The Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Just a few puffs into this cigar, I almost put it down. That’s a step I rarely take, but the Lunatic was so rough and harsh it was hard to imagine working my way farther down its fat frame. Fortunately, I didn’t give up. And the cigar, one of a budget line introduced several years ago by Aganorsa, did improve. Slightly. Also on the positive side, it performed well, though as is typical of big ring gauge cigars, several lighter touch-ups were necessary. Overall, though, I found the Lunatic to be an unsatisfying cigar with little to recommend it.

Verdict = Sell.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Espinosa introduced the Laranja line in 2014 and it quickly garnered favorable reviews. The cigar has an orange-brown Brazilian wrapper (hence “laranja,” which is Portuguese for orange) around Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. I’m smoking the Corona Gorda size (5.6 x 46), which sells for about $10. It features dry spice, wood, paper, slight sweetness, and a hint of citrus. It’s medium-bodied and well-balanced with excellent construction. It’s the best offering yet from Espinosa and certainly worth seeking out.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

When I reviewed this Cuban years ago, which is the first Cohiba to have a maduro wrapper, I found a complex profile of coffee, spice, licorice, cream, and roasted nut. Unfortunately, I also found sub-standard construction—something that’s unforgivable in a cigar that costs over $20. I recently decided to try another, and I honestly wish I hadn’t. The only thing that has changed is the price. Now, you can expect to pay around $30 for a single, and you’ll still have issues with the physical properties. While I like the flavors, I cannot in good conscience recommend such an expensive smoke when the construction is, at best, highly unpredictable.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Made by Steve Saka’s Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, Umbagog is to Mi Quireda as a Bordeax Chateau’s “second wine” is to the winemaker’s top offering. Basically, it’s a similar but more value-conscious blend made by the same experts with the finest components being reserved for the pricier offering. The Robusto Plus (5 x 52) sells for round $7 each in bundles of 10. With a rustic, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, the cigar produces roasted notes with coffee, earth, dark chocolate, and hints of wood and pepper spice. It’s rich and full-bodied, well-constructed and, on top of it all, very reasonably priced.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

If you’re looking for classic flavors, reliability, and great bang-for-the-buck value, it’s hard to beat the so-called “Thousands Series” from Padrón. The robusto-sized 2000 Natural (5 x 50) can be found for around $6. That’s a very fair price for a well-constructed cigar with fine medium-bodied flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, dry wood, black pepper, peanut, and raisin. Before firing this one up, I hadn’t smoked the Padrón 2000 Natural in years. I was glad to be reunited.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Sometimes I find the cigars I enjoy the most are the cigars I’ve enjoyed in the past and have neglected for too long. For me, the San Cristobal original line surely qualifies. The cigar features everything I enjoy about Don José “Pepín” Garcia’s blends: rich earth flavors, spice, intensity, and also balance. Specifically, this robusto demonstrates a medium-full body and flavors that include oak, milk chocolate, black pepper, and a hint of coffee. With excellent construction, it will make for an enjoyable hour almost any time of day.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

A couple times each week we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Davidoff is as inextricably linked to the Dominican Republic as it is to super-premium luxury and high prices. In recent years, however, the brand—crafted by industry legend Hendrik “Henke” Kelner—has ventured to other soils, namely Nicaragua and Brazil. In 2015, Davidoff launched the Brazilian-themed Escurio, which boasts an Ecuadorian Habano-seed wrapper, Brazilian Cubra binder, and a filler blend that includes Mata Fina and Cubra tobaccos paired with Dominican leaves. The Petit Robusto (3.25 x 50) retails for about $8 and is notable for its short-format, condensed delivery of a spicy, complex profile that includes black pepper, espresso, natural tobacco, oak, and earthy mustiness. Construction is absolutely perfect and the smoke production is voluminous and rich. It’s a delicious, intense indulgence that won’t leave you disappointed.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys