The Stogie Guys

As part of my goal to smoke more milder cigars, I picked up a box of these Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped Churchills when I saw them marked down dramatically by an online shop.

My understanding, from speaking with him at last summer’s IPCPR Trade Show, was that when Erik Espinosa took over the 601 line as part of his new Espinosa Cigars, this line was no longer being made. And Espinosa confirmed yesterday that, indeed, the 601 White has been discontinued.

The box I got has a 2009 date and was sealed with an EO Brands strip down the side. I felt I knew what to expect. I’d smoked quite a few of the White Labels, though I’m not sure I’d had the Churchill (7 x 48). I recalled a tasty, relatively mild, satisfying cigar.

When I cracked open the box and tried one, that was what I got. A little pepper at the front end, woody notes toward the middle, and a depth of tobacco taste from the Nicaraguan filler and binder.

I’ve since smoked several more, and consistency has been a hallmark. Construction has been excellent, as have the burn and draw. I haven’t noticed any significant differences in flavor or texture from the age of these cigars, as opposed to those I smoked out of the box in the past.

If you enjoy a milder smoke, this is one that’s not to be missed. Whatever the production situation, finding them isn’t at all difficult. And finding them at a bargain price isn’t, either. I paid less than $4 per stick. All in all, a fine cigar. I give it four stogies out of five.

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

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

What does a cigar smoker value? His stash of cigars, first and foremost—especially those rare sticks he’s saving for special occasions. Maybe also an expensive torch lighter, a fancy travel case, or a personalized humidor engraved with a significant date.

Aside from these obvious choices, the other day I was thinking of my other cigar-related treasures, be they tangible or intangible. The first that came to mind was my cigar sanctuary. As I write this, I’m holed up in the sealed-off den in my condo that’s equipped with a makeshift ventilation system. It’s toasty warm. Several stories below, I can see my fellow Chicagoans walking briskly on the sidewalks in a hurried attempt to reach their destinations before frost bite sets in. I observe them comfortably while enjoying a fine cigar and listening to the radio. Rest assured I value the heck out of my den in the winter.

More of a fleeting commodity, time is something I never take for granted. Cigar smoking is all about relaxation, slowing the pace of life, and taking a restful break from the day. This requires a serious investment in time, which is my single biggest constraint. I would no doubt smoke many more cigars if time were not a factor. So I definitely appreciate what time I can make. I guess time is a limited resource for all of us.

Not to get overly wistful, but I value my cigar smoking friends and the memories we’ve created. When I think of the best cigars I’ve had, I’m usually not remembering specific flavors. I’m recalling the conversations and celebrations. Perhaps the world’s best cigar was the one I smoked during my wedding reception on the steps of the Union Depot in St. Paul, surrounded by great friends and family. Which cigar was it? Doesn’t really matter.

Finally, I would be remiss to fail to point out how much I value perfect pairings. The more I smoke cigars, the more I understand that beverage pairings are more of an art than a science. For me, depending on the cigar and the time of day, my winning combos include coffee (in the morning with a Connecticut-wrapped cigar), bourbon (in the winter with something full-bodied), rum (in the summer with any cigar), red wine (milder smokes), and some beers (particularly IPAs). I’ve seen others pair up cigars with anything from orange soda and Guinness to iced tea and hot chocolate. Whatever your preference, value it—and remember that the pairing is greater than the sum of its two parts.

–Patrick A

photo credit: N/A

The Scottish town of Cambeltown once claimed the title “whisky capital of the world,” but today it’s a shell of its former self. Where once there were reportedly 28 active distilleries, now there are just a few, with Springbank the largest remaining operation.

Springbank 10 is the distillery’s most widely available expression. It also makes a wide variety of other bottlings, including a “Wood Expressions” line with various finishes and ages, including the 12 Year Claret Cask. (In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, “claret” is commonly used in Britain as a synonym for red Bordeaux wine.)

Fortunately, Springbank puts all the details of their Single Malt Whisky on the label. This particular bottle (one of a run of 9,360) was distilled in 1997 and finally bottled in 2010 at a strength of 108.8-proof. It spent nine years in refilled bourbon casks, before being transferred to fresh claret barrels.

Springbank uses a unique distillation process where the whisky is distilled two-and-a-half times. As shown in this graphic, there are three distillations in each batch, but a certain percentage skips the second still. Also, Springbank doesn’t chill-filter or add coloring to their whiskies, the latter of which is an unfortunately common occurrence.

The natural color is golden and straw. The nose is a fantastic combination of smoke, butterscotch, orange peel, and honey. The whisky coats the palate with a consistency that is not so much syrupy as oily. There’s lots of smokiness, some brine, but not a lot of peat, and hints of apricot, mint, and vanilla. The finish is long with dried fruit, salt, and wood spice.

While Cambeltown whiskies have not always been my favorite, this one impressed me, even at $90. It’s complex and layered, with just the right combination of fruit, smoke, and spice. A few drops of water open it up nicely, but ice is wholly unnecessary.

Medium bodied cigars suit the Springbank and, depending on your mood, you couldn’t go wrong with any of these: La Riqueza, PG 15th Anniversary, El Centurion, or Partagas Benji Menendez Master Series.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Cohiba is considered the pinnacle of Cuban cigars, and recent additions to the Cohiba portfolio have succeeded in capturing the attention of cigar enthusiasts the world over.

Most notable among these is the super-expensive Cohiba Behike, which was dubbed “the new standard among smokers worldwide” when it became available in May 2010—albeit in very limited quantities. The Pirámides Extra is another important development, as it was the first addition to the core Cohiba line in 20 years, a line that launched in 1982 (the Siglo line didn’t come around until later).

But perhaps no addition diversified the Cohiba portfolio like the Maduro 5 line, launched in 2007. The first Cohiba cigar to feature a maduro wrapper, it’s made in the Partagas factory in Old Havana and boasts a five-year-old wrapper with thin yet prominent veins and a mottled, reddish hue.

Maduro 5 is available in three sizes: Genios (5.5 x 52), Secretos (4.3 x 40), and Mágicos (4.5 x 52). Secretos earned the number six slot on Cigar Aficionado’s list of the best cigars of 2007 with a 93 rating. The Mágicos cigars I smoked for this review run $23-28 apiece (with a black varnished box of 25 selling for $590).

The pre-light aroma is of cocoa powder and caramel and the cold draw is moderately stiff. Once an even light is established, a profile of coffee, leather, spice, and black licorice emerges. The texture is syrupy. Notes of cream and roasted nut add complexity. The resting smoke is sweet and pleasant.

Sadly, the physical properties leave much to be desired, especially for such an expensive cigar. The burn line is atrocious and will easily canoe without close attention. And while the gray ash holds firm and the draw is smooth, the Mágicos gets exceptionally hot and burns way too quickly—even if smoked slowly and after several months resting in the humidor. Perhaps age will do this cigar well.

All this is a shame, especially since the flavor profile is so agreeable. I wish I could tell you the burn line is straight. I wish I could tell you the Mágicos burns slow enough to savor the flavor. And I wish could say this smoke is worth its high asking price. But the three samples I smoked for this review say otherwise. Torn between the depth of the interesting flavor and the substandard construction, I’m awarding this high-priced Cuban a somewhat disappointing rating of three and a half 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.”

The Illusione Singulare 2012 continues to improve. The toro features lots of roasted notes, along with cafe-au-lait and oak. The well-constructed cigar features perfectly balanced medium- to full-bodied flavors. Needless to say, I highly recommend it. For a surprisingly enjoyable pairing, smoke one with a glass of champagne.

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.”

Eddie Ortega’s first line on his own has been steadily gaining fans and generating positive reviews, including Patrick A’s four-stogie rating for the No. 12 size. I’d say much the same for the longer No. 10, a tasty cigar with a smooth mix of flavors and a great, long finish. It’s not as strong as many of Ortega’s past cigars, but rather sophisticated and intensely satisfying. The Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper may appear a little dry, but don’t be misled. With the Nicaraguan filler mix, it’s a great combination.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. Below is our latest Friday Sampler.

1) There’s still time to win a pair of tickets ($1,000 value) to Ron “Jaws” Jaworski’s Super Bowl cigar party in New Orleans, and Jaws will personally be selecting the winner. The former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst’s event will feature top-notch premium cigars, single-malt scotch, and plenty of NFL and ESPN celebrities. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post about your favorite cigar-related sports celebration.

2) Many StogieGuys.com readers know Matt Krimm and John Anderson (right) as the proprietors of W. Curtis Draper, the oldest tobacconist in the District of Columbia. On Monday, the duo opened the doors of their newest venture—Civil Cigar Lounge, a new smoke-friendly locale in Washington’s Friendship Heights neighborhood. Civil is equipped with a state-of-the-art air ventilation system, plush seating for over 90 patrons, 125 personalized cigar lockers, a full bar, and a menu designed by an adjacent restaurant.

3) Remember our “Win a Big Box of Cigar Swag” contest? We’re pleased to announce David of Kirkville, New York, has been randomly selected as the winner. Please join us in congratulating David, who soon be the proud owner of a bunch of cigar T-shirts, hats, playing cards, cutters, and other memorabilia.

4) Inside the Industry: Florida-based retailer Smoke Inn is introducing its sixth installment of the MicroBlend Series™, this time made by Room 101. The “Big Delicious” cigar will be a Torpedo (6.25 x 42-54) with a shaggy foot and will retail for $8.95. The binder/filler tobaccos from Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic will be adorned with a “very special and limited high grade” Habano 2000 wrapper.

5) Deal of the Week: A good ashtray is hard to find, and Drew Estate makes some of the best at their Subculture Studios. If you’re in the market for a new place to rest your ash, you’d be well advised to check these out.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Civil Cigar Lounge