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.”

If this cigar were $5 instead of $8-9, I’d be more inclined to recommend it. But, in my opinion, there are just too many superior options at the $8-9 price level for the Dunhill 1907 Robusto (5 x 52) to be competitive. Don’t get me wrong, though. This Honduran Olancho-wrapped tribute to the storied history of Dunhill is by no means a bad smoke. It has a peppery, woody taste with notes of leather and warm tobacco. But its full potential is blocked by some burn issues and occasional sour flavors.

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.”

Gran Habano/George A. Rico’s branding can be a bit confusing, but when you get past that you find a company that provides quality cigars at lots of price points. This offering (initially under the Gran Habano line, but now known as Barracuda by George A. Rico) is a great example of what it can provide in the $7-9 range. With an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler, it it a savory cigar with leather, earth, and cream flavors. There’s a subtle, mouthwatering saltiness from start to finish. It’s medium-bodied and full on flavor. All that plus excellent construction makes it easy to recommend this $8 Robusto.

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.”

Dion Giolito’s Illusione Cigars makes some fine smokes, but this might be the pinnacle of Illusione achievement. The Epernay L’Excellence (6.75 x 48) is a fantastic Churchill with floral notes and core tastes of coffee, honey, white pepper, and apple. The absence of Ligero tobacco (the recipe is Nicaraguan Corojo and Criollo tobaccos surrounded by a Café Rosado wrapper) results in a smooth, mild- to medium-bodied experience that’s balanced and creamy. Construction is excellent. This is a fine way to spend about $10.

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.”

The 7th Capa Especial remains the only regular production Brown Label Tatuaje with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The wrapper has a profound impact on the blend. The medium- to full-bodied smoke has a distinct sweetness with cocoa, and coffee along with woody spice. With flawless construction and a price around $8, it is highly recommended.

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.”

This is, I’m afraid, an evaluation of a cigar you may not be able to buy. I picked up a handful of these in December and they’ve been sitting in my humidor ever since. From what I understand, Gurkha had purchased the brand a few months earlier and this line no longer exists. If that’s correct, it’s a shame. The Corojo is a fine cigar, a complex combination of strength, pepper, sweetness, and leather that shifts and twists along the five-inch smoke. Pick one Robusto—or more—up if you can.

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.”

This is the latest “Exclusivo Francia” offering for the France-centric Quai d’Orsay brand. According to Habanos, the cigar was developed in collaboration with SEITA, the French distributor of Cuban cigars that celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2014. The attractive, light golden cigar features flavors of bread, hay, cream, and a bit of cedar. It’s consistent from start to finish, mild, and very smooth. At around $16 each, it’s not the best value but, let’s face it, you’re paying a premium for a limited edition and distribution Cuban cigar.

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 was in New Hampshire for work this week and, at the end of a long day of meetings, I had the opportunity to duck into a tobacconist and catch up on some emails. While the shop had a nice selection of cigars, I was ultimately drawn to an old favorite: Undercrown by Drew Estate. The large Corona Doble (7 x 54) was just what I needed to plow through a few hours in front of the laptop. I prefer Undercrown in the smaller Corona ¡Viva! format, but the Corona Doble performed well with rich notes of nut, creamy sweetness, espresso, and black pepper spice. Something about the combination of the Otapan Negro Último Corte wrapper with the T52 Habano stalk-cut binder just hits me the right way. I paid $8.50 for the Corona Doble and found it to be a wise investment.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys