[aconsult1]

I agree with your statement on quality control issues. Also fake cigars are a huge problem. I've heard about many cases of cigars made in Cuba by "freelancers" and then sold in repurposed boxes and labels. Those aren't terrible cigars, but definitely not great.

I'll try those 2 you mentioned and see if it's to my taste. Dona Flor, made in Brazil, are pretty decent. Unfortunately they are not easy to come by near where I live.

[akho]

Oliva Melanio Serie V comes in various sizes from robusto up, with maduro variants (I don't think Cuba does maduros). It's generally well regarded, smokeable, and I haven't seen one with significant issues. I often have non-maduro robustos in my humidor.

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story is quick, and an alternative to the Trinidad Reyes in that respect. Different taste profile, of course.

In both cases — not Cubans, so no grassiness, and heavier, but not bad at all.