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 601 Green was once a favorite of mine, but as the cigar changed distributors, labels, and owners I smoked fewer and fewer of them. It became a victim of out of sight, out of mind. Now it’s owned by Erik Espinosa, who makes the cigars at his La Zona factory (it was originally made by Don Pepin Garcia). At the show I was given one of the Troncos (5 x 52) and it reminded me why this was one of the fullest flavored cigars around when it came out. It’s still full-bodied (charred, earthy, and roasted) though less peppery than I remember. Even though it may have changed slightly over the years, this is still a tasty cigar. Next time I won’t wait so long before smoking another.

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 received this smoke in the mail from Cigar Rights of America (CRA) when I renewed my membership in the organization. As far as I can tell, the only thing that makes this a “CRA Exclusive” is the dimensions, which measure six inches long. The Gigante is the sole regular production Cohiba that’s exactly six inches, and I can safely say this is no Gigante, which has a super-thick ring gauge of 60. In any event, the flavor is very similar to the standard Cohiba blend, which sports a Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler tobaccos. Somewhat spicy, kind of creamy, with a dry, woodsy core. Considering many Cohibas run in excess of $10 apiece, I’m glad I got this one as a complimentary “thank you” from CRA. I’m not sure I would have been thrilled paying that kind of money for this cigar, considering all the other smokes you can get for less than $10. Still, it’s an enjoyable treat.

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.”

Since its inception, I’ve enjoyed the CyB line (formerly Cuenca y Blanco), the first blend from Joya de Nicaragua to use binders and fillers from countries other than Nicaragua. So I was encouraged to hear the company is adding to the line with a Lancero that will be exclusively available to members of the Tobacconist Association of America (TAA). (I received this sample from Joya de Nicaragua, but the TAA exclusive cigars will feature a secondary TAA band around the foot.) The Lancero (7 x 38) seems to have a looser draw than other CyB sizes, which makes for a slightly milder cigar, although the same flavors I’ve come to enjoy from this blend are largely the same: dry oak, cedar, floral notes, roasted nuts, leather, and spice. If you like the lancero format, this is a must-try.

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.”

Number six in Eddie Ortega’s new line of limited smokes, Honest Abe is a peppery cigar from start finish. But it’s no one-note stick. There’s a full orchestral accompaniment weaving in and around that core, making for a very interesting and enjoyable smoke. Costing about $8.50, the vitola is 6.5 inches long with a ring gauge of 52. The filler and binder tobaccos are Nicaraguan, the wrapper reportedly Habano from Ecuador. Only 500 boxes were produced so it may not be easy to find, but it’s worth searching out.

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’ve enjoyed some of the Viaje Skull and Bones blends in the past, so I picked up a few of this latest Edición Limitada version when it came out in February. The thick (5 x 60) stick is presumably an all-Nicaraguan blend, although I haven’t seen that formally confirmed. It features a leathery profile with plenty of red pepper spice. Not the full-bodied bomb that some other Skull and Bones releases are, Big Ivan is more medium- to full-bodied. Construction is good, but ultimately I like the smaller releases far better.

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.”

Few modern-day cigars have the cachet of Don Pepin Garcia’s original limited edition El Centurion. That has carried over to anticipation for this 10th anniversary blend recently released by My Father Cigars. Intended as a regular production line, the four sizes include a nod to the demand for big ring gauges, as one sports a 58. I smoked the more moderate-sized Toro (6.25 x 52). Blended from a variety of Nicaraguan tobaccos, the spicy start signals immediately that it is a Pepin creation, as does the fine construction, draw, and burn. About halfway down, the cigar transitions into more complex and rich flavors. It may not be as storied as its predecessor, but it is an excellent cigar.

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.”

Exclusively sold as part of the fourth CRA Sampler to support the defense of cigar rights, this is the La Flor Dominicana Colorado Oscuro blend (Ecuadorian ligero Sumatra wrapper, Dominican Sumatra binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler) in a Chisel (6 x 54) size. It features syrupy molasses flavors along with leather, coffee, and floral notes. Construction is flawless. I think I prefer the traditional sizes of this blend a little better, but it’s still a well-constructed, tasty smoke. Plus, the proceeds go to a good cause.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys