The Stogie Guys

I’ve raved about the Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu No. 1 and No. 2 and explored the effects of aging cigars. So this is a little update combining the two.

I’ve had a few of these limited edition Tats in my humidor for close to a year. While that’s not a particularly long time for aging, I think, based on those I’ve recently smoked, it has had an impact. Unfortunately, I have to report that, for me at least, even this amount of aging hasn’t been kind to these sticks.

They have not become bad cigars. But the complexity and variety of flavors that set them apart isn’t present at the level it was before. And they just seem to have lost much of the zip that made them so special in the first place.

Now, the truth is I wasn’t “aging” these cigars. They’ve just been sitting there, as do many of my smokes, while I more or less get around to smoking them.

Nonetheless, I think it’s worth noting that although many cigars get better with aging, there is no guarantee. You may find that you liked the cigars better when you bought them.

I think it’s well worth remembering the advice given by cigar aging experts: Smoke one stick from the box periodically to see how they’re doing. I’d suggest every few months. That way you can quickly speed up your smoking schedule as soon you begin to notice the changes becoming negative rather than positive.

–George E

photo credit: Serious Cigars

This barber pole perfecto by Arganese is anything but inconspicuous. With its dueling wrappers that meticulously swirl down to a tiny foot the width of a cigarette, it’s a work of art and a testament to the skill of master cigar rollers.

I was given three samples—also known as the Arganese Edición Especial Dos Capas—at the IPCPR in Las Vegas, but Arganese’ website has no mention of the limited release. Fortunately, Arganese Vice President Sandy Corn filled me in on the details:

“The wrappers used are Connecticut from Ecuador, and Brazilian mata fina maduro. The filler is Dominican and the binder is Dominican. They come five cigars to a maroon-colored box with a velvet molded tray on the inside to cradle each cigar. They have a plastic protector sheet over the cigars and a ribbon with an Arganese crest to complete the impressive presentation. The MSRP is $50 per box. They are a limited edition cigar and will only be offered this year. Each box is numbered 1 to 1,000 and has a certificate of authenticity inside the box. There are only 1,000 made.”

The two wrappers have only a few noticeable veins. The cigar is firm and well constructed, and the twin wrappers are expertly applied so that the seam between the two almost seems like one continuous leaf. Because the two wrappers become very small near the cap, I was worried that after slicing it with my guillotine they might separate, but fortunately this never occurred.

After lighting I found a tight draw until the burn moved past the perfecto tip. The construction is impressive with the only difficulty being an uneven burn on one of the three samples that required a touch-up. The ash is solid, holding on for as long as two inches.

On flavor, I found lots of graham cracker and bittersweet chocolate. As the cigar progressed to the second half it became milder and creamier. The taste reminded me of creamy peanut butter and the finish was nutty like toasted almonds. Neither mild nor too strong, the cigar is solidly medium-bodied and well-balanced.

When I first saw this cigar I’ll admit it looked like a gimmick to me, but having smoked three I can say that gimmick or not it has smooth, complex flavors and nearly flawless construction.

I always have trouble calling any cigar that costs more than ten dollars a bargain. If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to smoke one of the 5,000 that was made, though, I’d consider $10 or $12 a fair price for the privilege of enjoying this limited cigar. Accordingly, the Arganese Edición Especial 2008 earns a surprising and impressive rating of five out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. A list of other five stogie-rated cigars can be found here.]

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

I’ll admit I’ve never been a huge fan of mini cigars; they just don’t provide the complexities and subtleties of larger smokes. With that skepticism in mind, I recently purchased a box of 20 Brazilia minis for about $12. These little 20 ring gauge sticks have a veiny wrapper that isn’t all that attractive. The wonderful flavor is the same Brazilia profile of roasted coffee and cocoa. Not surprisingly, there wasn’t much depth in this ten-minute smoke but, all things considered, this is one of the better mini cigars I’ve tried.

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 take on a single cigar.

I picked up this subtle gem in a sampler pack at a recent La Flor event at one of my local B&Ms. The Connecticut-seed Ecuadorian wrapper, combined with a Nicaraguan binder and Piloto Cubano filler tobaccos, yields a creamy taste of cashews with a woodsy spice. Satisfying but not overstated. And like virtually every other La Flor I’ve tried, this Belicoso (5.5 x 52) boasts near-perfect physical properties.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

In our ongoing effort to make StogieGuys.com as entertaining and informative as possible, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other snippets of interest. We call ‘em Friday Samplers. Enjoy.

1) Cuba is suing cigar accessories manufacturer Xikar over use of the word “Havana” in the company’s new Havana Collection. Filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the surprise lawsuit alleges Xikar is marketing the collection “by deliberately and falsely associating those goods with Havana, Cuba.” But Xikar says the name is only meant to “denote the style and culture of Havana.”

2) The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, created in 2001 by the Fuente and Newman families, launched a new interactive website this week that allows visitors to explore the issues facing the people of the Dominican Republic. The Foundation’s mission is to provide communities on the island with better access to education, health care, and sustainable employment.

3) Inside the Industry: If you couldn’t make it out to Las Vegas, check out Cigar Aficionado’s coverage of the Big Smoke Weekend. JR Cigars began selling bundles of 20 cigars in mini oak barrels for the holidays—some have even been spotted at Costco. IPCPR legislative guru Chris McCalla felt the need to publicly declare that he knows about the Obama administration’s stated “priority” on passing SCHIP, and that the industry group is working to ensure that “the economic health of the retailers and our industry” is protected.

4) Around the Blogs: Stogie Review smokes a San Cristobal de La Habana. Cigar Jack lights up a Flor de Gonzalez. Matt reviews a Cruzado. Cigar Inspector inspects a Saint Luis Rey Serie A.

5) Deal of the Week: Since we’ll soon have a new president, we thought you might want to check out this “Presidential Sampler” before cigar taxes go up any further. For $49.99 (free shipping included), this ten-cigar sampler includes cigars by Graycliff, CAO, Romeo y Julieta, Cohiba, Camacho, Padilla, Gurkha, and Montecristo. Pick yours up here while limited supplies last.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: WDSI

As winter approaches, the prospect of sitting outdoors for hours on end with a huge cigar becomes less and less appealing. So, for a quick burst of short-lived flavor, I recently tried a couple Petit Robustos from Hoyo de Monterrey. I thought their stubby stature and reputation as small but powerful smokes made them excellent candidates to become go-to cold weather companions.

And why shouldn’t the Petit Rubusto be up for such consideration? Since its introduction in 2004, this Cuban puro has amassed a heap of praise from both mainstream cigar publications as well as the online stogie community. Last year, for example, Cigar Aficionado named it one of “Today’s Cuban Stars” and granted the four inch by 50 ring gauge stick a generous rating of 92. “The rich, toasty, and decadent character stimulates each taste bud in an elegant, creamy way,” wrote James Suckling.

Many seem to have fallen in love with this cigar’s compact power. At around $8-12 apiece, the Petit Robusto—which makes use of leaves grown on the banks of the San Juan y Martinez River in the Vuelta Abajo region—has drawn accolades for its complex strength. Mr. Suckling says that potency may be due to Cuban factories’ use of “better-aged ligero” tobacco.

Whatever the strategy, my truncated robustos certainly engage the senses before the first light. Spongy and lumpy from head to foot, the dark, toothy wrapper smells of cocoa and espresso. And something about the color and feel of the cigar makes it seem rugged, rustic, and real. The cap clips neatly to reveal a cross-section of tightly rolled tobacco, a perplexing sight given the stick’s overall softness. The draw is smooth but deliberate.

As I expected, the initial taste of peppercorn, roasted nuts, and dry cedar is dominant enough to satisfy even the most hardened fans of Don Pepin Garcia. Fortunately, the flavor becomes less abrasive and more nuanced after the first inch with the addition of a creamy undertone. There are little to no changes for the remainder of the 40-minute smoke.

The Petit Robusto has a few physical flaws (not unlike many Cubans these days). The burn tends to meander and require a few touch-ups, and the ash is much flakier than expected.

That’s part of the reason why I can’t quite agree with the many reviewers who’ve fallen head over heels for this full-bodied cigar—no matter what the weather. In my book, the slightly longer Epicure No. 2, which sells for approximately the same price, is a much finer, more complex cigar. But if you want to try the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto yourself, let me recommend picking up a three-pack before purchasing a box. I give this stout beast three and a half stogies out of five.

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

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

When winter comes the cigars get shorter and the drinks warmer. So when I recently lit up a petit corona, and plugged in the space heater to fight off the cold on my front porch, I went in search of a warm drink.

Now some say that enough alcohol itself has warming qualities—and having had my fair share of tequila and whiskey I’m not sure I disagree—but I’m looking for an immediate and obviously warm drink. At times like this I often turn to a reliable warm apple cider and bourbon, also known as a “Stonewall Jackson” (so named because the revered Confederate General reportedly enjoyed the drink).

The basic recipe is really quite simple: warm cider and bourbon usually in a three- or four-to-one ratio to taste. But there are many variations that can improve the drink greatly. Various recipes recommend a variety of spices that can be added. At the very least, I think a cinnamon stick or two add depth.

The proper way to heat the cider is in a saucepan on a stove, not in the microwave (although I’ll admit on occasion I’ve broken this rule). Use low heat and slowly increase the flame until steam begins coming off the top. High heat will cause the cider to separate. Then add bourbon, stir well, and use a punch ladle to serve.

While the traditional recipe calls for bourbon, I’ve come across many that use other whiskeys—some even rum. While I can’t vouch for rum-based hot cider (although it sounds tasty enough, particularly with spiced rum), I can tell you it tastes just fine with Tennessee whiskey like Jack Daniels, or with a rye whiskey like Old Overholt. Still, in my opinion, the sweetness of bourbon works best with the sweet cider and subtle cinnamon.

That sweetness, though, makes pairing a Stonewall Jackson with a cigar challenging; if you’re not careful the sugar will run over your cigar. So I recommend a smoke with strong flavors. The 601 Oscuro “Green” Robusto works well, as does the Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Petit Corona. The Macanudo 1968, CAO Brazilia, and Arganese ML3 also come to mind as prime pairings.

Ultimately, no matter what cigar you pick, I think you’ll find the Stonewall Jackson to be the perfect drink to warm you up for those cold cigar-smoking nights.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys