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.

A select Cameroon wrapper and Tabacalera Esteli Cuban seed tobacco combine to create a unique smoking experience. These five inch by 52 ring gauge boutique cigars boast rich woody flavors, complemented by subtle sweet notes. Construction is admirable. Made in small batches, I’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper cigar that received so much attention during its production. I’d highly recommend clicking here to pick up six Cuban Crafters Cameroon stogies for under $20.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

Tags: cigars

We usually only post Quick Smokes on Saturdays and Sundays, but – since it’s President’s Day and we have the day off – today feels like the weekend to us. So here’s another brief take on a single cigar.

Emulating the Padrón Anniversary line is no small task, but TNT Cigars does a respectable job with their Gran Corona Maduro alternative. This six inch by 46 ring gauge stogie is a surprisingly mild Nicaraguan puro. While it doesn’t have anywhere near the flavor of the real thing, the construction is pleasingly similar: easy draw, perfect burn, strong ash. Even better, you can get one of these sticks for $1.30 apiece when you buy in bulk (about one tenth the price of the real deal).

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.

This torpedo features a leathery, almost obscuro, wrapper that seperated from the binder a bit soon after being lit. For such a dark wrapper, the flavors were suprisingly sweet and the strength was medium-mild. It’s got potential, but didn’t quite hit the spot.

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.

Cuesta-Reys rarely get the attention their Fuente cousins enjoy. But the Centenarios offer appealing smokes at reasonable prices. The six inch by 50 ring gauge maduro I smoked at a local shop was typical of these medium strength Dominican sticks: a nice aroma, creamy smoke, and warm, sweet tobacco tastes. At $40 or so for a box of 10, adding a few to your humidor can give you a new taste without breaking the bank.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

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

The J.L. Salazar y Hermanos Reserva Especial Torpedo was the first Cuban Crafters house brand I tried. With dark, rich chocolate notes, this full-flavored box-pressed torpedo was quite tasty. The construction was impressive too, with a perfectly even burn and abundant smoke.

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 was a little disappointed with this five inch by 50 ring gauge Robusto from real estate mogul turned cigar manufacturer Paul Garmirian (often just called a PG). The draw is loose, the burn too hot and uneven, and the flavor unreasonably harsh. To top it off, the cigar has a knack for going out – even when you take the requisite number of puffs. With these unwelcome traits, and a retail price of about $9 apiece, I wasn’t terribly pleased, especially since I enjoy so many other PG creations.

Verdict = Sell.

–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.

On a whim (and a great price) I picked up a box of Felipe Gregorio Dominicana Especial Robustos. This particular stick was perfectly balanced, medium-mild in flavor, and full of sweet honey flavors. With an even burn and easy draw, the construction was just as impressive as the taste. I found a box of 20 for just $25, but it would rate just as well at twice that price.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

Reminder: All entries to the StogieGuys.com Super Bowl Cigar Contest are due by 3pm EST today.