The Stogie Guys

You’d think cigars produced by an industry superstar would display his name prominently. But there’s no trace of the Rocky Patel name on the Cruz Real black and gold band, a not-quite-value, not-quite-premium brand that’s sold exclusively by Famous Smoke Shop.

Launched early this year, Cruz Real is handmade under the supervision of Nestor Plasencia in El Paraiso, Honduras. “We worked long and hard on getting it just right, and finally came up with a decadent, creamy blend that’s still affordable,” says Rocky. “You’re really gonna enjoy this cigar.”

The five Connecticut vitolas—Corona, Lonsdale, Churchill, Robusto, and Toro—sport a U.S. Connecticut wrapper, a Mexican binder, and longfiller tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican. Each size is also available in a darker Sumatra wrapper.

The classically sized five inch by 50 ring gauge Robusto is smooth and clean with a crisp prelight aroma of sweet hay. Soft to the touch, it sells for $104 per box of 20 and is supposed to be a toasty, medium-bodied smoke for those with an eye for quality and value.

The initial blast of salty spice is enough to catch me off-guard. I just don’t expect such power from this delicate, unassuming stick—at least not from the very get-go. The flavor quickly mellows, though, to take on a mild profile of oak, butter, and onion. Smooth and gentle.

The dry saltiness diminishes significantly after the first third, leaving a well-balanced taste. This is where the Cruz Real Connecticut is at its best, before an unwelcome bitterness creeps in during the last inch or so.

With an excellent burn, a great ash, and a clear draw, this 50-minute smoke has physical properties that far exceed those of many pricier sticks. If only the taste offered more of the complexity or character I was hoping for.

Still, if this young cigar doesn’t improve with age, it remains an affordable, reliable golf course companion. I give the Cruz Real Connecticut Robusto a respectable rating of three and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

I thought I’d tried almost everything made under the extensive Romeo y Julieta label, not excluding some fantastic Cubans. It turns out, however, that one of the standard Altadis-made RyJ blends has, until now, managed to stay off my radar.

Introduced in 2003 to celebrate 130 years of Romeo y Julieta cigars, the Aniversario series features a light and oily Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Connecticut broadleaf binder, and a three-nation filler blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian tobaccos. It comes in five typical vitolas ranging from Churchill to Robusto and is packaged in lacquered boxes of 25.

The two six inch by 54 ring gauge Toros I smoked last weekend seemed firm enough and big enough to use as weapons. But a closer inspection revealed more nuance. Wrought with veins, wrinkles, and crannies, the light brown wrappers had the look of age and frailty, almost akin to an antique map.

That’s why I was worried when the delicate head exploded when I clipped it with my double guillotine. Fortunately, when the shards cleared, what remained was a clean cut, a smooth draw, and a tight cross-section of tobacco that smelled of mixed nuts.

Like the other sizes in this blend, the Toro ($6-7 apiece) is supposed to be a “hearty and memorable smoke.” I found it neither hearty nor memorable. Medium in flavor and light in strength, the simple and straightforward taste is of roasted almonds, straw, and damp firewood. Don’t be surprised if you lose interest after the midway point; the flavor is consistent to a fault, even for those of us who appreciate milder cigars.

The Toro’s set-it-and-forget-it physical properties, though, are excellent. The burn is straight and slow and the ash holds up to stiff winds throughout the 80-minute smoke.

In the end, this agreeable yet less-than-sensational cigar doesn’t deserve your full attention—and, depending on your taste, it may not be worth the money. But if you’re looking for a well-built companion to guide you through your morning coffee and newspaper, the Romeo y Julieta Aniversario Toro isn’t a poor choice. I give it three stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

On the surface, while it appears as though much of the cigar industry’s innovation centers around unnecessary gadgets and tricky marketing schemes, a closer look will reveal more functional improvements. Case in point: the Double Ligero Chisel from La Flor Dominicana.

This figurado’s unique shape was a first when it was introduced in 2003. Designed by Litto Gomez, the head almost looks as if a fat lady sat on the end of what might otherwise be a torpedo. The point—pardon the expression—is to focus the smoke in a way that fits naturally in the mouth.

After recently sitting down with a couple Chisels, we can safely say that Litto’s strategy works. The head clips cleanly to reveal a neat oval-shaped plateau with a clear and concentrated draw. And in addition to the functional aspects, the improved head also brings some unique aesthetic qualities to this Ecuadorian sungrown-wrapped beauty.

Of course, all this would be moot if the 6 inch by 54 ring gauge cigar tasted like dirt. Fortunately, though, it has a satisfying woodsy flavor that includes the same salty spice you’ll find in many other La Flor Dominicana sticks. The taste is as consistent as it is complex, with subtle and unwavering notes of pepper, coffee bean, and cereals.

We were anticipating lots of flavor, and the Chisel delivers. It doesn’t, however, bring that powerful, knock-you-on-your-ass feeling that its reputation would lead you to expect. The Double Ligero line—so named for its Dominican ligero binder and filler—is supposed to be dark, full-bodied, and spicy. The other vitolas in the blend that we’ve tried certainly live up to that reputation, but the Chisel is far more laid back.

That said, despite the disconnect between its reputation and the actual flavor, this cigar has a lot to offer. The Chisel’s excellent physical characteristics and approachable yet intricate flavors can be enjoyed by attentive smokers and noobs alike, and Litto Gomez’s dedication to functional innovation should be applauded.

Don’t think twice about spending $6-7 apiece on this fine specimen, La Flor’s third best-selling stick in 2007. We give it a solid rating of four stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A & Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

This barber pole perfecto by Arganese is anything but inconspicuous. With its dueling wrappers that meticulously swirl down to a tiny foot the width of a cigarette, it’s a work of art and a testament to the skill of master cigar rollers.

I was given three samples—also known as the Arganese Edición Especial Dos Capas—at the IPCPR in Las Vegas, but Arganese’ website has no mention of the limited release. Fortunately, Arganese Vice President Sandy Corn filled me in on the details:

“The wrappers used are Connecticut from Ecuador, and Brazilian mata fina maduro. The filler is Dominican and the binder is Dominican. They come five cigars to a maroon-colored box with a velvet molded tray on the inside to cradle each cigar. They have a plastic protector sheet over the cigars and a ribbon with an Arganese crest to complete the impressive presentation. The MSRP is $50 per box. They are a limited edition cigar and will only be offered this year. Each box is numbered 1 to 1,000 and has a certificate of authenticity inside the box. There are only 1,000 made.”

The two wrappers have only a few noticeable veins. The cigar is firm and well constructed, and the twin wrappers are expertly applied so that the seam between the two almost seems like one continuous leaf. Because the two wrappers become very small near the cap, I was worried that after slicing it with my guillotine they might separate, but fortunately this never occurred.

After lighting I found a tight draw until the burn moved past the perfecto tip. The construction is impressive with the only difficulty being an uneven burn on one of the three samples that required a touch-up. The ash is solid, holding on for as long as two inches.

On flavor, I found lots of graham cracker and bittersweet chocolate. As the cigar progressed to the second half it became milder and creamier. The taste reminded me of creamy peanut butter and the finish was nutty like toasted almonds. Neither mild nor too strong, the cigar is solidly medium-bodied and well-balanced.

When I first saw this cigar I’ll admit it looked like a gimmick to me, but having smoked three I can say that gimmick or not it has smooth, complex flavors and nearly flawless construction.

I always have trouble calling any cigar that costs more than ten dollars a bargain. If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to smoke one of the 5,000 that was made, though, I’d consider $10 or $12 a fair price for the privilege of enjoying this limited cigar. Accordingly, the Arganese Edición Especial 2008 earns a surprising and impressive rating of five out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. A list of other five stogie-rated cigars can be found here.]

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

As winter approaches, the prospect of sitting outdoors for hours on end with a huge cigar becomes less and less appealing. So, for a quick burst of short-lived flavor, I recently tried a couple Petit Robustos from Hoyo de Monterrey. I thought their stubby stature and reputation as small but powerful smokes made them excellent candidates to become go-to cold weather companions.

And why shouldn’t the Petit Rubusto be up for such consideration? Since its introduction in 2004, this Cuban puro has amassed a heap of praise from both mainstream cigar publications as well as the online stogie community. Last year, for example, Cigar Aficionado named it one of “Today’s Cuban Stars” and granted the four inch by 50 ring gauge stick a generous rating of 92. “The rich, toasty, and decadent character stimulates each taste bud in an elegant, creamy way,” wrote James Suckling.

Many seem to have fallen in love with this cigar’s compact power. At around $8-12 apiece, the Petit Robusto—which makes use of leaves grown on the banks of the San Juan y Martinez River in the Vuelta Abajo region—has drawn accolades for its complex strength. Mr. Suckling says that potency may be due to Cuban factories’ use of “better-aged ligero” tobacco.

Whatever the strategy, my truncated robustos certainly engage the senses before the first light. Spongy and lumpy from head to foot, the dark, toothy wrapper smells of cocoa and espresso. And something about the color and feel of the cigar makes it seem rugged, rustic, and real. The cap clips neatly to reveal a cross-section of tightly rolled tobacco, a perplexing sight given the stick’s overall softness. The draw is smooth but deliberate.

As I expected, the initial taste of peppercorn, roasted nuts, and dry cedar is dominant enough to satisfy even the most hardened fans of Don Pepin Garcia. Fortunately, the flavor becomes less abrasive and more nuanced after the first inch with the addition of a creamy undertone. There are little to no changes for the remainder of the 40-minute smoke.

The Petit Robusto has a few physical flaws (not unlike many Cubans these days). The burn tends to meander and require a few touch-ups, and the ash is much flakier than expected.

That’s part of the reason why I can’t quite agree with the many reviewers who’ve fallen head over heels for this full-bodied cigar—no matter what the weather. In my book, the slightly longer Epicure No. 2, which sells for approximately the same price, is a much finer, more complex cigar. But if you want to try the Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto yourself, let me recommend picking up a three-pack before purchasing a box. I give this stout beast three and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Despite its popularity among Arturo fans on a budget, two years ago my cohort found the Curly Head Deluxe Maduro to be quite disappointing. “Visual imperfections are to be expected from a budget cigar—even one with a Fuente band,” he wrote. “But coupled with a taste that’s harsh and unpleasant at worst and barely tolerable at best, this cigar proved unsmokable.”

Yikes. I tried to forget those words as I smoked two 6.5 inch by 43 ring gauge Naturals for this review. Like the Maduro line, this slightly more obscure option from the Curly Head Deluxe vein is made with leftovers from Fuente premiums and sold at a discount. Boxes of 25 can be found for $45-60.

Rumored to be mild and nutty, the Lonsdale-shaped Natural sports some unusual aesthetic characteristics. For one, the foot is unfinished, with the longer Connecticut shade wrapper somewhat folding into the shorter Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. The cap is also a head-scratcher. Instead of a smoothly rounded head, the tip appears to be bunched and pinched together.

When you add all this to the cigar’s soft feel and haphazard seams, you get the impression that it’s machine-made. I am told, however, that the Curly Head Deluxe Natural is handmade in Santiago, the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Prelight aromas are almost nonexistent, and the flavor is mild with hints of butter, almond, and creamy spice. Airy and hollow, this taste doesn’t offer much in terms of enjoyment (let alone complexity). Towards the end of the 75-minute smoke, the aftertaste reminds me of the smell of lighter fluid on charcoal briquettes.

For the rock-bottom price, I’d be tempted to take a cigar like this on the golf course. That is, of course, if the physical properties weren’t so subpar. The burn requires constant maintenance to stay lit and keep straight, the ash is flaky (no doubt a result of the medium-length filler), and the draw is surprisingly tight.

Perhaps my standards are too high for a value cigar, but I expect more anytime I fire up a stogie—an interesting flavor at the very least. There are so many better options in this price range, and I’d much rather spend a few extra bucks per stick before lighting up another Arturo Fuente Curly Head Deluxe Natural. That’s why I give it one and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Nearly two years ago my colleague gave the Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Torpedo a stellar five stogie rating. Since I’ve smoked and enjoyed many Vintage 1992s over the years, this rating came as no surprise.

But among the many Vintage ’92 cigars I’ve enjoyed, I can’t recall smoking any Petit Coronas until the three I had for this review. At 4.5 inches with a 44 ring gauge, it’s a great vitola for cold weather, which just happens to be hitting the Washington, DC area.

The dark, oily, and slightly splotchy ten-year-old Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper surrounds a Honduran broadleaf binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler that, according to Rocky Patel, has been accumulating flavor and character for seven years.

Just a note on the wrapper: The “1992” on the band seems to confuse many people. It’s a reference to the year the wrapper was first produced in 2002, at which time the wrapper was ten years old. Since then, the wrappers have continued to be 10 years old, meaning not from a crop of wrapper tobacco from 1992. This has led critics,  including JR Cigar’s Lew Rothman, to criticize Rocky Patel’s Vintage lines as misleading marketing.

The sharply box-pressed cigar is extra firm to the touch, but the draw is perfect. The one construction problem is that even when I use the sharpest Xikar cutter, one of the three petit coronas had some slight cracking near the head.

As for flavor, I noticed the same rich, dark coffee taste with hints of chocolate, roasted almond, and subtle pepper that I’ve noticed in larger formats of the Vintage 1992. What I didn’t find was variation or evolution of the flavors from the first puff to the last. That’s a common feature for cigars as small as this, as the size makes complexity even more challenging.

As noted above, the draw is particularly impressive given how tightly packed this little cigar is. The burn is a bit uneven at times, but never requiring step two of our fix that uneven burn tip. The ash was study, even if it didn’t hold all that long.

The Petit Corona runs around $6 apiece, or even less online or by the box. You might not call is a great bargain, but it is a fair price for a little stick that packs a big flavor punch and will last 30-40 minutes.

All told, this is a very impressive cigar. Compared to the five stogie-rated Torpedo, it may lose a little for lack of complexity and slight construction flaws, but that still leaves it with a solid rating of four and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys