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.”

Arturo Fuente’s Sun Grown line has always been a favorite of mine, and this Belicoso (5.75 x 52) shows why. With a dark, oily, and somewhat veiny Ecuadorian sun grown wrapper, it has a rich, inviting look to go along with excellent construction and combustion properties. It’s more full-bodied than the newer Magnum Sun Grown line and displays intense earth and cedar with just the right amounts of spice and sweetness. It’s medium- to full-bodied with good balance. Best of all, it’s an affordable smoke (I recall buying the box of 24 for around $100) that I always feel comfortable recommending to a novice or a cigar connoisseur.

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.”

In celebration of Smoke Inn’s 15th Anniversary, Padrón was commissioned to make a special cigar for owner Abe Dababneh. The result is a thick (6 x 60) version of the 1964 Anniversary Series, available in either Maduro or Natural varieties, retailing for $18.50 each. The SI-15 Maduro is expertly constructed, as one might expect, featuring core flavors of chocolate, leather, and coffee. The large ring gauge results in a cooler, more delicate smoke. Too me the flavors are slightly more muted than I normally experience from this line. But overall this is a good cigar, and if big ring gauges and Padróns are your thing, the SI-15 Maduro is worth a try.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick M

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.”

Introduced at the 2010 industry trade show, this is a Connecticut-wrapped version of the popular Maxx line. It features filler from Nicaragua, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico, surrounded by a Costa Rican binder and an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. It’s a solid cigar that is constructed well, with a perfectly straight burn and a sturdy ash. The flavor is straightforward Connecticut: dry, woody, and a little grassy. Not bad, but nothing special. I expected more complexity from a blend that contains tobacco from six different countries.

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.”

Cleverly named with the Spanish word for spicy, this cigar is a full-strength smoke that lives up to its name, especially in the first third. The manufacturer was new to me, though it has been around since 2008. Unfortunately, the company’s website is a prime example of style over substance and provided virtually no useful information about its cigars. Apparently, this is a Honduran puro. It’s not the most refined smoke, but reasonably priced and well worth a try if you like spicy cigars.

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.”

Back when I first reviewed it, I gave this annual release (every year the plan is for a new Singulare blend and size) from Illusione high praise. Since then, I’ve only enjoyed the cigar more, even picking up a second box before the 1,000 box run sells out. It’s a wonderfully complex, medium-bodied smoke, with cream, cedar, toast, and honey. With excellent construction, this is a cigar that benefits from, and deserves, your full attention.

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.”

To say that Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has produced some good cigars since leaving La Gloria Cubana to establish his own company would be an understatement. Among his best solo creations in the New Wave Connecticut, his first Connecticut-wrapped line. I picked up the Double Corona (7 x 49) at my local cigar shop for around $6. It displays excellent construction and a textured profile of cream, cashew, wood, and graham cracker. More medium-bodied than most Ecuadorian Connecticut cigars, this is a great buy for those who find typical Connecticut smokes to be too mild.

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.”

Haven’t heard of Lou Rodriguez Cigars? Neither had I until recently when I tried the Reserva blend, which features a notably smooth San Andreas wrapper around Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. The little “Bom Bom” has flawless construction. It’s a medium- to full-bodied blend with lots of earth and just a hint of sweetness. The well-balanced cigar even reminds me of the dependably tasty Padrón Serie 1926. This is a very pleasant introduction to Lou Rodriguez Cigars; I’m looking forward to trying more from this brand.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys