The Stogie Guys

It’s been over six months since the StogieGuys.com team published a new list of Gold Star Smokes. As you might recall, this special designation celebrates cigars that we feel are worthy of strong recommendations. They don’t necessarily have to be five stogie-rated—just commendable smokes we turn to time and again.

Co-Founder & Editor in Chief Patrick A

One of my favorite Cubans is also relatively affordable, and that’s a winning combination. The Juan Lopez Selección No. 1 (5.6 x 42) has a profile of honey and graham with an earthy, woodsy core and good combustion qualities. And unlike some blends from the forbidden communist isle, this lesser-known Cuban doesn’t seem to suffer from consistency problems. A great buy for around $8.

Co-Founder & Publisher Patrick S

From time to time I get asked what my favorite maduro smoke is and, while I wouldn’t say I have just one favorite, the La Aurora Preferidos Maduro Robusto is always in the conversation. It has that classic maduro profile with plenty of creamy cocao and coffee notes. But what separates it from others is an impressive combination of complexity and balance.

Tampa Bureau Chief George E

From the dark appearance to the wonderfully deep, thick flavors, the Toraño Exodus 50 Years Blend Torpedo is an enticing smoke. It is blended for smoothness, and the Brazilian arapiraca sun-grown wrapper has a more refined taste than I’ve found in most other cigars that use it. As it burns with the Nicaraguan filler, you’re treated to a rich array of coffee, chocolate, and fruit. All this, and a reasonable price, make this a cigar to enjoy again and again.

Contributing Reviewer Patrick M

The new Tatuaje Verocu No. 5 (4 x 40) is just starting to hit the market, but I’ve already had a chance to smoke several. This cigar stays true to the blend with a core of leather, cedar, and spice. It is very similar to the Verocu No. 1, No.2, and Tubo and carries a sub-$5 price point—making it a great Gold Star Smoke.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

It’s been a few months since the StogieGuys.com team published a new list of Gold Star Smokes. As you might recall, this special designation celebrates cigars that we feel are worthy of strong recommendations. They don’t necessarily have to be five stogie-rated—just commendable smokes we turn to time and again.

Co-Founder & Editor in Chief Patrick A

One smoke that I can’t recommend enough is the new Entubar by Berger & Argenti. If you’re the kind of cigar enthusiast who enjoys balanced, traditional-tasting tobacco and brilliant combustion qualities, you can’t afford to pass up this outstanding experience.

Co-Founder & Publisher Patrick S

Frankly, I’d be shocked if the new CAO La Traviata isn’t featured in Cigar Aficionado‘s top 25 list. It certainly makes my list of top cigars in 2009. This Ecuadorian habano-wrapped stick is medium-bodied and thick with leather, cedar, and roasted flavors. Best of all, in these tight economic times, all of the La Traviata’s three vitolas are available for less than $6 apiece.

Tampa Bureau Chief George E

I suggest you pick up one of Pete Johnson’s Cabaiguans. They’re pricey, but I find them terrific medium-strength smokes. The Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut shade wrapper mixes with the Nicaraguan filler to create a thick, rich experience.

Contributing Reviewer Patrick M

In 2009 I probably smoked at least two boxes of the Tatuaje Havana VI Angeles. With consistently great construction and combustion, this corona-sized cigar is a great value at about $5 per stick when purchased by the box. Featuring flavors of leather, earth, and cedar with a good amount of peppery spice, the Angeles has good complexity and balance. For all of these reasons this cigar will continue to be in heavy rotation for me and I suggest you try one or a dozen for yourself.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys