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.”

The Excalibur Dark Knight No. 1 (5.75 x 54) features a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper around Dominican filler tobaccos, several prominent veins, and a rough texture. It displays a nice balance between sweet and salty notes with predominant flavors of chocolate, espresso, cedar, and cashew. The Dark Knight kept my interest for a full two hours. At $6.50 apiece, it’s a solid buy.

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.”

A few years ago, these Serie B cigars were easily found online for around $4. That’s not much to pay considering the blend supposedly contains pre-embargo Cuban tobacco that was “found” in excellent condition in a warehouse. That story isn’t east to believe, but if the cigar is good who really cares, right? The attractive smoke is surrounded by a notably dark wrapper and it has excellent combustion qualities, including a solid white ash. The flavors are relatively simplistic with charred oak  and earth dominating the medium-bodied profile. A few  bursts of bitter notes also surface. It’s not going to blow you away, but between the good story and the reasonable price, I can’t really complain.

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.”

One of four differently wrapped cigars in the “Premiere Selection” lineup from Los Blancos, the Criollo offers some pop and softer spice. With Nicaraguan filler, the $7 Torpedo (6.5 x 52) is a slow-burning cigar that fits comfortably in the mid-range of strength. A fine complement to a cup of coffee and a colorful sunset.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

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 box-pressed torpedo (6 x 54) has a Costa Rican wrapper around Honduran binder and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. The natural version of this Nestor Plasencia creation, which features a Habana 2000 wrapper, was a favorite of mine nearly a decade ago. The torpedo is constructed well with a sturdy ash and an easy draw, though the burn needs a few touch-ups. The flavors are straight-forward black coffee and roasted notes, with some slight bitterness. All in all, the Magic Mountain Maduro is an average smoke with a reasonable $3 price tag.

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 Punch Gran Puro Rancho (5.5 x 54) is a Honduran puro. The wrapper and binder leaves are sun-grown and the cigar is constructed well. It burns medium- to full-bodied in strength with core flavors of cinnamon, pepper spice, and an earthy sweetness. While not extraordinary, it is a fine selection for the golf course.

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.”

Before trying the new Avo 85th Anniversary, I wanted to go back and smoke one of my favorite limited edition Avo smokes from the past. The Tesoro (5.75 x 50) debuted in 2008 and it’s still a fine smoke in 2011. Sweet cream, honey, and light cedar are each elegantly balanced in this well-constructed toro. The Tesoro is proof that mild cigars need not be bland or unflavorful, and that’s why it’s still a favorite of mine.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Avo

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 Honduran puro from General Cigar has been a mainstay of my humidor ever since I first tried it in 2008. With outstanding construction and an interesting profile of dry cedar, clove, spice, and sweetness, the Robusto (5.5 x 50) is a fine everyday smoke for around $4 apiece.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys