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.”

Made at El Titan de Bronze in Miami for Warped Cigars, El Oso Ursus is a store-exclusive for Atlantic Cigars. The corona gorda (5.6 x 46) uses a reddish brown Ecuadorian wrapper around a binder from Ecuador and filler from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The cigar features medium-bodied roasted notes with coffee and light leather. This is a fine, well-made cigar, but it’s somewhat one-dimensional and nowhere near the best from the Warped brand, which features some fantastic smokes.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.”

Last April, my colleague awarded this complex, harmonious, well-balanced cigar a rare five-stogie rating. Out of the many, many cigars we reviewed in 2016, the 25th Anniversary Connoisseur from Paul Garmirian Cigars was one of only four to receive our highest score. Deservedly so. In a rare display of restraint, I’ve been slowly chipping away at a box of these over the past eight months, only firing up a Connoisseur (6 x 52, $19) when the moment seems befitting a cigar of this caliber. Aside from exquisite construction—which is to be expected from such a costly smoke—this masterpiece yields a mouth-watering, satisfying, bready profile with hints of cedar, mushroom, and salted caramel. This is one cigar experience you won’t soon forget.

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 new offering from Christian Eiroa is a box-pressed beauty partially wrapped in tissue paper with a striking blue and silver band. The blend is an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper around Nicaraguan filler and binder, creating more pepper and kick—and more smoking interest—than might typically be expected of a Connecticut cigar. Construction and smoke production in the Robusto (5 x 50) was excellent. It’s a tasty treat, well worth the list price of around $7.

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.”

This new Dunhill line—the brand’s first maduro—was introduced last summer in three sizes. The extremely dark wrapper encloses what distributor General Cigar calls “the classic Dunhill Aged blend” of Dominican leaves. If you’re a maduro fan, you’ll almost certainly enjoy the characteristic flavors of coffee, cocoa, and tobacco sweetness with a little added kick. It’s especially one to consider by those in colder climes seeking a quicker winter smoke. The drawback is the $10.45 price, but you’ll find boxes of 10 online at less than $6.50 per stick.

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.”

Stealthily released earlier this year, Las Mareas by Crowned Heads is a Nicaraguan puro produced by My Father Cigars. This corona gorda (6.1 x 46) runs about $9 and fearures a Corojo wrapper, likely from My Father’s Nicaraguan farms. The blend is a straightforward, balanced, and enjoyable mix of roasty wood, leather, and light spice. It is a distinctly unique blend from most of the cigars produced at My Father, though the same excellent construction you’d expect.

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.”

Knowing this Quick Smoke would publish on Christmas, I decided to return to an old standby cigar adorned with a band that matches Santa’s hat. Paul Garmirian Cigars makes many smokes I enjoy, but my favorite PG blend is the 15th Anniversary, and this Belicoso Extra is my favorite size. It’s savory and meaty with plenty of wood, leather, and spice. Best of all is the combination of full flavors with harmonious balance. Any cigar smoker would be lucky to find a few of these in their stocking, or maybe even a box under the tree.

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 found this cigar on sale for $4 at a lounge and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. Even at the regular price, which is in the $6-7 range, Minutos (4.4 x 42) is a steal, especially if you’re looking for a lot of flavor and don’t have much time. The rich, medium- to full-bodied taste includes satisfying notes of cocoa, dried fruit, and black and red pepper spice. The combustion properties are likewise superb. This is an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro-wrapped winner, and an easy recommendation.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys