The 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.

This Churchill-sized smoke (7 x 49) remains my favorite vitola in the Centro Fino Sungrown blend. With notes of wood, earth, nuts, and milk chocolate, it is well-suited for a weekend afternoon at home or on the golf course. And its excellent combustion qualities—including a sturdy white ash—only enhance the experience. At $6-8 a pop, I’m always happy to keep a few of these on hand.

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.

This brand from United Tobacco is a bit of an enigma. The website says that each Mi Barrio release will be the same unique size and shape with a different blend. The insert that came in my box of El Aceres (6 x 50) says the same thing. This second release in the line, however, is clearly a different vitola than the first, called El Puro (7.5 x 52). I’ve smoked both, and the difference in flavor is subtle enough to make me believe that the blend stayed the same and the size is the only thing changing from release to release. At any rate, the construction of the El Acere is excellent. It starts with lots of earthiness and a grassy sweetness that plays off of a subtle spice. About halfway through, a strong vanilla flavor emerges with a hint of roasted almonds. The El Acere is medium-bodied but full-flavored with a crisp finish. Even at $9-$11 apiece, this complex cigar is definitely worth a try.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick M

photo credit: Stogie Guys