Anyone Tried These?

CAO Gold Karats, Cohiba Red Dot Pequenos, or Macanudo Cafe & Maduro Ascot or Ascot Moduro, or Macanudo Gold Label Ascot?

Haven't smoked any except the red dot pequenos. Not a bad quick smoke but not worth the price IMHO

I bought quite a few Red Dots back when I didn't know any better. Worst overpriced cigar I have ever had.

I had the Macanudo Cafe Crystal, which I believe is the same thing but comes in a glass tubo. It was the second cigar I ever had in my life, so I enjoyed it. It was pricey for what it was though.

The Macanudo Ascots (non maduro) are one dimensional and mild. They arent terrible, but I wont spend money buy to them. The red dot pequenos are similar to the larger red dots, also kind of one dimensional. Red dots arent intrinsically bad, just way overpriced and not overly complex. Not something that im going to run out and buy either.

I cant speak to the CAO's, but I would give them a shot over trying your other alternatives.

I have smoked the Cohiba and Macanudos you listed. I found them to be enjoyable. I have not had that particular CAO but I have had much of their line and find them a nice mid-range smoke.

I enjoy the CAO Gold Robustos and figured the Karats ought to be good in my book. Not having much experience it may become too mild mannered or may just be what I like.

The price per cigar for the Karat is $1.96 ea in bulk vs $1.87 ea for the Pequenos vs $1.30 ea for the Ascot. But the Ascot may be more mild than I prefer...

Mostly I'm looking for something inexpensive (<$2 ea) and figured I may find better quality by going quasi cigarillo (trying to stay 30 ring +) vs a cheaper robusto. But then I'm also trying some of them...

I personally think Red Dots are terrible. The robusto was literally one of the worst cigars i smoked last year, and I imagine the mini version would be even worse. Macanudo Cafe is a pleasant enough mild, uneventful smoke - nice with a cup of afternoon coffee.... I'd smoke one if given to me, but I wouldn't go out of my way for one. It has a reputation for being flavorless, like sucking through a straw. I think that's a little harsh, but it is super.mild.

Can anyone compare these with an Avo Classic or CAO Gold (the only two I'm familiar with)? They are both medium, but are mild in comparison to a few I've tried (CAO Black and Mi Amor).

How about Arturo Fuente Cubanitos or Exquisitos?