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.”

A Don Pepin Garcia production for Forcade Cigar, this stick is strong, with some of the pepper characteristic of Garcia’s creations. But Giralda lacks the complexity and interlaced flavors of his best. The line does show promise, and I plan to keep an eye on Forcade, although I can’t recommend this one.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.”

With a slightly splotchy wrapper, this 7 inch by 47 ring gauge cigar by Dion Giolito of Illusione Cigars isn’t all that much to look at. Fortunately where it matters most, the Cuchillos performs admirably. It’s a combination of leather, pepper, and earth flavors that is very savory, even if the salty notes leave it a bit off balance. Despite being a mixed filler cigar the ash and draw are flawless, helped in part by the fact that two binders are used. At 4 cigars for $18, it could be my new go-to golf cigar, but it’s also good enough to pair with some Cruzan Single Barrel rum after dinner.

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.”

Available only as part of Cigar Rights of America’s exclusive sampler, this toro-sized creation of the Newman and Fuente families features an exquisite sun-grown Ecuadorian wrapper selected from the top priming. It’s a balanced medium- to full-bodied smoke that features plenty of earth and savory flavors with undertones of clove and dry cocoa. The Diamond Crown’s flawless construction produces an abundance of thick smoke.

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.”

Since it debuted in October 2008, Cuban Crafters’ Medina 1959 blend has become one of my favorite mild-bodied cigars. This Cuban-seed Sumatra-wrapped smoke is an absolute treasure. Handmade in Miami by Manuel Medina, formerly of the H. Upmann and Davidoff factories in Cuba, it boasts toasted flavors of cream, butterscotch, and onion spice with outstanding construction. I’ve written before of my affinity for the Robusto and Torpedo. The Churchill (7 x 50) is every bit as delicious for $7 apiece.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

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.”

Rarely do I find a cigar so bad that I give up on it after smoking less than an inch or more. This was that rare case. A nice looking cigar, the Indian Tabac Super Fuerte Natural was hot, dry, and harsh with a taste reminiscent of stale cigarettes. The finish was long and unpleasant. One fundamental problem with this stick, and others I’ve tried, is that the roll is so open (I’m guessing to lower the amount of filler) that it’s almost impossible not to overheat.

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.”

Savinelli is better know for its pipe offerings than its cigars, but this Corona Gorda (6.6 x 46) shows that cigars aren’t being neglected. The Nicaraguan puro features a perfectly smooth, dry, medium brown wrapper. Impressive construction is highlighted by a flawless draw and even burn. The flavors are mostly earthy with some raisin and sawdust, leaving a dry finish. While certainly not a bad cigar, it loses points for leaving my mouth feeling awkwardly dry.

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 following is a Guest Quick Smoke, submitted by a StogieGuys.com reader. If you’d like to submit your own for publication, please contact us.

This robusto (5 x 52) has an oily wrapper that’s medium-to-dark brown with a fairly rustic look. The heaviness in the hand speaks to a fully-packed stogie, but also contributes to a tighter draw than I’m comfortable with, at least at the beginning. Flavors range from cocoa powder and coffee at the start to strong coffee and earth near the end. This is a full-bodied smoke that tastes great; I enjoyed it more than the 888, but not as much as the MJ12, although the sticker price of $8.40 makes it much more attainable.

Verdict = Buy.

–Submitted by David Jones of The Tiki Bar Online

photo credit: Stogie Guys