Best Under The Radar & Cheapies You Have Found?

[LazyLightning]

Hi folks,
As the title asks, what are some of the best under the radar cheapies that you have found and come to enjoy?

I realize taste and cheap/expensive is a bit subjective, so lets say under the $5.00 mark for price. Taste is going to be a bit harder to nail down, but maybe think of some that many can agree on (if possible)

It's not always easy to reach for a $5,$7,$9+, etc... stick everyday
So maybe this thread can be helpful to the newb bum community, of which I fall into.

Hope everyone is having a fine day!
Chris

[Hardheaded]

This sounds like a job for Bruck, resident budget smoke expert.

I have found the Schizo cigars are good with a year or so on them. Chillin Moose is a solid choice, as is the Diesel line if you like something stronger.

[AlanS]

Chillin Moose is a decent smoke, and reasonable

[Emperor Zurg]

Gran Habano Vintage 2002 is a decent smoke. Nothing to write home about, mind you, but a decent smoke.

I like the Obsidians with the black sleeve once they've sat around a year or so. You've got to draw slowly tho - they get nasty if you heat them up. The Obsidian White Noise is supposed to be good but I've never tried one - looks too much like a tampon in the applicator for me...

Oliva Connecticut is decent too. I think it's Holts that has them in 10 packs on sale pretty cheap every once in a while.

[jhedrick83]

In addition to the 601 blue and the 858 I know you already have had:

Sancho Panza Double Maduro, Padron 2000 (either maduro or natural), Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1979 (goes pretty cheaply on CBID on a regular basis), Illusione Rothchildes (little crack sticks).

Also, you can always keep an eye on Cigar Monster - https://www.cigarmonster.com/ - it's part of Famous Smoke shop and when they do the Mashup from 11-12 every day there are usually some good deals.

[Sir Lancerolot]

If you like a fairly mild smoke, Pirate's Gold from CI is super-cheap. Must have a year of rest, at which point they punch way above their weight for a $1.00 or so cigar. You can sometimes get a little break on the price from the Devil Site.

[Sir Lancerolot]

Sancho Panza Double Maduro

This is a really good maduro cigar ROTT and gets a bit better with a LITTLE rest. They start to lose flavor if you keep them around too long.

[Ilroy]

Illusione Rothschild are pretty good for just over $4

Sosa Robusto are good enough for around $2 in a bundle

If you like Corona sized cigars you can get away with cheaper prices even on more decent cigars

[Rocket Scientologist]

Illusione Rothschild are pretty good for just over $4

Sosa Robusto and good enough for around $2 in a bundle

I 3rd the Rothschild, and 2nd the Sosa.

[droy1958]

This sounds like a job for Bruck, resident budget smoke expert.

I have found the Schizo cigars are good with a year or so on them. Chillin Moose is a solid choice, as is the Diesel line if you like something stronger.

That Schizo is a nice inexpensive smoke. Punch London Club for around $55 a box online. Rated a 90 and in Top 25 Cigars for 2016 @Cigar Aficionado if that matters to you. Someone sent me an Iron Horse that was good. Sosa makes some decent smokes.....

[restomod]

I sound like a broken record because I am Diesel fan. But I have been getting them for $3-4 dollars a stick on sale and they are my go to.

[projectsunfire]

In addition to the 601 blue and the 858 I know you already have had:

Sancho Panza Double Maduro, Padron 2000 (either maduro or natural), Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1979 (goes pretty cheaply on CBID on a regular basis), Illusione Rothchildes (little crack sticks).

Also, you can always keep an eye on Cigar Monster - https://www.cigarmonster.com/ - it's part of Famous Smoke shop and when they do the Mashup from 11-12 every day there are usually some good deals.

The Pepin Cuban Classic is very good. I still have a few laying around. Might need to check cbid for some more.


If you like a fairly mild smoke, Pirate's Gold from CI is super-cheap. Must have a year of rest, at which point they punch way above their weight for a $1.00 or so cigar. You can sometimes get a little break on the price from the Devil Site.

Quite a few years ago I bought a bundle of these to hand out during golf rounds for the guys who always wanted a smoke but never brought their own. I got tired of giving expensive sticks to people who could never appreciate them ya know? Anyway...they were quite mediocre fresh but what do you expect for a buck. I ended up having some get lost in the humi for about 2 years. Tried one out for the hell of it and it was fairly good.



I would also add the Latitude Zero Experimental which are extremely consistent and can be had cheap...and the La Herencia Core which was one of my former go to's. They used to be found on cbid for cheap. Dont know if they are still on there. Also the 601 La Bomba is a fine little firecracker. The Man O War Ruination was also a solid cbid score

[LazyLightning]

Good suggestions folks,
The Schizos I see mentioned a good bit, might have to give those a try. The Sancho Panza cigars as well. The bomb from Andy I got back in April had one in it, and it was very tasty, but it wasn't a Maduro. I am about to place an order and since I am sitting on some I like, I thought it would be a great time to branch out and try some new sticks while I can and thought some cheaper filler sticks would be nice to throw in the cart also.

Much appreciated everyone!

[allusred]

The Pepin Cuban Classic is very good. I still have a few laying around. Might need to check cbid for some more.



Quite a few years ago I bought a bundle of these to hand out during golf rounds for the guys who always wanted a smoke but never brought their own. I got tired of giving expensive sticks to people who could never appreciate them ya know? Anyway...they were quite mediocre fresh but what do you expect for a buck. I ended up having some get lost in the humi for about 2 years. Tried one out for the hell of it and it was fairly good.



I would also add the Latitude Zero Experimental which are extremely consistent and can be had cheap...and the La Herencia Core which was one of my former go to's. They used to be found on cbid for cheap. Dont know if they are still on there. Also the 601 La Bomba is a fine little firecracker. The Man O War Ruination was also a solid cbid score

Second the Latitude Zero Experimental, nice wrapper and good burn for not too much $.

[Brimy]

Ramon Bueso Genesis the project. Decent ROTT and become a nice smoke with at least 6 months rest.
As mentioned the Cuban Classic.
Not sure if it makes the $5 cut, but I think it does, Onyx.

[omahaorange]

I'll throw in a second on the Punch London Clubs. Can be had in maduro for that $55 mentioned earlier, and this is for a box of 25. Also try the la finca. A decent consistent smoke for cheap.

[LazyLightning]

Saw these as I was finalizing a tobacco order a little bit ago, anyone given them a try? I know Tatuaje sticks have a faithful following but have not seen anything on these little guys.

https://www.smokingpipes.com/Cigars/Tatuaje/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=24575

[tjhemp]

I really like the La Aurora Escogidos when they can be found. Got my last box for about $2.00 a stick and they smoke like an $8 cigar to me.

[LazyLightning]

Well I went ahead and threw 3 fivers in with my smokingpipes tobacco order: the Petite Tatuaje, as well as the Joya Red Short Churchills and Punch London Club EMS. I have another half finished order over on Famous that I will complete tomorrow, I plan to throw a couple more of these "everyday smokes" in with some other sticks I have been wanting to try.

I greatly appreciate all the great suggestions, I have made note of them all and will get around to them eventually. This was a special month, I don't usually have this kind of money to spend monthly, but I sold a piece of equipment last week and this is helping me get ahead of the curve a little finally.

[TreySC]

Saw these as I was finalizing a tobacco order a little bit ago, anyone given them a try? I know Tatuaje sticks have a faithful following but have not seen anything on these little guys.

https://www.smokingpipes.com/Cigars/Tatuaje/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=24575

Those petite Tats are good. Here is a good deal on a good cigar just got in an email

Room 101 Uncle Lee by Davidoff (http://www.holts.com/specials/1-day-flash-sale.html?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FS062917&utm_content=FS062917)

[Hardheaded]

Saw these as I was finalizing a tobacco order a little bit ago, anyone given them a try? I know Tatuaje sticks have a faithful following but have not seen anything on these little guys.

https://www.smokingpipes.com/Cigars/Tatuaje/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=24575

I would not worry too much about anything they put out. They may not be the flavor profile you like but I have yet to see Tatuaje or any of it's sister lines put out a bad cigar.

[LazyLightning]

I would not worry too much about anything they put out. They may not be the flavor profile you like but I have yet to see Tatuaje or any of it's sister lines put out a bad cigar.
I have had a Tatuaje red label Torpedo and a Black Petit Lancero thanks to the bomb a few months back from Bernardini
I liked both, so I wanted to explore some others. I am also trying to branch out a bit from Maduros this time. I love them and know it, but don't want to burn out on them (though I doubt that's possible)

[Cool Breeze]

Pinar Del Rio has a couple of blends that I enjoy.

The Habana Sungrown is really good and the Oscuro is REALLY good.

They can both be had on C-bid for around the $7-$9 mark for a 5er. Less than 2 bills per stick. Can't beat em at that price.
Also if you want to try a nice CC on the cheap, Jose L. Piedras can be had for around $45-$50 for a box of 25.

[Cameradude]

Cuba Libre One

[Cigarer]

I'll second the Ramon Bueso Genesis. I've smoked them ROTT and had one last night with decent rest and was killer. I bought a box of 20 robusto for $46 on cbid, so unsure of true MSRP

[droy1958]

Ramon Bueso Genesis the project. Decent ROTT and become a nice smoke with at least 6 months rest.
As mentioned the Cuban Classic.
Not sure if it makes the $5 cut, but I think it does, Onyx.

Shhhh on the Bueso Genesis Project. I am having trouble picking them up for $2 this week. Sum beaches are getting fo dolla fur dem.....

[droy1958]

Pinar Del Rio has a couple of blends that I enjoy.

The Habana Sungrown is really good and the Oscuro is REALLY good.

They can both be had on C-bid for around the $7-$9 mark for a 5er. Less than 2 bills per stick. Can't beat em at that price.
Also if you want to try a nice CC on the cheap, Jose L. Piedras can be had for around $45-$50 for a box of 25.

That PDR Oscar wrapper is a hell of a nice smoke that works well with my taste buds......

[droy1958]

I'll second the Ramon Bueso Genesis. I've smoked them ROTT and had one last night with decent rest and was killer. I bought a box of 20 robusto for $46 on cbid, so unsure of true MSRP

$80 for the robusto.....

[Cigarer]

Oh goodness guess I got a good deal then. Still though even at $4/Cigar I feel as if that's a pretty solid smoke. Kinda tweaking with the line a bit as to what I consider cheapies at $4 though. Guess I'd say -$6/Cigar would be a cheapie?

[droy1958]

Oh goodness guess I got a good deal then. Still though even at $4/Cigar I feel as if that's a pretty solid smoke. Kinda tweaking with the line a bit as to what I consider cheapies at $4 though. Guess I'd say -$6/Cigar would be a cheapie?

It's a solid buy at four, but I prefer two..... it's almost like getting twice as many for the same price. My math is pretty good and I feel comfortable with that last statement......

[FireTom]

Those petite Tats are good. Here is a good deal on a good cigar just got in an email

Room 101 Uncle Lee by Davidoff (http://www.holts.com/specials/1-day-flash-sale.html?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FS062917&utm_content=FS062917)
Couldn't resist any longer, pulled the trigger this time.

[Bruck]

By popular demand, my current list of good cheapies:

Cabo Classic
Gurkha Park Avenue CT & Mad
Nica Libre
5 Vegas Gold Connecticut
Schizo
Bahia Red
Bahia Blue
John Bull
5 Vegas classic
Buenaventura
Bahia Trinidad
5 Vegas A
RP Cargo
Bahia Icon
Joya de Nicaragua Fuerte
Bahia Gold White Label
Flor de Oliva
Fonseca Arana
La Aurora Legend
General Grant
RP Catch 22
Sancho Panza Triple Anejo
Hog's Head Torano
Diesel Uncut

My definition of "cheapie" is one that can be bought regularly under $3 a stick online, in quantity if necessary. My definition of "good," of course, is subjective :)

And of course this list wouldn't be complete without my list of bad or "eeh" cheapies, which of course is equally subjective:

everything in po' boy sampler
almost everything in bender ender
GVH02 - now that they're short filler
La Perla Havana Black Pearl
Fuente Curly Head
Blue Label B2
Perdomo Lot 23
601
Obsidian
Arganese
Gurkha Park Avenue Habano
5 Vegas Gold Maduro
Brick House Fumas
Graycliff G2

YMMV!

[LazyLightning]

Thanks everyone, I am writing all these down as well as getting a few.

Going to be a great July!:stogie:

[LazyLightning]

And of course this list wouldn't be complete without my list of bad or "eeh" cheapies, which of course is equally subjective:

everything in po' boy sampler
almost everything in bender ender
GVH02 - now that they're short filler
La Perla Havana Black Pearl
Fuente Curly Head
Blue Label B2
Perdomo Lot 23
601
Obsidian
Arganese
Gurkha Park Avenue Habano
5 Vegas Gold Maduro
Brick House Fumas
Graycliff G2

YMMV!
Really not even the 601 Blue Maduro? Again taste is subjective, as someone who worked as a Head Chef in the mid 90's I get that, but really not even the Blues?:stogie:

[TreySC]

Couldn't resist any longer, pulled the trigger this time.

I knew you'd wear down eventually lol.

[Haebar]

Some cheapies that I like are National Brand, Mark Twain, Pinar del Rio, and 5 Vegas.

[droy1958]

Oh goodness guess I got a good deal then. Still though even at $4/Cigar I feel as if that's a pretty solid smoke. Kinda tweaking with the line a bit as to what I consider cheapies at $4 though. Guess I'd say -$6/Cigar would be a cheapie?

Actually, the MSRP is $140, CI is $80, and on Cbid $2 if people would not bid them....

[Cigarer]

Wow!.... Yeah those genesis really suck!!





LOL

[LazyLightning]

So with all the suggestions I went ahead and ordered a few to try:
Sancho Panza Double Maduro
Punch London Club
Chillin Moose

I have a list started of cheapies to try from all you folks, to go along with my higher end to try list. Thanks again everyone for all the helpful suggestions!

[Emperor Zurg]

I've always liked Mark Twain's expository piece on what constitutes a good cigar and a bad one.


Children of twenty-five, who have seven years experience, try to tell me what is a good cigar and what isn’t. Me, who never learned to smoke, but always smoked; me, who came into the world asking for a light.

No one can tell me what is a good cigar–for me. I am the only judge. People who claim to know say that I smoke the worst cigars in the world. They bring their own cigars when they come to my house. They betray an unmanly terror when I offer them a cigar; they tell lies and hurry away to meet engagements which they have not made when they are threatened with the hospitalities of my box.

Now then, observe what superstition, assisted by a man’s reputation, can do. I was to have twelve personal friends to supper one night. One of them was as notorious for costly and elegant cigars as I was for cheap and devilish ones. I called at his house and when no one was looking borrowed a double handful of his very choicest; cigars which cost him forty cents apiece and bore red-and-gold labels in sign of their nobility. I removed the labels and put the cigars into a box with my favorite brand on it–a brand which those people all knew, and which cowed them as men are cowed by an epidemic. They took these cigars when offered at the end of the supper, and lit them and sternly struggled with them–in dreary silence, for hilarity died when the fell brand came into view and started around–but their fortitude held for a short time only; then they made excuses and filed out, treading on one another’s heels with indecent eagerness; and in the morning when I went out to observe results the cigars lay all between the front door and the gate. All except one–that one lay in the plate of the man from whom I had cabbaged the lot. One or two whiffs was all he could stand. He told me afterward that some day I would get shot for giving people that kind of cigars to smoke.

https://andrew1769.wordpress.com/tag/mark-twains-cigars/

[Bruck]

Really not even the 601 Blue Maduro? Again taste is subjective, as someone who worked as a Head Chef in the mid 90's I get that, but really not even the Blues?:stogie:

There's a bit of bias in my "bad/eeh" list - if I have one and don't like it, for whatever reason - what I ate, how much sleep I got, time of the month, it goes on that list and I usually don't have another one (once whatever I ordered is depleted). But if you're endorsing the 601 maduro, I'll have to pick some up with my next CBid order and give them another chance.

[LazyLightning]

There's a bit of bias in my "bad/eeh" list - if I have one and don't like it, for whatever reason - what I ate, how much sleep I got, time of the month, it goes on that list and I usually don't have another one (once whatever I ordered is depleted). But if you're endorsing the 601 maduro, I'll have to pick some up with my next CBid order and give them another chance.

Keep in mind my newbness, but I really like them. They are good ROTT and even better with as little as a month rest YMMV. I tried a 5'er of the 601 Steel recently, and the first 2 were OK, but the last 3 just didn't go so well. Consistency all over the board, some draw like a straw others like a brick. Also they were very temperamental taste wise, harsh & bitter kept crashing in no matter how I smoked it.