Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This complex Robusto (5 x 50) features a tasty blend of tobacco from Peru, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, all capped off with an Ecuadorian sungrown Sumatra leaf. As my colleague noted in his January 2007 review, the medium-bodied flavor profile is of nut and earth with a backdrop of spice. The physical properties are stellar, rendering the whole experience well worth the $5-6 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 take on a single cigar.

Don Pepin Garcia and Connecticut wrappers aren’t a combination that come to mind like, say, rum and Coke or Lewis and Clark. But, believe me, these two combine nicely. The dark, oily Ecuador-grown wrapper on Nicaraguan filler and binder create a smooth and interesting cigar with the typical Pepin pepper really just a tease at the beginning. One of only two sizes in this line, the 6.5 inch Monarcas is a 52 ring gauge stick packed with flavor that develops throughout. If you’re a Pepin fan looking for something a little different, pick one up.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

About a year and a half ago, my colleagues reviewed this Thompson house brand and said you could do worse choosing a “satisfactory, golf course-grade” smoke. I’ve smoked a couple Robustos (5 x 50) and agree. They aren’t going to win any beauty contests or raves for complexity, but they also aren’t harsh and don’t taste of poorly cured tobacco. They may even have a little bit of the distinctive Corojo taste. And there’s one incredible price tag: $24.95 for a bundle of 25 in any of five sizes. If you’re looking for a stick to pass around to friends who smoke only when they’re with you, this could be it. Just remove the foil bands first.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This perfecto (5.5 x 52) features the same oily oscuro wrapper as it’s robusto-sized compatriot, the La Fuerza, one of my all-time favorite cigars. It features the same full flavors of leather, pepper, and earth, and the construction is also flawless. Still, I can’t help but think that La Punta doesn’t have the same complexity or strength. But I can still recommend this stick to anyone who enjoys a lively, full-bodied smoke.

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 take on a single cigar.

This extension of the Perdomo Habano line features a beautiful honey blonde wrapper and a mix of Nicaraguan filler. The most outstanding characteristic of the Toro (5.5 x 54) is how smooth it smokes. But don’t mistake the Connecticut shade wrapper for a bland smoke; while it isn’t particularly strong, it is full and satisfying. At $5.50 a stick, it’s worth a try.

Verdict = Buy.

-George E

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This limited production thick Robusto (5 x 54) features a rustic Nicaraguan corojo wrapper with a pigtail. It starts out with medium-bodied leather flavors and a salty finish, then cinammon, nutmeg, and pepper flavors flow in and out of the relatively complex smoke. Availble for $8-10 per cigar, it is far more interesting than the regular Trinidad line and for only a few dollars in additional cost.

Verdict = Buy.

-Patrick S

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This corojo, in my humble opinion, does not rank as one of Pepin’s great creations. I enjoy the Robusto’s (5 x 50) taste, noting how it transitions from dry spice to cream to warm tobacco, but would appreciate more balance and less bitterness. The meandering burn also leaves something to be desired. For $6, I am neither regretful nor thrilled—I am, however, willing to trade my remaining stash of Cuban Classics for Blue Labels instead.

Verdict = Hold.

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys