What are peoples opinions on non-cuban cuban brands?

[smokingsection]

Now I realize that the title may be unclear so I'll clear it up now.  What I mean is brands such as Cohiba, Partags, etc. that are sold in American that are obviously not the Cuban branded ones. We all know that they are a staple in almost every cigar shop in America.  Beings most people on these types of forums have readily access to the actual Cuban brands..... what are your opinions on the imposters?  I am personally of the mind that I'd rather smoke the real thing than a marketing ploy used by a company to bolster its sales.  But that's just me and I could be missing out on some great smokes, so....

[shlomo]

I've had some decent Honduran Punch. Can't remember which ones, but they were petit corona size.

There is a lot of information about how and why the marcas are being used, and there is even some decent discussions as to who the real imposters are. The "real thing" may surprise you.

[smokingsection]

Yea that's why I opened this discussion to see what peoples opinions are. I understand that most of the current brands even cuban are not the same as they were 10+ years ago but I know there are a lot of people with more knowledge than me so....

[tarkington]

I've had some Partagas Benjis that were pretty good.
Also some Punch rare corojo.
I never liked the NC cohibas, but somebody does...they seem
to move pretty good at my local gas station with a small cabinet humi. :)

[smokingsection]

Yea now that you mention it I liked all the NC Partagas that I've had.  Thanks for reminding me.

[polarbear]

Every NC Cuban brand i've had has been ok
Not aweful, not amazing, just ok
The Montecristo New York Edition was decent (but that was the only one I've found)
I didnt mind the Punch Rare Corojo
I find the LGC's and RyJ's to be a bit "Meh"
The Partagas Black Label was pretty good
I'm not a fan of Red Dot Cohibas but one of my mates loves the Petite Coronas

There are a lot better NC manufactures out there that make more impressive cigars and are usually cheaper.
If I want to smoke something Non-Cuban i usually look at Liga Privada, Fuente, Drew Estate or Olivia

[Fuente Fan]

There is a reason they want to use those same names.  Hoping people will think they are the same or even close.  If your product is good you can stand on your own.

[milhouse]

[quote author=Fuente Fan link=topic=19603.msg91626#msg91626 date=1370357845]
There is a reason they want to use those same names.  Hoping people will think they are the same or even close.  If your product is good you can stand on your own.
[/quote]


I can only imagine the amount of cash that will exchange hands  if and when the embargo is lifted.  General Cigar Company will clean up.

[kzoo11]

I find the Cohiba Puro Dominicana and the Montecristo Epic to be good

[buckwylde]

[quote author=kzoo11 link=topic=19603.msg91723#msg91723 date=1370444721]
I find the Cohiba Puro Dominicana and the Montecristo Epic to be good
[/quote]

To be 100% honest, I've found most of the NC lines of these classic brands to be total garbage; however, I found the montecristo epic to have been one of the better new cigars to drop in 2012...a little on the pricey side but I deserve that once and awhile.