The 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 little smoke (4.62 x 49) is a handsomely constructed figuardo featuring an oily, rich maduro wrapper. It’s only one of two maduros in the Reserva Figuardos LGC line. The smoke opens with some raisin flavors before settling into a complex medium-bodied profile with oak, toast, leather, and some piney sweetness. Equally impressive is the construction which, in addition to a straight burn and managable draw, requires only one ashing the entire smoke.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

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

What’s most obvious about this cigar is what it isn’t. It isn’t like the typical J.C. Newman. The typical Newman stick is rolled by Arturo Fuente, fairly mild, refined, and has a price tag on the higher end. Introduced late last year, El Baton is peppery, a little rough, rolled in Nicaragua with all Nicaraguan tobaccos, and retails for $5.50. The Robusto (5 x 54) packs a hefty, balanced punch. While it isn’t particularly complex, you’ll likely pick up several different flavors, espeically from the corojo wrapper. This is a good bet if you enjoy medium- to full-strength cigars.

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 Churchill-sized smoke (7 x 49) remains my favorite vitola in the Centro Fino Sungrown blend. With notes of wood, earth, nuts, and milk chocolate, it is well-suited for a weekend afternoon at home or on the golf course. And its excellent combustion qualities—including a sturdy white ash—only enhance the experience. At $6-8 a pop, I’m always happy to keep a few of these on hand.

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 take on a single cigar.

This brand from United Tobacco is a bit of an enigma. The website says that each Mi Barrio release will be the same unique size and shape with a different blend. The insert that came in my box of El Aceres (6 x 50) says the same thing. This second release in the line, however, is clearly a different vitola than the first, called El Puro (7.5 x 52). I’ve smoked both, and the difference in flavor is subtle enough to make me believe that the blend stayed the same and the size is the only thing changing from release to release. At any rate, the construction of the El Acere is excellent. It starts with lots of earthiness and a grassy sweetness that plays off of a subtle spice. About halfway through, a strong vanilla flavor emerges with a hint of roasted almonds. The El Acere is medium-bodied but full-flavored with a crisp finish. Even at $9-$11 apiece, this complex cigar is definitely worth a try.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick M

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 cigar isn’t widely available but one that’s worth checking out when you spot it. I could find little definitive information online, other than that it’s rolled with all Nicaraguan tobaccos. The Reserva MiraFlor is a tasty medium-bodied cigar with nice touches of cocoa, earthiness, and a little cedar. Very little pepper or spice. While it looks good, I suffered through poor burns in the two sampled I smoked. I paid $6.80 for the Toro (5.5 x 54).

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.

At Famous Smoke Shop’s Cigar Expo, José and Jaime Pepin gave me this six inch by 49 ring gauge smoke, which they collaborated on to release at the 2008 IPCPR trade show. It features a deep, dark Ecuadorian habano rosado wrapper that practically oozes oils. Once lit, I find a well-balanced combination of rich earth, chocolate, and cedar, packaged in a medium- to full-bodied smoke. The construction is flawless, with an even burn that creates abundant, dense smoke. My Father leaves little wonder why it is the top tier of the Don Pepin Garcia-branded smokes; it is delicious and well worth the double digit price tag.

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 Altadis creation features top-notch physical properties at an affordable price. Sadly, with an abrasive, one-dimensional flavor, that’s about all this Belicoso (6.1 x 52) has to offer. The Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian tobaccos taste too salty and burn too quickly to be enjoyable. You’re better off spending $3-5 elsewhere.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys