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 five inch by 50 ring gauge cigar may not be the prettiest stick around, what with its splotchy, somewhat veiny skin. But it sure is a treat to smoke. Pre-light notes of earth and cocoa give way to a balanced profile that’s both peppery and sweet. With oak barrel-aged Cameroon, Brazilian, and Dominican tobaccos, the flavor is smooth and creamy with a medium body of dark chocolate and coffee beans. And the physical properties are befitting a $10 cigar.

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.”

Padrón 1964 is one of the highest-rated and most acclaimed cigar lines for good reason. This square-press, five and a half inch by 50 ring gauge parejo has a dark wrapper and impressive construction. It’s very firm, but never to the detriment of the draw or burn. This stick features a complex blend of coffee beans, unsweetened chocolate, and earthy notes. The result is a classic, rich combination of balanced, medium- to full-bodied flavors.

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.”

While I’ve had many good experiences with many La Flor Dominicana smokes, this Torpedo (6 x 54)—on this particular occasion—wasn’t up to snuff. I mostly enjoyed its flavor of spice, leather, and cream. But this Ecuadorian Sumatra-wrapped cigar suffered from poor combustion qualities that consistently deteriorated from my enjoyment. I wanted more from a $7-9 cigar made by a premier tobacco outfit and, hoping this was merely a dud, I expect the next one to be better.

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 take on a single cigar.

With classic Avo looks, this exclusive cigar—featuring an attractive, delicate, vein-free, light brown wrapper—makes you want to join CRA (if you haven’t already). It has the excellent construction you’d expect from an Avo. Flavor-wise, I found graham cracker, grass, and subtle peanut butter notes. With mild to medium notes and a toasty finish, it’s balanced and complex.

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 take on a single cigar.

I’d heard of El Titan de Bronze cigars, rolled for more than a decade on Calle Ocho in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, long before having the chance to try one. The Gold line is particularly affordable for a high-quality U.S.-made smoke. I found a Robusto (5 x 50) for $5.50. Complex with medium strength, this Connecticut-wrapped stick moves from pepper to leather and earth. Well worth trying.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This 7 inch by 38 ring gauge Lancero features an attractive, light brown wrapper, a precise pigtail cap, and bready flavors with a subtle graham cracker spice. It’s a pretty mild smoke, which is a stark contrast to the Nestor Miranda Ruky and Danno. As the cigar progresses, it becomes more medium-bodied with a woody core. Construction is excellent—an impressive attribute for a tricky vitola.

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 take on a single cigar.

This long-filler value cigar, made from seconds from the Villazon factories in Cofradia and Danlí, includes Honduran, Dominican, and Nicaraguan tobacco. Construction on the No. 574 (4.5 x 36) is predictably unpredictable. And while the price of about $1 per stick is friendly, the bland, bitter flavor is not.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys