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.”

I was a big fan of the 2010 version of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s Short Run cigar, enough to secure a box before they sold out. So I was  excited to try the 2011 edition. It’s a medium-bodied smoke with woody notes, pleasant cafe au lait flavors, and a slight sourness. Construction was good up until the end when the wrapper fell apart on me. The 2011 Short Run is not a bad cigar, but the obvious comparison is to the 2010 Short Run, which I found to be a superior cigar.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.” The following is a Guest Quick Smoke, submitted by a StogieGuys.com reader. If you’d like to submit your own, please contact us.

The Partagas Serie D No. 5 was released as a limited edition in 2008 and, format-wise, it’s basically a shorter version of the bestselling Serie D No. 4. Rumor has it that it will be available as a regular release this year (although I haven’t seen it in B&Ms yet). Flavor-wise, however, it’s definitely a different blend. In 2009, I found it rather rough, whereas Patrick S was more than satisfied, giving it 4.5 stogies. Today, I am happy to report that the flavors on my samples have settled down a bit and, even though the cigar obviously has more room for aging, the Serie D No. 5 is ready to be enjoyed. Give it a try if you can.

Verdict = Buy.

–Submitted by Denis, a.k.a. Cigar Inspector

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.”

Friday was my birthday, which seemed like a good reason to light up this well-constructed limited edition Cohiba. It had the quintessential characteristics of a Cuban cigar—sweet cocoa and earth—but in a more intense variety than any Habano I’ve smoked recently. It reminded me of a more focused version of the Montecristo Sublime. Though the $30 price tag is daunting, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar. It has continued to develop since I the last time I smoked it, and age has only improved this tasty 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 verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This addition to EO Brands‘ popular 601 line has been overshadowed by the firm’s new dynamo, La Bomba. And there’s some confusion because the 601 line had included a now-discontinued stick with a Connecticut wrapper. The new Natural—also known as the 601 White Label—is a stouter smoke, with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos providing pepper, particularly in the first half. I also picked up some of the hay and grass often associated with Connecticut tobacco, as well as pine and cedar. A tasty cigar, if not all that distinctive from several similar concoctions already on the market.

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 new cigar from Pinar del Rio will be a limited release, only available at select Pinar del Rio retailers. Designed to be a full flavored smoke, the filler is all ligero, and the wrapper is strikingly oily and jet black. The torpedo is well constructed with a sturdy white ash. The Liga Especial Reserva Superior features roasted notes with lots of coffee, chocolate, and earth. It’s tasty and worth a try.

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.”

While no one enjoys trying new cigars more than I do, I’m trying to make a more concerted effort to routinely revisit some of my favorites. The Flor Fina 8-5-8 from Arturo Fuente is one such favorite that I hope to get back in touch with. This affordable, accessible smoke has a wonderful profile of pine, herbs, toast, and roasted nuts, and the Cameroon wrapper adds a nice sweetness. With excellent construction, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better everyday cigar.

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 broadleaf-wrapped Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Limited Edition 2011 is, in addition to a mouthful to say, a pretty limited release. This version featuring a shade-grown Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper is 15 times rarer, as every box of the the LE 2011 has 15 cigars with the broadleaf wrapper and just one of these, which reportedly will be the limited edition release in 2012. The toro has perfect construction, as I’ve come to expect from Garcia’s cigars. The cigar features medium-bodied flavors that start out with some bitterness, but soon develops into a balanced, well-rounded flavor profile with nuts, honey, cedar, and spice. It’s remarkable how different this cigar is despite having the exact same blend except for the wrapper. Ultimately, like the broadleaf version, the price ($16) is the biggest detractor, and while I prefer the more readily available version to the 2012 incarnation, it isn’t a cigar you should avoid.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys