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.”

This stubby, Nub-esque cigar was released by Miami Cigar & Co. last Summer. The Nicaraguan puro is 4 inches long with a 58 ring gauge, and according to reports it was originally a house blend for the company. The wrapper is a bit splotchy, but the cigar is extremely firm and well-constructed. It starts out creamy, nutty, and cedary, almost completely lacking the spice I would expect from an all-Nicaraguan smoke. Around the midway point the flavors shift as the cigar becomes more full-bodied with cocoa and earth notes. Ultimately, I can’t say I disliked the Calibre 58, but this particular stick struck me as slightly uninspired.

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.”

When I first tried this blend several years ago, I found it to be somewhat lacking in flavor. My tastes have changed—or, depending on your perspective, either developed or declined. I say that because, these days, I find myself turning to the Lot 23 Robusto time and again when I need a good coffee companion. Its mild-mannered, classic profile of cream, nut, and spice seems to pair perfectly with a hot cup of Joe in the morning or afternoon. And with solid construction and a price tag of only $4-5, this Perdomo is easy to enjoy and afford.

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.”

One of quite a few private label cigars marketed by Rocky Patel—this one for Famous Smoke Shop— the relatively inexpensive Rosado didn’t do much for me. Said to be a mix of Nicaraguan and Dominican filler with a seven-year-old Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, I found it bland from beginning to end. I won’t miss not smoking it again.

Verdict = Sell.

–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.”

Last year, P.G. Cigars celebrated it’s 20th anniversary and introduced the limited edition Symphony to commemorate the occasion. Originally introduced in a Toro, the blend will soon be expanded to include a Short Robusto and this large Salomones size that will sell for around $20. Wrapped in an oily, medium brown wrapper, the Salomones has an elegant presentation. Roasted earthy notes dominate and are complemented by a subtle combination of oak, molasses sweetness, and wine-like tannins. The expertly constructed blend bounces around from full-bodied to medium and back, making for an entertaining two hours.

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 thin, six-inch cigar with a pigtail cap, labeled a “Corona Especial” by Pete Johnson, puts the “V” in Havana for the eight-vitola Tatuaje “Red Label” line. And it’s a particularly tasty one, producing thick smoke, spice, and hits of coffee and licorice. At a 38 ring gauge, the Habano Ecuador wrapper mixes wonderfully with the Nicaraguan filler and binder.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Tatuaje Cigars

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.”

Eight months ago, I found this attractive Cuban robusto to be too inconsistent and too young tasting to be worth the trouble, but I did note that it showed some potential after “some serious aging.” With that in mind, I lit up another from the same batch to see how it was developing. The cigar has improved, but I think it will be be better still with more age. Some of the bitterness has dropped off revealing a balanced, medium-bodied flavor of cream, cedar, paper, and toast. The construction is significantly improved, with an even burn and an easy draw requiring no re-lights. Despite it’s shortcomings, I’m becoming increasingly confident that after another 6-12 months in the humidor, this Cuban will develop into an excellent smoke.

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.”

I’ve been hanging on to a handful of Rosado Dannos (7 x 56) since I obtained a box in June 2009. While I remember this $9 cigar being creamier and a little less salty, these days it still has a medium-bodied profile of hazelnut, coffee, and spice with above average construction. Is this limited release past its peak? Only time will tell. For now, it’s still a fine cigar, even though I’m happy I enjoyed the bulk of my Dannos when they were first released.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys