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 Nicaraguan puros in the original Padrón line always have such mouth-watering pre-light fragrances. Creamy nut and rich chocolate come to mind, especially when you smell the foot. Once lit, the 5000 Natural (5.5 x 56) transitions from this enticing preview to feature flavors of oak, cocoa, coffee, and leather. But the flavor is considerably milder and less concentrated than the (many) formats in this line that sport smaller ring gauges. While I remain a steadfast fan of the so-called “Thousands Series” from Padrón, I don’t think the 5000 Natural is the best showcase of the blend.

Verdict = Hold.

–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.”

On a whim I recently lit up this super-sized (9 x 47) smoke, one of only a few “A” size cigars in my humidor. The cigar was given to me while visiting the La Flor Dominicana booth at the 2013 IPCPR Trade Show. It features an oscuro-colored Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper around binder and filler grown at La Flor’s Dominican farms. Despite the limited release’s special size, the flavors are pretty standard Double Ligero: woodiness, spice, and a little coffee. The medium- to full-bodied profile is very consistent throughout the two-hour smoke, and construction is flawless. Judging “A” sizes is hard, since it’s more of a celebratory, special occasion cigar than something you might smoke more regularly. Still, this is a good example of the elegant format, and the $15 price is not unreasonable.

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.”

As a vegan, this annual holiday season release is about as close to turkey as I get. The Stuffed Turkey, available in both White and Dark varieties, became a separate line this year after three years under the so-called White Label Project. The White Meat (5 x 58) sells for $10 and features Nicaraguan Aganorsa binder and filler tobaccos wrapped in a Criollo Aganora leaf. I found this cigar to be spicy and satisfying, changing intensity and flavors throughout. It’s a fine cigar for any time of year.

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 limited edition, expected to become an annual release, makes quite an impression with a beautiful Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and wonderful room aroma. Made for Crowned Heads by My Father Cigars, the 6-inch stick with a 52 ring gauge is flavorful with some spice, some wood, grass, and a short finish. MSRP is $9.85. It checks in on the lower end of medium strength, so it’s unlikely to please those who want powerhouse smokes. But others should find it an enjoyable experience.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Crowned Heads

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.”

Over two years ago, my colleague wrote a very favorable review of the Lancero from 7-20-4, a brand made in Honduras for Kurt A. Kendall, owner of Twins Smoke Shop in New Hampshire. I visited one of the Twins locations on a recent business trip and decided to take the Lancero (7.5 x 38, $8) for a test drive. That was a good decision. This elegant cigar—comprised of a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, Colombian binder, and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico—smokes beautifully and produces a complex, medium-bodied flavor of roasted nuts, cream, cocoa, syrup, and cedar. I encourage you seek it out.

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.”

Erik Espinosa’s “Espinosa” cigar was released at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. The Nicarauan puro has a Habano wrapper and is made at La Zona in Estelí. The medium-bodied cigar is well-constructed and features paper, wood, pepper, and coffee notes. All and all, there’s nothing to complain about, but there’s nothing particularly remarkable either (and I find other La Zona-made blends much more interesting).

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.”

I stumbled across this cigar at a tobacconist during my recent travels and, despite the relatively hefty $12 price tag, couldn’t resist firing it up. Immediately, I realized it had been way too long since I smoked the Padrón Serie 1964 Corona Maduro (6 x 42). This fantastic cigar sports perfect construction and complex, balanced flavors of cocoa, espresso, cedar, and cream. Don’t think twice about treating yourself to this classic when you have the chance.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys