The Stogie Guys

In 2012, Dion Giolito introduced La Grand Classe as a small-batch exclusive for his Fumare store in Reno, Nevada. The project appeared short-lived, with only one follow up, La Grand Classe Rex, which appeared in 2013.

Then, at last year’s IPCPR Trade Show, Giolito, who also owns the Illusione brand, announced La Grand Classe Rex was returning as part of an Illusione-branded La Grand Classe line.

The cigars feature a reddish-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper around Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. It measures 4.9 inches long with a ring gauge of 40 and sells for $5.50 per cigar. It comes un-banded in gold foil bundles of 25.

Flavors include roasted cashews, dry earth, and light leather in a medium- to full-bodied blend. The profile also features cinnamon and nutmeg spice, which starts out light and builds after the midway point.

It’s a balanced cigar that provides surprising nuance in such a small vitola. The draw and burn are excellent, although keep in mind that the ash produced by small ring gauge cigars has a tendency to fall off unexpectedly.

If you’re looking for a smaller cigar to enjoy this winter (because you don’t have the time or warmth for something longer) this is one to try. For providing pleasing flavors and excellent value, Illusione La Gran Classe Rex earns a rating of four and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click 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 verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Shortly before Christmas, my colleague rated this 6-inch, 48-ring gauge parejo a five out of five stogies, which earned it a spot in our best of 2017 list. I fully endorse that lofty score. Nacatamale features a Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and filler entirely from one farm in the Jalapa region of Nicaragua. The profile is characterized by medium- to full-bodied flavors with cream, wood spice, and leather, all of which come together in a  supremely balanced total package. It burns flawlessly, which you’d expect from a cigar the retails for over $15.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

Once you start exploring Islay single malt scotch whisky, it won’t take too long to find Ardbeg. The classic, non-chill filtered single malt is among Islay’s peatiest, smokiest offerings.

Ardbeg only has a few lines in its core range, which makes it notable when one is added, as the An Oa was last summer. An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is made by blending Ardbeg aged in different cask types—Pedro Ximinez sherry, virgin oak, and bourbon—and then combining them in a special vatting container.

Ardbeg An Oa (46.6% ABV) pours a gold straw color and the nose features citrus peel, pine, candle wax, and tar. The palate is a whirlwind tour of flavors including raw heat, black pepper, clove, brine, honeysuckle, and ginger. The finish is rather short with graphite, hickory, and light iodine.

At around $60, An Oa costs just a few dollars more than the standard Ardbeg 10 Year ($50) and bit less than Uigeadail and Corryvreckan (both around $80). At a time when new single malts are increasingly expensive, An Oa is fairly priced, even as a NAS (non-age statement) whiskey that clearly uses some younger whisky.

In both price and style, An Oa fits nicely in the lineup. It lacks the intensity and complexity of the Uigeadail or Corryvreckan and, while not as stylistically pure as Ardbeg 10, it is less aggressive and more approachable, making it an excellent whisky for those exploring Islay.

There’s more than enough feistiness in An Oa to stand up to a full-bodied cigar. I’d lean towards pairing it with something spicy like an Arturo Fuente Opus X, My Father, El Galan Dona Nieves, or Cuban Bolivar.

It’s been a very cold winter. If you’re looking for a warming drink (that isn’t actually hot) Ardbeg An Oa fits the bill. And, although it is better neat, it also does well in a hot toddy.

–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.”

 

Casa Fernandez makes some under-rated cigars and lately I’ve been feeling that this Miami-made robusto is one of them. The 5.25 inch by 52 RG Nicaraguan puro utilizes a Medio Tiempo Ligero wrapper and if you shop around you can find a box of 15 for around $75. The features medium-bodied flavors with bread, light spice, coffee and hints of citrus. With excellent balance, pleasant flavor, solid construction and a fair price it is a must-try for fans of Nicaraguan smokes.

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 year Punch added the Gran Puro Nicaragua line, but today I’m smoking the original Punch Gran Puro, which is made with 100% Honduran tobaccos. The well-constructed cigar produces a nice combination of leather, hickory, pepper, and a subtle gingerbread sweetness. The Punch brand as a whole, and this blend in particular, have always offered up good value for the price, and this toro is no exception.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys