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.”

When I reviewed this Cuban almost a year ago, I wrote, “Even though this is a fine, noble smoke today, something about the flavor leads me to believe it will be slightly better tomorrow.” I’m happy to report it is. The profile of graham cracker, honey, and caramel is more cohesive than I recall. And, as a bonus, gone are the burn issues that once plagued this otherwise well-built cigar. Now I can truly understand why the Especial (5.5 x 50) has been labeled the flagship Epicure.

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 original Cubao from United Tobacco (also called “EO Brands” after founders Erik Espinoza and Eddie Ortega) is an absolute gem. But I’m a little disappointed by the new Maduro version. Unveiled this summer and crafted by Don Pepin Garcia, it forgoes balance and complexity for sheer power. With a strong flavor of espresso and good construction, this is by no means a bad cigar. I’m unconvinced, however, that the Cubao Maduro No. 6 lives up to the prestigious EO pedigree.

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 immense double robusto (6.5 x 54) is a special edition Cuban released exclusively in France in 2006 and 2007. It had been aging in my humidor for almost a full year since I purchased it at the nearly 300-year old A La Civette cigar shop in Paris. Surrounded by a shiny but rustic wrapper, this Bolivar is surprisingly mild with nut and earth flavors. Then, at the midway point, cinnamon and pepper notes reveal a more medium-bodied  profile. While the construction is excellent, I’m somewhat disappointed by this expensive Cuban’s lack of depth.

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.”

This representative from the seemingly endless line of Altadis’ Romeo y Julieta lurks at the lower end of the price scale. Unfortunately, it’s also at the lower end of the taste scale. With a fairly dark Nicaraguan wrapper and a mix of Nicaraguan and Honduran filler, the Habana Reserve seems to be an attempt to add a stronger smoke. And it is relatively strong. But the Toro (6 x 56) is also bland, one-dimensional, and bitter.

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.”

Making appearances on our lists of the Top Ten Cigars We Reviewed in 2009 and the Top Five New Cigars of 2009—both of which were recently emailed to our free newsletter subscribers—this Pepin-made cigar is a must-try. It sports a creamy, mouth-watering flavor of hazelnut and coffee with pepper on the finish. Balanced and well-constructed, the Rosado Danno (7 x 56) is well worth its MSRP of $9.

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 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.

The Lx2 Rob (5 x 52) has a beautiful-looking dark wrapper and an aroma of strong, spicy tobacco. The draw is easy and the burn slightly wavy, which I attribute to the ligero. The ash holds easily for an inch. Dark chocolate, pepper, and leather are the main flavors with a truly enjoyable balance. This blend, for lovers of full body and full-flavored cigars, is best after a light meal with a single malt to bring out its underlying sweetness. Just as good as the La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero.

Verdict = Buy.

–Submitted by Marc of Pasadena, CA

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 slightly-tapered perfecto includes 44-year-old Pelo de Oro pre-embargo Cuban filler tobacco from the former DWG Cigar Company in Lima, Ohio. It is finished with a shiny Cameroon wrapper. Only 40,000 were made (the one I smoked was number 28,573). It’s a distinctly medium-bodied smoke with nutty flavors, leather, and loads of cedar. The taste is consistent, though enjoyable throughout, and the Liberty 2006 has excellent construction with a white ash.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys