Comments on: Cigar Insider: JR Cigar DC Manager John Sullivan

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:44:06 +0000

I preferred JR’s when Lew owned them. He provided far better specials than Altadis does. That being said, I purchased a couple of 5-packs of the JR Ultimate Toro of the Oscuro variety. I am eager to give them a try.

By: Lew Rothman

Lew Rothman — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:23:54 +0000

That first guy who said JR cigars are dry and our customer service stinks is obviously an envious retailer. We have the largest and most scientifically designed humidor on earth. If anything people complain that our cigars are too moist when delivered. As for John’s selection: that’s his favorite. Mine is a Don Diego Privada #4 and I don’t own the Don Diego brand, I just like ‘em. OPusX? a great cigar, but I couldn’t smoke it all the time just as I couldn’t eat Lobster Tails for every meal. If I had to pick one meal for the rest of my like, I guess it would be a hamburger or a hot dog… not exactly haut cuisine.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:15:24 +0000

JR Ultimate, Toro, EMS wrapper. My favorite cigar, period.
Can’t beat the price and in general the whole package. To me the fun of cigar smoking is finding the cheapest, best smoking cigar. Not spending extra for labels, marketing, etc. Besides…the rantings of Lou in the JR catalog are fantastic reading when you’re sitting on the can!

By: Ask a Cigar Insider: Cuban Crafters National Sales Director Alberto Noguera

Ask a Cigar Insider: Cuban Crafters National Sales Director Alberto Noguera — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:06:46 +0000

[...] Today we’re honored to have Alberto Noguera, national sales director of Cuban Crafters, as the second guest on our Ask a Cigar Insider series. Pictured below with famed cigar legends (from left) Don Kiki and Jorge L. Salazar, Mr. Noguera discusses his cigar-related hero, what makes boutique cigars unique, and why his cigars are “Cuban.” [...]

By: Jack Black

Jack Black — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:30:42 +0000

Surprisingly, I here a lot of name dropping regarding which cigar to smoke for the rest of ones life, without mention of Corojo? Any Corojo smokers in the audience? I find them well… almost addicting. Personally, I enjoy Bidwell Blend Cafe Corojo- Robustos and Illusione- 888 from Nicaragua.

By: JOwens

JOwens — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:05:24 +0000

As I understand the question it was “one specific cigar for the rest of your life”… not “what specific FREE cigar”! I’d hate to have to pay $8-10 for my cigar, especially since I smoke 3-5 a day, for the next 30 years. JR Ultimates are a fine cigar for the price. I favor their Cabinet selection myself. Medium-full, spicey and smooth.

Elitest smokers and elitest wine drinkers have much in common. If it’s not pricey, hyped and hard to get, it must be bad! I applaud Mr. Sullivan for keeping in touch with the “everyman”!

By: Patrick S

Patrick S — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 02:24:14 +0000

After reading this lively comment thread I thought I’d give my opinion, for what that’s worth.

Dicksbain, I do agree that my choice for the one cigar I’d smoke for the rest of my life wouldn’t be a JR Ultimate. But I don’t think it is accurate to call the JR Ultimate a “factory second.” It is just JR’s brand (and it can be bought elsewhere too, like at Holts) like a Nat Sherman – which also isn’t a “second.” In fact, if you do want to get a “second” of the JR Ultimate you can buy Consuegras from JR and they’ll either be seconds of the JR Ultimate, Rey del Mundo or Hoyo.

As for my choice, I’d probably go with a Davidoff. The Millenium Blend if I never wanted to smoke a cigar before noon again, or a Grand Cru for an all day cigar. Then again I might go with something from that island south of Miami.

By: Dicksbain

Dicksbain — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 01:28:07 +0000

The question was “If you could only smoke one specific cigar for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?” It wasn’t “Name a good cigar” or “What’s your favorite smoke” or “If you wanted a bargain cigar, what would it be”. The JR Ultimate aren’t bad, but their still “seconds”. I’d be curious to hear some others answer this question. Personally, I’d have to go with the Padron 1964 Anniversary Imperial Natural.

By: kevink868

kevink868 — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:21:32 +0000

Cool interview, Guys. BTW, I’m with Mac and Padronnie on this one. While I agree with Dicksbain that JR is no longer the best of the online merchants, bashing the JR Ultimate Petite DM as a throwaway is a stretch. In my experience (a couple of boxes worth), it’s an awfully good smoke at a fair price point. A heap of flavor in a small package. Compares favorably to any other house brand under the sun. It might not be my “desert island smoke,” but Mr. Sullivan’s choice didn’t strike me as absurd, either, particuarly if bang for the buck is a consideration.

By: Padronnie

Padronnie — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:11:14 +0000

Dicksbain-
Don’t you think it is possible that he actually really likes the JR Ultimate? If he had said JR Alternatives then I would think he is full of BS, but the JR Ultimates are $4-6 cigars – and considering that you aren’t paying for the marketing that goes with most “premium smokes, it’s probably fair to say they are comparable (at least $$ wise) to something that might run you almost 10 bucks.

Just my $.02