Puros Huerfanos 681 Maduro

nwb · 09/21/2010 12:36 PM

Last week, I won a box of these on CigarAuctioneer for about half retail. Yesterday, I received my shipment and tried one right off the truck. I'm usually the type to let cigars sit a week before sampling, but I was excited, especially since these are supposed to be "similar" to the Liga Privada.

Here is the marketing for Puros Huerfanos from Famous:
"Puros Huerfanos Blend 681 cigars are ultra-premium, overrun firsts from Drew Estate available only in a 5½ x 52 Robusto. Presented in boxes of 25 cigars, this full-bodied blend consists of select Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban seed longfiller tobaccos with a Brazilian Mata Fina binder flawlessly rolled in an ebony Connecticut Broadleaf. The smoke is creamy and complex offering rich earthy layers of sweet wood and spices. The outstanding quality and low price make these fine cigars one of our best must-try values."

Here is the marketing for Liga Privada from the DE website:
Wrapper - Connecticut Broadleaf #1 Darks
Binder - Plantation Grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler - Select Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Strength - Medium/Full
Taste Profile - Lush, earthy, and espresso-like with incredibly dense body.

You'll see a review sometime today, but the first thing I will say is this is not a Liga Privada #9. However, I have a feeling that this was possibly an earlier blend that the folks at Drew Estate rejected.

Long story short, it is very similar, which shouldn't be surprising considering the blends look to be the same. If you go into smoking one without expectations that it is indeed a LP Second, you will be pleasantly surprised.

And if you decide they aren't for you, send them my way....

PA.pierced2010 · 09/21/2010 12:50 PM

Thanks for the post. I have been planning to pick some up someday. Many reviews/comments state they are not LP #9's, and might be harsh reviews because people had inflated expectations.
I really enjoy Lavieja Habano maduros, and expect I would enjoy the 681's. I'll have to "pull the trigger" on a box someday.

Brlesq · 09/21/2010 01:05 PM

Quotenwb - 9/21/2010 1:36 PM

Long story short, it is very similar, which shouldn't be surprising considering the blends look to be the same. If you go into smoking one without expectations that it is indeed a LP Second, you will be pleasantly surprised.
QUOTE]

That's good advice. I love the LP#9, so I would probably like this stick if I expect it to be only equal to a "second" of an LP. Sounds like I need to try these. Thanks, for the tip!

ROTHNH · 09/21/2010 01:12 PM

You're right, Nathan this cigar (and IIRC all PH blends) are "rejected" blends from experiments that left the manufacturer (in this case Drew Estates) with a bunch of cigars to unload.

Famous started buying these expecting to have limited amounts and few sizes (sometimes only one size) and PH brands are sort of like buying something at Big Buy -- if you see it and want it buy it now cuz it very well may not be there tomorrow.

Hard to say if someone was pulling my leg, but I still think it's best to err on the side of caution if you love any particular PH blend as ikt may be fleeting. Stock up

nwb · 09/21/2010 01:13 PM

Bruce - if you are patient, you can win them in the $45-$55 range on CigarAuctioneer. Luckily, I paid $46/box, which I would pay any day of the week for them.

The best thing is, from what I've read, these age extremely well....

nwb · 09/21/2010 01:15 PM

QuoteROTHNH - 9/21/2010 2:12 PM

Hard to say if someone was pulling my leg, but I still think it's best to err on the side of caution if you love any particular PH blend as ikt may be fleeting. Stock up

Don't tell me that.

Now it will take weeks for you goons to buy your fill. Stupid me - should have bought a couple of boxes before hyping them up.

nwb · 09/21/2010 01:21 PM

Looks like Gary (Cigary) had similar thoughts:

http://www.famous-smoke.com/puros+huerfanos+blend+681+cigar+reviews/681

kola · 09/21/2010 02:12 PM

Now look what ya'll have done. Another stick on the "must try" list - which is already longer than the next 10 years. Dammit.

ROTHNH · 09/21/2010 02:35 PM

Quotekola - 9/21/2010 3:12 PM

Now look what ya'll have done. Another stick on the "must try" list - which is already longer than the next 10 years. Dammit.

Aw, come on -- I bet you love this stuff -- one of the reasons we're here, eh?

Cigary · 09/21/2010 03:47 PM

Uh oh...there goes the neighborhood and the secret is getting out. I discovered these over a year ago and these suckers are soooo good. With about 8 to 12 months rest on them they really come into their own. When these were on Cigar Auctioneer I was getting them for $40 a box and now I see they no longer offer them for auction,,,but can still be bought on the Famous site for full price...boooooo! Good thing I got my 4 boxes when I did and now I'm buying up the 52X and get these for $40 as well. They are not as good as the 681 but they are still really good as well...I'm a Maduro Fan so I like the 681's. More and more people are finding about this cigar...( yes I believe they are close enough to the LP#9 to keep one happy...take the bands off the 681 and the LP and you'd be pressed to guess which is which.

kola · 09/21/2010 04:23 PM

QuoteROTHNH - 9/21/2010 3:35 PM

Quotekola - 9/21/2010 3:12 PM

Now look what ya'll have done. Another stick on the "must try" list - which is already longer than the next 10 years. Dammit.

Aw, come on -- I bet you love this stuff -- one of the reasons we're here, eh?

Until I figure out how to live forever so I can try every label in existence, I will never be happy!

Well, except for maybe Ron Mexico and all his friends. I could do without trying them.

I like cigars

whodeeni · 09/25/2010 11:32 AM

guys its as close to a lp9 robusto as you can get...
i'm not at liberty to say much more than that but
i got this from a friend who spoke at length to a
rep that's been with them for years...

and Gary's right they are up for auction as
much so if you're able to find em get em
because you will enjoy 'em!