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.

Available at around $1 per stick, Pirates Gold is a cheap cigar that has the potential to be a fantastic bargain. A light (for a maduro) veiny wrapper surrounds this Honduran robusto that’s made by veteran cigar man Rolando Reyes. After lighting up I noticed distinct acidic notes that reminded me of orange peel in this spongy, medium-bodied smoke. The burn was even and draw was manageable and firm. But the bitter and acidic flavors mean that I can’t enthusiastically recommend this Pirates Gold, even at its rock-bottom 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.

Sometimes, two cigars with everything in common except their size can smoke completely different. Looking back on my review of the Hoyo de Monterrey Governor after my recent experience with a Churchill, I can safely say that’s not true for these two. Like the Governor, this cigar is high on sweet honey, spicy graham, and earthy clove tastes. With an even burn, a solid ash, and a clear draw, you can’t miss.

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 six and 1/8 inch by 52 ring gauge Gispert Maduro Belicoso has a slightly rough Colorado brown San Andres wrapper and a slight box press. The pyramid-shaped smoke features simple but pleasant chocolate and earth flavors. Construction was just average with an easy draw and solid ash, but uneven burn. Still, at well under $4 a stick by the box, it’s a cigar I can easily recommend.

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.

Words that commonly describe the Coyolar Puro line from Camacho are “bold,” “full-bodied,” and “heavyweight.” While it certainly isn’t mild, I have to agree with my colleague, George E, when I say that this cigar doesn’t exactly live up to its notorious reputation. What the Honduran does offer is solid notes of pepper and leather with excellent construction. Clocking in at four and ½ inches with a 50 ring gauge and a price under $4.50, the Rothschild is just the right size and price for a quick tobacco fix.

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.

Way back in November, Patrick A gave the Cusano 18 a sub-standard two stogie rating. Undeterred, I recently lit one of these robustos up to see if I could get a better result. Unfortunately, the result wasn’t much better; the same harsh chemical flavor greeted me that was so accurately described in the review. Occasionally, when the chemical taste subsided, I was greeted with lovely butter and nut flavors. Still, despite these few enjoyable moments and excellent construction, I cannot recommend the Cusano 18 Robusto.

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.

When I first lit up this seven inch by 50 ring gauge Dominican, I was a little concerned. The draw was tight, the burn was uneven, and the ash was anything but stable. But after about 15 minutes into this hour and ½ smoke – and after a few touchups with my matches – it really settled down into an above average cigar. Box-pressed and a bit spongy to the touch, the Bazilian maduro wrapper and Cuban-seed Dominican long-leaf tobaccos yield classic earthy flavors with a dash of spicy pepper. All things considered, every stogie enthusiast should at least give one of these a try. If you’re a fan, the Victor Sinclair Vintage Select is a great bargain at less than $3 per stick.

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.

From the start, I wasn’t impressed with this cigar. The triangular shape (which, I think, means I got this on C-Bid) felt odd, not comfortable. It was spongy to the touch, and when I lit it the first impression was harshness. As I worked down the five inch stick, that evened out a little but never developed into a pleasant taste. The experience mirrored earlier ones with these cigars. I’d hoped some time in the humidor would help, but it seems to have made no difference.

Verdict = Sell.

–George E

Tags: cigars