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 6.5-inch Lonsdale is an excellent coffee accompaniment and a great value at under $5. Its golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, combined with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, produces a light flavor of oak, almond, and cream. And it has combustion qualities characteristic of the Oliva pedigree, including a straight burn and a smooth draw. This is an easy recommendation for cigar enthusiasts who appreciate mild, well-balanced smokes.

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 only being “officially released” for little more than a week, there are already plenty of reviews of the new limited Tatuaje Anarchy (created by Tatuaje for the Florida-based Smoke Inn). With a unique tapered shape, flattened pigtail cap, and oily wrapper, the Anarchy (6.125 x 48-52) makes a good first impression. Like my colleague who wrote up a full review of some pre-release samples, I noticed a lack of the peppery spice that often accompanies Pepin-made smokes. But this is a fine full-bodied smoke with bready flavors, leather, coffee, and meatiness.

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.”

Where Illusione is predominantly corojo with one component of criollo tobacco, Dion Giolito’s Cruzado line—launched in 2008—is predominantly criollo with one component corojo. The result is a blend that’s less aggressive. The Churchill-sized Marios vitola (7 x 47) has a medium-bodied, balanced profile of leather, coffee, cream, and nutmeg spice. Its wonderful combustion qualities and two-hour smoking time make this complex creation worthy of its $9 price tag.

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.”

We all know how different preferences can be among cigar enthusiasts. Sometimes, though, it’s amazing how they match just about perfectly. That’s what I kept thinking as I worked my way through this remarkably dark, oily stick. Check my colleague’s review from last month. The only thing I can add is that this fat, highly touted La Gloria Cubana offering is a major disappointment.

Verdict = Sell.

–George E

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 has been close to a year since I wrote about Soirée, a Nicaraguan Colorado-wrapped blend launched in 2008 by Paul Garmirian. The Belicoso (6.25 x 52) may be the best of the line’s four vitolas. It displays outstanding construction with a well-balanced profile of dry wood, soft pepper, creamy caramel, and overall depth befitting a cigar that costs about$13.

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.”

This vintage petit corona dating back to the late ’40s or early ’50s was generously given to me by Jeff Borysiewicz, owner of the Corona Cigar Company, who has an impressive collection of pre-embargo Cubans for sale in his downtown Orlando shop. Considering the seven decades of age on this Partagas made for Dunhill, the construction was impressive. The years had certainly mellowed the smoke, but the cream, paper, and mild cedar notes made for an enjoyable experience.

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.”

With a profile of dark espresso, black pepper, and dry wood, this sungrown corojo-wrapped Corona (4.5 x 46) has plenty of spice from the first puff. The blend’s full-bodied power is complemented by wonderful combustion qualities and aromatic resting smoke. Still, even as a huge J. Fuego fan, I can’t fully recommend this bold beast. The flavor is a little too unbalanced to justify the $7 price tag.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys