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 Cuban cigar features a smooth golden wrapper and classic robusto proportions. It is a roller coaster of flavors and construction. It starts with tangy sour notes of orange peel, overpowering the cedar and paper tastes. This continues along until nearly the final third, when more balanced honey and nut flavors finally emerge. The construction is similar, with multiple touch-ups needed on an uneven burn that finally settles down in the final 20 minutes. I’m hoping some serious aging will improve this cigar because it does show some potential but, despite a pleasant finish, this particular roller coaster is not a fun ride.

Verdict = Sell.

–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 reviewed the Series JJ Belicoso back in December 2008, I found it to be somewhat disappointing. I’ve kept a Selectos (5 x 50) in my humidor since then to determine how the blend would perform after 18 months of aging. Not much had changed. The full-bodied flavor of dry wood, leather, and black pepper remained – nice but lacking in balance – and the physical properties were still below average for a $7-8 cigar. While I don’t dislike this Nicaraguan puro, it just isn’t quite my cup of tea.

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.”

The Oliva Connecticut has received many positive reviews, but it recently occurred to me that I had yet to smoking one myself. The Robusto I lit up featured a classic veinless golden Connecticut wrapper. The smoke revealed pleasant flavors of cream, wood, and roast nuts. Construction was flawless, with a sharp black line leading an even burn and sturdy ash. With it’s balanced mild flavors and  lack of the acidic bitterness that holds back so many Connecticut-wrapped cigars, it’s no wonder the Oliva Connecticut has been so well-received.

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.”

Crafted by Rocky Patel exclusively for Famous Smoke Shop, Cruz Real is comprised of a Mexican binder and long-filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The Sumatra Robusto (5 x 50) has a salty, peppery introduction that transitions into a creamer profile of peanut and leather. Bold and aromatic yet lacking in balance or complexity. Still, with impressive construction, this cigar’s current asking price of $73 for a box of 20 makes it a decent purchase.

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.”

This large, rare, limited edition perfecto (6 x 58) is the combination of two of La Aurora’s most exclusive lines: 100 Años and Preferidos. It features an oily Dominican corojo wrapper surrounding Dominican binder and filler. After a creamy start with woody flavors, it soon develops some classic corojo spice. The well-balanced, medium-bodied smoke ends with a long, smooth finish. Construction is flawless. Despite its $16 price, this is an excellent value and an excellent example of the fine cigars La Aurora produces.

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.”

I’ve been working my way through a stash of these skinny (5 x 37) cigars for well over a year. This offering from Por Larrañaga, a second-tier Cuban brand, offers a smooth, creamy taste of dry oak that’s mild and pleasant, albeit not terribly complex. True, it may not be much to look at. But with consistently solid construction and a price tag just over $3 apiece, the Panetela is a nice alternative to more expensive creations from Castro’s communist isle.

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 had been hanging on to this Cuban icon for over two years, finally deciding this weekend that it was overdue for a date with the flame. I was right. While the physical properties were improved, particularly the stability of the ash, the flavor was slightly sourer and a bit less flavorful. Time may have withered away some of the almond and oak. I still recommend purchasing this 6.1-inch cigar—just remember not to wait too long to fire it up.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys