Poll & Discussion: cigars taste!

By Inspector in Other on Nov 12th, 09

According to your experience, is there any significant flavor difference between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars?

Yes, Cuban cigars definitely taste better on average. (47%, 82 Votes)
It really depends on the particular cigar. No significant difference. (43%, 74 Votes)
Yes, non-Cuban cigars definitely taste better on average. (10%, 18 Votes)

Total Voters: 174

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After the interesting discussion about cigars construction and quite special results of that poll, I stumbled across a discussion of this post on UK cigar forums. Kingcohiba and other members suggested to run another poll, this time regarding the flavor.

So, which cigars, according to your experience, taste better on average - Cubans or non-Cubans? I understand that this is not a simple question as there are lots of nuances, but I thought it might be interesting to get the rough numbers. Also, it would be fair to give Cuban cigars fans a chance to have a revenge :)

PS For those of you who are reading this post via RSS or e-mail, please click here to visit the post and cast your vote/comment. Thank you.

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12 comments

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soxnfinsfan/patrick sherer said,

on November 12th, 2009 at 15:47

The reason I say non-cubans taste better is because there are more of them!I know that my opinion sounds like blaspheme,but non-cuban cigars cater more to individual tastes as opposed to a set standard. (imo)Granted a very high standard that I have no complaints about.Like I said,I know I’m going against what is pc but, I think there are more who agree that just aren’t willing to admit to it!

Komodata said,

on November 12th, 2009 at 16:08

In reference to the current poll on flavor differences – it really does depend on the cigar. For example, in terms of non cubans, you would be hard pressed to top the flavor of the Padron 1926′s/1964′s across every shape and size they offer. Same thing for the Ashton VSG’s. However, for many of the cuban cigars, its hit or miss. Take Cohiba’s for instance. The Cohiba Robusto is an extraordinary vitola as is the Siglo VI. But many others in the Cohiba line are just so so.

In summary, there are non cuban cigars in which every vitola in a particular and specific series are excellent (e.g. Ashton VSG’s but NOT all of the other Ashtons) whereas with cuban cigars, there will be a specific one or two cigars that will have the best flavor of ANY cigars in say a particular shape. For this example – I would say that cubans make the BEST robusto’s period. Cohiba, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, you name it, cuban robusto’s across of ALL their makers – are better (flavor wise) than robusto’s from non cuban makers.

JasonT said,

on November 12th, 2009 at 17:15

I see it more in the realm of an average CC tastes better than an average NC.

Humidor said,

on November 12th, 2009 at 17:40

There are significant flavor difference between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars, but it can’t be concluded that the cubans or non-cubans are better.

Cristian Boerean said,

on November 12th, 2009 at 19:13

I think it is a matter of individual taste. Living in Europe, I have access to Cuban cigars. These cigars definitely have a flavour of their own whereas non Cubans have their own , distinct, one. It is like comparing a Chateau Margaux with an Ornellaia. Both are made of the same 4 grape types and still they are so different and each has it’s own following. Which one is better ?
If you like the Cuban terroir which is obvious in the cigars, fine… but the Nicaraguan terroir is just as good. I love it.
However, I have smoked a few days ago a Cuban Ramon Allones Specially Selected – which are very trendy cigars in Europe these days and a Cuaba Divinos. Excellent cigars but with an extra twist which seems very Nicaraguan to me !!!
So what Nestor Miranda said in his interview on Cuba importing tobacco leaves may be true, despite the negative nostalgy of exile Cubans.

toctoc said,

on November 12th, 2009 at 21:33

Fortunate to access cubans all the time, i must say i still havnt found the same pleasure in non-cubains.

cigarfan said,

on November 12th, 2009 at 23:07

The Nicaraguans have made huge strides in the past few years, but they don’t have the same quality wrapper as the Cubans, not yet anyway. I really look forward to a time when blenders like Pepin Garcia are able to use cuban wrapper — imagine something like a DPG Serie JJ with a wrapper like the one on the PSD4. That could be stellar.

Peter said,

on November 13th, 2009 at 02:54

Cubans are still higher in taste in my opinion and I smoke a big range of cigars Cuban and non Cuban from oliva, rocky patel, cao to bolivar, partagas and cohiba! I was too lazy to list more but the construction of non Cuban beats Cubans hands down! ( off topic but oh well!)

Alexandre said,

on November 13th, 2009 at 04:48

Tough to answer. I’ll go with the majority of responders so far. I could name some non-cubans that taste wonderfully, as well as some cuban counterparts. I am a die-hard Ramon Allones fan, but would have a hard time considering it “better” than many premium Nicaraguan cigars. Even in the taste department. Remember that it goes both ways: cuban tobacco has taste qualities that can’t be replicated in any other country (IMO), but… Nicaraguan and Dominican cigars, although different, can give me the same complexity, spice and pleasure. It’s like trying to decide if jazz is “better” than rock or pop or whatever genre. They can all be good!

Tashaz said,

on November 15th, 2009 at 09:20

As a reverse to many markets, mine is easy to get cubans in and others are rarer. That being said, I will happily indulge my fetish for cubans as even though the construction can be an issue compared to NCs, the cubans at our price are a cut above the rest. Ashton & Torano being the exception.

kalutika said,

on November 16th, 2009 at 22:40

Sadly I can’t really throw my hat into the ring on this one. I have never smoked a Cuban.

rey said,

on January 27th, 2010 at 09:51

The best of the rest can rival the best,
but the best of the best are Cuban.

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