My local B&M got some in, they look interesting.

[Usafvet509]

VR is an extension from Black. It has a Brazilian maduro wrapper, and is dark and delicious. I REALLY like these! Flathead? I've smoked exactly 2 of them, so jury is out still. Box pressed with a squared head, maduro. Each size given an engine name. Spark plug is the really popular one...

[rodwha]

@usafvet That's one of my favorite songs by Third Day, and that line is significant to me. Certainly one of my most favorite Christian bands! I take it you like them as well?

[thechasm442]

The ascots are atrocious IMO.