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.”

Still the most recent La Vérité release (a new one is expected this year), the second single vintage project from Tatuaje was widely thought to be a step up from the original 2008 release. The classic-looking double corona burned flawlessly, drew properly, and produced ample smoke. The flavors, however, seem to be less complex and interesting than I remembered with light earth, cocoa, hay, and a slightly metallic taste. I look forward to trying the next edition of what Pete Johnson once called his “most serious project to date,” but I doubt I’ll go out of my way to acquire any more of this vintage, which was originally offered five years ago.

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 take on a single cigar.

A few weeks ago I signed up for The Cigar Authority’s monthly care package from Two Guys Smoke Shop, which includes four cigars per month for $19.99. This Robusto was in my first shipment, and Two Guys’ Dave Garofalo chose it as his favorite cigar of 2015. It has an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Mexican binder, and Dominican filler (with a bit of Pennsylvania Broadleaf included). The medium-strength blend made for a smooth, tasty smoke, despite a minor construction problem in the first third. It retails for about $7.50, and I’d recommend giving it a try.

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 take on a single cigar.

After the Warped Futuro Selección Suprema earned our first top rating of 2016, I decided to check out the other vitola from the release, the slightly larger Selección 109 (6 x 52). The cigar, which carries an MSRP of $9.75, features a head that is rounded at the top but with a little more taper above the band than a traditional parejo. Once lit, it produces a full-bodied combination of powdery sawdust, earth, paper, and savory, salty notes. The 109 is slightly fuller-bodied and maybe a touch less complex than its smaller brethren, but both are easy to recommend.

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.”

Part of Smoke Inn’s longstanding Microblend Series—which commissions custom, limited edition blends from top manufacturers—the Pope of Greenwich Village is crafted by Drew Estate exclusively for the Florida-based retailer. The single-vitola (6 x 40) cigar, named for the 1984 black comedy film of the same title, sports a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Connecticut stalk-cut Habano binder, and Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan fillers. Fans of Undercrown will find familiar flavors, along with a hearty dose of red pepper, espresso, pecan, and dry oak. Construction is exquisite, and the panatela size is as enjoyable as it is refreshing. You can get a ten-pack for $85 or a five-pack for $42.50; I suggest you do so, especiallyif you’re appreciative of the Drew Estate approach to blending and prefer thinner-format smokes.

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 take on a single cigar.

One of two additions (along with the “Big Belly” large torpedo) to the original Toro size, this Short Robusto (4.5 x 50) was introduced last summer. The cigar features a dark, rustic Broadleaf wrapper with plenty of black and brown discoloration. Gritty earth is the dominant flavor, along with oak and pepper, in this full-bodied smoke. Since the Nica Rustica blend yields few flavor changes with each smoking experience, I think the small Short Robusto vitola is the best format for the line to date.

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 take on a single cigar.

This limited edition, created by Don José “Pepin” Garcia to expand Ashton’s San Cristobal line, features the seemingly ubiquitous San Andrés wrapper, this one said to be subjected to “an intensive two-and-a-half-year double-fermentation.” Only 66,000 of the cigars—a single size (6.5 x 52)—were rolled. While the wrapper didn’t exhibit the dirty taste I often associate with this Mexican tobacco, it also didn’t seem to mesh well with the filler and binder from the Garcias’ Nicaraguan farms. Not a bad cigar, just not a special one, especially for $15.

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.”

A collaboration between big and boutique, this Romeo y Julieta is made by Aging Room at La Palma and sold by Altadis under the Romeo label. The thick toro (6 x 54) is expertly constructed, producing an easy draw and even burn. The medium- to full-bodied cigar features earth, cinnamon, syrup, roast nuts, and dry wood. A complex and enjoyable cigar.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys