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 extension of Fuente’s popular Chateau Fuente line was introduced in 2005. It has since been a regular resident of my humidor. Measuring six inches with a 55 ring gauge, the belicoso-shaped King B develops nicely with notes of cedar, earth, pepper, and a pleasantly sweet finish. Construction is excellent. I’m a big fan and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

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 nine inch, 50 ring gauge behemoth starts out with a burst of pepper before settling into a savory, well-balanced smoke. Dressed in a Colorado brown five-year-old Nicaraguan wrapper, the cigar is a bit bumpy near the foot, but otherwise flawlessly constructed with excellent combustion characteristics. Despite it’s large size, only one match was needed to keep the Celebration lit. As it progresses, subtle cedar flavors create a medium- to full-bodied smoke with notes of cocoa and black pepper. This isn’t an everyday cigar (at around $20 it wasn’t designed to be). But if you’re looking for a special cigar to enjoy for over two full hours, it’s an excellent choice.

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.”

The newest addition to the Trinidad lineup boasts unlit notes of cocoa, a textured Ecuadorian Cubano wrapper, and a binder/filler combination from Honduras and Nicaragua. Its construction, as with most Altadis smokes, is pretty darn good. But the flavor leaves something to be desired. Starting coarse and peppery and developing into coffee and leather, this Habana Reserve (5 x 44) has a chalky, mouth-coating aftertaste. I won’t soon be reaching for another No. 4, even with its wallet-friendly MSRP of $5.25.

Verdict = Sell.

–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’ve had this Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona resting in my humidor for over a year. With a clean light brown wrapper and a classic white, gold, and red Hoyo band, it’s a good looking smoke. The double corona is woody and earthy with a bit of spice and a hint of cream. Unfortunately, there is also lingering bitterness that comes and goes. Construction was pleasantly uneventful with an even burn and clean draw that produces an abundance of smoke. While certainly not a bad cigar, at $16-20 each I’d expect a little better.

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.”

Word is that Roberto Juarez of Bravo Cigars recently teamed up with Gene Arganese to re-blend his smokes. I haven’t had the opportunity to try a new Bravo yet, but I’m still a fan of the old Colombian puro version. The Toro, measuring six inches with a 50 ring gauge, boasts top-notch construction and a mild, creamy profile of oak, vanilla, honey, and toast. Great for a relaxed morning with coffee or lazy afternoon with a cold beer.

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.”

Introduced one year after the original Nub, the maduro version features a Brazilian wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. This “short toro” (4 x 60) starts with a rough burst of pepper. Soon, though, it smooths out into milk chocolate, coffee, and roast nut flavors. Despite its short size, the 460 provides an hour of medium- to full-bodied flavors and excellent construction.

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.”

When I reviewed the Artesanitos (5 x 46) in January 2009, it was prone to occasional spurts of intense bitterness—an unwelcome trait that tainted an otherwise delicious cigar. Now, after over a year of aging, this Ernesto Perez-Carrillo creation has a better rounded tone. The balanced flavor of cedar, nut, and spice shines through with flying colors, and the physical properties remain superb. At $8 apiece, this is an easy recommendation if you can be patient.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys