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.

The La Gloria Cubana Hermoso is an attractive robusto with a veiny Dominican wrapper. The construction was impressive with an even burn, sturdy ash, and easy draw. Flavor wise, the cigar was smooth and easy to smoke, but it lacked the complexity that would make it a great.

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.

Sometimes size does matter. For me, this smaller Punch Rare Corojo is the best of the bunch. While I’ve enjoyed several of the four larger PRCs, this 4 and 1/2 inch by 50 ring gauge box-pressed beauty was smoother and more complex. The dark, oily Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper had little prelight aroma. But with the Connecticut broadleaf binder and a three-country filler blend, tastes vary throughout the stick, generating cocoa, chocolate, occasional spice, and leather. Smoking slowly – a necessity to avoid overheating – this cigar can easily last an hour. I paid $4.50 for the stick. Boxes of 50 can be had for about $125 on the Internet, and just before I wrote this, I saw that the PRC is on special through Aug. 17 at Famous.

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 Casa Fuente Double Robusto has a balanced, complex medium to full flavor with a spicy finish. With the exception of a small tear in the delicate wrapper, the construction was flawless – even burn, sturdy ash, and perfect draw. At around $20 per stick, this isn’t your everyday smoke; but if you’re lucky enough to visit Casa Fuente in Las Vegas (the only place you’ll find this rare Fuente-made cigar), I recommend you pick one up.

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.

I don’t know how long I’ve had this aluminum-tubed stick, but it’s probably been a year or more. And, to be honest, I wasn’t sure where it fit in with Montecristo’s seemingly infinite number of lines. With a little research, I think I’ve got that down: Montecristo Platinum La Baie Tubes, a five and 1/2 inch stick with a 44 ring gauge. The Platinum line is promoted as a fuller bodied Montecristo, but it would be difficult to prove with this stogie. The first few draws were great: a warm, thick tobacco taste with no bite and a light finish. Unfortunately, all that disappeared quickly, replaced by a relatively bland taste for about half of the cigar. Some coffee and oak notes played in and out for a bit, but they, too, were brief. Overall, not a bad cigar – but not one to seek out either.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.

According to Ashton’s website, this blend of Cuban-seed Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos was one of Winston Churchill’s favorites. The six and ¾ inch by 48 ring gauge cigar has many redeemable qualities, including a rich aroma, a beautiful band, and tastes of leather and chocolate. But I can’t fully recommend the La Aroma de Cuba Churchill because of the stogie’s uneven burn, bitter aftertaste, and propensity to go out at will.

Verdict = Hold.

–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 Punch Prensada Maduro No. 4 is a six and 1/2 inch by 43 ring gauge box-pressed “toro” that sits heavy in your hand. With a full-bodied chocolate flavor, it lacks the spice characteristic of most Punch cigars, but it’s still balanced and tasty. The cigar produced abundant smoke from an easy draw, and I can easily recommend it.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

Tags: cigars