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.

You won’t find much information online about the five inch by 50 ring gauge offering from Kentucky Gentlemen Cigars called Blanton’s. All I could unearth is that it’s “hand-rolled in Kentucky using Blanton Bourbon barrel-aged, premium tobaccos from around the world.” With heavy notes of spice and bourbon, this is a stick all whiskey lovers should try at least once – even though singles go for $14.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

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.

Early this year, when Patrick S. reviewed the Rocky Patel Edge Missile Corojo, the line was among the leaders in the strong cigar sweepstakes. Now, it seems Rocky’s cigar “for professional smokers only” has been passed by a number of others, such as Oliva’s Serie V and numerous Pepin blends. But that doesn’t mean the Edge isn’t worth considering.

I’ve smoked them off and on since they were introduced, both Corojo and Maduro. Recently, I picked up a Maduro Torpedo, a six inch by 52 ring gauge cigar, for about $6 and found it quite enjoyable. As before, the “warning” on the box struck me as a joke, and I wasn’t left “weak in the knees.” But it was a satisfying cigar, with enjoyable spices, thick smoke, and touches of nice maduro sweetness.

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.

Several years ago, I remember smoking my first Jericho at lunchtime in a cigar shop. I chose it, I think, because of the rich-looking wrapper, the classy band, and the low price. It turned out to be an enjoyable smoke and I tried a few in subsequent months. But the Nicaraguan puros failed to recreate my original experience, more often generating a dry, harsh taste and bitter finish. I gave up on them until the other night when I came across a Jericho Robusto in my humidor that had been there since 2005. The five inch by 50 ring gauge stick burned fine, though the ash was flaky. And it was better than those that turned me off the brand, generating some pleasing leather and wood tastes. Ultimately, though, I’d say you can find better cigars in the $3.50 to $4 price range, without two years of aging.

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 R.B. Fundadores is a cheap cigar with a bad reputation. But I actually found this four and 1/2 inch by 50 ring gauge Rothchild to be above par when you take its sub-$1 pricetag into account. The flavor wasn’t at all complex and the finish had some chemical flavors, but it was pleasantly medium-flavored with sweet honey notes. The construction was as good as cigars many times its price.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.

On Wednesday baseball legend Luis Tiant spoke with us about El Tiante, his own special blend of cigars. Like many in the cigar industry, Luis said, “I wanted my cigars to be mild and smooth with lots of flavor.” After smoking a six inch by 54 ring gauge Natural Belicoso, I can tell you he hit the nail on the head. With a habano Nicaragua wrapper and an Indonesian binder, this stogie is smooth and creamy treat with plenty of floral notes. Construction is superb. I suggest finding a retailer near you.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

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 Perdomo Reserve “P” is an attractive five and 1/2 inch by 55 ring gauge perfecto with a dark maduro wrapper. After lighting this beauty up I was overwhelmed by deep coffee and dark chocolate flavors. The construction wasn’t bad either with a a firm draw and sturdy ash (although the burn was a bit uneven at times). Still, this is a must try for maduro lovers and adventurous smokers.

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.

Despite being the best-selling premium cigar in America, I’ve never really been a huge fan of Macanudo, especially the brand’s Connecticut Shade-wrapped Café line. But the five and ½ inch by 42 ring gauge Hampton Court I enjoyed at a bar the other night really hit the spot with some creamy, mild flavors. While you may have to pay a little extra for the name, the quality control and consistency are hard to beat.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

Tags: cigars