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.
Moe Afyouni
AGE:30
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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La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet No. 5 5" * 50

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La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet No. 5 5 * 50
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The La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet No. 5 has a rich, oily Cameroon wrapper with a reddish-brown hue. The construction is flawless, firm to the touch with no soft spots. As soon as I lit the cigar I got hints of cedar, earth, and a subtle sweetness. The draw is smooth, revealing notes of spice, leather, and a faint cocoa flavor. A third of the way through the cigar the pepper subsides slightly, giving way to more pronounced earthy and creamy notes, the sweetness from the wrapper intensifies, offering hints of caramel. One of my favorite full bodied cigars I've tried in a while and it will be one of the staples in my humidor. The Cameroon wrapper is what drew me to this cigar and I was not the least bit disappointed. The unique sweetness that beautifully complements the cigar's bold flavors, making it a perfect cigar if you are looking for a full bodied smoke. I enjoyed this with a Cuban coffee and I enjoyed every minute of it. Picked on 07/16/2024
Older Picks
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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Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Blue No. 2 5"1/2 * 54

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Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Blue No. 2 51/2 * 54
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I have been a fan of Tatuaje about as long as I've been smoking, but for some reason or another I never picked up the blue version of their classic red-banded Havana blend. It's no doubt a good looking cigar; a velvety Nicaraguan Corojo 99 wrapper drape a Nicaraguan binder and fillers, and the patriotic red and blue bands make for an inviting presentation. Upon lighting I'm greeted with cedar right off the bat. Warm, toasty wooden flavors combined with a pronounced hint of black pepper. I can immediately tell that this cigar is stronger than it appears, a common aspect of a good chunk of Tatuajes portfolio. The construction is excellent, the cigar burns evenly and the draw gives lots of smoke. Going into the second third I start picking up on creamier flavors as the pepper settles down a bit, though it still tingles the nostrils on the retro-hale. The flavor of the tobacco is on the drier side as opposed to sweet, likely owing to the Corojo wrapper. Moving past the second third, the spice lingers and the cigar is getting noticeably creamier. The smooth flavors of cream and cedar are complemented very well by the spice from the black pepper. The Havana Verocu Blue No. 2 is a fantastic, balanced smoke, great for a newbie looking to branch out or an aficionado looking for a solid medium bodied stick. I'd pair this with a sweeter whiskey like a bourbon or an Irish whiskey to further balance the smoking experience. Picked on 07/12/2024
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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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AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Gordo 6"1/2 * 60

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AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Gordo 61/2 * 60
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AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Gordo: Tasting Notes: Cocoa, espresso, and leather Appearance: The look of the cigar is a dark brown. Origins: the origins are from Brazil and Nicaragua. First Third: From the light I get hints of cocoa and espresso taste. The draw is excellent and it also gives a great amount of smoke off of every hit. The cigar hits the medium mark I’d say. Second third: About 30 minutes in I’m getting the same espresso notes with a kick of leather and some cocoa. Last Third: Going into the last third of the cigar. The cigar kept the cocoa/dark chocolate tasting notes throughout the entire smoke with a bit of espresso. This was a really unique cigar mixing Brazilian and Nicaraguan tobacco together and making an amazing smoke Overall a great smoke I would recommend to anyone that likes AJ Products. Amazing cigar! Picked on 07/12/2024
Older Picks
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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EP Carrillo Essence Sumatra Robusto 5" * 50

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EP Carrillo Essence Sumatra Robusto 5 * 50
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The EP Carrillo Sumatra Robusto has a beautiful dark, oily and smooth Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. This is a really good looking cigar, the type of high quality construction you expect from EP Carrillo, who to me makes some of the best cigars in the world. Upon lighting you are greeted with a great blend of black pepper, earth and dark chocolate flavors. As it burns on a rich espresso note starts to develop and the pepper spice slowly starts to back away as chocolate and caramel notes start to become more prominent. With the EP Carrillo Sumatra you are getting a stellar smoking experience that requires no touch-ups and will keep smokers engaged with its rich and evolving profile. I'd recommend this with a hot cappuccino or perhaps an espresso martini. This is a must try if you are already a fan of EP Carrillo or if you love robust and flavorful cigars in general! Picked on 07/11/2024
Older Picks
Jose Alonso
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:Watching movies, listening to music, spending time with family, reading, writing, photography
STRENGTH:Any

FAVORITE BRANDS
Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real
Liga Privada Unicos
Davidoff 702 Series

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Aladino Fuma Noche Super Toro 6"1/4 * 54

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Aladino Fuma Noche Super Toro 61/4 * 54
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The Aladino Fuma Noche Super Toro’s smooth yet muscular maduro wrapper had a delicious tobacco sweetness aroma highlighted by leathery and grassy notes prior to lighting. The construction was notably firm. After the first few puffs, I detected a delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of ginger. As the cigar progressed, the draw loosened up, allowing the smoke to flow freely. The retro-hale had a peppery sting to it, and the finish was long and tingly. In the second third, the baker's spice notes mellowed, letting the tobacco sweetness dominate up to the final puffs. Overall, the Fuma Noche is a good medium to full-strength smoke that is not overpowering. “Fuma Noche” is Spanish for “night smoke” or “evening smoke.” Aladino released it as an evening smoke meant to be enjoyed after a hearty meal due to its boldness. While it's perfect as an evening smoke, it can also be savored in the afternoon or after a light meal. However, it’s not ideal for a morning smoke, unless you’re daring. Pair it with an Ethiopian coffee, black to contrast the cigar’s spicy notes against the coffee’s fruity notes and floral aroma. Picked on 07/01/2024
Older Picks
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 6"1/2 * 44

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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
Older Picks
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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Crux Epicure Habano Toro 6"1/4 * 52

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Crux Epicure Habano Toro 61/4 * 52
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Lovely cigar that will absolutely satisfy your need for a bright, complex, smooth, flavorful, medium+ bodied smoke. As soon as I lit up this stick, it offered spice and herbal notes that instantly made me curious about what this experience was going to to be. Turns out, the flavors popping up are creamy, balanced, and sweet. Wood and leather and more spice show up more noticeably on the final third. A very enjoyable way to spend an hour or two. This cigar is as good as it looks! Picked on 06/25/2024
Older Picks
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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Tatuaje 20th Grande Merveille 6"1/8 * 46

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Tatuaje 20th Grande Merveille 61/8 * 46
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This cigar, upon lighting up, scared me for a second. The last time I had smoked it, I remembered it as being a smooth medium-full body with slightly sweet and creamy notes along a main body of wood and spice. And, upon lighting up, I was blasted with an intense full body sensation! It was almost too much, but thankfully it only lasted a few minutes. By the time I worked my way a half inch down the cigar, I remembered what I liked about it. While a bit stronger on lightup, it mellows out beautifully into a nice, slightly sweet medium body. The initial blast of spice and wood is mellowed down and that sweetness takes over. It's what made me pick it up today, as I wanted to go for something that I knew I liked. This is not your average medium body, at about a seven or eight out of ten in terms of strength, but the flavor shines through as a wonderful medium. The spice soon dissipates completely, leaving behind core notes of sweet wood, slight vanilla, and nuts. Coronas gordas are my #1 favorite size, just because they're just enough smoke (like a robusto), but in the thinner than average format that is my personal preference. This cigar has a refined and elegant flavor that keeps me wanting to come back to it-- I just forgot about the intense start! Writing about it, though, will make it stick better to my memory-- and I'd easily recommend it with a coffee if you want to try something sweet and smooth, but with a beginning that will put some hair on your chest. Picked on 06/20/2024
Older Picks
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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Aladino Cameroon Robusto 5" * 50

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Aladino Cameroon Robusto 5 * 50
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JRE's Cameroon Robusto is a Honduran puro. Consisting of a (you guessed it) Cameroon wrapper and corojo binders and fillers. This stick has a creamy smoke texture, a slightly resistant draw that opens up quickly, and a perfect burn line. I would say the construction and curing process are excellent! For flavors, I picked up a moderate sweetness, cedar, nuttiness, and a gentle peppery spice. With a friendly price structure, premium build, and experienced farmers behind it this blend didn't have a downside for me. The spice, while present, was tame and is unlikely to offend. With lots of flavor, but none of it over bold, I think this cigar could be recommended to anyone who will smoke a half step above true mild. Picked on 06/11/2024
Older Picks
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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Perla del Mar Corojo Toro 6"1/4 * 54

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Perla del Mar Corojo Toro 61/4 * 54
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When the talks of good cigars circulate around the table, J.C. Newman is mentioned. They have always made great cigars. Especially when it comes to this cigar. The box pressed shape and nice caramel color is eye catching. But the real story comes when it is smoked. At first, you are nintroduced to a nice combination of earthy and cedar notes. The draw on it is great. A nice creamy and nutty flavor is introduced moments after lighting the cigar. The cigar burns even. Which is what I really liked. At the halfway point, the cigar was still amazing me. The nice creamy flavor was still present. The earthy notes and hints of nutty notes are still present. Let us not forget the nice hint of cedar which was also still present. The consistency is what made this cigar that much desireable. Try one today. And if you want to pair it with something, try a nice cafe con leche. You will not be disappointed. Picked on 06/11/2024
Older Picks
William Lazo
TASTE:Nutty, woody, pepper, cream
HOBBIES:Video games, watching football and MMA, movies
STRENGTH:Medium-Full
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Vega Fina Torpedo 6" * 50

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Vega Fina Torpedo 6 * 50
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The first half of the cigar was so creamy it was to die for. I love how it was so consistent in the beginning. It just kept up with its creaminess. The second half had a lot of buttery and honey notes that complemented each other very well, but the strength died down a little bit. The Ecuadorian wrapper kept the creaminess going. In the third part, it got even better. I was getting notes of butter and a bit of leathery notes. To me, this cigar would pair best with a nice glass of whiskey and, believe it or not, a good IPA beer. Picked on 05/20/2024
Older Picks
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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Edition One Cloud Hopper No. 485 5" * 48

