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 line landed a spot on Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 and has gotten lots of good reviews online. I paid $6.75 for this five inch stick, which features a shade-grown Nicaraguan corojo wrapper. Combined with a mix of filler from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Colombia, the “Three Centuries” generates a distinctive taste. I found it to be a medium smoke with a great, slow burn, excellent draw, and huge smoke production. I got a core of leather with some spice and a touch of sweetness in the last third or so. If you’re looking for something a little different, give one of these a try.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Grand Habano Cigars

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

This prototype hasn’t been released by Cuban Crafters, but we were fortunate enough to get our hands on some. While I don’t know the exact makeup of this stick I can tell you that it features a somewhat dry Connecticut wrapper that is velvety to the touch. The taste reminded me of another boutique favorite of mine, the Ybor City Handmade. I found hay notes along with cream and hints of pepper. Construction is good, despite a slightly spongy feel, with an even burn and steady ash. Even though I enjoyed this Torpedo, I think the Chruchill format—of which I’ve tried two now—is even better. Still, I can recommend you pick up this attractive torpedo when it becomes available.

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.

There’s a tradoff with the 6 inch Oliva Figurado: The nifty, old-world shape closes in the foot so you don’t get the wonderful pre-light aroma that wafts from its more open siblings. But this stick is a slow-smoking, smooth, joy of a cigar. As with the others in this line, it is a bargain at less than $4.50. And there’s just something about a well-rolled figurado that makes it special.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Oliva

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

This attractive Toro features a flawless Connecticut shade wrapper and impressive construction qualities. The burn is razor-sharp and highlighted by a bright black mascara line. Fortunately, the cigar tastes as good as it looks. Though mild in strength, it has a pleasant sweet grass flavor with honey and a hint of spice, and it features the same marshmallow notes as the Robusto (pictured).

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.

I read my colleague’s May 2007 review of the Generoso vitola of this line as I lit up this 5 inch by 50 ring gauge Invictos. Despite the difference in size, George E’s take on the Don Pepin Garcia Blue Label is almost identical to mine. I too found a “cornucopia of flavor” with pepper, leather, clove, coffee, cedar, and earth. The abundant smoke starts strong and, to its credit, settles down to become sweet and creamy. At about $6 per stick or $125-150 per box of 25, this Nicaraguan puro—a well-constructed corojo/criollo blend that earned a rating of 88 in the August 2006 issue of Cigar Aficionado—is truly an easy recommendation.

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 prefer mild cigars or if you smoke several a day, give this criollo-wrapped stick from Rocky Patel’s former blender a try. Introduced last year by the gregarious Jesus Fuego, these are touted as an everyday smoke. Although the wrapper was marked with a couple of splotches, construction was fine. The cigar begins with some spice that quickly dissipates then makes an occasional return. Overall, the flavors are light, with the Nicaraguan and Honduran filler mix creating a distinctive taste. The 4.5 inch, 46 ring gauge corona generally runs about $5.50 per stick.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

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.

What else can I say about this seminal 6 inch by 52 ring gauge tour de force that wasn’t already written by anyone else in Cigardom or by my colleague in his February review? Neatly presented in an ornate gold and black aluminum tube, this Cuban is complex and powerful with a smooth taste that resembles cognac. Despite its prohibitive price, I’m convinced every enthusiast needs to try at least one Siglo VI; save the first experience for a special evening after a big steak or seafood dinner.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys