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.”

Flor de las Antillas, the latest highly anticipated release from My Father Cigars, has made it to cigar shop shelves. I grabbed the large 6.5-inch Toro—one of four vitolas—as soon as I could and was not disappointed. The wrapper was darker and oilier than most photos I’ve seen of pre-release sticks. It is not as strong as the stereotypical Pepin Nicaraguan puro, but it is every bit as flavorful, with a little pepper, bread, cedar, and graham cracker smoothly mixed. I was every bit as pleased as I hoped I would be, and I can’t wait to smoke more.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

photo credit: N/A

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 is one of 15 exclusive cigars I received from Tatuaje when I signed up for Pete Johnson’s Saints & Sinners club for $150. Said to be similar to the Verocu, it combines Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos with a Habano Ecuador wrapper. The result is a smooth, medium-bodied smoke with spice, cream, and black licorice. The Proto 4 is a memorable cigar and my favorite among the other Protos I’ve smoked to date.

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.”

I can’t say I’d read much about the PIO Cigar Company when I lit up this sharply-pressed $8 offering. The wrapper is dark brown with multiple jet-black splotches, which takes away from an otherwise very attractive cigar. An easy draw reveals cedary wood and roasted nut flavors. The wrapper also imparts a slight spice on the lips. The cigar’s medium- to full-bodied flavors don’t vary much from start to finish, yet the construction is excellent and the flavor is enjoyable. Best of all, the Resurrection Robusto makes me want to try more offerings from PIO.

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.”

With its unusual name and award-winning pedigree, this cigar is intriguing even before you light up. But when you do, the Toro (6 x 52) really begins to shine. Fairly strong, this Nestor Plascencia blend of all Honduran tobacco performs excellently and produces massive amounts of smoke. The leathery taste I often associate with Honduran tobacco is present, but so are many other flavors in this complex stick. I found pepper, nuts, coffee, and a syrup-sweetness all woven together with silky smoothness. Give it a shot for around $7-9.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

photo credit: N/A

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.”

It’s easy to see why this tobacco combination became the latest limited edition from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. A sometimes punchy, sometimes subtle treat, this complex cigar presents an array of flavors in a smooth blend. The dry looking Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper covers filler from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. My only complaint was a somewhat loose draw, particularly noticeable in such a large cigar. But that’s minor. At about $8.50, this cigar is a terrific experience.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

photo credit: N/A

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.”

Named for George A. Rico of Gran Habano Cigars, the G.A.R. White Label is built with an Ecuadorian corojo wrapper, an Ecuadorian Connecticut binder, and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. It is marketed as a “full-bodied, full-flavored treat” that’s a “tasty powerhouse.” The Robusto Grande (5.5 x 52) emits thick, textured smoke with notes of black coffee, cocoa powder, leather, and a bit of spice on the finish. Construction is good, except for a sandy ash that’s prone to falling off prematurely. For the average asking price of around $6, this vitola is a good buy as an after-dinner smoke with a serving (or two) of bourbon.

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.”

La Palina’s El Diario is the first blend from La Palina that wasn’t made by Graycliff. El Diario, made at the Raices Cubana factory with oversight and blending assistance from Alec Bradley’s Alan Rubin, it’s a full-bodied smoke consisting of Nicaraguan and some Honduran tobacco. Earthy and rich, this well-constructed Toro is a perfect cigar to smoke with Knob Creek Single Barrel. While ultimately I slightly prefer the smaller KB “Kill Bill” size, I can certainly recommend the Toro (6 x 50).

Verdict = Buy.

-Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys