Advise needed from fellow BOTL, I am looking for a box of higher end smokes ($200-$300) to get for my birthday. I am looking at the Don Carlos line mostly but also looking at Rocky Patel, Ashton,La Gloria de Cubana, Torano, Diamond Crown, Litto Gomez, Camacho and the Don Pepin stuff. My tastes usually run medium to full. Looking for a robusto, toro or torpedo as far as vitolas go.

I am a fan of Avos and really want to see what the 787 has to offer as well. Any suggestions or brands I may be overlooking?
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Esencia made by BOTL... they can be difficult to find but they are one of my favorite sticks out there... the torpedos are awesome.

Also Tatuajes are great if you like Pepin... and within that same family La Riqueza.
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how about the tatuajae especiales (brown label)? elegant, spicy smoke that can be had in your price range. had one friday night that was just a pepper bomb!

:-)
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Some great choices in that Don Carlos line you are thinking about....

http://tampasweetheart.com/?page=sho...b88594c5408cae
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Not a huge fan of Cabs but the Tat brown label Regios that I had was very good. I cannot go wrong with a Don Carlos either. Maybe I will grab two boxes. :-)
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How about the Tatuaje Reserva J21? Excellent smoke. :-)
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Reserva J21, or the new Conoju 09... :-)
Scott
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These are a good smoke.

I would also recommend the Ashton VSG too.
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Someday I want to pull the trigger on a box of the Diamond Crown Maximus #4s...

What a great cigar..:-)
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One can never go wrong with a box of Diamond Crown Maximus No. 1 that's just me though.



:-)
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I didn't even think about those. Good call. :-)
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How are the Maximus robustos? or is the whole line good?

a local B&M has the #5 for $162 a box. Not bad
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Great cigar, Great price.
$18.00 cheaper than Famous and CI..How can I sneak another box in the house...:-)
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DPG JJ Maduro...
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:-) I like this choice.
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Go for the Don Carlos & don't look back!:-)
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PAMs, Ashton San Cristobal and LA Cien Anos fit your requirements.
I'd go for the PAMs or San Cristobal. VSGs are xlnt, too.

Chemyst :-)
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I also enjoy the padron anniversary in natural or maduro. Vsg is also a great stick.
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The Avo 787s are a really nice cigar - I especially like the Perfectos. They are fairly full-bodied and incredibly complex smokes but probably nowhere near what you are looking for in terms of strength based on what you listed as your tastes. I wish I had some left; I'd be happy to send you a couple to see what you think.

A little further along the Avo line you have the Avo 80th Anniversarys. These are wonderful cigars, full-flavored, tremendously complex, great aroma, and very elegant. Though a little beyond your price range ($325 at Corona Cigar Co), they'd be a great birthday treat.

Perhaps the Davidoff Millenium Blend Pyramids. You can usually find these in boxes of 10 for around $185.

Ultimately I think for the price range you are looking in and given the flavor profile you prefer, I'd think you would be really happy with a box of Illusiones (whatever size you normally go with).
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The whole line is outstanding, at $162 a box get two!


:-)
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