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.”

Only 2,000 boxes of this 5-inch, 52-ring gauge limited edition smoke are available. The pigtail-capped Dominican puro features an oscuro wrapper, Habano binder, and a filler with corojo, Habano and criollo ’98 tobacco. The medium-bodied smoke is dominated by powdered dark chocolate notes. Underneath are roasted nut and earth flavors. It’s extraordinarily balanced, well-constructed, and, at under $5 per stick, it’s easy to recommend.

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.”

Since I discovered La Caya back in 2007, I’ve been a huge fan of the Cameroon blend. The Robusto (5 x 54) is an excellent way to spend around $5. Its Dominican olor binder, sweet Cameroon wrapper, and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic combine to yield a flavor of honey, spice, and tea. And the combustion qualities are downright superb.

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.”

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’ve been very impressed with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s new cigars, particular the 2010 Short Run limited release. But despite the fact that it is reportedly the third best-selling size, I’ve never been a huge fan of the six-inch by 60-ring gauge size. Still, I was looking forward to trying the Dominantes (6.25 x 60). It’s fuller-bodied than the smaller Short Run sizes, but still features graham spice, butter, and woody notes. Add a bit of leather into the mix and you get an interesting blend with the excellent construction I’ve come to expect from Carrillo’s cigars.

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.”

These days, when you read about the Jameson Cigar Co., you mostly see information about Santos de Miami, a new Dominican puro blend, or reviews of Declaration. But I still like the re-blended Red Label that came out in early 2009. The Perfecto (5 x 54) combines a Connecticut shade wrapper, a Honduran binder, and Dominican filler tobaccos to produce a balanced taste of cream, cedar, and floral notes. Construction is good, making this a smart buy for $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.”

Since the 2008 IPCPR Trade Show, I’ve been reporting on the pending release of this cigar; almost three years later, it has finally arrived. The Julius Caeser is an attractive-looking cigar, with an Ecuadorian wrapper and a “smooth, robust blend of Central American tobaccos.” The profile, far from the “robust blend” that’s advertised, is medium-bodied with cedar, honey, and cream. But that mildness doesn’t make the Pyramid a bad cigar. In fact, I found it to be a well-constructed and enjoyable.

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.”

Nearly three years ago, I reviewed the San Cristobal Supremo and found it “flat and unexciting.” I always wanted to revisit the line and finally got around to it, recently smoking several of these robusto-sized Clasicos (5 x 50). They’re impressive. The prelight aroma is so rich and sweet I was tempted to take a bite out of the stick. But lighting up was a better idea. I enjoyed a complex array of flavors, a good burn, and lots of smoke. I then decided to give the longer Supremo another try and was disappointed again. I’ve not even seen many of the eight vitolas in this Nicaraguan puro line, but I don’t think I’ll try any others. I’m sticking with the Clasico.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Ashton

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 classic H. Upmann pyramid is the slighty milder predecessor to the iconic Montecristo No. 2. It’s a surprisingly well-constructed Cuban with an extremely sturdy ash and even burn.  Unfortunately, I found the flavors to be extremely mild, bordering on dull. There’s a touch of cedar with a roast nut and honey notes, but there’s also an unpleasant sawdust flavor. Only a few weeks ago I smoked another H. Upmann No. 2 out of the very same box and found it to be a considerably more refined, but this one was a dud—perhaps an unfortunate victim of Cuba’s inconsistency.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys