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.”

Every time I light up this Abe Flores creation I find myself wondering why I took so long to come back to it. I may not light up a Cubano Especial Capa Natural Robusto (5 x 52) very often but, when I do, this Ecuadorian Connecticut-wrapped smoke never disappoints. It has a tremendous flavor of dry oak, vanilla, nuts, and cream that’s complemented by some floral notes. And the construction is outstanding. For its $5 retail price, this is a steal.

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.”.

After reviewing Dunhill’s new 1907, I was moved to smoke a couple Dunhill Signed Range Toros (MSRP $13.70) that have been in my humidor for quite a while. Now rolled at General Cigar’s Estelí factory, Signed Range has a Nicaraguan wrapper, African Cameroon binder, and filler from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. It’s an extraordinarily smooth smoke, mild to medium in strength, with a light, spicy tone over coffee and cocoa. The Toro (6 x 50) burns slowly and is certainly worth a try. Patrick A gave it four stogies back in his 2013 review.

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.”

In my experience, Cuban cigars—more than cigars from any other country—require extra aging post-purchase. Holding on to this Partagas Serie P No. 2 (6.1 x 52) for about two years was a smart move. Then, I liked the cigar fresh from the box. Now, the flavors are more developed as the profile is teeming with roasted nuts, white pepper, syrup, hay, and cream. Expect to pay north of $15, and expect to be wowed as long as you can be patient. I recommend a box purchase, or splitting a box of 25 with a buddy, and hiding the smokes away for a few years, if possible.

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.”

From Sindicato—a unique cigar company founded by a group of veteran tobacco retailers—comes Casa Bella, a five-vitola line that won’t break the bank. For just a couple bucks you can try the Gran Toro (6 x 60), a huge smoke featuring an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper around an Indonesian binder and a filler blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos. Clearly, this blend is positioned to compete in the value space of the market. Yet the bland, nutty, sometimes buttery, sometimes papery flavor of the Gran Toro makes me wish I would have spent more on a better, more interesting cigar. For me, when I smoke Sindicato, I’ll be focusing on Hex and Affinity.

Verdict = Sell.

–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.”

Fed up with big fat cigars? Then Crux is your company. This 7-inch perfecto rolls in at a modest 33 ring gauge. I smoked two supplied by Crux, a venture from two suburban Minneapolis tobacco retailers, and found it a nice medium cigar with some pepper, nuts, and floral notes. As is always the case with such thin cigars, getting the draw right can be tricky. And though both had some dicey spots, they were generally OK. Crux lists the blend as a Habano Jalapa wrapper, Indonesian binder, and Viso Estelí filler. The MSRP is $5.99. Production runs are small, so if you want to try one, grab it when you see it.

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.”

The Tatuaje Black Lancero has come in a few different packages, from “The Old Man and the C” (culebra/lancero pack) to a New York/New Jersey retailer exclusive (a show of support for the region in the wake of Superstorm Sandy). This particular one comes from the recently released Tatuaje Lancero sampler, featuring 10 different Tatuaje blends each in a classic format (7.5 x 38). The result is a creamy, nuanced, medium-bodied cigar with nuttiness, cocoa, and just a bit of spice. I always measure Tatuaje Blacks against the original ceramic jar release, which is one of the finest cigars I’ve ever smoked. Against that high bar, this doesn’t quite stack up. Still, it’s a well-made, enjoyable cigar that’s easy to recommend.

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.”

While Drew Estate crafts many excellent cigars, in my opinion there is none finer than the elusive Velvet Rat (one of only a few cigars to ever receive our five-out-of-five rating). Yes, it’s hard to find. Yes, it’s expensive at about $14. But this Connecticut Broadleaf-wrapped beauty is a lighter, creamier, more harmonious blend than the famed Liga Privada No. 9. I love me some Liga, however the Velvet Rat (6.25 x 46) elevates the blend to a new level. Expect Drew Estate’s trademark draw with notes of coffee bean, cocoa, pepper spice, syrup, and caramel. Think moist chocolate cake.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys