The Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

In 2015, Ashton introduced a super-premium limited edition extension to its San Cristobal line called Ovation. Presented in a single format (6.5 x 52), only 3,000 boxes of 22 were made for a total run of 66,000 cigars, each selling for about $15. Since, two sizes have been added—Opulence (5 x 50) and a torpedo-shaped Eminence (5.75 x 54)—and the original size was given the name Decadence. I really enjoyed the cigar when I first tried it a few years ago, and I still do today. It boasts a complex, full-bodied taste. The San Andrés wrapper marries well with the Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos to deliver rich flavors of coffee, cayenne heat, cocoa, white pepper, and cream. With good combustion characteristics, I absolutely recommend the Ovation Decadence.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week 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 storied Henry Clay line started its 2.0 rebrand/relaunch with the 2015 limited Tattoo release, a collaboration with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars (an admitted longtime admirer of the Henry Clay mark). That was followed up with the 2016 regular production Henry Clay Stalk Cut, featuring a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Dominican binder, and three filler tobaccos: Dominican Piloto, Dominican Olor, and Nicaraguan Criollo. The box-pressed Robusto produces medium-bodied flavors with notes of roasted cocoa, espresso, almonds, and leather with an earthy finish. It’s an above-average cigar at a not unreasonable price ($8.25). If you’re just getting into Henry Clay, though, try the original (still produced, pre-rebrand) Henry Clay first.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week 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 was the first Encore I’ve seen since the robusto-sized Majestic was named Cigar Aficionado’s top cigar of 2018, thus creating a shelf-clearing demand. I hope it won’t be my last. It’s an excellent smoke. The Valientes is a 6.125-inch torpedo with a ring gauge of 52. It is dark, rich, and robust, a treat from first puff to finish. The flavors are balanced and smooth, with one surprise, given that it is a Nicaraguan puro: There’s little of the pepper that’s often common to those tobaccos. Another point worth noting is that the Encore line follows Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s tradition of producing top-flight cigars without sky-high prices. I paid $12.25 for the Valientes. And while the four-vitola line follows La Historia in what’s called the Perez-Carrillo Series, the cigar itself is second to none.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: E.P. Carrillo

A couple times each week 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 Tatuaje Brown Label (officially called “Selección de Cazador”) has long been a go-to cigar for me, despite the fact that I haven’t smoked it as regularly lately. This particular stick (5.1 x 42) features the 10th Anniversary band, although the blend is unchanged from standard Brown Label offering. (Tatuaje celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2013 with special packaging for all the vitolas in the Brown Label line.) The blend, featuring an Ecuadorian wrapper around Nicaraguan binder and filler, produces rich earth, coffee, and cedar spice. There’s good reason why I’ve bought many boxes of this cigar over the years. The combination of an easy-to-enjoy size, top-notch construction, and full flavors makes this a recommended standby.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

From the start, there’s no question this cigar features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper. And for my palate, that means dirt, or an unpleasant, thick taste that more or less overlays everything else. I did detect some of the typical maduro flavors like coffee and chocolate trying to fight their way to the surface. The Chaveta (5 x 50) and features Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. Draw and smoke production were good, and the ash held on tightly. Construction was marred slightly by a small amount of unraveling wrapper about halfway down. If you’re a San Andrés fan, this maduro is worth a try. Otherwise, though, I’d leave it on the shelf.

Verdict = Hold.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

 A couple times each week 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 sizes modeled after the Cohiba Behike, the Nat Cicco HBB Gold is a premium line from a brand that focuses on value-oriented cigars. The Churchill (7.75 x 54) features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. It has notes of earth and leather, along with roasted coffee. The full-bodied cigar lacks complexity but is well-constructed.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

To date, I’ve reviewed two cigars from the new Joya de Nicaragua Clásico series: Número 6 and Toro. Generally speaking, while I enjoy mild cigars and think they have a place in any proper cigar rotation, these vitolas scored just OK, both falling short in the flavor department. The smaller Señorita (5.5 x 34), however, seems to hit all the right notes. Its Cuban-seed Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, combined with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, yields a smooth, creamy profile that’s subtle and balanced yet tasty. Flavors include cream, white pepper, dry oak, and toasted nuts. So far, this is my favorite size in the line, which launched last summer.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys