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.”

The Le Bijou 1922 was created to honor Don Pepin’s father. Featuring a smooth, dark brown Ecuadorian habano oscuro wrapper, the Petit Robusto (4.5 x 50) is a beautiful cigar. Construction is flawless with no soft spots and a perfectly applied triple cap. The cigar offers an easy draw that produces a good volume of smoke and flavors of earth, pepper, and a hint of mint with a sweet, creamy finish. But while nice, the taste isn’t very deep, leaving something missing. I also had to maintain the burn with my torch a couple times to keep the cigar from tunneling. At $7 per stick, this particular My Father Le Bijou Petit Robusto seemed promising but was ultimately disappointing.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick M

photo credits: 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 brand name that harkens the gift of fire to mortals and a price in excess of $20, this Cameroon-wrapped cigar has a lot of live up to. It delivers. The well-constructed blend, crafted by Carlito Fuente, sports a smooth and chalky flavor of roasted cashew, sweet cedar, and tangy leather. Its top-notch balance makes the God of Fire Carlito 2006 Double Robusto a treat for rare occasions.

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 stout robusto (4.5 x 50) features the same basic blend as the Nestor Miranda Special Selection Danno, only in a more manageable format if you’re shorter on time. It’s a medium- to full-bodied smoke with warn nutty notes and some cedary spice. Construction is excellent throughout the 40 minute smoke. Much as the name suggests, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a mid-afternoon coffee break.

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.”

General Cigar went to great lengths to keep the cost of this new Jamastran-wrapped stick low. While I appreciate the Robusto’s $3-4 price tag, however, I found myself unimpressed by its shallow flavor. Singular notes of damp earth and warm tobacco leave the palate musty and stale. Sure, the combustion is excellent—something I’ve grown to expect from the manufacturer. But I’m happy to pay a few additional bucks for more depth.

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.”

Friend of StogieGuys.com (and occasional guest contributor) Chris Verhoeven was fortunate enough to visit Rocky Patel’s factory in Danlí, Honduras, where he worked with the expert cigarmakers to create his own blend. For an amateur blender, I must say I’m quite impressed with the result. This toro has roasted nut flavors and mouth-watering dry chocolate notes. It’s remarkably well-balanced, medium-bodied, and lacking in any construction issues. Even though you’ll unfortunately never be able to purchase one, it gets my highest recommendation.

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 Exhibición No. 4 (5 x 48) is a fine example of how many Cubans require extra age to reach smokability. When I reviewed this cigar back in 2007, I found troublesome construction and flashes of harshness and salt that overshadowed an otherwise enjoyable flavor. But almost two and a half years in my humidor have done a lot of good, leaving behind a good-burning, wonderfully balanced profile of molasses, cinnamon, and light pepper. This was a solid investment.

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.”

Recently named the best smoke of 2009 by Cigar Aficionado, this new Nicaraguan puro commemorates the 45th anniversary of Padrón Cigars. It exhibits good construction, a slight box press, and a full, balanced profile of coffee, cocoa, and spice. I’d certainly agree with my colleague’s choice of words when he called it “decadent” in a November review. But with a price tag of $25 for a single, I’ll have to save the Padrón Family Reserve No. 45 Maduro for rare occasions.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys