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 picked up this subtle gem in a sampler pack at a recent La Flor event at one of my local B&Ms. The Connecticut-seed Ecuadorian wrapper, combined with a Nicaraguan binder and Piloto Cubano filler tobaccos, yields a creamy taste of cashews with a woodsy spice. Satisfying but not overstated. And like virtually every other La Flor I’ve tried, this Belicoso (5.5 x 52) boasts near-perfect physical properties.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

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

After a fantastic dinner of steak and lobster, I wanted an equally fine post-dinner cigar. This robusto-sized (5.5x 50) Padrón Anniversary was up to the task. With smooth, flavorful earth notes of roast coffee and bittersweet chocolate, it was delightful with a few fingers of Johnnie Walker Gold Label. Like most Padrón Anniversary cigars, the burn was even, the ash sturdy, and the draw firm but flawless.

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.

“Isla de Cuba has a real hit with this new cigar.” That’s what my colleague said of this 5.5 inch by 50 ring gauge stogie in his September review. Given the full-flavored yet smooth taste of nuts and coffee, the impressive physical properties, and the uncanny resemblance to an upscale Padrón, I can’t disagree. For about $7 a pop, this is a good reminder of why Isla de Cuba is one of my favorite boutique manufacturers.

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 thought the 5 Vegas Miami Churchill was an OK smoke when I reviewed it just over a year ago, so I was interested to try the blend in this Petit Corona format (4.5 x 55). The wrapper is a lovely brown color and free of veins, although with far less oil than many of Pepin’s other creations. After an initial burst of unpleasant bitterness, the cigar settled into nice a medium-full mix of leather, cedar, and burnt coffee. Construction is also a mixed bag. The draw is good and the ash impressively steady, especially considering the last quarter just before the ash seemed to burst at its seems as it pushed towards the head like some sort of slow-motion exploding cigar.

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.

Wow. This robusto-sized masterpiece, which earned a perfect five-stogie rating from my colleague in a June review, is simply fantastic. It boasts stellar physical properties and well-balanced flavors of coffee, leather, cream, and gingerbread. An extra 11 months in my humidor paid big dividends, rendering this oily Cuban well worth its going rate of $110 for a box of 10.

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.

The Gurkha Black Puro Torpedo (6.5 x 53) features an attractive black wrapper and dual silver and black bands. The cigar is noticeably soft on one side, but that does not seem to affect the draw, which was easy, or the burn, which is even with a solid ash. Flavor wise, I found a toasty smoke with cocoa and cedar. The finish was a bit dry. Overall not a bad smoke, but it just seemed uninspired.

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.

For the first third or so, this dark five inch by 50 ring gauge smoke might have passed for a Pepin Garcia creation—lots of spice, lots of kick. But after grabbing attention in an un-maduro-like way, the Monarca mellowed out into a smooth, well-blended cigar with many of the coffee and sweet tobacco tastes often associated with maduros. It also maintained strength without overpowering nicotine. At $6, this Jamastran Valley-grown cigar was most enjoyable.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E