Stogie Commentary: We Smoke ’Em So You Don’t Have To (Part III)
18 Apr 2007
In my trek through the subterranean world of cheap cigars, the Alcazar represents a step up. It’s not a huge step, though. We’re not talking about going from Woolworth’s to Saks. More like Big Lots to Kmart.
Unlike many of the ultra low-cost cigars – which wouldn’t be seen, much less stocked, in most cigar shops – Alcazars are relatively easy to find. Perhaps that’s due to their connection to the storied Fuente line. As noted on the company’s website, the “Nicaraguan Alcazar bundle†brand is produced by “partners†of the J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
It’s apparent that the Alcazar is named for a horse. Other cigars in the past also sported the moniker. Curious, I did a little research and found at least one dozen thoroughbreds with the name. But then I read that an earlier cigar honored a trotter named Alcazar famous in the late 1800s, and I’m guessing that’s the equine lineage represented by these sticks.
For a stogie readily available for less than $2 when purchased in lots of 20 (I paid $2.75 for my Alcazar No. 4 Maduro at a local shop), the cigar appears surprisingly nice. It has a dark, rough look. The cap had been applied nicely and punched easily. The draw was straightforward, it lit evenly, and the burn was straight from start to finish.
The real trouble began when I started to actually smoke the five inch by 52 ring gauge cigar. The smoke was thin. But I could at least see it so I knew I was smoking. Otherwise, I’d have thought I was simply breathing. When it comes to a lack of taste, Alcazar occupies the winner’s circle. Bland, flat, flavorless, tasteless, dull, boring, vapid. Take your pick.
Fortunately, the Alcazar burned rapidly, so I was able to reach the last third fairly quickly. Unfortunately, my hope that the profile would change along the way was unfulfilled.
I plan to let Alcazar remain in the pasture, alone and undisturbed.
Next up on my highlights of low-cost cigars: a Cuban Reject that stands in at six inches with a price tag of $1.35
[Read part 1 and part 2 of George’s continuing series on cheap cigars.]
Tags: cigars
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Excellent work as always, George. You seem to have a real knack for getting entertaining naratives out of terrible cigars.
Better you than me, I suppose…
How long does it take your taste buds to grow back after smoking some of the dog rockets? 🙂
Well, in this case it didn't take long because there was so little there. On the other hand, I'm still not sure I've fully recovered from that Dutch Masters!
Your comments on the Alcazar presented a biased and basically false interpretation of the cigar. I've been smoking them for several years and find them to have quite an enjoyable, medium-bodied, flavor. They are a helluva lot better than some of those expensive tubes of burlap and horses**t some of my friends think are so great. Oh well, guess that's why they made chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and jalapeno ice cream. Different strokes…
I have to agree with Bill (above). This is a very pleasant Madura cigar with an excellent flavor, good burn, and little objectionable aftertaste. The price is excellent, especially if you do a little looking around online. For the man who like to smoke a cigar or two on weekends, this is an unbeatable value. I too have bought more expensive maduros upon recommendation of local cigar shop personnel and have been disappointed with the flavor/price ratio. I suppose there are some excellent maduros out there at 6-9 bucks a pop, but why in the world would one choose those over this surprisingly good cigar at only $2 each?