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.”

Created in honor of Zino Davidoff’s 100th birthday in 2006, this robusto features the same blend as the Davidoff Diademas Finas. It has a veiny Ecuadorian wrapper tightly stretched around Dominican filler and binder tobaccos. After an uninspired first few puffs I was worried. Fortunately, the cigar comes into its own quickly with deep mild- to medium-bodied toasty flavors and creamy cinnamon. At over $15 each, it’s a steep price to pay but worthy of a special occasion.

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 rare treasure topped our ranking of the ten best cigars we reviewed in 2009—a list we emailed exclusively to subscribers of our free email newsletter. It’s easy to see why. The profile of red pepper, cinnamon, and roasted nuts is exceptionally complex, and the fine physical properties only add enjoyment. The cost may be high, around $16 apiece, but you can’t afford to pass up the chance to buy an LG Diez Small Batch No. 2 (6.25 x 54).

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.”

This robusto from the Davidoff Mille series features a pale, nearly vein-free Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut wrapper. Inside is a Dominican seco binder and Dominican seco and ligero filler. While distinctly mild in flavor, the 6000 features impressive depth. It has plenty of creamy flavors, along with subtle graham, honey, and cedar notes, albeit with little variation from start to finish. This is the only new addition to the Mille series in decades, and it’s a welcome one.

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.”

My colleague reviewed this new corojo-wrapped cigar in early February, praising its construction and calling its flavors balanced yet somewhat lacking in complexity. I agree. The Mederos Fifty 1 demonstrates promise with a sweet core of cedar and cinnamon. I look forward to discovering how this cigar’s profile—particularly its meaty aftertaste—reacts to a bit of aging. For now, though, it earns its $6 price tag.

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.”

Relatively unknown, the 262 Paradigm line features a dark, smooth, nearly vein-free Brazilian wrapper. The Torpedo (6.25 x 54) is constructed well and slow-burning with a firm feel and a mouth-watering combination of roast cashews and milk chocolate. Medium-bodied and balanced, there’s little variation in the profile from start to finish, with the exception of coffee notes that emerge at the midway point. This $8 newcomer is a very impressive cigar that I don’t expect to be unknown for very long.

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.”

When I reviewed this Cuban almost a year ago, I wrote, “Even though this is a fine, noble smoke today, something about the flavor leads me to believe it will be slightly better tomorrow.” I’m happy to report it is. The profile of graham cracker, honey, and caramel is more cohesive than I recall. And, as a bonus, gone are the burn issues that once plagued this otherwise well-built cigar. Now I can truly understand why the Especial (5.5 x 50) has been labeled the flagship Epicure.

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.”

The original Cubao from United Tobacco (also called “EO Brands” after founders Erik Espinoza and Eddie Ortega) is an absolute gem. But I’m a little disappointed by the new Maduro version. Unveiled this summer and crafted by Don Pepin Garcia, it forgoes balance and complexity for sheer power. With a strong flavor of espresso and good construction, this is by no means a bad cigar. I’m unconvinced, however, that the Cubao Maduro No. 6 lives up to the prestigious EO pedigree.

Verdict = Hold.

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys