Staff Picks

Our hard-working staff is busy smoking dozens of cigars, so you don't have to! Each week, they choose their favorite stick from the bunch.
Robert Vallee
TASTE:Coffee, dark chocolate, earth
HOBBIES:Smoking, making music, playing cards
STRENGTH:Medium to Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Padron 1926 Serie Maduro
The Tabernacle
Punch Diablo

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Outcast Robusto 5 * 50
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The Outcast is a new cigar coming from Miami Cigar, known for the Nestor Miranda and Tatiana brands. When you first light this one up, you are greeted with a kick of pepper and dark coffee, along with a little bit of sweetness from the sweet cap. As it goes on it mellows out with notes of cedar, cafe con leche, and dark chocolate, reminding you that even outcasts might have a soft side. I myself am usually not a huge fan of sweet capped cigars but I really did have a good time with The Outcast. With its complex, rich flavor, smooth draw and fair price you really can't go wrong. Picked on 08/08/2025
Martin Ruiz
AGE:31
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:Sports, video games, food, good beer
STRENGTH:All

FAVORITE BRANDS
Liga Privada No. 9
Padron 1926 Serie Natural
Arturo Fuente Fuente Opus X
Flor de las Antillas

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Liga Privada No. 9 Belicoso 6 * 52
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Today, I’m reviewing the cigar that made me fall in love with cigars: the Liga Privada No. 9. More specifically, my favorite vitola in the line, the Belicoso. In my opinion, it's hands down the best size this cigar comes in. Right from the first light, the smoke output is incredible, exactly what you’d expect from Drew Estate. Wrapped in a dark, toothy Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, the wrapper alone is enough to make your mouth water. The cigar opens with bold notes of espresso, black pepper, earth, and dark chocolate, quickly followed by cocoa, leather, and a touch of dark fruit sweetness. As it progresses, hints of oak, anise, and roasted nuts develop, all layered over a smooth, creamy backbone. Throughout the entire smoke, dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper remain front and center, making every draw rich and satisfying. The Belicoso shape amplifies the flavor without sacrificing smoothness, and the construction is flawless from start to finish. This has been my go-to cigar for over five years, and somehow, it just keeps getting better. I always recommend trying the Liga Privada No. 9 at least once, and if you can get your hands on the Belicoso vitola, don’t let it pass you by. It pairs perfectly with a good whiskey or bourbon and delivers an experience that never disappoints. Picked on 08/07/2025
Erika Colmenares
TASTE:Creamy, Vanilla
HOBBIES:Traveling, Going to the beach, Music
STRENGTH:Mild-Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Montecristo White
La Galera Connecticut
Sobremesa Brulee

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Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto 51/2 * 50
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The Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto is a cigar that, at first glance, promises an elegant and well-balanced smoking experience. Its robusto vitola is ideal for a medium-length smoke, comfortable in the hand and perfect for a relaxed session. Construction is excellent: firm to the touch, with a silky, light Connecticut wrapper that has a slight sheen and invites you to light it up. Upon lighting, smooth and creamy notes come through immediately hallmarks of well-aged Connecticut wrappers. As the cigar progresses, subtle hints of cedar, nuts, and a touch of natural sweetness emerge, with a clean retrohale and no harshness. The burn is even throughout, and the ash holds well, a testament to its quality craftsmanship. I paired this cigar with toasted almonds a simple but spot-on match. The almonds’ roasted notes and slightly oily texture enhanced the cigar’s soft profile, adding contrast without overpowering it. The harmony between the two made the experience even more enjoyable. What stands out most about the Vintage 1999 is its balance. It doesn’t overwhelm, but it’s far from bland. It’s a great option for both newcomers and seasoned smokers looking for a smoother cigar to unwind with. Plus, its price point is very reasonable given its quality, making it an excellent daily smoke to keep in the humidor. In summary, the Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto offers a pleasant, refined, and unpretentious experience. A calm, elegant smoke that I would gladly revisit. Ideal for: relaxed mornings, light pairings, or as a first cigar of the day. Picked on 08/06/2025
William Lazo
TASTE:Nutty, woody, pepper, cream
HOBBIES:Video games, watching football and MMA, movies
STRENGTH:Medium-Full
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La Aurora Especiales Gran Toro 6 * 58
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The La Aurora Especiales Gran Toro is what happens when smooth flavor, solid craftsmanship, and just the right price tag meet up for a good time. Rolled in the Dominican Republic by the country’s oldest cigar factory, this stick proves you don’t have to be flashy to make a good cigar. Right off the light, the first third kicks things off with a mix of sweet cedar and a little nuttiness. The second third gets a little toastier, with hints of coffee and spice joining the party, while the sweetness mellows just enough to make room. By the final third, the flavors deepen into a richer mix of earth, leather, and a whisper of pepper — nothing too bold, just enough to remind you it’s still got a little edge. The draw is easy, the burn is reliable, and the whole thing just feels well built. The La Aurora Especiales Gran Toro is a smooth, flavorful daily driver with enough character to keep things interesting. No drama, no frills — just a really good smoke. Picked on 08/05/2025
Gabriel Novas
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:Playing guitar, watching movies, reading
STRENGTH:Medium to Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos
Crowned Heads Le Careme
Liga Privada H99
Foundation Olmec Claro

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CAO Cameroon Toro 51/2 * 55
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The CAO Cameroon Toro is a great example of how a classic blend can remain relevant in today’s changing cigar market. Medium-bodied and full flavored, this cigar has been well known in the industry for decades as one of the stars in its price point. The CAO Cameroon features an African Cameroon wrapper paired with bold Nicaraguan long-fillers. The balance created between the sweet nuttiness of the Cameroon and the subtle spice from the Nicaraguan make for an incredibly appealing smoke from beginning to end Construction is top notch and, while not being the prettiest cigar, the draw had the perfect amount of resistance. Upon lighting, the first third opens with a warm sweetness, cedar, baking spice, and a creamy nuttiness that sets the tone. Moving into the second third, the profile evolves with the introduction of subtle cinnamon, and a mild earthiness that adds depth without overwhelming the palate. In the final third, a touch of cocoa and a gentle increase in pepper emerge, rounding out the experience with a satisfying and balanced finish. The CAO Cameroon Toro is an excellent cigar — ideal for morning or evening smoke and always incredibly smooth. This medium bodied smoke should be on rotation in anyone's humidor and is best paired with a nice bourbon whiskey. Stay Smoking. Picked on 08/05/2025
Mace Maisuria
TASTE:Creamy, woody, spicy
HOBBIES:Golfing, cooking, movies and documentaries
STRENGTH:Medium
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El Septimo Culinary Art Collection France Bordeaux 6 * 60
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Being a fan of wines and cigars, a combination of both peaked my interests. A new brand to Neptune, El Septimo, brings an artisan twist to cigars with their aging process and choices in tobacco. The France Bordeaux collection stood out to me for being a mild 60 ring gauge with curiosity about the wine barrel aged flavors. The initial start and first third of the cigar was very smooth, creamy sweetness but not overwhelming, and a nice woody profile thanks to the barrel aging. The notes of the Bordeaux come through in the 2nd third. A dry yet sweet and citrus note was prevalent in the smoke with a deeper woody note and caramel like note. At the same time it wasn't overly sweet or sugary, it was the perfect balance similar to white wine where you want dry sweetness balanced by notes of the grape, this has dry sweetness balanced by notes from the tobacco. I believe the combinations from the tobacco used helped keep the balance in the variety of notes. The final third gives a proper finish, like the bottom of a bottle of wine. The woody notes become very rich, the sweetness fades away but the caramel/nutty notes stay. The citrusy dry notes that come half way in become almost palpable in the final third, you can taste the wine barrel notes on your palate carried by the smoke with a welcome soft pepper in the finish. I love a strong finish and this brings a punch with the oils and notes in the finale. I would recommend this to any cigar smoker as its a mild that transitions to a medium half way in, lots of notes thanks to their Bordeaux barrel aging and tobacco choice, strong finish, and beautiful construction. No issues smoking this cigar, thick ash that didn't fall once unless I hit it against the ashtray, and lots of smoke thanks to the large ring gauge which for a cigar like this you want so you can enjoy all the notes and complexity. Picked on 07/12/2025
Eliu Arroyo
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:MMA, Listening to music, Photography, Videography
STRENGTH:Medium to Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Padron 1926 Serie Maduro
Leaf by Oscar
The Tabernacle

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Ashton ESG 22-Year Salute 6 * 52
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The ESG Torpedo begins with a gentle kick of black pepper and a subtle tartness on the tongue. The pepper leads the way early on, especially through the first inch, but never overwhelms. Despite the spice, the smoke is impressively smooth and creamy from the start. It doesn’t take long to realize this cigar has something special — the aroma is rich, multi-layered, and unlike anything else. Hints of cedar and soft florals drift through the nose, both understated and refined. The ambient scent is particularly inviting. As the cigar transitions into the middle third, the profile deepens with earthy tones and a touch of lightly roasted coffee. The floral sweetness in the aroma lingers beautifully, though a dry, tannic finish begins to creep in — something that slightly detracts from the otherwise pleasant experience. The pepper fades into the background while the strength of the cigar subtly ramps up. The final third stays remarkably smooth, keeping its creamy character intact. The bouquet is truly captivating, with delicate notes of lavender or violet that never become overly perfumed. It’s floral, but expertly balanced. That said, the tannic dryness continues to linger on the palate, leaving my mouth feeling parched by the end. Still, the aroma alone makes the hour-long journey worth it. Picked on 07/10/2025
Luis Novas
TASTE:Habano, Broadleaf, Mexican San Andres
HOBBIES:Cooking, writing, reading, cigars, cycling
STRENGTH:Medium to Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Tatuaje Miami Seleccion del Cazador
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Maduro
Sin Compromiso

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Zino Nicaragua Short Torpedo 4 * 52
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The Zino Nicaragua Short Torpedo is a powerhouse in a petite package—just 4? by 52, yet it punches well above its weight. Rolled with a silky Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Semilla 56 Nicaraguan binder, and Honduran/Nicaraguan/Dominican long-fillers, it delivers a rich, layered experience. From the first light, you’re hit with peppery spice, cedar, and coffee, evolving into creamy leather and salted nuts mid-smoke. The finale? Smooth dark chocolate notes and a touch of sweetness. This slightly punchy stick has coffee and chocolate undertones that make it fresh and enjoyable, as well as a prominent note of wood. Despite its compact size, expect a satisfying medium-to-full smoke with depth and complexity that make every puff count. Picked on 07/10/2025
Patricio Olivares
TASTE:Leather, Wood, Nutty, Creamy, Vanilla
HOBBIES:Working on cars, Poker, Video Games, Formula 1, and Film
STRENGTH:Medium, Full
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Romeo y Julieta 151st Kentucky Derby 2025 Toro 6 * 50
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I fell in love with this cigar just as Romeo fell in love with Juliet. The Kentucky Derby blasted my tastebuds with the intensity of a bull crashing through the gates before a rodeo show. As I lit up this cigar for my first puff I instantaneously tasted wave of toasty cedar balanced with a perfect amount of natural sweetness. All throughout the cigar there was a pleasant aftertaste of dried fruit (almost plum-like flavor). The Kentucky Derby also has a mouth-watering oaky aroma. The burn stayed perfectly even and the cigar never needed a touch up from my lighter. However, it was at this point I realized this cigar has a very tight draw. Despite this, I was still pleased with the amount of smoke this beauty produced. The second third of this cigar introduces a charming amount of nuttiness. The combination of the dried fruit, cedar, and nuttiness flavor notes creates a perfect concoction that boldly imitates the taste and smell of chestnuts over a fire. The final third of this cigar produces a woody finish that felt stronger than the previous two thirds (almost maduro-esque). A hint of spice begins to unveil itself throughout this third that greatly contrasts the remaining fruitiness this cigar had left. Overall, this cigar is fantastic. If you enjoy the nutty, cedar, and dried fruit flavor notes you cannot miss this one! Picked on 06/29/2025
Moe Afyouni
AGE:31
TASTE:Creamy, fruity, sweet, vanilla, coffee
HOBBIES:Football, basketball, golfing, traveling
STRENGTH:Medium-Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Padron 1964 Anniversary Natural
San Cristobal
H. Upmann 1844 Reserve

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Plasencia Alma del Cielo Amanecer 6 * 60
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This one I have been waiting for like a kid on Christmas. The Alma del Cielo is the newest addition to the Plasencia line and the first high-elevation cigar made. The name meaning “Soul from the Sky,” grown at Finca San Julian in Condega, situated at greater than 3500 feet above sea level. It is a Nicaraguan puro with a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. Its dressed with a very familiar band but with a blue color. Construction was flawless and as perfect as a cigar can be. The cigar had no imperfections and required no touch ups as I smoked it. The first notes that jumped at me were cedar and a sweet almost molasses like flavor. The cigar was extremely creamy and a lot of natural sweetness which was pleasant and a welcomed surprise. Half way into the cigar the cedar notes took a back seat to notes of cinnamon and brown sugar, subtle but enough to be tasted and enjoyed. The last third of the cigar has a lot of earthy notes and wood notes returned and were very prominent with a touch of spice that I really enjoyed. Plasencia never disappoints and anyone a fan of the brand will love this cigar no matter your wrapper or strength preference, this cigar can be enjoyed by all. This cigar was unlike any cigar I've smoked recently and I will be smoking this again in the other vitolas in the very near future. A must try! Picked on 05/30/2025
Rene L.
AGE:38
TASTE:Wood, Earth, Leather
HOBBIES:Guitar, Beer, Sarcasm
STRENGTH:Medium/Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Liga Privada No. 9
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro
Tatuaje Miami Seleccion del Cazador
Kristoff GC Signature Series
Eiroa CBT Maduro

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Crowned Heads Juarez Bulldozer LE 2025 51/2 * 58
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It wouldn't surprise me if you have seen (or smoked) Crowned Heads' Juarez before, as it's been out for several years now. However, it WOULD surprise me if you've smoked the limited edition Bulldozer version of this historic blend, seeing how it was just released now in 2025. The Bulldozer is not your ordinary Juarez, as it tweaks the blend to add Mexican tobacco in the filler in addition to just the wrapper. This change ramps up the flavor in the Juarez Bulldozer to new levels of tastiness. This box-pressed gordo is rustic in appearance, with a pigtail cap and a black footer band. A quick whiff will provide you a smokey aroma, which is quite telling of what you're about to experience. After lighting, meaty notes of leather and chocolate flood the palate, with a nice touch of hickory on top and slight cashew notes. Although I normally twist pigtails off, I opted to straight cut this one, and the draw was immense! Wide open and easy, the smoke output was also extremely generous, filling the room with chewy smoke you could almost cut with a knife. Sporting a 58 ring gauge, the Bulldozer took its time burning, clocking in at around the hour and 15 mark. Medium-to-full bodied, this Juarez is not quite as powerful as you may initially expect, with lots of bold flavor but a forgiving strength overall, making this beast easy to tame no matter your experience level. At a price point under 9 dollars at the time of this writing, the Crowned Heads Juarez Bulldozer is what I call one hell of a value and belongs in everyone's humidor - no bull! Picked on 05/09/2025
Joseph Pizzuto
TASTE:Nutty, creamy, woody, leathery
HOBBIES:Rap, making music, basketball, comedy
STRENGTH:Medium to full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Natural
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro
Liga Privada Unicos
Davidoff Nicaragua

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Partagas de Bronce Corona Gorda 61/4 * 46
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Alright, if you don't know about the birthplace of this cigar then you definitely need to get acquainted. Rolled out of the El Titan de Bronze factory located on SW 8th St, the Partagas de Bronce is a special stick rolled by level 9 Cuban rollers! The craftmanship and superb construction leaves you amazed. With a beautiful white ash I was extremely impressed by how well made this cigar was. Upon first light I was met with strong notes of cedar as well as graham crackers. I was overall impressed by how much this cigar tasted like a cinnamon graham cracker. As I continued, those notes started to blend with some cocoa notes as well. You will also notice an extremely pleasant creamy and smooth consistency all they way through till the end. I was drinking a chocolate milk while enjoying this one which really pronounced the cookie notes I was experiencing. Overall regardless of it being a bit pricier then your average budget stick, I would gladly throw this one in your collection for special nights and special moments with friends and family! Highly advise you pair with a Caribbean rum instead of a chocolate milk like me - hopefully you aren't on the clock like I was when you light it up! Picked on 03/14/2025
Luz Holguin
TASTE:Earthy, Pepper
HOBBIES:Cooking, Reading, Traveling
STRENGTH:Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente
La Aurora Preferidos Cameroon Platinum
Tatuaje Black Label
La Galera Imperial Jade

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My Father The Judge Grand Robusto 5 * 60
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A smoke for fans of medium to full bodied cigars, with a reddish-brown Sumatra seed wrapper grown in Ecuador that gives this stick a rich flavor of earth and spice. There is white pepper and cinnamon that comes not just from this wrapper, but also from the double binder Corojo and Criollo leaves. I rarely go for the thick ring gauges such as this one but in this case, it works. The Jalapa and Esteli fillers in the blend balance each other, one providing a creamy and smooth flavor and the other a bolder, more leathery and spicy flavor. This is a well balanced smoke that will satisfy your craving. Regardless of whether you consider it to be worthy of the Best Cigar of the Year award or not, I encourage you to forget the accolades and just enjoy this cigar for what it is: a damn good cigar! Picked on 03/14/2025
Samuel Pafford
TASTE:Natural tobacco / anything new
HOBBIES:Video games, dogs, documentaries, smoking new cigars
STRENGTH:Medium to full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Oliva Serie V Melanio
ADVentura the Navigator
Crowned Heads Mil Dias

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Kristoff Veinte 20th Anniversary Robusto 5 * 50
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Today's review happened by accident, but what an awesome mistake. I was trying to grab Kristoff's Vengeance (another great full bodied blend) and thought I was grabbing one of the rebranded versions. Instead, we stumbled into Kristoff's 20th Anniversary. I'd like to start by mentioning the entire Kristoff line is very approachable for price and is offering delicious opportunities in every strength bracket, even if this review doesn't sound like you I think there is a Kristoff that would fit in your rotation. Now to the business at hand. This cigar is rocking a nearly black Brazilian wrapper, Indonesian binder, and filled with Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania tobacco. For taste it was oaky and smokey all the way through with a light natural sweetness. While it did lead with a decent peppery bite on the first half inch (expected based on tobacco varietals) this mellowed out by the end of the first inch and turned silky smooth by the mid way point, for my pallet delicious transitions. Some dark coco notes were present throughout that became more pronounced further into the cigar as the rest of it mellowed. This build also hit the spot in terms of construction. Smoked this at work with all the days distractions and it never went out on me, never bittered, and took me almost an hour to nub this classic 5 x 50 robusto. Bold start, rich flavors, inoffensive bite, and a quality construction on an anniversary edition cigar that hit with a standard price tag, yes please! Medium bodied guys with an adventurous side willing to get through the first half inch and any full bodied smoker is going to find something to like about this cigar, enjoy friends! Picked on 01/28/2025
George Perez
TASTE:All. Except soft
HOBBIES:Smoking good cigars, watching movies, Jazz music, spending time with family
STRENGTH:Medium , Medium to full, Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Oliva Serie V
La Flor Dominicana Limited Edition
Espinosa Habano
CAO Flathead
New World
Asylum 13 Ogre
La Galera Habano
CLE Prieto

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La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation 6 * 52
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The aroma de cuba has always delivered some great cigars. That tradition continues with the Noblesse Coronation. This cigar is packed with some great flavors. This medium body cigar has a great earthy, nutty flavor at the beginning. Some hints of chocolate is introduced also at the beginning. Thge draw is phenominal. It has an easy draw. Can not say that about alot of cigars. The aroma is welcoming too. At the half way point, those flavors at the beginning are still found. Some cigars would of changed a bit at this point. Not this one. The draw is still great. Toward the end of the cigar, I was not surprised that the cigar was still consistent. It did pick up a bit in strength to a medium full. Some hints of spice was also introduced. Not overwhelming. But enough to make the cigar enjoyable. Every flavor was still there. The earthiness, the nutty. The hint of chocolate was not too overwhelming. This is one cigar that you have to try. What I liked about it also, no aftertaste was left in my mouth. Like some cigars tend to do. And if you need to pair it with a nice drink, I would recomend a nice Glenlevit. The oak of the drink compliments it. Enjoy everyone Picked on 09/17/2024
Aramis C.
TASTE:Earthy, cedar, cocoa
HOBBIES:Family time, grilling, combat sports
STRENGTH:Medium to full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Oscar 2012 Sumatra
Arturo Fuente
Aladino Classic
Tatuaje Havana VI

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Ashton VSG Illusion 61/2 * 44
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The Ashton VSG Illusion is one of Ashton's most popular cigars, and it's not hard to see why. Handmade by Arturo Fuente in the Dominican Republic, this cigar sports an Ecuadorian 'Virgin' Sun Grown wrapper covering a Dominican binder and fillers. The cigar has a sweet chocolatey aroma and a little spice on the dry draw. The spice really comes through on first lighting it, with a subtle sweetness that underlines a bold peppery flavor. Working through the first third I noticed the spice die down letting that molasses sweetness come through. A wide open draw and some surprisingly big puffs of smoke for such a skinny lonsdale led me to the final third. The spice is gone all but for on the retro hale, notes of cocoa and leather on the finish make for a very satisfying finale. It's no surprise this took the number 15 spot on Cigar Aficionado's 2023 Top 25, it's definitely a stick every aficionado should smoke. The cigar lasted a little over an hour, perfect for a quick hit of peppery sweetness. I'd recommend a cognac to cut through that spice and enhance the sweet flavors of the tobacco. Picked on 06/29/2024
Adam Stewart
AGE:45
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:Music, Reading, Art, Nature, Craft Beer, Slacking
STRENGTH:All

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente
Liga Privada No. 9
Tatuaje Black Label
Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970

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CAO Cameroon Perfecto 4 * 48
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This little perfecto surprised me. I was not expecting it to be bad by any means, but, being an inexpensive small cigar, I assumed it would be mediocre at best...something to smoke on while taking the dog around the block, etc. In actuality, it was excellent. While not being incredibly complex, it is well constructed and pumped out a decent amount of smoke. it also burned impeccably, and did not require any touch ups or relights, despite the foot starting out nearly as thin as a pencil. The flavor profile was somewhat typical for a Cameroon cigar....sweet, nutty, earthy, with subtle hints of cocoa / coffee. For just over $5.00, it is hard to say no to this little guy. AF Short Story fans seriously need to take note.... if your Short Stories are not available, or if you just feel like saving a couple of bucks.... this stick is for you. Try pairing with a Café con leche morning, noon or night and you will not be dissapointed. Cheers. Picked on 05/02/2023