Finding a really good $20.00 cigar has never been a problem for me.  Finding a really good $5.00 cigar can be somewhat difficult.  When I read Cigar Aficionado and hear about how great a smoke the Fuente Opus X or some other premium cigar is, I can't help but wonder who actually can afford a box of these.  Not that I feel the Opus X is a bad cigar, but is it really worth $25.00 a smoke?  Call me a cheapo, but I think there are a few cigars that are nearly as enjoyable but drastically less expensive.  When I lived in Miami, I used to frequent Mike's Cigars.  Sometimes you could get a really good deal on seconds or opened packages.  However, for variety, you can't beat www.cigar.com.  So what is my choice for inexpensive good smoke?  Well, much to the ridicule of many seasoned smokers, I like Las Cabrillas in the typical  robusto size.  $32.25 for a box of 25.  On the downside, there are about 5 or so skunks in every box.  I guess the quality control isn't too good, but for the price, I think its worth it.  I 've heard stories of the entire box being terrible, with big veins on the cigars and the cigars becoming soft, mooshy and burning unevenly.  I have not had these problems, maybe I'm just lucky.  My statistics teacher once said, "You can't say anything statistically without a sample size of at least 30".  Maybe after I smoke 30 boxes, I will have a different opinion, but so far I've been satisfied.  Recently in Vegas, I got the chance to smoke a CAO   L'aniversair, which I enjoyed thoroughly.  When I worked for the Miami HIDTA, we would continually have a supply of Monte Cristos, Hoyo de Montereys, and Cohibas strainght from Cuba (you have to burn evidence).  We also had a good supplier from the Fonseca factory that would give us boxes of cigars practically for free.  If you are a cigar smoker and have a inexpensive smoke you could recommend, please email me.  I want to stop being made fun of when I light up La Cabrilla!  NEW:  I just recieved a box of Cuban Monte Cristos ! THEY ARE GREAT, gracias mami Arejelia !

Fuente Opus X Las Cabrillas 4.75x50 CAO