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Stogie Reviews: Berger & Argenti Exile Wired Torpedo

12 Nov 2009

Of all the cigars I’ve been lucky enough to try since the IPCPR Trade Show in August, the Entubar Torpedo remains my favorite. The only problem? That magnificent smoke, the flagship blend of the new Berger & Argenti brand, is too pricey to be an everyday stogie.

Berger & Argenti Exile Wired TorpedoLuckily, this Miami-based boutique has another, more affordable line: Exile Wired. Its four vitolas carry MSRPs ranging from $108 to $144 per Spanish cedar box of 24.

While they currently sell under the Berger & Argenti label, they debuted back in 2008 as a product of Cuban Imports, Inc. You may recall that Albert and Michael Argenti of Cuban Imports launched Berger & Argenti in August with Don Kiki Berger, who fashions the Cupido, Cubano Claro, and Don Kiki lines for Cuban Crafters.

At any rate, the ingredients of Exile Wired include a filler blend of Nicaraguan (ligero and viso) and Dominican (seco) tobacco surrounded by a Connecticut broadleaf binder. The dry and clean wrapper is an Ecuadorian Havana-seed criollo leaf that was previously unavailable to the U.S. market.

The result tested well in the mainstream cigar media. Exile Wired was hailed by Cigar Insider as a Best Buy of 2008 and rated 90 by Cigar Aficionado—the highest score for a non-Cuban smoke in the publication’s Winter 2008 issue.

With a clean look, a firm feel, and a sharp head, the Torpedo (6 x 54) certainly appears worthy of high praise. I also find the double bands to be unique and attractive. Too bad they cause trouble when it’s time to remove them. On the two Torpedos I smoked for this review, both bands were tightly stuck to the wrapper, making it nearly impossible to take them off without tearing the exterior leaf.

Troublesome bands like these are a pet peeve of mine because they usually cause construction issues. But here, thankfully, the combustion qualities remain excellent, including a razor-sharp burn, a fortified white ash, and a smooth draw.

The medium-bodied flavor, notably consistent from light to nub, has a spicy cedar core with tones of ginger, walnut, and wine. Balanced, albeit slightly dry. The aftertaste is smooth and mellow with a soft pepper tingle.

That’s ultimately why I think this 90-minute smoke is good for beginners. It has enough flavor and nuance to keep you interested, but little strength or harshness. For me, the $5.50 Exile Wired Torpedo offers a wallet-friendly, not-too-exciting and not-too-bland change of pace from my regular rotation. It earns three stogies out of five.

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

Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

5 Responses to “Stogie Reviews: Berger & Argenti Exile Wired Torpedo”

  1. Tom Ufer Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 3:19 am #

    I agree that the Exile Wired is a great cigar. I had the pleasure of chatting with Al Argenti in his office while smoking this cigar. Not only was it a great cigar but it was one of the best conversations I've had in awhile. Al is a true gentlemen and he and his brother are making some excellent cigars.

  2. Cigar Palace Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 10:36 am #

    Are these cigars going to be available at cuban crafters website!!

  3. Patrick A Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 4:23 pm #

    No, to the best of my knowledge Cuban Crafters will not be selling Berger & Argenti cigars. More details to come on this brand's distribution once their website is up and running. For now, check out the B&A Facebook page.

Trackbacks and Pingbacks

  1. Stogie Reviews: Berger & Argenti Clasico Belicoso - Monday, March 29, 2010

    […] Exile Wired and Entubar, Clasico is a product of the merger between Albert and Michael Argenti of Cuban Imports […]

  2. Stogie Reviews: Berger & Argenti Entubar Quad Maduro Double Corona - Monday, April 4, 2011

    […] between brothers Michael and Albert Argenti and Enrique Berger. The outfit’s first lines included Exile Wired, Clasico, and […]