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.

While I enjoyed Bucanero’s Treasure and Cañon Cubano, this is definitely my favorite blend from Robert Spoden’s impressive boutique outfit. The 6 inch by 54 ring gauge Belicoso boasts creamy notes of oak and spice and a wonderful burn with a finely layered white ash. If you let the $6-7 per stick price prevent a purchase you’ll miss out on a great cigar.

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

First I noticed a green spot on the wrapper. While likely just the result of errant moisture hitting the Connecticut shade wrapper during curing and fermenting and unrelated to smoking, it’s still annoying for a $10.50 cigar. But that was nothing compared to the burn problems I had with this 5.5 inch by 50 ring gauge medium-strength cigar. I experienced more canoeing than you’ll see at the Beijing Olympics. By the time I had finished, the cigar had gotten more touch-ups than Joan Rivers. The Ashton Cabinet is a fine tasting, smooth, and complex cigar with a great finish, but even for someone who favors flavor over construction this was too much.

Verdict = Hold.

–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. The following is a Guest Quick Smoke, submitted by a StogieGuys.com reader. If you’d like to submit your own for publication, please contact us.

With a very oily and ruddy Cuban claro wrapper, this corona gorda is certainly a sight to behold. Indeed, after being supplied with a few of these beauties, my first reaction was to simply admire them resting in my humidor for a number of weeks prior to smoking. After snipping the slightest portion from the expertly applied triple cap with my Xikar scissors, I found the pre-light draw to be very rich with hints of damp earth and fresh roasted coffee. The first third was rather mild to medium in body producing copious amounts of smoke. The draw was free and easy throughout and the intensity did increase as I slowly worked my way through this Habano. This one was most definitely a finger-burner, and by the non-bitter end, I was left hungry for more. Thank God I have a couple left in the box for future enjoyment.

Verdict = Buy.

-Submitted by John from Maryland

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

This cigar is a bundle of flavor. It starts with light pepper and, as you burn down the 5.75 inch beautiful deep brown Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, you’ll encounter leather, nuts, and coffee in a smooth blend. This box-pressed, 50 ring gauge produced lots of smoke, burned straight, and had a quite satisfying finish, especially with a cup of coffee. At $6 a stick, this is one to try when you’re seeking a full-flavored, medium strength stick.

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.

I often find myself agreeing with George E’s well-thought-out opinions on various cigars, and his review of the Serie G Toro is no exception. This 6 inch by 50 ring gauge achievement packs soothing flavors of cream, toast, butter, and leather. What’s more, the Cameroon wrapper, Cuban-seed habano binder, and Nicaraguan habano filler combine to turn out exemplary physical traits, particularly for a cigar that sells for under $60 for a box of 25 and around $3.25 for a single.

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.

With a simple red band, rough edges, and some obtruding veins, this Nicaraguan puro isn’t the most attractive stick in the world. In my book, however, performance and taste are infinitely more important than aesthetics, and the Tatuaje Havana VI Angeles scores well in both categories. The flavor is medium to full with lots of black pepper spice and the mechanics play out well throughout the 45-minute smoke. George E recommended this vitola to me (and actually gifted me the pictured stick), and now I’m recommending it to you.

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 Nicaraguan puro features a lovely medium brown sungrown habano wrapper with filler from three regions of Nicaragua (Estelí, Condega, and the Jalapa Valley). The smoke is medium-bodied with a fantastic mix of chocolate, roasted coffee, and cream. The burn is a touch uneven, but not enough to become a distraction, and the draw and ash are very good. Available for around $5 per stick, even less when purchased by the box, the Oliva Serie O is a great value.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S