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.”

While I’d heard of Alec Bradley’s new Black Market line, I hadn’t paid enough attention to know anything about it. I was intrigued when I saw them on the shelves—the thick paper sleeve and wooden crate-style boxes are eye catching—but, of course, they offered no information about the tobacco. At $6.25 for a Churchill (7 x 50), I thought it was worth a try. I was wrong. Smoking it was a major disappointment. About the only flavor I got was the dirt taste I associate with Mexican tobacco. Since learning the cigar’s makeup—Nicaraguan wrapper, Sumatran binder, and filler from Honduras and Panama—I’m guessing the “dirt tobacco” was that Panamanian. Unless you’re a fan, I’d stay away.

Verdict = Sell.

–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.”

Matt Booth’s Room 101 is on a tour of the country that he’s calling “Cigarmageddon.” Featured at the events is the small perfecto called “One Shot, One Kill” (the band reads: “pre-release sample”) which is apparently destined to become a three-size line. The little figuardo is well constructed with an ash that lasts nearly half the length of the four-inch smoke. It’s medium- to full-bodied but remarkably smooth with earth, leather, and a hint of citrus. Without knowing the price it’s hard to give a full recommendation, but my initial takeaway is that this is a great little cigar perfect for when you only have 30 minutes but still want something complex and tasty.

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 A.J. Fernandez cigar has been my go-to maduro in recent weeks. Sure, I’ve enjoyed it since it was launched in 2010, but a year of age has improved this Mexican-wrapped smoke, making the chalky taste of espresso, black pepper, and cayenne spice more balanced and sweeter. Expect more chocolate and nuts from the first generation of San Lotano Maduros, and expect them to be quite tasty. That makes the Robusto (5 x 52) a good investment at around $6 apiece.

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.”

Exclusive to the online boutique New Havana Cigars, this box-pressed smoke features the same blend as the Tatuaje Brown label (with the Sumatra “Capa Especial” wrapper) in a size that’s nearly identical to the Havana Cazadores. It’s more full-bodied than the Tatuaje 7th Capa Especial, with pepper, espresso, and wood, and it falls between medium- and full-bodied. While the the cigar was a bit spongy to the touch, the construction didn’t seem to suffer at all. These sold out in just days, but if you’re fortunate enough to have the opportunity to smoke one, you should jump at the chance.

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.”

Touted as an all-Corojo cigar, this relatively new line from Martin Family of Cigars definitely starts with a snap. The first half is a flavorful smoke with the strength associated with corojo, though the strength can overwhelm the flavors at times. In the second half, the voltage goes down, as dark wood and tobacco tastes dominate. Construction is generally good, though I did find a large stem in one, but it caused no real problems. If you like corojo or just want to check it out, this one’s well worth a try.

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.”

I don’t know that I’ve ever had a smoother cigar. From start to finish, this expensive stick is a delight. Flavors weave in and out; the more attention you pay, the greater the reward for your palate. The Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler and binder are an exquisite combination. With a mild to medium strength, this Fuente deserves all the praise it receives and is worth the high price tag. There’s no better celebratory cigar.

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.”

Ever since Sam Leccia’s departure from Oliva, the brands he was primarily responsible for—Cain and Nub—have been in search of an identity. This Cain F Lancero, introduced as part of the Studio Tobac portfolio, is part of that move. It’s a full-bodied smoke with plenty of spice that’s clearly geared towards the full-bodied cigar smoker. It’s a sneaky strong Nicaraguan puro, with heavy bread and leather flavors. The construction was excellent, which is always particularly appreciated in the hard-to-produce Lancero size.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys