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 recently released line from Camacho, promoted as “milder mannered” than the company’s other sticks, makes a great first impression. It sports a beautiful Ecuadorian-grown wrapper offset by a classy white band, a nice pre-light aroma, and a little kick at the start. From beginning to end, it remains smooth while moving through numerous flavors, including nuts, honey, grass, and pepper. I would classify this as a medium strength cigar with a reasonable price. If you’re looking for something in that range, it’s well worth a try.

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 Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped cigar is the sibling to some of my all-time favorites (the EO Green, Red, and Blue lines). The well-constructed Robusto yields an abundance of smoke and excellent burn qualities. The flavor is a pleasant combination cream and toast flavors with a subtle peppery paper taste that comes and goes. All around, it may not be my favorite cigar in the 601 line, but the EO 601 “Black” is no slouch.

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.

Two years ago my colleague bestowed upon this five and a half inch by 44 ring gauge stogie our highest rating, and it isn’t hard to see why. This Ashton has a flawless Connecticut shade wrapper and top-notch construction. But the flavors of this smoke are the real treat. A mild yet flavorful combination of cream, almond, and even citrus. It isn’t overbearing and abundantly complex.

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.

We’ve made no secret of the fact that Cuban Crafters, quite simply, has some of the best bang-for-your-buck cigars around. And with its White, Green, and (especially) Brown labels, this Miami-based boutique’s Don Kiki line is no exception. But I don’t think the Colorado sun-grown Habano-wrapped Red Label is in the same league. While the physical properties are fair and the price ($33 for a bundle of 25) is more than approachable, the flavor—best characterized as dry wood—has little to offer. I’d surpass this Corona (5.5 x 44) and instead focus on all the other wonderful Cuban Crafters creations.

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 take on a single cigar.

Back in January, we reviewed this cigar and found a tasty, spicy little smoke. Five months later, it seems to have mellowed a bit with a smoother, sweet cedar flavor replacing the spicy, peppery notes. Burn, draw, and ash were all quite impressive. Overall, however, I preferred the spicier flavor when the smoke had less age and more bite.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.

Perhaps more than any other cigar I’ve smoked in the past few years, I wish the Rocky Patel Connecticut tasted more like its resting smoke smells. This Toro (6 x 52) gives off a wonderful aroma of roasted almonds and cream as it sits in the ashtray between puffs. But, falling into the trap that plagues many Connecticut-wrapped sticks, the actual flavor includes the same sour, chemically aftertaste as the Robusto. While the physical properties are top-notch and the price is friendly (about $4 apiece), those attributes aren’t enough to merit a recommendation.

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 take on a single cigar.

The Montecristo Petit Edmundo has been one of my favorite cigars for some time now, so I was excited to see what the longer Edmundo format had to offer. While a tad soft to the touch, the Edmundo has the same good looks as the Petit version, and later I found the construction to be outstanding with an even burn, ideal draw, and dependable ash. The smoke is a pleasant combination of cedar, leather, and toasty flavors. I’d agree that it isn’t as complex as the Petit format, but that doesn’t mean the Montecristo Edmundo isn’t a fine Cuban cigar.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys