The Stogie Guys

This past summer, Davidoff announced it would be releasing the first maduro cigar in the company’s storied history. The announcement caught many, including myself, by surprise. After all, Davidoff’s strength is generally considered to be its complexity and balance often in mild to medium cigars. Maduro wrappers present significant challenges to that formula, not to mention that Davidoff’s master blender Henke Kelner is reportedly not a fan of maduro cigars.

Still maybe the introduction of Davidoff’s first maduro should not have been a complete surprise. I’m just speculating here, but given Davidoff’s special connection with the Cuban Cohiba brand, maybe we should have expected Davidoff to follow when Cohiba introduced its first Maduros under the Cohiba line in 2007. (The introduction of Cohiba’s Siglo line in 1992 was widely considered to be a move to replace Davidoff’s Cuban lines, after Davidoff stopped making cigars in Cuba following disputes with the Cuban government.) More than any other non-Cuban company, Davidoff directly competes with Cohiba and other handmade Cuban cigars, so the move may be a reaction to competition from the new Cuban maduros.

But no matter the impetus for the cigar, it is one of the new releases that I was most looking forward to reviewing. The cigar is a five inch by 52 ring gauge robsuto (the maduro is only offered in the robusto), and it consists of a Dominican wrapper and a San Vincente binder with a sungrown Nicaraguan Cuban-seed “natural maduro” wrapper from the Jalapa Valley.

The maduro wrapper is the color of dark roasted coffee beans. Before lighting, I notice cocoa and vanilla bean flavors.

Once lit, I’m greeted with a combination of classic Davidoff flavors—balanced cedar and coffee—along with some new flavors including a little, though not an overwhelming amount, of the classic maduro sweetness. I also notice hints of charred oak, banana peel, and maybe even saffron.

Both cigars I smoked for this review developed uneven burns, but both self-corrected before they became problems. Besides that, the construction was flawless, with a predictably easy draw and firm, sturdy ash. One word of advice: Take this cigar slowly. Rush it and the rich, balanced flavors will develop a bitter edge.

While there wasn’t much variation as the cigar progressed, the complexity of the flavor was more than enough to keep me interested. And it strikes me as a cigar with some tremendous aging potential.

I paid $15 each for these cigars, which is in line with Davidoff’s MO. At that price you expect a superior cigar and it delivers, though it still doesn’t gain any points for value.

Those who enjoyed the Millennium Blend, another fuller-flavored Davidoff, should definitely give this cigar a try. As should fans of maduro cigars, particularly those who think that maduros need to have overpowering sweetness or must be one dimensional.

For this well-balanced blend of the best of maduro and classic Davidoff flavors, the Davidoff Maduro R receives a rating of four and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick S

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.

It’s a sin that we haven’t reviewed a Rocky Patel Decade yet. I managed to try one Toro (6.5 x 52), however, when my dad picked up a pair from a local shop after Thanksgiving. This box-pressed beauty features a gorgeous Ecuadoran wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. It draws smoothly, burns wonderfully, and tastes of spice and creamy cocoa. Big on flavor, light on strength. Forgive the comparison, but the Decade almost feels like a cross between an Olde World Reserve and a Vintage. Not too shabby.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

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.

Nearly a year ago, my colleague rated the Robusto-sized EO 601 Serie “Green” La Fuerza highly, calling it “one of the most full-bodied smokes I’ve ever had the pleasure to enjoy.” I couldn’t have agreed more, as the 601 Green rates as one of my all-time favorites. With that in mind I tried its larger brother, the 6 and 1/8 inch by 58 ring gauge Trabuco. The wrapper wasn’t quite as oily as the robusto, but it’s still attractive and nearly vein-free. The flavor had similar roasted coffee and nut flavors, but it wasn’t quite as full-flavored (if the robusto was a ten on the strength scale, this is merely a nine). Still, it is a meticulously balanced cigar for its strength with a base of cedar, earth, and leather. Just like its smaller cousin, this large toro had flawless physical properties.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) General Cigar Co. may be in a heap of trouble. In the latest twist of a protracted legal battle, a U.S. District Court judge recently ruled that the company’s use of the Cohiba name is “unfair trade by misappropriation.” The Cuban government has been seeking General’s profits from Dominican Cohiba cigars and an enjoinder to prevent the U.S. company from using the trademark for 11 years. Stay tuned to StogieGuys.com for developments and additional coverage next week.

2) We are pleased to congratulate friend of the website Luis Tiant, better known as El Tiante, for becoming a finalist in the Class of 2009 at the Baseball Hall of Fame. The right-hander and three-time All-Star pitched 19 seasons before founding his own cigar company. The Veterans Committee vote will be announced on Monday.

3) There’s still time to enter our “What Do Cigar Rights Mean to You?” contest. Simply leave a comment here for a chance to win a dozen of Rocky Patel’s finest cigars, three punch cutters, and Rocky’s new five-torch Diplomat table lighter—all generously provided by the good people of the Duque Cigar Company. Entries must be submitted before the stroke of midnight on December 14.

4) Inside the Industry: Rocky Patel will be releasing only 4,000 boxes of his Winter Blend. Holt’s will be the exclusive retailer of a new Padrón 1926 vitola, the six inch by 48 ring gauge Legacy.

5) Around the Blogs: Cigar Jack smokes a Gurkha Black Dragon. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Diamond Crown Maximus. Cigar Spy reviews a Cohiba Siglo III. Cigar Inspector surveys the Romeo y Julieta Escudos 2007 LE. Stogie Review takes on the El Titan de Bronze.

6) Deal of the Week: If the “2008 Cigar Innovation Award” existed, it most certainly would go to Nub—the short, thick cigars designed to skip right to the heart of flavor. This Nub Sampler will help you get acquainted with the hot new brand. You get singles of all 12 Nub sticks for under $40. Grab yours here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: General Cigar Co.

As I wrote in early November, I’m a big fan of Jameson’s original blend. Aside from bearing my middle name, the spirit is an excellent, top-notch, reliable whiskey that doesn’t command an unreasonable price.

But maybe you’re looking for something a little more exquisite this holiday season. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a friend, or a loved one, I don’t think you can go wrong with the new Jameson Irish Whiskey Gold Reserve.

Gold Reserve was released in March as part of Jameson’s expanding Reserve Line of whiskeys. At about $65 per 750 ml. bottle, it’s more affordable than Rarest Vintage Reserve ($250) and the 18 Year Old Limited Reserve ($85), but pricier than the 12 Year Old Special Reserve ($35). Don’t let that ranking fool you, though; this is one phenomenal spirit that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Pernod Ricard, Jameson’s distributor, had this to say when Gold Reserve joined the Jameson Family: “Jameson Gold Reserve is a unique blend of three whiskeys of advanced years, one of which is matured in virgin oak barrels lending a satisfying complexity and honey toasted sweetness.”

Not unlike the original blend, the pour is crisp and clean with an amber hue. I find fresh oak, syrup, and sweet sherry on the nose. The complex taste features a wonderful interplay between spice and honey, and the slightest tinge of vanilla fades in and out to keep things interesting. Intricate and enjoyable.

The black pepper finish is extremely long and warm, a welcome characteristic that I think makes this whiskey easily compatible with most mild- to medium-bodied cigars. Since the sturdy flavor lingers long enough to take and taste a puff of smoke, you’ll have ample time to explore the relationship between the spirit and your cigar. Let me recommend trying Gold Reserve with a CAO Black, Davidoff Grand Cru, PG Gourmet II, or an Oliva Serie G.

Either way, whether you’re picking out something for that whiskey connoisseur on your list or rewarding yourself for conquering your Christmas shopping early, Jameson Gold Reserve will not disappoint.

–Patrick A

photo credits: Stogie Guys

You’d think cigars produced by an industry superstar would display his name prominently. But there’s no trace of the Rocky Patel name on the Cruz Real black and gold band, a not-quite-value, not-quite-premium brand that’s sold exclusively by Famous Smoke Shop.

Launched early this year, Cruz Real is handmade under the supervision of Nestor Plasencia in El Paraiso, Honduras. “We worked long and hard on getting it just right, and finally came up with a decadent, creamy blend that’s still affordable,” says Rocky. “You’re really gonna enjoy this cigar.”

The five Connecticut vitolas—Corona, Lonsdale, Churchill, Robusto, and Toro—sport a U.S. Connecticut wrapper, a Mexican binder, and longfiller tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican. Each size is also available in a darker Sumatra wrapper.

The classically sized five inch by 50 ring gauge Robusto is smooth and clean with a crisp prelight aroma of sweet hay. Soft to the touch, it sells for $104 per box of 20 and is supposed to be a toasty, medium-bodied smoke for those with an eye for quality and value.

The initial blast of salty spice is enough to catch me off-guard. I just don’t expect such power from this delicate, unassuming stick—at least not from the very get-go. The flavor quickly mellows, though, to take on a mild profile of oak, butter, and onion. Smooth and gentle.

The dry saltiness diminishes significantly after the first third, leaving a well-balanced taste. This is where the Cruz Real Connecticut is at its best, before an unwelcome bitterness creeps in during the last inch or so.

With an excellent burn, a great ash, and a clear draw, this 50-minute smoke has physical properties that far exceed those of many pricier sticks. If only the taste offered more of the complexity or character I was hoping for.

Still, if this young cigar doesn’t improve with age, it remains an affordable, reliable golf course companion. I give the Cruz Real Connecticut Robusto a respectable rating of three and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

When it comes to top shelf bourbon, A.H. Hirsh holds a special place in the hearts of many connoisseurs. With every sip of the stuff, there’s a little less of it around that can never be replaced. Literally.

A.H. Hirsh is the last of the bourbon made at Michter’s Distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. Today, a series of whiskey is made under the Michter’s name, but none of it comes from the original Pennsylvania distillery.

Originally distilled in 1974, A.H. Hirsch is the oldest pot stilled bourbon available in the U.S., at least since the 20-year-old version sold out. Today it is distributed by Preiss Imports, which bought all the remaining reserves of the Michter’s Distillery when the historic Pennsylvania site went bankrupt in 1988.

Given those limited reserves, it is no surprise that A.H. Hirsch is quite expensive and getting pricier every year. Two years ago bottles were available for around $80. Today, with decreasing supply and Preiss’s decision to raise the wholesale price as their reserves dwindle, expect to pay well over $100 for a 750 ml bottle.

The 34 year old bourbon—after 16 years it was transferred to steel barrels to stop it from aging any further, hence “16-year-old”—comes highly praised. According to renowned F. Paul Pecult’s The Spirit Journal, A.H. Hirsch is the only bourbon to receive the “5-Star” rating.

With all that high praise I, needless to say, was excited to try this bourbon. After pouring a few fingers of the copper-colored spirit, I was greeted with an abundance of vanilla.

The bourbon is refined and balanced with tons of oak and fruit and hints of mint, walnut, and maple syrup. The finish is long and spicy, with pepper, oak, and cedar. While the nose is strong straight out of the bottle, just a drop of water opens up the flavors, letting apricot and other subtle notes shine through. I would not, however, recommend spoiling this spirit with ice.

When it comes to pairing the A.H. Hirsh 16-Year-Old Reserve with cigars, you’d be hard pressed to go wrong with any good stick. For me a cigar with an abundance of cedar, such as the Montecristo Petit Edmundo or a Fuente Sun Grown, do particularly well. I should say, though, that such earthy cigars as an EO 601 Green or a Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Rubusto also paired well.

Ultimately for bourbon lovers, of which I consider myself one, I would suggest getting your hands on some A.H. Hirsch. If the prospect of dropping a Benjamin on a bottle of bourbon is too much for you, find a good establishment with Hirsch on their spirit list and drop the $20 for a pour. It’ll be well worth the opportunity to taste this historic bourbon before it is too late.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys