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.

After enjoying a Ybor City Handmade recently, I’ve been drawn to those lovely brown Connecticut wrappers in the humidor. A Gran Habano Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped Robusto caught my eye the other day. It is a nice, slow burning cigar that induces relaxation and introspection with subtle flavors and thick, deep smoke. At six inches long and a ring gauge of 54, it fits the current trend toward large sticks. I paid $4.45. If you enjoy mild cigars, give this one a try.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

Tags: cigars

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 for our Quick Smoke Cigar Giveaway contest. If you’d like to submit your own for publication, please contact us.

Counted among the best Cuban robustos of the 90s, the Bolivar Royal Corona fell off for a time when quality control slipped and ligero shortages watered down its once-potent blend. But the “RC” is back, and many believe recent releases are some of the best in the brand’s history. At four and 7/8 inches with a 50 ring gauge, it features a smooth, nut-brown wrapper, a slight box press, and a nearly flat cap. It is earthy and nutty, with a long, leathery finish. Given its youth, it is remarkably well-balanced. Full-flavored, but without a hint of bite.

Verdict = Buy.

–Submitted by Kevin K from Land O Lakes, FL who will receive the second of five Arganese samplers.

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

The Fonseca Cubano Limitado is advertised as full-flavored and robust. To me, though, it was like other Fonsecas I’ve smoked: dull and lifeless. A dry, paper taste predominated. I had a Robusto, which I believe is a five inch by 52 ring gauge cigar. The reason I say that is because I can’t find any information about the Limitado on the Matasa site, so I had to rely on other sites. For considerably less than I paid ($6.45), there are many other, much better cigars.

Verdict = Sell.

–George E

Tags: cigars

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 for our Quick Smoke Cigar Giveaway contest. If you’d like to submit your own for publication, please contact us.

The J.L. Salazar y Hermanos Reserva Especial is a beautiful, box-pressed, full-bodied cigar with a rich, dark wrapper. This robusto measures five and 1/2 inches with a ring gauge of 52. The draw is effortless; I’m immediately hit with a smooth, creamy taste of nutty, woody, earthly flavors. Taking a moment to recover from my nicotine buzz, I admired the long ash still holding strong. Great construction, even burn. The flavor stays solid to the end, leaves me without any signs of harshness or bitterness.

Verdict = Buy.

–Submitted by Dustin from New Hampshire, who will receive one of five Arganese samplers.

Tags: cigars

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

The multi-colored line from United Tobacco gained fame from its creator, Jose “Pepin” Garcia. I’ve smoked and enjoyed the Red and recently tried a Black robusto, which is a five inch by 50 ring gauge stick. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper was beautiful, as was the burn and the rich, thick smoke. The Black 601s are generally viewed as lower on the power scale than, say, the Red, and I would agree. This cigar was more in the mid-range; not complex, but highly enjoyable. Pepper predominated though did not overpower.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

Tags: cigars

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

Well over a year ago the Taino Robusto got one of our worst ratings ever. So after a year of aging I tried a one of the torpedos made by Taino in New York City. This smoke was far more impressive than my last encounter. With perfect construction, I was able to enjoy a complex mild to medium flavor, featuring honey and subtle earth notes.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

Tags: cigars

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.

The Montecristo Petit Edmundo is rather discreet and the appearance is minimalist, yet its packed with quite an interesting bouquet of flavors. After a painless light, I was hit by stimulating scents of hazelnut, black pepper, and precious wood. From time to time, I could also distinguish cacao and fresh mushroom flavors. It was a very pleasant kaleidoscope of tastes, which was getting more and more powerful, especially in the last third. The dynamism and power of the rich flavors make up for the appearance.

Verdict: Buy.

–Submitted by Denis K from Toulouse, France