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Edition One Cloud Hopper No. 485 5 * 48
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Alright you all know how I like to start these reviews.... Wow, is this cigar incredible or what? Let's start by saying I recently have gone on a Warped tangent, trying almost every core and premium line they offer. When I stumbled across the Cloud Hopper its very traditional grey band was enticing even though most would say it looks boring! I always find interest in the cigars with simple labels being they probably put a lot of time and effort into the cigar itself instead of just marketing. Now, let's get into the experience of it! For all my medium body lovers this one will suite you very well. Overall this stick carries a nutty & spicy profile. Within the first couple puffs you are already greeted with toasted almonds and a light spice on the back of the tongue. This will last up until about the halfway point where the the spice will dwindle and you will be left with a pleasant raisin and cinnamon taste mixing well with the almonds. I also would like to note how well constructed Warped is with all of their blends. They always produce a nice white ash as well as a consistent sharp burn that usually won't go out on you. Prepare though, the Cloud Hopper chucks clouds! No pun intended... Basically what I'm trying to say is why haven't you gotten one yet? Come on in to one of our locations now to grab a few of these bad boys! Picked on 05/07/2024
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Martin Ruiz
AGE:30
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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HVC Hot Cake Golden Line Connecticut Corona Gorda 5"5/8 * 46

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HVC Hot Cake Golden Line Connecticut Corona Gorda 55/8 * 46
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The HVC Hot Cake Golden Line Connecticut Corona Gorda is what I will be reviewing today. This cigar sports a beautiful Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper along with Nicaraguan Binder and fillers from Jalapa and Esteli. The cigar is everything I expected: super creamy and a bit stronger than I anticipated, which is a huge plus as I tend to like more medium- or full-bodied cigars. Notes of cedar, leather, cocoa, and small bits of pepper are the strong points of this cigar. I felt tiny amounts of what seemed like lemon, caramel, and cumin, which was very impressive, as I didn't expect this much flavor from this cigar. Draw was perfect with no adjustments needed at all; burn was not as pleasant, however, and I needed to relight a couple times. This cigar is lovely with a morning coffee and absolutely wonderful for any mild or medium cigar lover.  Picked on 04/16/2024
Older Picks
Rene L.
AGE:37
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 Tennessee Waltz 5"1/2 * 52

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Crowned Heads Tennessee Waltz 51/2 * 52
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As a self-proclaimed lover of broadleaf wrappers, there are certain brands that I simply KNOW will deliver in this field, and Crowned Heads is at the top of that list. With many delicious broadleaf offerings over the years, I was excited to try the Tennessee Waltz due to its limited and exclusive nature. In case you don't know, the Tennessee Waltz is normally available only in the state of Tennessee, with select retailers having the option to sell limited stock if they are lucky. Neptune happens to be one of the lucky ones! Adorned with only a bright orange footer band, this dark stick begins exactly as you may think, spicy and bold. Not long after, I started to detect notes of creamy citrus, which was a welcome surprise and a perfect compliment to the rich nature of the broadleaf. Nicaraguan binder and filler ensured a tasty profile that had notes of pepper and leather, with the leather really picking up towards the end of the experience. All in all, if you want a damn good broadleaf smoke, and don't feel like taking a trip to Tennessee, place an order for the Crowned Heads Tennessee Waltz ASAP, because this is one blend that is not available all too often, and it's certainly worthy of your humidor. Pair with a good bourbon and enjoy! Picked on 02/18/2024
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JOSE PAZ
TASTE:Cedar and earth
HOBBIES:Traveling, family time, dancing, and movies
STRENGTH:Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Montecristo
Romeo y Julieta 1875
H. Upmann 1844 Reserve

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El Rey del Mundo Natural Rectangulares 5"5/8 * 46

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El Rey del Mundo Natural Rectangulares 55/8 * 46
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A cigar that is easy to smoke, not complicated, but complex, great aroma, Perfect burn from beginning to end. Medium to full flavor. With a pleasant note of espresso and a touch of pepper that does not unbalance the pleasure of this economical cigar. Without a doubt, it is a cigar that pleases both novices and experts. A fully satisfying experience. Picked on 02/09/2024
Older Picks
Kimball Jones
TASTE:Pepper
HOBBIES:Bass guitar, building computers, reading, concerts and cooking
STRENGTH:Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
CAO Brazilia
Plasencia Alma Fuerte
EP Carrillo Pledge
Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Corojo

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Enclave Figurado 6"1/2 * 52

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Enclave Figurado 61/2 * 52
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AJ's Enclave is Ecuadorian wrapper with a Cameroon binder and Nicaraguan/Piloto Cubano filler. AJ never lets me down and this cigar is no acceptation. The Figurado is the perfect size for me a good hour and a half smoke. First half had just enough pepper to keep it interesting and smooths out into the rest of the cigar with hints of cedar and Cocoa. On the retrohale picking up fruit and more cocoa. I am falling in love with the Cameroon all over again as something that can be a definite recommendation in any humidor. Picked on 09/05/2023
Adam Stewart
AGE:44
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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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
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