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.”

Full body, full flavor, and full enjoyment is the only way I can describe this 2013 Avo release for shops in the Tobacconists’ Association of America. A pressed toro (6 x 52), the Movement fits with quite a few Avo limiteds by presenting a stronger and spicier cigar than many may still associate with the brand. It begins with a shot of pepper and a sugared-coffee sweetness. Along the way, the pepper rises and falls, as numerous other flavors weave in and out. It’s a bargain at $11.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

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 year’s Crowned Heads’ exclusive for Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) retailers is a gorgeous Toro (6 x 52) with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. Said to be a bit stronger than last year’s TAA limited edition, there’s a nice deep, earthy, and nutty beginning that makes some transitions along the way, including a bit of spice and sweetness. I certainly enjoyed The Angel’s Anvil and thought it worth the $10.50 price, but I find several other Crowned Heads offerings to be more impressive smokes.

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.”

The second annual release of this limited edition—sporting an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper instead of last year’s Habano Oscuro over Nicaraguan filler and binder—seems certain to be another hit for Crowned Heads. I found it to be a deep, complex smoke with a great finish reminiscent of cigars of yesteryear. It’s immensely satisfying, especially in this 6-inch, 52-ring gauge format. I was a fan of the 2014 and like this one even more. With only 90,000 coming out of My Father Cigars, these will surely be snapped up quickly. Make sure you’re among the lucky smokers.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: N/A

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

When it first came out, the Petite Edmundo was one of my favorite Cuban smokes, although later boxes proved to be less consistent. This particular stick had been resting in my humidor for the better part of three years, so it should hardly suffer from the ill-effects of under-aged tobacco, as Cubans sometimes do. It was well-constructed with notes of roast pecan, hay, coffee, sweetness (especially towards the second half), and intense cedar. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but I still remember enjoying the Petit Edmundos seven or eight years ago better. Still, with proper age, this Cuban is quite tasty.

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.”

The review I composed of this Connecticut Broadleaf-wrapped smoke in 2013 wasn’t exactly scathing, but it wasn’t glowing either. Ever since, I’ve found the La Aurora 107 Maduro Robusto (4.5 x 50) to be excellent. While I’m not sure if my initial samples were duds, every Robusto I’ve had since has been much, much better. Whereas my first impression was of a smoke that’s coarse and hot with a few combustion issues, now this cigar tastes smooth, complex, pleasant, and creamy with a core of pepper, cocoa, and coffee. I’m glad I decided to give this well-constructed, $7 specimen a second chance.

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.”

New Havana Cigars (NHC) has always had a close relationship with Tatuaje owner Pete Johnson (NHC owner Dan Welsh is a partner with Johnson in L’Atelier) which has always made its house blends notable. This particular limited release was a cigar rolled in 2013 but with four varieties each with a different wrapper added only recently, including this Connecticut Sol wrapper, which is also used on the Cabaiguan Guapo.  The cigar is medium-bodied with a combination of coffee, black tea, clove, and cedar. Construction is perfect. While $9 (the cigars come in 5-packs for $45) is a bit more than many house blends, this is a standout, complex smoke.

–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 blend from Abe Flores’ Pinar del Rio sports an oily, Dominican-grown Habano wrapper around a Dominican Criollo ’98 binder and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The Robusto (5 x 50) can be found for under $6 and has a bitter, leathery profile with hints of spicy herbs. Pinar del Rio makes some great, affordably priced smokes, but this one doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. When I smoke it, I always find myself hoping for some sweet creaminess to add balance and depth.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys