The Stogie Guys

Antonio Lam launched Reinado in the summer of 2010, a line of Nicaraguan puros that’s aged up to five years. “What makes this cigar very special is the fact that it’s got a unique fermentation process being employed, making the flavors extremely rich and smooth for a Nicaraguan puro yet letting a nice spice run right through it,” Lam told me.

Reinado, Spanish for “reign,” is gaining traction at tobacconists across the country as more and more cigar enthusiasts become exposed to the brand through mainstream cigar publications and the online community. I’ve been a fan since last October. That’s when I reviewed the Torpedo, a great smoke with notes of leather, espresso, and cherry.

So when Lam told me he was introducing a new size to the Reinado lineup—a Habanito that measures 4 inches long with a ring gauge of 38—I was more than interested to give it a try. Like the Torpedo, the Habanito has an oily Habano rosado wrapper and a classic-looking maroon and gold band.

Lam tells me he created the Habanito for two reasons. “I wanted to have a shorter smoke for cigar enthusiasts that do not have the time to finish a long smoke,” he says. “Secondly, I wanted to have the Reinado blend in a more compact, concentrated format where the flavors and spices could take center stage.”

The spices definitely take center stage from the outset, driving a taste that’s reminiscent of cayenne pepper and allspice. As these sensations tend to hit the tip of the tongue, the rest of the palate experiences flavors more in tune with the aforementioned Torpedo, including cherry and espresso. The profile becomes more rounded as the Habanito progresses. Conscientious smokers will notice the additions of leather and floral hints in the final third.

Throughout the short—yet slow-burning—smoke, the construction is excellent. I noticed even burns, moderate draws, and solid, finely layered ashes across the samples I smoked for this review.

Lam tells me he’s thinking about making the Habanito with a Connecticut wrapper in the near future. “The combination may be incredible,” he says. I’d enjoy trying that, too. For now, though, I can’t help but sing the praises of the Reinado Habanito, an excellent way to get tons of spicy, balanced flavors in a short format. For bringing a big taste right from the starting line and not overstaying its welcome, this cigar is worthy of four 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.”

Friday was my birthday, which seemed like a good reason to light up this well-constructed limited edition Cohiba. It had the quintessential characteristics of a Cuban cigar—sweet cocoa and earth—but in a more intense variety than any Habano I’ve smoked recently. It reminded me of a more focused version of the Montecristo Sublime. Though the $30 price tag is daunting, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar. It has continued to develop since I the last time I smoked it, and age has only improved this tasty smoke.

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.”

This addition to EO Brands‘ popular 601 line has been overshadowed by the firm’s new dynamo, La Bomba. And there’s some confusion because the 601 line had included a now-discontinued stick with a Connecticut wrapper. The new Natural—also known as the 601 White Label—is a stouter smoke, with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos providing pepper, particularly in the first half. I also picked up some of the hay and grass often associated with Connecticut tobacco, as well as pine and cedar. A tasty cigar, if not all that distinctive from several similar concoctions already on the market.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

photo credit: N/A