The Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Often overlooked in La Palina’s now-expansive portfolio is the La Palina Classic. The line has been updated with three wrapper varieties (Rosado, Maduro, and Connecticut) in three sizes each (Robusto, Toro, Lonsdale) made at General Cigar Dominicana. Today, though, I’m smoking the orginal Classic blend in a Lancero size ($8), which was made at PDR Cigars with a Brazilian Habano wrapper, Ecuadorian binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. The cigar features balanced, medium-bodied, roasted notes: coffee, cream, milk chocolate, cashews, and light cedar. Lanceros have a tendency for finicky construction, but this one was razor straight from start to finish.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This cigar is another in Oliva’s budget presentations, going for about $5 each by the box of 20. It’s got an Indonesian Sumatra wrapper with an Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan filler. My first impression was a not-too-pleasant mineral/medicinal taste, which backed off a bit but never fully went away as I later encountered some spice and a little leather. It burned OK, but smoke production was average at best. I like a lot of Oliva’s cigars, but this Toro (6 x 50) didn’t live up to others I’ve smoked.

Verdict = Hold.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This Honduran-made Robusto (5 x 52) features a Nicaraguan Corojo Shade wrapper, “Habano and Nicaragua” binder, and Habano, Nicaraguan Cubita, Colombia, and Costa Rican filler tobaccos. The well-constructed cigar (very form to the touch, but with an excellent draw) features a slightly greenish-tan wrapper and retails for around $9. It creates a balanced combination of coffee, cedar, cream, and some slight pepper spice. Gran Habano’s marketing materials call this a full-bodied cigar, but I found it to be more medium. I also found it to be enjoyable.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This cigar from Jochy Blanco’s Tabacalera Palma is a budget-priced smoke that punches far above its weight. With a smooth Ecuadorian wrapper and Dominican filler, this robusto-sized  (5.25 x 50) treat delivers flavors of hay, cream, citrus, and an occasional bit of cedar. Strength is mild, as you’d expect, and performance is first-rate. At about $5 a stick, La Galera Connecticut is a definite addition to almost any smoker’s to-try list, especially if you enjoy a cigar with a cup of coffee.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Gran Habano’s La Conquista sports a Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper, an unspecified Nicaraguan binder, and filler tobaccos from three countries: Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The Gran Robusto (6 x 54) features medium- to full-bodied flavors with light cedar, brown bread, and cafe-au-lait. In the final third of the well-constructed cigar, some dried fruit notes (raisins and dates) emerge.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

I wasn’t looking for this cigar as I recently perused the humidor at my local tobacconist. Rather, it found me. The band and unique oval-pressed shape caught my eye, reminding me it had been far too long since I fired up a Herrera Estelí Norteño. I picked up an Edicion Limitada Churchill (7 x 48) for about $13, not including ridiculous Chicago taxes. I’m glad I did. This Drew Estate creation—which features a dark Mexican San Andrés wrapper around a Honduran binder and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua—brings about earthy notes with flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, oak, and peanut. Construction is impressive.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This 2015 release from La Flor Dominicana features a Brazilian wrapper, Mexican binder, and Dominican fillers. Nox means “night” in Latin, and with a dark wrapper and deep flavors the moniker is fitting. The Toro (6.5 x 50) produces burnt hickory, licorice, and roast nut notes. Some sweetness kicks in towards the final third. La Nox begins full-bodied, though it mellows slightly to a more medium profile. Rich flavors and excellent construction make this easy to recommend.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys