Quick Smoke: Pinar del Rio Oscuro Robusto

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Far too often, dark cigars that look, feel, and smell like this one turn harsh, meaty, or stale in the final third. But this Robusto (5 x 50) from Pinar del Rio’s Oscuro blend manages to avoid that trap while still featuring a full-bodied profile. Its Brazilian-grown oscuro wrapper combines with a criollo ’98 Dominican binder and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos to produce tastes of creamy espresso, cocoa, and nuts. The combustion qualities are fair and the sub-$6 price tag is more than reasonable.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys