The Stogie Guys

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post our sampling of cigar news and other items of interest from the week. Below is our latest, which is the 561st in the series.

1) Crux Cigars this week began shipping the latest in its Limitada PB5 line. A thousand ten-count boxes of PB517 (5.75 x 54) will be available. Like earlier PB5s, it uses a proprietary Engañoso wrapper grown by Plascencia in Nicaragua. “We continue to appreciate the positive response to the Limitada PB5,” said Crux Vice President Casey Haugen, “and are pleased to offer this limited edition again.” Each Crux PB5 quickly sells out to retailers when it is announced, and the PB517, the third iteration in the series, was no exception.

2) Davidoff is celebrating its 50th anniversary by issuing new bands for some its cigars. The white bands will feature a large gold “50” above “Davidoff,” though the cigar blends, boxes, and prices will remain the same. It was in 1968 when Davidoff launched its cigar brand from its flagship store in Geneva. “At the head of this journey was Zino Davidoff,” reads a press release. “It was his sense of pioneering and innovation that set Davidoff apart from the outset. His restless pursuit of new tobaccos and blends has been the inspiration for all the fine cigars that have since carried the iconic Davidoff ring over the last five decades.” In addition to the new bands, expect a series of events and several “specially commissioned” cigars in celebration of the company’s half-century milestone.

3) Drink what bartenders drink when there’s an open bar: “Before you default to a generic glass of red or white (seriously, where else do you order wine by the color except airplanes and open bars?), we asked six bartenders across the country for their go-to open bar orders. So this holiday party season, you can go forth and order with confidence.”

4) Two centuries of Wild Turkey bourbon: a timeline.

5) From the Archives: It’s really cold out, so warm up with these five warm beverages perfect for pairing with a cigar.

6) Deal of the Week: StogieGuys.com recommends Bespoke Post, a monthly collection of awesome items (think fine bar accessories, hot sauce kits, wine, workout gear, exclusive cigars, and more) delivered for just $45. Once you are signed up there is no obligation; you can skip or purchase every month. Sign up here to be eligible for the January box called “Churchill” that features four cigars, an ashtray made of reclaimed wood, an odor-eating candle, cedar spills, and a cutter.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Crux Cigars

Once you start exploring Islay single malt scotch whisky, it won’t take too long to find Ardbeg. The classic, non-chill filtered single malt is among Islay’s peatiest, smokiest offerings.

Ardbeg only has a few lines in its core range, which makes it notable when one is added, as the An Oa was last summer. An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is made by blending Ardbeg aged in different cask types—Pedro Ximinez sherry, virgin oak, and bourbon—and then combining them in a special vatting container.

Ardbeg An Oa (46.6% ABV) pours a gold straw color and the nose features citrus peel, pine, candle wax, and tar. The palate is a whirlwind tour of flavors including raw heat, black pepper, clove, brine, honeysuckle, and ginger. The finish is rather short with graphite, hickory, and light iodine.

At around $60, An Oa costs just a few dollars more than the standard Ardbeg 10 Year ($50) and bit less than Uigeadail and Corryvreckan (both around $80). At a time when new single malts are increasingly expensive, An Oa is fairly priced, even as a NAS (non-age statement) whiskey that clearly uses some younger whisky.

In both price and style, An Oa fits nicely in the lineup. It lacks the intensity and complexity of the Uigeadail or Corryvreckan and, while not as stylistically pure as Ardbeg 10, it is less aggressive and more approachable, making it an excellent whisky for those exploring Islay.

There’s more than enough feistiness in An Oa to stand up to a full-bodied cigar. I’d lean towards pairing it with something spicy like an Arturo Fuente Opus X, My Father, El Galan Dona Nieves, or Cuban Bolivar.

It’s been a very cold winter. If you’re looking for a warming drink (that isn’t actually hot) Ardbeg An Oa fits the bill. And, although it is better neat, it also does well in a hot toddy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

In June, Omar de Frias announced Fratello Cigars would debut a new line called Navetta. Navetta means “shuttle” in Italian and is a “dream project” Frias envisioned while he worked at NASA for 12 years.

Made at the Joya de Nicaragua factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, Navetta sports an Ecuadorian Oscuro wrapper. It began shipping in September in four introductory formats ranging in price from $10.50 to $12.50: Discovery (5 x 50), Endeavor (6.25 x 54), Enterprise (6 x 60), and Atlantis (6.25 x 52).

“Blending Fratello Navetta was special as I wanted to translate the ultimate celebration our men and women of the space program felt after a successful mission,” said Frias in a press release. “After being part of over 21 missions, nothing beats the feeling of getting our astronauts home safe to their families. Colleagues of mine would get together and smoke a very special cigar to commemorate the occasion. This very special blend carries the ultimate feeling of innovation, duty, honor, and success.”

I paid just over $18 (including crazy Chicago taxes) for Atlantis. Like the other Navetta sizes, this pyramid features two interestingly shaped bands of white, black, and silver that nicely complement the dark, velvety wrapper they partially conceal. After the large foot band is removed, it’s easier to take full measure of the oily exterior leaf, which has plenty of tooth, thin veins, and a reddish hue.

I was a little disappointed to see that my sample had some slight damage at the peak of its sharply pointed cap (this is barely visible in my photo to the right). Fortunately, that part of the cap is intended to be clipped and, once that’s done, I find an effortless cold draw.

The pre-light notes at the foot remind me of dark chocolate and green raisin. After setting an even light, a rich, full-bodied, spicy profile arrives with a bang. The individual flavors remind me of espresso, roasted nuts, black pepper, and cayenne heat. The texture is thick and leathery. Background notes include cinnamon, cherry, and firewood.

As Atlantis—named for the Space Shuttle that completed 33 NASA missions—progresses to the midway point, the body settles into the medium- to full-bodied spectrum and the spice subdues a bit. The flavors are less intense but better balanced and smoother. Here, the cinnamon is more pronounced, and there are also traces of sweet cream and milk chocolate. The final third sees a reprise of the intensity from the outset.

Construction is superb. Expect an even burn line, solid gray ash, clear draw, and above-average smoke production.

What I’ll likely remember most about Fratello Navetta Atlantis is the pervasive taste of rich roasted nuts. This is a flavor that hits my palate in all the right places. I find it’s found in many cigars, but the sensation is often fleeting. Here, it’s central and consistent from light to nub.

It’s a bit of a shame that I didn’t review this cigar in time for it to be included on our 2017 best-of list (our list is the best of the cigars we reviewed that year, not the best new cigars that were introduced that year). Look for it on our best cigars of 2018 list. It earns four and a half stogies out of five.

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

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

As always, the StogieGuys.com list of the absolute best cigars we smoked throughout the year is small: just four. That is, though, the same as in 2016. In fact, through the years, the number of five-stogie cigars has been relatively consistent.

Another constant in our five-stogie ratings is diversity. This year’s list, for example, features the debut of MBombay, a stellar line of cigars rolled in Costa Rica for Californian Mel Shah’s Bombay Tobak, and Cornelius & Anthony, a firm with longstanding ties to the tobacco business but is relatively new to premium cigars.

On the other hand, you’ll spot the familiar name Tatuaje. This marks its 10th five-stogie cigar, quite a few more than any other brand.

In order to achieve a five-stogie rating, a cigar must be better than good. As we note in the explanation of our rating system, a five-stogie cigar is “tasty, complex” and “truly an occasion.”

Here’s a chronological look at this year’s top-rated cigars:

MBombay Gaaja Maduro Torpedo: While this is the first cigar from MBombay to score five stogies, it is not the first to be rated highly. Two others got four stogies and one received four and a half. The Gaaja Maduro was introduced early in 2017 and made a strong impression. Our review called it “delicious,” “harmonious,” “well-balanced,” and “up there with the finest.” It also urged readers not to be put off by the $15.50 MSRP: “This is one not to miss.”

Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf Collection Havana Cazadores: When Tatuaje’s Pete Johnson introduced a 100-cigar collection rolled in Miami with a price tag of $1,200, the brand’s devotees were captivated. One of the distinguishing features of these cigars over similar earlier releases was the use of a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper rather than an Ecuadorian. The review found this lonsdale-sized smoke featured “tempered strength that walks the fine line between balance and full flavor.” It also called it “a perfectly constructed combination of full Nicaraguan flavors with the restrained richness that Connecticut Broadleaf provides.”

Cornelius & Anthony Aerial Robusto: In just a few years, Cornelius & Anthony has created an impressive line of cigars. The Aerial—rolled at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory in Nicaragua—has a creative combination of an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper with Nicaraguan filler and an unnamed U.S. binder. The Robusto has a $9.25 MSRP. As the review noted, “…the first few puffs are bursting with spice and a strong finish. By the start of the second third, the spice has backed off and tobacco sweetness moves to the fore. In the final third, the spice amps up again, mingling with leather and a light earthiness.”

Muestra de Saka Nacatamale: Since reentering the cigar business in 2015, Steve Saka, with his Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, has knocked ‘em out of the park like Aaron Judge: a five-stogie rating in 2015 followed by numerous four-and-a-half rated smokes. This year’s entry comes packed in a wooden coffin with an MSRP of $15.95. “What makes Nacatamale so outstanding—and, yes, it is absolutely outstanding—is not any individual flavor,” said our review. “This cigar is a great example of how the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts.”

You can find all 58 five-stogie rated cigars with reviews dating back more than a decade here.

Here’s to many more wonderful cigars in 2018!

–George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

It’s time for the annual StogieGuys.com roundup of the best cigars we reviewed throughout the past 12 months.

As it is every year, the number of cigars that achieved the coveted five-stogie rating is small: only four in 2017. That’s fitting because the top StogieGuys.com rating signifies the cigars are “tasty, complex” and are “truly an occasion” to smoke. The total also dovetails neatly with the results in recent years. In 2016, for instance, there were also four top-rated smokes, while six made it in 2015 and 2014, and only two in 2013.

On the other hand, many more of 2017’s cigars were close to the top. I counted 22 four-stogie cigars and 16 four-and-a-half-stogie cigars. Again, while the numbers go up and down annually, that’s not far off from previous years. Today we’ll take an alphabetical look at our four-and-a-half stogie candidates with a quote from each review. Later this week, we’ll follow up with the five-stogie rated cigars of 2017.

Aquitaine Knuckle Dragger: “RoMa Craft has built its well-deserved reputation on quality, consistency, and great bang for the buck. The Aquitaine Knuckle Dragger lives up to these virtuous characteristics…”

Davidoff 702 Series 2000: “With a perfect draw, solid ash, and even burn, the cigar delivers wonderful medium-bodied flavors from start to finish.”

Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed Robusto: “Without question, Davidoff’s first box-pressed line is a winner.”

Davidoff Year of the Rooster Limited Edition: “…the Rooster is incredibly smooth, balanced, and easy to smoke.”

El Galan Dona Nieves Negra Macho: “This is a flavorful, complex, well-made, balanced smoke at a very fair price.”

E.P. Carrillo Elencos Don Rubino: “After an even light is established, the profile is incredibly full-bodied right from the get-go. The bold, spicy flavors include espresso, black pepper, cayenne heat, and dark cherry.”

Illusione Singulare Phantom (Regular Production): “The new Illusione Phantom is a complex and balanced smoke…”

Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Limited Edition 2017: “Fans of Connecticut Broadleaf cigars will want to seek this one out, even if the price means it will probably be only an occasional indulgence.”

Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Churchill: “… undoubtedly full-bodied, strong, and spicy. But to write it off as a mere heavy-handed powerbomb would be to miss the excellent, balanced flavors that comprise the profile.”

Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2015 LC50: “The overall impression is one of a well-balanced, medium-bodied, spice-forward smoke with some Cubanesque, old-school personality.”

L’Atelier Imports La Mission 1999: “…La Mission 1999 may be the best L’Atelier to date. I would even encourage those who are typically put off by San Andrés (I know you’re out there) to give this standout specimen a try.”

Padrón Serie 1964 Prototype Maduro (Smoke Inn Exclusive): “I don’t think I’m going to surprise anyone when I say the Padrón Serie 1964 Prototype Maduro is a terrific smoke. It’s a compact, concentrated iteration of a blend we all know and love that delivers exactly as expected.”

Padrón Serie 1964 Prototype Natural (Smoke Inn Exclusive): “Once lit, nutty, creamy pre-light notes transition to a complex, well-balanced profile of oak, almond, sharp cedar spice, and vanilla. Background notes of powdery cocoa and cream help add balance.”

Sobremesa Elegante en Cedros: “Flavors include cocoa, cedar, café au lait, baking spices, creamy caramel, and white pepper. Balanced, harmonious, and delicious.”

Tatuaje Black Petit Lancero: “This classic-tasting, medium-bodied cigar scores very well due to its ample complexity and harmonious balance.”

Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf Collection Especiales (Laguito No. 2): “All told, this is a wonderful, balanced, satisfying cigar that commands your attention from light to nub.”

You can read about the StogieGuys.com rating system here, find all of our reviews here, and see a curated list of five-stogie smokes here.

–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.”

 

Casa Fernandez makes some under-rated cigars and lately I’ve been feeling that this Miami-made robusto is one of them. The 5.25 inch by 52 RG Nicaraguan puro utilizes a Medio Tiempo Ligero wrapper and if you shop around you can find a box of 15 for around $75. The features medium-bodied flavors with bread, light spice, coffee and hints of citrus. With excellent balance, pleasant flavor, solid construction and a fair price it is a must-try for fans of Nicaraguan smokes.

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.”

Crux Cigars has rolled out another winner. This Toro (6 x 52) is a medium-strength, flavorful smoke that is, by turns, surprising and satisfying. For instance, you might expect that as a Nicaraguan puro, there’d be a lot of spice. There is spice, but it’s more often a background note than a dominant chord. StogieGuys.com has rated several Crux cigars highly, and this is another one not to miss, especially at a price tag of around $7.

Verdict = Buy.

–George E

photo credit: Crux Cigar Co.