The 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.”

Lately I’ve been really enjoying smaller format smokes, and the Tatuaje Petite Cazadores Reserva has long been one of my favorites of the genre. The 4-inch, 40-ring gauge parejo has an unfinished foot, an deep brown Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. It’s full of flavor and complexity with dry chocolate, earth, coffee, pepper, and good balance. Best of all, it’s available for under $4 if you stock up on a whole box.

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 dark Lancero (7.5 x 38) had been resting in my humidor for several years, a relic from when CAO was an independent, Nashville-based company—before it was acquired by General Cigar. Age rounded its edges, yet the ligero-laden cigar still produced a bold profile of espresso, dry oak, and black pepper spice. Hardly any sweetness or creaminess emerged from the blend, which is comprised of a Honduran binder and a sun-grown Nicaraguan wrapper. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Lx2 Lancero then, and now I’m unconvinced time yielded much improvement. It’s not a bad smoke, but it isn’t particularly enjoyable either.

Verdict = Hold.

-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.”

I put a box of these Torpedos in my humidor a couple years ago, and they already had years of age on them before they came into my possession. This Padilla 1948 was made by Pepin before the two parted ways back in early 2008. It was never a particularly full-bodied smoke, and the years have only mellowed this cigar. There are hints of cream, coffee, and cedar with a slightly sour, damp cardboard flavor. While the construction is still excellent, the flavors are just so-so.

Verdict = Hold.

-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 cigar can be summed up easily: excellent. From the dark, oily Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and pungent cold aroma to a symphony of flavors that begins with the light and never lets up, the Colorado Oscuro No. 4 is terrific. La Flor’s Florida-area manager, Antonio Gomez, told me the line is produced once or twice a year, “depending on wrapper availability.” The blend, with Dominican and Nicaraguan filler, remains the same each time, Gomez added. As with many LFDs, it’s a strong cigar, but by no means overwhelming. The No. 4 is hefty, weighing in at 5.25 inches long with a ring gauge of 54. And, if I may repeat myself, it’s excellent.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

photo credit: La Flor Dominicana

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.”

As the first release from Crowned Heads, the Four Kicks line garnered lots of attention and praise. Our own Patrick S, for example, has sung its praises more than once, including a 4.5-stogie rating for the Corona Gorda. So, I was quite excited when I finally got to try one recently, the six-inch Sublime. It is Nicaraguan filler and binder wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano. And I have to say it was as good as advertised. Smooth, tasty, medium strength, and excellently constructed (in Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s factory). Don’t pass it up.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

photo credit: Crowned Heads

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 knew I couldn’t wait long to try this cigar after my colleague awarded it a stellar 4.5-stogie rating. The UF-13, after all, comes pre-loaded with the pedigree of its Único Serie predecessors. And the cigar is also beautiful, what with its unique cap and gorgeous Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Fortunately, I can say with a great degree of certainty that you won’t be disappointed by this $14 smoke—that is, if you can find it. Dark chocolate, charred oak, and fleeting sweet notes characterize the full-bodied profile. And in keeping with the Drew Estate tradition, construction is top-notch.

Verdict = Buy.

-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.”

A new addition to the La Palina brand, the Classic is the most affordable La Palina line to date with prices ranging from $7.50-8.50. It’s also the first (and currently the only) La Palina made in the Dominican Republic at Abe Flores’ factory. The cigar features a Brazilian Habano wrapper, Ecuador binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler. The Robusto (5 x 52) demonstrates very smooth, balanced flavors with milk chocolate and coffee notes. It’s an enjoyable mild- to medium-bodied cigar.

Verdict = Buy.

-Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys