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.

Two things stand out with the Padilla Hybrid. The fine construction is highlighted by a smooth, beautiful light brown wrapper, and it’s unclear whether they’re to be discontinued. An e-mail and phone calls to the Padilla headquarters in Hialeah, Florida haven’t brought an answer. But for however long they’re here, the Hybrid – named for its Ecuadorian grown wrapper that’s a mix of Cuban and Connecticut seed – offers a decent smoke at a moderate price. I paid $4 for a six and 1/2 inch torpedo with a 52 ring gauge. I found it to be a nice, mild cigar, though it did not produce enough smoke. For a morning cigar or a change of pace, give it 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 Gurkha Vintage Torpedo is a pleasant looking cigar with an almost flawless Connecticut wrapper. Unfortunately, it didn’t taste as good as it looked. While the construction was impressive, the cigar had a strong chemical flavor. That flavor, combined with warm tobacco and hints of sweet hay, made for an unenjoyable smoke.

Verdict = Sell.

–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.

This stogie has some impressive accolades under its belt, including a rating of 91 from Cigar Aficionado, a ranking in the Top 25 Cigars in the World by Cigar Insider, and the honor of being named Nicaragua’s Cigar of the Year by the European Cigar Cult Journal. Well constructed and full of earthy flavor, it’s easy to see why. I had a great time with this six and ½ inch by 52 ring gauge smoke, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy the double-fermented Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper as much as I did.

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.

I recently discovered this gem of a cigar tucked in the bottom of my humidor where it had been aging for well over six months. Simply called “Ybor City Handmades” this pyramid is sold at King Corona Cigars in the center of Tampa’s historic Ybor City cigar district (bundles are also available online for $60). This solidly built torpedo features a nearly veinless Connecticut wrapper and mild creamy flavor with an abundance of pleasant almond notes. The next time you’re in Ybor I suggest you pick a few up.

–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.

From the fine brown Connecticut wrapper to the classic, understated band, this cigar looks inviting. Unfortunately, the invitation isn’t followed by a pleasant visit. Not that it was unpleasant; it was just bland and boring. The five inch by 50 ring gauge stick began with a little spice, but that quickly dissipated and was replaced by virtually nothing. For what is often touted as the top of H. Upmann’s seemingly endless brand extensions, this Dominican was a major disappointment.

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.

I was fortunate to have this six inch by 54 ring gauge-sized stick in a rare cigar bar in Santa Barbara, California. The draw was a bit tight, but the burn was very even. The dense smoke was medium-flavored and woody, with pleasant notes of spice and fruit.

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.

Switzerland-based Avo makes some fine cigars, but this isn’t one of them. While the burn, draw, and ash are solid, the Connecticut wrapper and Dominican filler tobaccos leave much to be desired in the flavor department. What taste this mild $6 stick does produce is largely unpleasant: heavy traces of salt and chemical notes. I’ll be staying away from these in the future, and I suggest you do the same.

Verdict = Sell.

–Patrick A

Tags: cigars