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’m not sure how this firm Robusto ended up in my humidor, but I wish I would have left it there. Made by Nestor Plasencia and sold by Thompson, this eye- grabbing Nicaraguan puro includes three different wrapper leaves—Connecticut shade, habana 98, and maduro—around long fillers and sungrown binders. Sure, you can pick up this stick for under $2; I just can’t see why you’d want to given its hollow, bitter taste.

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.

This five inch by 50 ring gauge robusto-sized smoke features a dark, rustic, and veiny wrapper. It lights easily, imparting warm cedar notes with a touch of sweet honey and plenty of underlying spice. With an easy draw and an even burn, construction is good. The abundance of smoke is also notable. All around, it’s not hard to see why the Tempus has been so well received: It’s a medium- to full-bodied smoke with a unique, balanced, woody profile.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Tempus

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

This caramel-brown Connecticut shade Robusto (5 x 52) was even better yesterday than when we reviewed it almost one year ago. Eleven months of humidor time seems to have improved the burn and married the creamy tastes of marshmallow, chocolate, spice, and graham into one balanced flavor. If you haven’t tried this 2007 release yet, pick up a few and employ your self-control to let them settle—the wait will be worth it.

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.

If you’re a fan of mild smokes like the Dominican Montecristo, I suggest you give Crème de Jamaica a try. Made in the Dominican by General and sold by Famous, the solid Connecticut-wrapped blend is enhanced by a free shipping box price as low as $3.12 per stick. This 5 and ¾ inch by 42 ring gauge cigar isn’t overly complex, but the smoke is thick, the burn straight, and the construction adequate.

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 six inch by 53 ring gauge cedar-wrapped Torpedo has a toothy, deep black maduro wrapper with splotches of gray. Spanish for “double maduro,” it features singular black coffee notes with some occasional bitterness. There were no problems with construction. Altogether this is a pleasant, if uninspired, medium- to full-flavored maduro.

Verdict = Hold.

–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 five inch by 50 ring gauge cigar, which had been resting in my humidor since I reviewed it over a year ago, was better than I remembered. Gone were many of the underperforming physical characteristics, and the spicy flavor of pepper, clove, and molasses seemed more nuanced than before. Consider the Series ’68 Robusto $5 well spent—especially if you’re patient enough to give it some time to improve.

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.

Between a perfect rating for the Double Corona and a solid “Buy” recommendation for the Corona Gorda, my colleague is undoubtedly a big fan of Coronado by La Flor. I can certainly see why after a satisfying experience with a tasty Corona Especial (5.875 x 47). Just the right size, this Dominican features full flavors of tobacco, coffee, and spice with decent physical properties. I expect a straighter burn from a cigar that retails for about $7 apiece, but the creamy taste nonetheless makes this an easy winner.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys