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.

I first had a Bolivar at a B&M event when General Cigar introduced the Dominican-made brand. I liked it then, and when I recently lit a six inches by 52 ring gauge Toro that’s been in my humidor for more than a year, I still liked it. The blend has a full, warm taste. It’s not tremendously complex, but does vary with occasional sweetness and touches of leather and nuttiness. My only complaint is that the draw was a little tighter than I prefer. Toros list for $5.95, but you can find them cheaper in five packs or boxes.

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.

With unseasonably warm temperatures in the nation’s capital yesterday, I found myself outside (sans coat) with a six and 7/8 inches by 36 ring gauge Padrón Panetela Maduro. Despite its elegant size and unassuming band, I found this cigar to be a full-bodied powerhouse of leather and nut. Even though the burn was less than perfect, I see myself picking up a few more of these in the near future.

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 got a Romeo y Julieta Reserve Maduro Robusto in an Altadis sampler promotion several months ago. I’ll purchase more, even though it is a little pricey. The diverse blend combine to create a smooth, complex stick with a satisfying finish.

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.

When I’m looking for a fairly quick smoke, I often turn to the 4 1/2 inch (by 30/60 ring gauge) Champion. I find the shape — resembling a python swallowing a pig — intriguing. I would call it a medium strength, flavorful cigar. I find hints of cedar, pepper, even vanilla. I have had occasional burn problems with Champions, though this one ran straight and true.

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.

Last weekend I sampled my first Avo cigar, a Maduro Robusto, while waiting for a movie. Needless to say, the stogie – not the motion picture – was the highlight of the evening. This five inches by 50 ring gauge Dominican sported excellent construction and woody flavors of oak and cedar. I was, however, disappointed by the lack of balance on the palate; the prevalent salty notes left me yearning for a cool drink.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

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

The box pressed (6″ x 50) Maria Mancini Robusto Larga EMS has long been one of my favorites since I made it the first box I ever purchased many years ago. After six months of aging in my humidor, I found the same earth and leather flavors I’d much enjoyed in the past, but sadly the construction on this stick was not as pleasant. The burn was dreadfully uneven (a comon problem on cigars with the Habana 2000 wrapper) and the wrapper split along the edge of the box press.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick S

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

Some of my favorite smokes are made by Fuente – the Hemingway line, the Double Chateau Sun Grown. This 5 inches by 50 ring gauge Montesino Robusto Maduro, though, was a disappointment. The Fuente site describes it as “full flavored, yet smooth.” I didn’t find that. To me, the flavor was harsh and the smoke, while abundant, was bitter.

Verdict = Sell.

–George E