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 Nicaraguan puro stands out just after you light it up. The volume of smoke that pours from this nice looking, oily stick is absolutely astounding. One of a handful of offerings from Esteban Carreras, it is a pleasant and engaging cigar that produces tastes of coffee, cocoa, and even a bit of chocolate in a medium- to full-bodied format. The Toro (6 x 50) sells for about $8.

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.

Extended in name and length, this seven inch by 54 ring gauge salomon features an Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and a filler blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. The mellow flavor is of honey, cream, and cedar spice. With outstanding physical properties, the Reserva Figurados Selectos de Lujos will win you over for consistency and charm—especially if you embrace its occasional bitterness.

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.

Not long ago I wrote that it isn’t always wise to let your rarest cigars sit in your humidor forever. With that in mind, I decided that Independence Day would be the perfect occasion for this rare (and pricey) Opus X Chili Pepper, which had been in my possession for the past two years. This Dominican puro features a somewhat rustic wrapper, but it’s well-constructed and is exceptionally firm to the touch. The flavor profile has plenty of cedar and a good amount of black pepper spice—what some call a Nicaraguan bite. As the cigar progresses, a subtle sweetness balances this medium- to full-bodied figurado.

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 blend of Brazilian and Nicaraguan tobaccos has been a staple in my humidor for years. But since I’ve somehow managed to avoid the Piranha (4.5 x 46), I decided to pick up a couple at my local B&M for $5.50 apiece. These dark beauties, like the others in the Brazilia lineup, feature rich flavors of dark chocolate and coffee with a strapping white ash. While I still think the Ipanema vitola takes the cake, the Piranha is a nice option if you’re shorter on time.

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.

I managed to procure this smoke, created by the Garcia Family, in celebration of Famous Smoke Shop’s 70th Anniversary at their Cigar Expo event. It features a slightly rustic habano rosado wrapper and a firm feel. Starting with a singular taste of intense cedar, it progresses to a full-flavored profile where rich earth and pepper weave in and out. With excellent construction, the Famous 70th Anniversary Garcia Robusto is a good cigar now, but I get the feeling it could be better with some age.

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.

This sharp-looking Perfecto (5.875 x 50) is a pleasure to look at and to smoke. It’s medium-bodied with plenty of sweetness and excellent balance. It developed into a creamy cigar with rich roasted nut flavors. The construction is also impressive. At $15 it might be pricey, but if you’re looking for a dependable cigar for a special occasion, this just might be the smoke for you.

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.

Looking for something to spice up my Thursday lunch break, I picked up this stubby (3.75 x 54) Sam Leccia creation from a local B&M. It featured many of the flavors that you’d expect from an Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped stick, including cream, hay, and roasted nuts. But, likely due to its shorter format and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, it smokes a little hotter and bolder than anticipated. With solid physical properties and an agreeable price  (I paid $4.50), the Connecticut 354 is a good choice when you need a 40-minute afternoon fix.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys