Comments on: Stogie Tips: Visiting the Bargain Basement

By: Ethan Kurland

Ethan Kurland — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:56:43 +0000

Yes, George, I once had more cigars that I did not like in my humidors, than ones that I did like. Donated some to troops, etc. but I still felt stupid. I don't get too excited anymore–no risking $ on 5-packs, samplers, etc.

By: George E

George E — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:24:09 +0000

Ethan & Beringer – These days it is, indeed, difficult to find good cigars for $3 or less, especially when you’re talking about single-stick prices. Though I bought and reviewed a box of Famous Nicaraguan Corojo Corona a while back based on a recommendation, I don’t like to review cigars that are basically available only by the box/bundle because even at $2 or less, it’s a significant investment to buy cigars you haven’t tried. Buying one stick for $5 and finding out I don’t like it is a lot less painful than buying 20 for $40 and finding out I don’t like it. Not only am I out the money, I’ve got all those sticks around reminding me!

By: Beringer

Beringer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:50:09 +0000

I agree with Ethan. "Bargain" means "under $3" to me (or "less than $50/box"). Many many excellent cigars are available in the $4-$5 range, particularly via Internet retailers and auctions. The $1.25 to $2.50 range is more challenging (which is part of the fun). For my money and guilty conscience, Famous Smoke has an incredible selection of great bargain house blends (i.e. Famous Nicaraguan 3000).

By: TimD

TimD — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:28:45 +0000

Great article! I love finding great bargain sticks and #1 & 3 definitely fit the bill. I haven't tried the others but will have to keep an eye out for them.

By: Patrick S

Patrick S — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:34:25 +0000

@senz: It is a great photo. Fortunately it was posted on Flickr with license to share it under the Creative Commons (hence the photo credit to the original on Flickr).

By: Ethan Kurland

Ethan Kurland — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:18:45 +0000

Wow! La Traviata sounds like it must be tried. This column & the comments are useful, as usual. Nonetheless, please note that to many people w/o much $, a category of $5 or less is too broad. Half of the cigars that I smoke cost $1.20 to $2.50; 45% cost 2.50 to $4; and only 5% more than $4. A cigar that is better than many others that sell for higher prices, is a bargain, but if it cost more than $4, for me (+ some other people, I guess) it is not a "bargain cigar".

By: john

john — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:30:32 +0000

La Traviata hands down my favorite smoke, remind me the old style we used to get back in the 60′s and early 70′s!!!

By: senz

senz — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:07:59 +0000

Great image, where did you find it?

By: George E

George E — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:22:42 +0000

Thanks for adding all these great recommendation!

By: cj

cj — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:29:44 +0000

I have enjoyed the La Traviata, and while I do support local B&M a few times per month, I paid $3.83 per stick for the churchill size last time I ordered on the net! I will seek out the El Cobre, thanks for the advice guys!