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 dark blend is a beautiful creation that, as my colleague wrote of the Salomon, is rolled in memory of the Toraño family’s 50-year exile from Cuba. Typical of Toraño’s propensity for multi-nation blends, it sports a Brazilian arapiraca sungrown wrapper, a binder from Honduras, and Nicaraguan filler from Estelí and Pueblo Nuevo. I’m a little surprised the wrapper doesn’t create more spice. In the Torpedo (5.5 x 52), leather is the dominant taste, highlighted by some cocoa and toast. I’d rank it below the Silver—my favorite Toraño—but recommend a spot for the Exodus 50 Years Blend Torpedo on your to-try list.

Verdict = Buy.

–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.”

This petit corona is only available at the two Davidoff stores in midtown New York City. The un-banded smoke has a rustic-looking Ecuadorian sungrown wrapper that surrounds a Dominican olor binder and filler from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The smoke starts off medium-bodied and nutty, but it soon ramps up into a more full-bodied smoke, complete with roast coffee, cedar, and subtle black pepper flavors. Construction is excellent, with a wide black line leading an even burn and a sturdy salt-and-pepper ash.

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 always enjoyed the original San Cristobal line and this  six inch by 50 toro is no exception. The inviting Nicaraguan puro features a shiny corojo wrapper. It features roasted flavor without the characteristic Pepin bite. Medium- to full-bodied with leather, coffee and rich earth, it’s a well balanced cigar. All that combined with flawless construction from start to finish is why I continue to be a fan of San Cristobal.

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 was pleased to find a stash of Coronado Toros (6 x 52) at my local tobacconist for $6.50 apiece. That’s a fair price for a habano sungrown-wrapped cigar that offers above average construction and complex flavors of toffee, warm tobacco, and coffee beans. After the smooth two-hour smoke, I found myself wondering why I don’t light these up more often.

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’ve had this cigar sitting in my humidor for nearly two years, so I was anxious to see how the aging had affected one of my favorite Cuban smokes. What I found was a cigar that had mellowed slightly from the last time I smoked it, but maintained much of the depth and complexity that made it a highly-rated favorite. The robusto featured a wonderful combination of dark roast coffee, cinnamon, cedar, and earth. As it progressed, leather and a hint of black pepper emerged. After some initial burn issues, it became clear that this smoke is not only still a winner—it’s even better with age.

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.”

Like the Criollo Maduro, El Primer Mundo’s Rosado Oscuro line is handmade by the Plasencias in Estelí. Its blend of Panamanian and Nicaraguan tobaccos yields a creamy, medium-bodied flavor of nuts and molasses with a smooth spice on the finish. The wavy burn can be frustrating but, on the whole, I’d recommend this box-pressed stick if you want to try something off the beaten path.

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.”

Maybe it’s just me, but La Aurora seems to be an often-overlooked and under-appreciated cigarmaker. Case in point would be the La Aurora Preferidos Maduro Robusto. Its under-stated band surrounds a veiny but oily Brazilian wrapper. Once lit, I found a medium-bodied smoke with dry chocolate, cinnamon, and tea flavors on the finish. It’s tremendously balanced and expertly constructed.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys