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.”

When the 601 Green was first introduced in 2007, it was made by José “Pepín” García for United Tobacco and distributed by Miami cigars. All those details, plus the packaging, have changed since then, some more than once. Today, the Nicaraguan puro is made at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory. The full-bodied smoke features heavy earth, coffee, and pepper spice. It’s a well-made cigar that, as with the original 2007 release, will appeal to fans of full-bodied Nicaraguan smokes. That said, at least based on my memory of the Pepin-made 601, this lacks some of the complexity and intensity that made the original one of my favorite cigars at the time.

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.”

As we reported a couple weeks ago, MBombay recently announced a new five-count sampler pack that retails for $45. This pack is the only way to get the new Classic Torpedo (full review forthcoming from StogieGuys.com). Not to be overlooked is the Corojo Oscuro Robusto (4.5 x 50), a dark, Ecuadorian-wrapped beauty that retails for about $7. This well-constructed smoke burns well, draws smoothly, and boasts admirable balance. The flavor is thick and leathery with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, nougat, roasted cashew, and red pepper.

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.”

With a flawless Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a partially covered foot, this cigar makes a great first impression. This entry also features something of an unusual combination for A.J. Fernandez: a Cameroon binder covers his Nicaraguan filler. It’s a medium-strength cigar with lots of flavor, including cedar and nuts. The Robusto (5 x 52) retails for around $7. I would have liked greater smoke production and a little better burn, but, overall, this is an enjoyable cigar and worthy of a recommendation.

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.”

Shortly before Christmas, my colleague rated this 6-inch, 48-ring gauge parejo a five out of five stogies, which earned it a spot in our best of 2017 list. I fully endorse that lofty score. Nacatamale features a Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and filler entirely from one farm in the Jalapa region of Nicaragua. The profile is characterized by medium- to full-bodied flavors with cream, wood spice, and leather, all of which come together in a  supremely balanced total package. It burns flawlessly, which you’d expect from a cigar the retails for over $15.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

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.”

United Cigar’s La Gianna brand sports Honduran binder and filler tobaccos. There are two different wrapper varieties: Maduro and Natural. The latter has a pale Connecticut Shade wrapper that’s dry and smooth. Once lit, the Robusto’s (5 x 50) faint pre-light notes of hay and molasses transition to a mild, somewhat papery profile of dry oak, butter, and almond. As it progresses, the cigar picks up a little body and adds flavors of cedar spice, toast, and cream. Construction is outstanding. While the Robusto isn’t a bad buy at around $6, it’s a bit too mild, flat, and dry for my liking, which is why I cannot give it a full recommendation. But feel free to give it a try if you’re looking for an inexpensive mild smoke to pair with morning coffee.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys