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.”

Introduced in late 2009, this Robusto (5.25 x 52) is composed of Nicaraguan tobaccos dressed in a dark Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper. It has a bold, spicy flavor of pepper, dry wood, and espresso with acceptable construction properties. This is a fine smoke from Don Pepin Garcia’s son, but it misses out on the nuance that’s characteristic of other creations from My Father Cigars—and I’m unconvinced that its monotone profile is worthy of the $6-7 asking price.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.”

Around this year’s industry trade show, Pete Johnson announced multiple new sizes for his Tatuaje lines, including this “7th” size, which is the first full-size Seleccion de Cazador to be made in Don Pepin’s Nicaraguan factory instead of in Miami. The well-constructed vitola (5.6 x 46)  features classic Pepin woody spice along with toasty and meaty notes. For those of you worried that not being crafted in Miami may mean this is a lesser Tatuaje, rest assured. This new size is every bit as good as the original six cigars in the blend.

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.”

Made under the direction of Luis Sanchez, this Corona Gorda (6 x 50) comes dressed in a Spanish cedar sleeve with a clean Ecuadorian wrapper, a Honduran binder, and a two-country filler blend from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The cigar has a light profile of vanilla, cream, almond, and woodsy spice. With absolutely flawless combustion qualities, this is an excellent offering from La Tradicion Cubana—especially considering its $4 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.”

The generosity of cigar smokers never ceases to amaze me. Just the other night a cigar buddy insisted on giving me the new cigar from the Tatuaje Monster Series, The Face, when I mentioned I hadn’t tried one yet.  The stick (6.6 x 56) has a rustic San Andreas wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos and, most notably, a “band” made of jaggedly cut Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper leaf.  The cigar starts with a tasty combination of chewy cashew, roast coffee, and clove. As it evolves, the medium-bodied start yields to a stronger finish, as spice and earth become more prominent. With excellent construction, this special Halloween release is a must try for all Tatuaje fans.

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.”

Introduced this summer along with the Signature blend, the four-vitola Sixth Generation line from Augusto Reyes sells in the $5.50 to $6.20 range. The Robusto (5 x 50) has a full-bodied profile of spicy wood with some caramel sweetness.  It’s decent if you’re looking for a bold smoke, but this cigar’s meaty aftertaste and troubled burn prevents it from earning my full recommendation.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.”

Between Reservas, Conojus, black labels, and Verocus, it had been a few months since I smoked the original line that put Tatuaje on the map. This torpedo (6.1 x 52) features a tasty combination of woodsy spice, savory steak, and roasted coffee. With flawless construction, it’s every bit as good as I remembered and well worth its $9.50 price tag.

–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.”

Marrying both of Sam Leccia’s popular concepts—Cain, a “straight ligero” recipe, and Nub, a short, stubby format—this Nicaraguan puro weighs in at four inches with a ring gauge of 54. Its flavor, predictably, is full-bodied and powerful. Floral notes and hints of fruit help balance heartier tastes of leather and spice. With fine physical properties, this Habano-wrapped shorty is a good choice if you need a quick jolt of premium tobacco after a heavy meal.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys