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 little smoke, weighing in at 4 inches long with a ring gauge of 42, has a Criollo wrapper, Honduran binder, and Nicaraguan and Honduran filler. It opens with spice and then features the hints of vanilla and the leather often associated with Honduran tobacco. The spice drops off in the second half and the cigar becomes deeper and warmer. At $8, Papi Chulo is expensive for a small smoke, but this limited edition is interesting and well worth a try.

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.”

I recently revisited this Cuban Romeo y Julieta dubbed the Wide Churchill. The name is a bit strange. Short Wide Churchill would be more accurate (since it’s not just wider than a Churchill), though also more awkward. Name aside, the cigar is attractive and well-constructed, which is certainly welcome considering that Cubans have a deserved reputation for inconsistent construction. The Flavors are classic Habano: medium-bodied and balanced with roasted notes, lots of cedar, and coffee. It remains one of the better Cuban cigars I’ve had recently.

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 bona fide, certified, and unqualified Aging Room fan, I had no doubt I’d enjoy the dark, rough-looking M20 (5.75 x 47)—even though I’m generally not inclined to Mexican wrappers. But knowing what the Aging Room crew can do with tobacco, I was optimistic. The cigar, to put it bluntly, blew me away. With an 8-year-old wrapper and Dominican filler and binder, this limited edition stick kicks off with pepper and spice, and shifts strength and flavors throughout its slender frame. With only 2,000 boxes of 10 on the market, it may not be easy to find. But don’t stop looking.

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.”

Mister Anderson is precisely the type of cigar you might expect in the cigar pack from Saints & Sinners (the private club built around the Tatuaje). It’s a little mysterious, but definitely good. It probably refers to John Anderson of Draper’s cigar shop in Washington, but there’s a little Matrix vibe going on too. I had one from another S&S cigar pack a few years ago, but that was much smaller than the large box pressed-size of this edition. The cigar itself is full-bodied, earthy, and gritty with some spice and excellent sweetness. If you can get your hands on one, it’s a fantastic treat.

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 can’t peer into the future to see how (or if) Swisher International’s recent purchase of Drew Estate will change the Drew Estate portfolio of cigars. But one potential clue about future blends might be found in the Nirvana series, a five-vitola blend crafted by Drew Estate for Royal Gold Cigars (the premium cigar division of Swisher International). The blend was introduced earlier this year—months before rumors of an acquisition began to circle—with a Cameroon wrapper around a Mexican binder and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. My colleague loves this cigar, and I can’t disagree. Cinnamon spice, graham cracker, coffee with creamer, and a typical Cameroon sweetness all play a role in making this Toro (6 x 52) a well-balanced, complex, enjoyable smoke. Construction is top-notch, too. My only complaint is the price, which clocks in at $11.

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 very much enjoyed La Dueña (made and distributed by My Father, but blended by Tatuaje’s Pete Johnson) when it was first released, although I haven’t had many recently. The cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper around Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos . This Robusto has the same flavors I remember from past La Dueña cigars (sweetness, earth, and cocoa) but with far less intensity. It’s still medium-bodied but bogged down with slightly damp flavors that detract from the overall experience. Considering I know this blend can be better (the Petit Lanceros I’ve smoked have consistently been very good) this Robusto was disappointing.

Verdict = Sell.

–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 could be the poster child for total cigar enjoyment. From an immaculate Ecuadorian Colorado Claro wrapper rolled around the finely tapered body, to the mouth-watering sweet pre-light aroma and flavors that entice from beginning to end, this little stick is built to please. The tastes are complex, the strength medium to full, construction excellent, and satisfaction immense. Praised by my colleague in a 2010 review that awarded the diminutive Davidoff a rare five-stogie rating, it’s still an incredible smoke—well worth its $14 price tag when you want to reward yourself.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys