The Stogie Guys

Last June, StogieGuys.com named its first series of Gold Star Smokes. Each of us chose cigars we believed, for one reason or another, were worthy of strong recommendations. They didn’t necessarily have to be five stogie-rated – just commendable smokes we turn to time and again for high quality and consistency.

For Patrick A, it was the Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Torpedo; Patrick S bestowed his honor on the El Rey Del Mundo Robusto Larga; and George E selected the Punch Champion. Now we’re back with three new Gold Star Smokes. We think they are well worth your attention, and we’d love to hear what you think.

Co-Founder & Editor in Chief Patrick A

Last fall was my first run-in with an EO 601 Serie “Green” La Fuerza, and I’ve made sure to have many more since. This dark, oily cigar is hearty and complex with delicious notes of leather, clove, and cocoa bean. The $7 cost is more than fair, especially since the delicious flavors are accompanied by a straight burn, a smooth draw, and a firm ash. Just make sure to try this on a full stomach.

Co-Founder & Publisher Patrick S

I’ve been fortunate enough to smoke a handful of Montecristo Petit Edmundos in the past six months, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every one. With classic looks and a complex blend of cedar, spice, earth, warm tobacco, and a medium- to full-bodied creaminess, it is no surprise that this cigar was given a five stogie-rating by my colleague Patrick A. It also earns points for being available – though not in the U.S. of course – for under $8 when purchased by the box. However, what really earns this Cuban smoke its “gold star” is its stubby size (4 1/3″x 52) , which showcases the exciting flavors in a formate you can enjoy in 45 minutes.

Tampa Bureau Chief George E

Recent unexpected circumstances have put me once or twice a week at a local cigar shop that I had only visited occasionally in the past. Each time there I’ve lit up a Cuban Crafters Cameroon Robusto, and each time I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. The five inch by 52 ring gauge cigar burns well, draws great, and produces thick, tasty smoke with a sweet, woodsy finish. If you like Cameroon tobacco, this is one you won’t want to miss. At about $3 a stick, it’s also an incredible bargain.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar. The following is a Guest Quick Smoke, submitted by a StogieGuys.com reader. If you’d like to submit your own for publication, please contact us.

Rocky Patel can do almost no wrong in my book. Nevertheless, I hesitated to try his Indian Tabac Split Decision Quad (6” x 52, $10), a barber pole comprising four distinct wrappers: Habano natural, Connecticut shade, broadleaf maduro, and candela. With its camouflage-like appearance, this stick is an attention-grabber. I was pleasantly surprised by the cigar’s medium body and smooth, subtle flavors of spice, cream, and leather. Unfortunately, the draw was quite loose and the burn was hot and uneven. Ultimately, as striking as this cigar may look, I simply can’t recommend a purchase – especially with far superior barber poles on the market.

Verdict = Sell.

-Submitted by Jon Nathanson of Los Angeles, CA

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

Last April, George E found the Toro in this line to have excellent construction but little flavor. The five inch by 50 ring gauge Robusto isn’t much different. It starts out with a warm tobacco taste and some clove spice, but that fades into hardly any flavor at all. The physical properties are very impressive, especially for a sub-$5 stick. All the same, this has got to be the mildest cigar produced in Estelí – perhaps too mild.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys