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.”

Sam Leccia’s “straight ligero” line called Cain debuted at the 2009 industry trade show in two wrapper varieties: Habano and Maduro. The latter is built with a dark Brazilian exterior leaf, a Nicaraguan binder, and filler tobaccos from Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa. As you might expect given its recipe, the toro-sized 550 (5.75 x 50) produces tons of spice on the lips and a rich profile of roasted coffee beans and dry wood. With little depth, unwavering consistency in taste, and zero maduro sweetness, though, I can’t fully recommend this $5-6 cigar. The Habano is superior in my book.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.”

This cigar, which Nestor Plasencia Jr. calls “our baby,” is something of a surprise for a Nicaraguan puro: It’s considerably milder than most. I’ve smoked a handful and found them consistent and pleasant. Aging (a couple were in my humidor for nearly three years) seemed to have no effect, good or bad. A Famous Smoke exclusive, the Organica is worth a try if you like mild- to medium-bodied smokes.

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 Perfecto (5 x 55) has a lot of the flavor you’d expect from a Nicaraguan puro, including spice and roasted coffee. But it’s the sweet creamy backdrop that makes it memorable. I bought mine at my local tobacconist for about $6. I’ll be more than happy to pay that price again for this sun-grown Habano-wrapped beauty.

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.”

Released in 2008 to commemorate the year Ramón Cifuentes began producing Macanudo, the 1968 line is blended with a dark Havana-seed Honduran wrapper, a Connecticut binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. The Robusto (5 x 50) commanded a price of about $8.50 when it first debuted, but now it can be found for around $5. That makes this medium-bodied cigar a good buy, especially given its fine combustion and tasty profile of dry wood, licorice, spice, and cashew.

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.”

Despite their relatively expensive price, I’ve always considered the cigars in the Ashton Classic lineup to be of excellent value. The robusto-sized Magnum (5 x 50) is no exception. I purchased this one at my local tobacconist for $7 and was rewarded with great construction and subtle flavors of nuts, cream, citrus, hay, and pepper. The Magnum is a must-try, even for those who rarely smoke Connecticut shade cigars.

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.”

It’s been a while since I lit up a Tatuaje Cajonu 2003 (though I’ve got a box of the Gran Cojonus stashed away in a cigar locker somewhere). It’s a great looking cigar, with a dark, oily wrapper framed by twin bands. The cigar produces a dense smoke with tons of earthy notes and a dark chocolate finish. The full-bodied smoke stays the same from beginning to end and sports flawless construction. Still, I  found it to be a touch one-dimensional. Given the high price and all the other great Pete Johnson smokes, I’d conclude that it’s a good cigar but hardly Tatuaje’s finest.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

photo credits: 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 cigar by Casa Fernandez came in the sampler pack sold by Cigar Rights of America to support their fight against anti-tobacco laws. The Nicaraguan smoke features a flawless dark wrapper with just a bit of shine. The blend is the same as the original Casa Fernandez line, but the size is new. The cigar tastes of roasted coffee, cedar, and a distinctive spicy finish that focuses on the tip of the tongue. Complex and full-bodied with superb construction, it’s great with a pour of Zaya rum.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credits: Stogie Guys