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.”

This week I reviewed the Señor Rio Añejo and in the process I also smoked theDiamanté (which I reviewed in October) to compare and contrast the two cigar offerings from Jalisco International Imports. Of the two, Diamanté is the more balanced and well-rounded smoke, while Añejo is bolder and stronger. Diamanté features coffee flavors, bready notes, and a slight pepper spice, all in a small, odd shape (5 x 40). Particularly if you are a fan of A.J. Fernendez’s cigars (he helped blend and make Señor Rio), this is worth picking up.

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’ve been a fan of La Aroma de Cuba since it was redone a few years ago by Don José “Pepin” Garcia. This large (7 x 58), modestly priced (about $7) cigar was introduced a few years back to cater to the then-emerging trend for big smokes. For me, this size seems to lack the characteristics that make the line enjoyable. El Jefe has low smoke production, muted flavors, and lacks the smooth complexity of its siblings. Try a smaller size to appreciate what La Aroma de Cuba has to offer.

Verdict = Sell.

–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 excellent cigar comes as part of Tatuaje’s ten-pack lancero sampler inaugurated last year and expected to be a low-production annual release at a shade under $100. I’ve tried a few and, while they’re all good, this is the best so far. The medium strength and many shifting flavors create a winning combination, with near-perfect construction and draw throughout. The Cabaiguan Lancero (7 x 38) is a beauty that should please almost any cigar smoker.

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.”

Last year I spent a lot of time smoking cigars from Skip Martin’s RoMa Craft Tobac, and I even had the opportunity to visit his small Nica Sueño factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. In my judgment, Martin and his lean team are making some of the best damn cigars money can buy. And the price points are all very reasonable. The CroMagnon Cranium (6 x 54) is no exception. It’s a large, slow-burning toro that features a hearty blend of Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, enclosed by a Cameroon binder, and covered by a dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. For $8.50, it offers a full-bodied, balanced experience with flavors of charred steak, milk chocolate, barbecue sauce, black pepper, and coffee. Smoke the CroMagnon Cranium on a full stomach with a side of sipping rum. You won’t regret it. Guaranteed.

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 don’t buy a lot of cigars by the box, but the Curivari Buenaventura is one I’ve been keeping on hand lately. The Nicaraguan puro is medium-bodied and especially well-balanced. It has subtle wood spice, cocoa, and earth. I’ve never had any issues with the construction. The quality to price ($5-6) ratio on this cigar makes it perfect for smoking yourself or handing out to either seasoned cigar smokers or novices.

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.”

In August 2013, I reviewed a pre-release sample of Abbadon (6.25 x 52), a single vitola made by Skip Martin’s RoMa Craft Tobac exclusively for Blue Havana, a tobacconist in Chicago. I immediately loved the full-bodied smoke, which later appeared on our list of the best cigars of 2013. Jump forward to December 2014, when I found myself near Blue Havana and unable to withstand the temptation to go in and buy an Abaddon bundle. I’m glad I did. This dark, oily smoke—which features a Nicaraguan hybrid (Criollo/Corojo) wrapper around a Mata Fina binder and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic—is a triumph. It boasts a huge, powerful profile of black pepper, coffee, leather, and creamy nut with superb construction. And I think there’s some solid aging potential here, too.

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.”

In September I reviewed the Tatuaje WCD 127, the cigar made by Tatuaje exclusively for the Washington-based W. Curtis Draper cigar shops. The large vitola (7.6 x 56) boasts an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper around Nicaraguan binder and filler. The additional aging time has only made this cigar better. It still features plenty of roasted flavors: coffee, leather, and a bit of pepper spice. There’s also a charred savoriness to the oversized double corona. If you’re offered one, jump at the opportunity to try it.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys