I was smoking a cigar the other day with a cup of coffee. About a third of the way into the stick, it dawned on me that I wasn’t enjoying this one as much as I normally do. I drained the coffee cup and picked up a soft drink and, almost at once, the cigar began to taste better.

Naturally, it made me think about drinks and smokes and writing for StogieGuys.com. I know there are smokers who think, for instance, that it’s a mistake to drink anything other than water when evaluating a cigar. Some think a review shouldn’t be attempted before smoking at least three of the cigar or that a review needs to contain data such as the time of day the cigar was smoked and what other cigars were smoked previously. I find that kind of information interesting sometimes, too, but you won’t always see it in what I write here.

For starters, I don’t think of myself as a “cigar reviewer.” All I’ve got to do is read and listen to some of the real experts out there to know I’m not qualified for such an appellation. Instead, I consider myself a fellow smoker who goes out of his way to keep up with what’s happening in the cigar industry, to try many different sticks, and to let you know what I think of them – much like someone in the neighboring leather chair at your local B&M might recommend a cigar or offer words of warning as you venture into the humidor.

Sometimes that involves giving you my impressions after smoking a single stick; at other times my thoughts are formed after smoking a dozen or more. Among the things I really like about our format is the flexibility it provides. I can write a full review when it seems appropriate or just give you a short Quick Smoke if that works best. And when readers write in with their thoughts, reactions, questions, etc., it makes it all even better.

For me, smoking cigars and writing about them is a pleasure. I don’t want to be locked in to procedures that would dictate how I do it. The last thing I want to do is turn cigar smoking into work.

-George E

photo credit: Flickr

Last June, StogieGuys.com named its first series of Gold Star Smokes. Each of us chose cigars we believed, for one reason or another, were worthy of strong recommendations. They didn’t necessarily have to be five stogie-rated – just commendable smokes we turn to time and again for high quality and consistency.

For Patrick A, it was the Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Torpedo; Patrick S bestowed his honor on the El Rey Del Mundo Robusto Larga; and George E selected the Punch Champion. Now we’re back with three new Gold Star Smokes. We think they are well worth your attention, and we’d love to hear what you think.

Co-Founder & Editor in Chief Patrick A

Last fall was my first run-in with an EO 601 Serie “Green” La Fuerza, and I’ve made sure to have many more since. This dark, oily cigar is hearty and complex with delicious notes of leather, clove, and cocoa bean. The $7 cost is more than fair, especially since the delicious flavors are accompanied by a straight burn, a smooth draw, and a firm ash. Just make sure to try this on a full stomach.

Co-Founder & Publisher Patrick S

I’ve been fortunate enough to smoke a handful of Montecristo Petit Edmundos in the past six months, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every one. With classic looks and a complex blend of cedar, spice, earth, warm tobacco, and a medium- to full-bodied creaminess, it is no surprise that this cigar was given a five stogie-rating by my colleague Patrick A. It also earns points for being available – though not in the U.S. of course – for under $8 when purchased by the box. However, what really earns this Cuban smoke its “gold star” is its stubby size (4 1/3″x 52) , which showcases the exciting flavors in a formate you can enjoy in 45 minutes.

Tampa Bureau Chief George E

Recent unexpected circumstances have put me once or twice a week at a local cigar shop that I had only visited occasionally in the past. Each time there I’ve lit up a Cuban Crafters Cameroon Robusto, and each time I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. The five inch by 52 ring gauge cigar burns well, draws great, and produces thick, tasty smoke with a sweet, woodsy finish. If you like Cameroon tobacco, this is one you won’t want to miss. At about $3 a stick, it’s also an incredible bargain.

-The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Yesterday Fidel Castro announced that he would be stepping down after five decades as president of Cuba. This significant event gives us a rare moment to soberly re-examine the Cuban embargo that has kept Americans from legally obtaining Cuban cigars for so many years.

Soon after Castro came into power, it became clear that he was a brutal thug who had no intention of respecting the rights of Cubans. In response to his embrace of communism and his government cozying up to the Soviet Union, JFK imposed a complete trade embargo and travel ban. (Just before signing the ban, he hypocritically stocked up on the very Cuban cigars he was about to criminalize – in this case, the Petit Upmann.)

At the time, it was thought that the embargo would prevent Americans from supporting Castro’s regime, but 45 years of evidence suggests we should rethink that logic. Certainly, Fidel was a dictator who headed up an oppressive government. Providing Castro an excuse for scapegoating the U.S. for the problems of Cuba, however, likely allowed him to hold onto power longer than otherwise would have been possible.

There are many brutal dictatorships around the world, but for some reason the U.S. government only imposes an embargo and travel ban on Cuba. In fact, other communist countries like China and Vietnam have become increasingly capitalist and liberal as we have traded with them.

With Fidel Castro stepping down, a new chapter begins in the long and complicated history between the U.S. and our island neighbor. Raúl Castro, Fidel’s brother and successor, will not instantly end the despotic regime, but there are indications that he is more open to market reforms and is considered more pragmatic.

While it may be wishful thinking, we should hope that Fidel’s exit will lead to serious discussion about, and the eventual ending of, the sanctions and travel ban against Cuba. And maybe in the near future we can all smoke some fine Cuban cigars to celebrate the end of the embargo.

-Patrick S

photo credit: AFP

For a dramatic moment, even though it didn’t compare to Dr. Frankenstein throwing a switch to bring his monster to life, I couldn’t help but hope for similar results when I lifted a Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino Sun Grown #60 from my humidor.

One of an extremely dry four-pack I bought for $5 or so about ten months ago, I’d been resting them to see how much life would return to the six inch by 50 ring gauge sticks. For the first couple of months, I kept them in a partially closed Ziploc bag with a water pillow-style humidification pack with the humidity level a notch or two above 70. Since then, they’ve been in with the rest of the singles.

As you may know, advice on restoring dried cigars is about as prevalent on the web as offers to get rich working with Nigerian officials. Nearly all the cigar methods focus on restoring moisture in one way or another.

When I bought these, I certainly knew what I was getting. The clerk went out of his way to warn me before that the cigars had gotten very dry. I just figured that for the price I’d see what happened. These cigars, which I’ve enjoyed many times, normally run about $45 for a properly humidified box of ten.

I wasn’t expecting much from this experiment. I’ve come to believe that while it is possible to get a measure of moisture back in a dry cigar, the loss of at least some essential oils is certain to adversely affect the flavor. As if to illustrate the point of irreversible change, when I removed the two bands their patterns were still clearly visible on the wrapper.

In all honesty, though, the cigar wasn’t bad. It had characteristics you’d anticipate: loose draw, fairly fast burn, and relatively dry smoke and finish. But it also retained a fair amount of taste, highlighted by cedar and leather. A harshness I don’t associate with this usually mild cigar was evident in the beginning, but it did not linger.

I plan to not smoke the three remaining sticks for at least six more months, maybe longer. I don’t know how much they’re likely to improve, but already I believe they are the best $1.25 cigars I’ve had.

-George E

photo credit: Video Detective

The Super Bowl just may be one of the best occasions of the year to smoke cigars. There are hours and hours of football-related television programming, lots of fried foods, plenty of adult beverages, and great gatherings of loved ones and friends.

Yesterday a few of my pals (Patrick S included) and I spent a good six hours at Shelly’s Back Room, pretty much the last cigar-friendly establishment in all of Washington. It is a “civilized cigar parlor” with numerous high-definition TVs, a cozy atmosphere, and an excellent menu. It was here that we witnessed one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history.

I don’t mind saying that we were smoking and drinking virtually nonstop throughout our entire stay. Included in my three-cigar extravaganza was a mild and creamy Ybor City Handmades Torpedo (the last from my November 2006 trip to Tampa) and a full and peppery J.L. Salazar y Hermanos Reserva Especial Robusto (full review forthcoming). Not surprisingly, Makers Mark seemed to go quite well with everything.

But we want to know what you were up to. When you get a chance, please leave a comment and let Stogie Guys Nation know where you watched the big game and what you smoked to celebrate one of the world’s greatest sporting events.

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

After reading my recent review of the Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu No. 2 (Exclusivo Zona del Este), reader Cadfael asked what other cigars had received a heralded five out of five stogies rating. I directed him to our Stogie Reviews Archive at the top of the home page where you can see all the cigars we’ve reviewed and the rating each received.

But I kept thinking about it. And it seemed to me that it might be worthwhile and interesting to list all the other cigars that have been awarded five stogies, the reviewer, and a bit from the review.

First, here’s the definition of what a five out of five stogie rating means, according to our ratings system: “These cigars are truly an occasion. We recommend you give these babies your full and undivided attention. If not, you’d better be at a wedding or some other significant celebration.”

Now, on to the list.

The first cigar to achieve a perfect five was the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 3, which Patrick A called “one of the finest stogies I had ever enjoyed.” He praised it for a symphony of tastes that remained a smooth, graceful, and mild smoke. The only drawback, he wrote, was the price tag of around $13.

I praised another Ashton, the Classic Corona, for its finely mixed flavors, slow burn and creamy smoke.

Three Cubans grace the list. Patrick A found the Cohiba Siglo V to have the prelight aroma of “the subtle perfume of a delicate angel,” while the smoke itself yielded sophisticated floral notes as well as “complex salty and sour flavors complemented by an ever-present dark chocolate sweetness.”

Patrick S sang the praises of the Ramon Allones Specialy Selected, a robusto with excellent construction, a sturdy ash, and a lower price than many of its Cuban counterparts. “Immediately after lighting,” he wrote, “I enjoyed an abundant amount of leather flavors paired with pepper, earth, and even caramel.”

The relatively new Montecristo Petit Edmundo was “gorgeous in every way,” according to Patrick A. Praising its complexity, he called it “a well-balanced, full-bodied, complex masterpiece.”

The Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Torpedo was also praised by Patrick A as a cigar that never disappoints and a bargain at about $8.75 a stick. It is, he wrote, “a slice of heaven.”

He also cited the Padrón Serie 1926 No. 6 as a truly complex cigar whose flavors included a “taste that reminded me of moist chocolate cake.” Noting that at about $12 it isn’t an every day cigar, Patrick A said “this terrific smoke certainly qualifies for any celebration.”

Patrick S recommended slowly smoking the Coronado by La Flor Double Corona to savor “the perfectly balanced medley of flavors.” Costing about $8, he said the “tobacco treat…would stand out when pitted against stogies that cost twice as much.”

In addition to the previously mentioned pair, I awarded five stogies to the Partagas 150. I feel lucky to have gotten one of these very expensive, hard-to-find cigars and greatly enjoyed its subtle, complex flavors.

So, there you have it. The StogieGuys.com top ten (so far). Now, why not leave a comment with your top-notch picks?

-George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A reader recently sent us a response he got from his senator, Barbara A. Mikulski of Maryland. He had written to express his concern and disappointment over the proposed approximate 20,000 percent tax increase on cigars.

Here is part of the response he received from Senator Mikulski:

“I understand your concerns with the tax provisions in the recent version of the children’s health reauthorization legislation, which included a tax increase on large cigars to up to $10 per cigar. I agree that this would have placed an unfair burden on you or your business.

After reading your letter, I took action. I worked with my colleagues, in a bipartisan manner, and fought to drop the ceiling on large cigars from $10 to $3 per cigar. Though still an increase, I wanted you to know that I shared your concerns and acted accordingly.

You should know that I am extremely concerned for the over 12 million children without health insurance. I firmly believe that all children should have access to high quality, affordable health care and health insurance coverage.”

There are so many things wrong with this response, it is hard to know where to begin. First, Senator Mikulski (or, rather, her staff member who responds to constituent letters) includes a giant non sequitur by noting that she wants 12 million children to have health insurance through SCHIP.

Why do the massive costs of SCHIP have to be paid for by taxing an already heavily discriminated group like smokers? Or why it is a good idea to make health insurance funding dependent on people smoking? She never says. Nor does the Senator address the devastating effects that such a tax would have on the families of cigar factory workers in Central America.

But the biggest problem I have with this condescending letter is that it claims that she has addressed the “issue” by dropping the cap on the taxes from $10 to $3 – meaning that the tax increase will now be just 5,900 percent.

What she doesn’t mention is that her proposed tax rate lowers taxes for only the most expensive cigars, leaving taxes exactly the same for all cigars that usually retail for under approximately $8 – the vast majority of all cigars sold.

In short, this reply is the same political double-speak you’d expect from DC politicos: unresponsive and lacking in substance. An apt comparison would be telling someone that pleading not to be shot will result in only two bullets instead of six. Oh, thanks!

Just another reason why the cigar industry needs to get its act together and start doing a better job of fighting these unjust cigar taxes.

-Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys