Quick Smoke: La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale Club

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.”

I first reviewed the Artesanos Retro Especiale Club back in October, only a month after the cigar hit the market. While I liked it then, I remember finding the initial profile a little too salty and some stale notes that occasionally interrupted an otherwise nice flavor of peanut, cedar, cream, black coffee, and citrus. I’m pleased to report several months of age have improved this cigar significantly. Gone is the overt saltiness, and the stale notes are nowhere to be found. What’s left is a cigar that burns perfectly, draws nicely, and has a balanced, nuanced taste and aroma. Purchasing a 25-count box for $175 is a solid investment that will pay dividends after only minimal age.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys