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.”

The Four Kicks Piramide (6.25 x 52) from Crowned Heads is a study in spice. Not so much your common black, peppery spice. But cinnamon, cedar, and baking spices. Other admirable traits of this affordable, Ecuadorian Habano-wrapped smoke include notes of sweetness for balance, excellent construction, and a medium-bodied profile that’s simultaneously approachable and satisfying. I paid about $8 for this cigar at a local shop, and it was worth every penny.

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.”

I’ve been curious about Nub’s line of coffee-flavored cigars since its introduction last year. I picked up this short (4 inches), thin (38 ring gauge) Sumatra-wrapped stick for about $3.50. The dominant note is sugar, which lingers on the lips. The coffee flavor is akin to a cup heavily creamed and sweetened. Otherwise, there’s little taste or finish. On the plus side, construction, burn, and draw were excellent. But my curiosity is satisfied.

Verdict = Sell.

–George E

photo credit: Nub Cafe

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 Credito in the Dominican Republic with an Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper around Dominican olor and Nicaraguan ligero tobaccos, the No. 3 (4.5 x 56) is the smallest size in the Serie R portfolio, and one of the best. Leather, spice, and oaky wood dominate the profile. Construction is excellent. This La Gloria Cubana is a solid value at $5-6 and a nice reminder why the Serie R blend has struck a favorable chord with cigar enthusiasts since 1999.

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.”

Drew Estate’s Liga Privada gets all the attention, but a strong case could made that Herrera Estelí is the company’s most well-made cigar. The Cuban-esque smoke features roast nuts, cedar, cream, and just a hint of spice. It’s a medium-bodied blend that trades strength for balance and finesse. While Liga is the big, bold Bordeaux, Herrera Estelí is a sophisticated, restrained Burgundy. Depending on the time and place, each can be ideal.

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 last reviewed this cigar in November 2013, writing that the bold Lancero is “a complex, balanced smoke with more substance than your standard flavor-bomb.” Taking it for test drive for the first time in a long time, I found my previous assessment holds water. The Nicaraguan puro features a strength-forward profile of espresso, black pepper spice, and some sweet notes in the background. Construction is solid, rendering La Musa Μελέτη Lancero a solid purchase.

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.”

It says something about my high regard for RoMa Craft Tobac that I chose the Aquitaine Cranium as my after-steak smoke last night. I was fortunate to have many cigars to select from for my birthday, yet I kept gravitating towards this one as I perused my stash. I’m glad I did. The Cranium (6 x 54) has the bold flavors I seek on a full stomach—including black pepper, subtle syrupy sweetness, cedar, espresso, and a tangy barbeque zing. Construction is superb. Plus, with an MSRP of $8.25, you don’t have to save this Ligero-wrapped smoke for special occasions.

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.”

I picked up this smoke based solely on Ben Lee’s praise in his Stogie Review posting a few weeks back. It’s a fat robusto, coming in at the typical five-inch length but with a ring gauge of 56. The line is rolled from tobacco grown on Perdomo’s Nicaraguan farms, with the wrapper leaf aged 14 months in bourbon barrels. The result: a tasty, spicy smoke that satisfies from start to finish, with a good draw and even burn.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Perdomo Cigars