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.

 

I was anxious to see how this habano maduro-wrapped cigar would perform after some time my humidor. While the Toro (6.25 x 52) wasn’t noticeably different than when I reviewed it fifteen months ago, it certainly wasn’t disappointing. Flavors of dark chocolate and roasted nuts dominate this stogie, Pepin’s first box press and also his first maduro. The burn required a fair number of touch-ups to stay even, but the rich taste more than makes up for construction shortcomings.

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.

Introduced a few years ago, CAO’s Italia line was a standout, garnering strong praise and high sales for its bold blend—complete with Habano-seed Italian-grown filler tobaccos—and its dash of pepper. Since then, with so many peppery cigars flooding the market, the Italia is no longer so different. But it remains a good, reasonably priced cigar, especially in this fat robusto size, which runs about $5. If you haven’t had one in a while, give it 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 Hemingway-shaped stick includes a Connecticut shade wrapper and Dominican tobaccos that combine to produce a mild taste of cream, almond, and sweet spice. That was more than enough to keep me interested throughout this seven inch by 46 ring gauge smoke. What’s more, and as you’d expect from an Ashton, the physical properties are near perfect, save for the final two inches that require a few touch-ups to stay lit and even. If you can find this cigar for less than its going rate of $11-13 apiece—which shouldn’t be too hard if you hit up auctions and local shops—the Cabinet Selection No. 2 is a wise investment.

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 5 inch by 50 ring gauge robsuto is an attractive smoke with a light brown, largely vein-free wrapper. After some initial bitterness, it settles into a smooth, medium-bodied smoke with honey flavors, a mild cedary core, and some floral notes. But the Nobles left a slightly sour taste in my mouth. The draw is a bit airy, the burn is straight, and the white ash solid. You can expect to pay around $7 each.

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.

I had heard a lot of good things about this Corojo-wrapped Nicaraguan puro, not the least of which was my colleague’s December 2007 of the Belicoso vitola. But while I agree that the medium-bodied flavor of wood, leather, vanilla, coffee, and spice is appealing, I remain unconvinced of this six inch by 54 ring gauge cigar’s lofty price tag of $12 per single.

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.

This five inch by 54 ring gauge smoke is an attractive torpedo featuring primarily Honduran tobacco blended with other Central American and Dominican tobaccos. It has an herbal earthy flavor with a hint of spice and a creamy aftertaste. Not overly complex, but well-constructed. By no means a bad smoke, but I can’t say it offered much that excited me.

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.

My initial reaction to this un-banded, un-cellophaned stick was to wonder if it really was an LFD. Smooth and medium strength at most, despite owner Litto Gomez’s comment to Cigar Insider that it reflects “more of a full body.” I’m not complaining. I like this spicy, sweet, and elegantly complex six and a half inch cigar. At about $7 it’s reasonably priced, though it can be hard to find since production is rather limited.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys