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.”

With a name like Evil, you’d expect this cigar to pack an extraordinary punch. It really doesn’t. While strong, the 6-inch Toro isn’t especially so. There’s little complexity in what is an OK smoke. More distinctive is the humongous band and the thick Brazilian wrapper that could almost pass for leather. I’m not sure whether Gurkha’s lack of attention to the blend’s description on the website—the same as that for the Assassin, a similar cigar, except for misspellings and improper word usage—reflects its feelings for the line.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.”

There are may reasons why Northern Virginia is a good place to be a cigar smoker, including having PG Cigars’ flagship shop nearby. There, you not only can buy every hard-to-find PG smoke currently made, but they also sell a number of cigars with well over a decade of age on them. This corona, for example, was rolled back in 1993. Despite the often mellowing effects of age, it has plenty of flavor with leather and cedar notes and a musty tinge. It’s well-balanced and medium-bodied with flawless combustion. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, it’s well worth picking up.

–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.”

An amazing combination of full strength and full flavor, this 7.5-inch cigar uses tobacco from four countries to create a slow-burning, satisfying smoke. The rough Brazilian wrapper has a wonderful pre-light aroma and combines with the Peruvian and Nicaraguan filler to drop flavor after flavor on the tongue like a tobacco piñata. The Assassin has been part of the Gurkha line since 2009. I should have smoked one sooner.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Cuban Crafters

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.”

First, I have to say this is cigar contains some Mexican filler. Second, it’s a bit high-priced—listed at $8.50, though I paid $7. Third, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable, complex smoke. I like the combination of a Connecticut wrapper and fairly powerful filler. With tobacco from five countries, this Robusto (5 x 50) blended by Jesus Fuego for Xikar is smooth, produces a great aroma, and burns wonderfully.

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.”

If you want to experience the taste that many people dislike in Mexican tobacco, this Montecristo will provide a first-rate education. From the initial puff, the double-banded Robusto fills your mouth with the flavor that I can best describe as dry dirt. The best part was an inch or so in the middle, when there was virtually no taste. Then the shoveling began again. If you’re a Mexican tobacco fan, give the Vintage 1999 a try. Otherwise, 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.”

Since he stormed back on the scene in 2009, E.P. Carrillo (who brought La Gloria Cubana to fame in the 1990s) has been on a role. His 2010 Limited Edition cigar was such a hit, he brought it back in the form of the Elencos line which features the same blend as the popular 2010 limited release. The full bodied smoke features rich buttery flavors with sweet earth and a touch of cinnamon spice. Complex and full of flavor with excellent construction this thick six inch by 54 RG toro is worth picking up.

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 attractive, lower-priced Pete Johnson production uses lower-grade wrappers and Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos than his top-shelf Tatuaje sticks. I’d call this five-inch, $5-plus cigar perfect for activities such as golf, fishing, partying, or poker. Just don’t expect the complexity, subtlety, or depth of Don Pepin Garcia’s better smokes. Instead, you’ll find consistency and a pleasant experience in a medium-strength cigar.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E