The Stogie Guys

I recently opened a box of cigars to find a pleasant surprise. A small piece of paper inside let me know exactly when the cigars began aging, when they went in the box, and when they were released to be sold.

The box was a sampler of six La Aurora Preferido Maduro Perfectos. As you can see in the photo, the box includes a card with the pertinent dates and information about the batch of cigars.

It’s such simple information—amazingly, though, such information is completely absent from many of the high-end cigars that are made these days. Nevermind information about when the cigars began aging, even box dates are missing from the majority of cigars on the market.

Ironically, Cuban cigars always have box dates. Perhaps because they are often rushed out of the factory without extensive aging, it’s particularly important for Cuban smokers to know  if their cigars have had enough time to develop. Box dates on Cubans also reinforce the collectors mentality that surrounds the smokes (while serving as a check against counterfeiting). It’s a lesson that non-Cuban producers would do well to emulate.

For all the talk we hear about treating cigars as a collectors item like wine, consumers still don’t have the details they need to treat cigars like a collectors item. Good wines always have some basic information on the bottle; usually at least the vintage and basic information about the composition of the blend.

Cigars should welcome that approach, even if it means dispensing with the idea that every cigar is best smoked immediately after it is released. Doing so would encourage cigar smokers to become collectors who want to learn more about the cigars they buy and how to get the most out of them through aging.

Towards that end, others should follow the example set by La Aurora and let smokers know the vital facts about the cigars on which they spend their hard-earned money. (And, in case you were wondering, the pictured La Aurora Preferido Maduro Perfectos began aging in November 2007, were boxed on August 4, 2008, and left the factory on August 8, 2008; they’re great right now.)

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Back in 1995, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo was expanding his booming El Credito Cigar Company. His marquis brand, La Gloria Cubana, had been discovered by connoisseurs around the country, creating booming demand. He was making 2.2 million cigars a year between his factories in Miami and the Dominican Republic.

Now, a decade and a half later, he has sold his company to industry giant General Cigar, which he left in 2009 to to start up his own boutique manufacturer, E.P. Carrillo. E.P. Carrillo came on the scene with a bang in late 2009 when the EP Carrillo Edición Inaugural 2009 was introduced. Only 125,00 cigars  were made.

It was thought that that cigar would be the only release from Carrillo until the regular line debuted at the IPCPR in August. But with little fanfare, the new Short Run line is now available. The concept behind Short Run is simple: a one-time blend released once or twice a year made in limited numbers. (Only 108,000 of the 2010  version of the Short Run will ever be made.)

The Short Run 2010, which will be the only Short Run of 2010, utilizes an Ecuadorian-grown, Sumatra-seed wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The blend comes in three sizes: Dominantes (6.25 x 60), Populares (4.9 x 50), and Delirios (5.9 x 52). Prices for the 2010 Short Run range from $6.25-8.50.

The Ecuadorian wrapper on the Delirios is a muted brown color with lots of small veins. The toro is firmly constructed, just as I’ve come to expect from E.P. Carrillo cigars—whether made by El Credito or his new family-run outfit.

Once lit, the Delirious reveals woody spice, sweet graham cracker, and toasty notes. It’s a quintessential Ecuadorian smoke (imparted no doubt by the Ecuadorian wrapper) with sweet spice and buttery flavors. These flavors are consistent throughout, with only a slight leather flavor emerging in the final third. Still, it’s not enough to undo the balanced, medium-bodied flavors.

Construction is flawless. The ash holds admirably and the burn is perfectly straight while it produces clouds of smoke through an effortless draw.

All in all, the EP Carrillo is a fantastic smoke, even if it isn’t quite as superb as the Edición Inaugural 2009. But for almost half the price ($7) the Delirious may be an even better value. Personally, I plan on grabbing a few more of the Short Run before its run ends. For that reason, along with its tasty, medium-bodied flavors and excellent combustion characteristics, the E.P. Carrillo Short Run Delirios earns four stogies out of five.

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

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Hoyo de Monterrey is yet another Cuban brand that has been hijacked by a U.S. company in an effort to confuse American consumers. The original Hoyo, founded by José Gener in 1865, remains one of my favorite brands from the forbidden isle, anchored by the Epicure Especial, Double Corona, and Epicure No. 2.

While the Honduran Hoyos manufactured by Estelo Padrón for General Cigar are unrelated but in name, they are not to be dismissed as mere marketing gimmicks. Such blends as the Dark Sumatra and Excalibur Legend have attracted loyal followings in their own right.

About two years ago, the Hoyo de Tradición blend joined the Hoyo de Monterrey portfolio. It sports a Jamastran viso rosado wrapper leaf, a Connecticut binder, and a three-country filler combination of Honduran San Agustin, Dominican piloto cubano, and Nicaraguan tobacco from the volcanic island of Ometepe.

The four box-pressed Hoyo de Tradición vitolas—Corona, Epicure, Toro, and Toro Grande—are handmade in Cofradia, Honduras. They each carry regal white, red, and gold bands that are strikingly similar to those found on Hoyo Double Coronas from Cuba. Must be a coincidence.

I smoked four Epicures (5.25 x 50) for this review. Each included a mottled and toothy wrapper, a rough cap, and a consistently firm feel. Fragrant pre-light aromas of sweet earth and coffee creamer are enticing.

After toasting the foot, establishing an even burn, and studying the first few puffs, I find a straightforward flavor of bitter coffee and black pepper spice. A stale aftertaste occasionally crops up as tastier notes of almond and cream fade in and out. The aromatic resting smoke keeps things  more interesting than they otherwise would be.

Past the midway point, the Epicure drops the bitter and stale flavors for a smoother profile of cocoa, caramel, and spice. This is the sweet spot. The final third is sour and meaty.

All the while the physical properties are impeccable. The white ash layers nicely and sturdily off the foot, the burn line is even, and the draw is easy and productive—each puff yielding bountiful bunches of thick smoke.

I paid just over $5 per Epicure at my local tobacconist. At that price this cigar is a decent purchase. It may not have the subtle complexities of a special occasion smoke, but it certainly satisfies as a respectable everyday selection if you’re looking for a fragrant stick with great construction. Those qualities earn the Hoyo de Tradición Epicure three stogies out of five.

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

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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.”

It has been awhile since I smoked this maduro made by Don Pepin Garcia for EO Brands. Earlier this year, the six inch by 50 ring gauge Toro was named the number six cigar of 2009 by Cigar Aficionado. While I may question some of the cigars on that list, there is no doubt that this smoke is a gem. It is a well-balanced, medium- to full-bodied smoke with an abundance of earth, coffee, and cocoa. Add in excellent combustion qualities, and I can heartily recommend the $8 Toro.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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.”

Distributed by Miami-based Pure Aroma Cigars, D‘Crossier is, according to President Isaias Santana Diaz, handmade in Costa Rica “with rigorous quality standards” and “guided by the principle of superior quality.” The Golden Blend Torpedo (6.1 x 52) is a fine example of such standards. Aside from being a gem in appearance, what with its red Ecuadorian wrapper and its firm packing of Dominican and Costa Rican tobaccos, this cigar sports a wonderful medium-bodied profile of sweet cedar, spicy pepper, and hazelnut. Balanced and expertly constructed. I highly recommend finding the D‘Crossier dealer near you.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week vetoed a bill that would have banned smoking in California’s parks and beaches. While he signed a regulation in 2007 that criminalizes smoking in cars with minors, the former action star called state politicians’ newest attempt to restrict tobacco “an improper intrusion of government into people’s lives.” He also said “there is something inherently uncomfortable about the idea of the state encroaching in such a broad manner on the people of California.”

2) Rocky Patel has purchased a 50% interest in United Tobacco, manufacturer of highly acclaimed brands like 601, Cubao, and Murcielago. The company will be renamed “EO Brands” in honor of co-founders Erik Espinosa and Eddie Ortega—both of whom will continue to oversee the venture. This move comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that United Tobacco is separating from Miami Cigar & Co. to lower its prices.

3) Inside the Industry: Following up on the success of La Traviata, CAO is set to introduce the La Traviata Maduro (pictured here) at this year’s IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans. The three sizes of Behike (BHK 52, BHK 54 and BHK 56), the new ultra-exclusive extension of the Cuban Cohiba, will cost $41, $53, and $62, respectively, in London cigar shops.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review reviews the Liga Privada T-52. Nice Tight Ash checks out the Illusione 88. Smoking Stogie smokes the Montecristo “C” EL 2003. The Tiki Bar kicks back with a CAO La Traviata Maduro. Cigar Inspector inspects the Rocky Patel 1961. Keepers of the Flame lights up a Siboney Reserve.

5) Deal of the Week: This Torpedo Bomber Sampler is full of 20 tasty torpedos. For just $70 (including free shipping) you get four each of five quality smokes: Cuba Libre, Padilla Obsidian, Rocky Patel Sun Grown, 5 Vegas, and Graycliff 1666.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Flickr

Yesterday, in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I decided to drink cinco margaritas. After all, I’ve written before how margaritas can be an excellent cigar pairing.

Those margaritas meant I didn’t finish writing up the review I had planned. They did, however, help me do some thinking about what cigars go best with margaritas, tequila, and Mexican cerveza. To that end, I present five Cinco de Mayo-approved cigars:

A. Turrent — It’s hard to discuss Mexican cigars without talking about the Turrents, makers of most south-of-the-border cigars including Te-Amos. Te-Amos have somewhat of a mixed reputation, but the A. Turrent is an overlooked smoke made with Mexican wrapper and filler tobaccos sandwiched around a Nicaraguan binder. It has plenty of creamy notes which combine nicely with such other flavors as cedar, spice, and roast nut.

Macanudo Vintage 2000 — Considering they’re the best selling cigar in America, Macanudos don’t get a lot of respect from seasoned smokers. Still, the Macanudo Vintage (made with Mexican binder and filler tobaccos) is a cut above the regular line when it comes to depth and flavor.

Murcielago — Eddie Ortega told me he’d never seen Don Pepin Garcia so excited about new tobacco than he was about the jet black Mexican San Andreas wrapper on the Murcielago. The resulting cigar is a mouth-watering combination of coffee, earth, and spice.

Opus X Chili Pepper — Unlike the other cigars on this list, there’s no Mexican leaf on this smoke. But given its expertly crafted chili pepper shape, this Opus X embodies the Cinco de Mayo spirit. It features excellent construction and plenty of the full-bodied spice that makes Opus X one of the most sought-after cigars in the world.

Avo Limited Edition 2010 — This newcomer features a Mexican Sumatra-seed binder with an Ecuadorian binder and a Dominican ligero filler. It’s the strongest and largest of the Avo annual releases, and it’s chock full of delicious espresso flavor. But you don’t have to drink coffee with the Avo LE 2010; a fine tequila on the rocks will work quite well.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys