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.
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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Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva GT20 6" * 54

(28)
Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva GT20 6 * 54
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I've chosen to review today a true classic from Drew Estate: the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño- but, with a twist. This Gran Reserva edition varies in a few aspects from the Antaño you may be familiar with. It's box-pressed, and the extra aging on its premium fillers promise it to be a smoother blend than the traditional Antaño. The dry draw imparts hints of molasses and fruit. Upon lighting I'm greeted with sweet notes of leather and coffee. As I suspected this cigar is less spice forward than the standard Antaño but its definitely still present, mostly on the retrohale. Moving past the halfway point that spice starts creeping in, complemented by a sweet chocolatey finish. It was at this point the cigar needed to be touched up a few times. This Antaño Grand Reserva finished as strong as it started with satisfying notes of chocolate and spice. A must try for Drew Estate fans, or fans of the Antaño looking for a change of pace. I'd recommend pairing this smooth, medium-plus bodied cigar, with a smooth Irish whiskey. Picked on 04/18/2024
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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
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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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Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Toro 6" * 50

(5)
Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Toro 6 * 50
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A Maduro Ecuadorian Sumatra seed cigar that packs a punch. A cigar created to commemorate the year Villiger cigars were created. The first third comes in with lots of peppery and leathery notes while letting off a very pleasant aroma. The second third was very smooth and I was really starting to enjoy the cigar a lot more than I expected. The last third is where the chocolate honey sweet notes started to come in and I have to say it was a very pleasant experience. The strong beginning and slow gradual decline in strength and strong flavors was a big plus for me as I am not the biggest fan of peppery notes. This paired very well with a Cuban coffee and its definitely going to be one of the cigars I keep on hand. The burn was perfect did not need to relight the cigar at all and it had a very slow and even burn. One of the best affordable sticks I've had in a while. Villiger did not disappoint, B+. Picked on 04/16/2024
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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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Rocky Patel The Edge Sumatra Torpedo 6" * 52

(5)
Rocky Patel The Edge Sumatra Torpedo 6 * 52
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Tasting Notes: leathery, woody, spice Appearance: The look of the cigar is a medium to dark brown wrap Origins: the origins are from Honduras. First Third: Straight from the light I get hints of leather, woody and a slight bit of pepper. 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 leather notes with a slight hint of pepper and some natural tobacco sweetness. Last Third: Going into the last third of the cigar. The cigar kept the woody tasting notes throughout the entire smoke. Overall a great smoke I would recommend to anyone that wants a consistent and good smoke. Picked on 04/16/2024
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Luis
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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Alec & Bradley Kintsugi Toro 6" * 52

(33)
Alec & Bradley Kintsugi Toro 6 * 52
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Today I am reviewing the Alec Bradley Kintsugi Toro. This is a cigar with an approachable medium body profile, and is actually one of the first cigars that I smoked when I was getting into the hobby. I thought it was a great cigar then, and so I decided to light another one up after a few years of smoking, to see how it stacked up with my original thoughts on it. From the dry draw, I felt an unmistakable wave of wood and nuts on the palate. Mixed in there was something a little more unique, a somewhat grassy flavor that you don’t really taste in many cigars, and less so outside of candela wrapped ones. It was actually very pleasant, though, and on light up I was met with that wood, as well as quite a bit of spice. As the cigar proceeded down the first third, there was a prominent smoky note to go with the woodiness, and the smoke developed a very nice, creamy consistency. The retrohale gives another layer of depth to the cigar, one full of pepper and earth. Past the first third, the spice would pull back and become the backdrop to a floral sweetness that stayed present through the rest of the length of the cigar. I smoked it for around an hour or so, and hardly had to correct the burn or draw. It performed well, and as a medium body cigar I think it is definitely something that can be shown to newer smokers, or even seasoned smokers who prefer the medium bodied offerings. I can see this cigar pairing naturally with an espresso or cognac-- something on the sweeter end. Picked on 04/04/2024
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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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La Galera Imperial Jade Piramide 6" * 52

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La Galera Imperial Jade Piramide 6 * 52
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Everyone who knows me knows that Cameroon cigars are my favorite. La Galera's master blender Jochy Blanco really knows how to showcase African Cameroon wrapper, pairing it with Dominican criollo binder and Piloto Cubano and Dominican Criollo 98 fillers. All the tobaccos are grown by the company in their farms in the Cibao Valley, Dominican Republic. This 6x52 pyramid-shaped cigar is a delight to smoke, from the beautiful medium to dark brown wrapper, the sophisticated band (made with biodegradable paper that you can choose to smoke), and the elegant shape. The flavors are equally impressive: delicious woody and herbal notes such as cedar, a citrusy quality, and red pepper. Full of flavor, the body and strength are a solid medium in my opinion. The spice level of this cigar is just right, remaining in the background as a little "kick". Nuttiness and sweetness are also present. There aren't many cigars out there made with genuine African Cameroon tobaccos, so do yourself a favor and pick up a few of these! Enjoy with a smooth aged rum or cognac. Picked on 03/26/2024
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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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Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro Epicure 6" * 54

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Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro Epicure 6 * 54
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To celebrate three-decades of crafting excellent premium cigars, Nick Perdomo released the aptly named Perdomo 30th Anniversary Maduro cigar. And to drive home the anniversary angle Perdomo used a Nicaraguan Cuban-seed maduro wrapper that was barrel aged for 15 years. Then he wrapped it around a binder and filler composed of premium Nicaraguan tobacco that was also aged for 15 years: 15 + 15 = 30. Get it? I was expecting this all-Nicaraguan smoke to pack a spicy punch, but because its leaves were aged, the overall flavor profile was smooth, creamy, and sweet. It did have hints of oak and spice, but for the most part this toro was all sweetness. The ash was white and did not want to fall off the cigar. If you’re looking for a special occasion smoke at an affordable price, I recommend this cigar. Even if the occasion is to watch the sun set, which is pretty special. Pair it with an espresso (no sugar) to contrast the cigar’s sweetness. Picked on 03/11/2024
Older Picks
Joe P.
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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Saga Short Tales TOMO IV 4" * 44

(14)
Saga Short Tales TOMO IV 4 * 44
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Man, do I have a great one for all you "small commitment" smokers! I give you the Saga Short Tales TOMO IV. I really found this size to be quite perfect for convenience purposes, and it may even seem a bit familiar to you, being a similar vitola to another small Dominican cigar with "Short" in its name... I myself am not the type to usually commit to longer smokes so this one quickly found a home in my humidor. After smoking this shorty for the first time, I experienced a lot of interesting notes throughout. Beginning with subtle floral & cedar notes, it balanced out with some dried fruit notes and a touch of spice, leaving a pleasant overall taste. Upon entering the second half of this smoke, the complexity deepened. From that florally fruit profile we transition into a more tobacco-forward profile with some notes of cocoa as well. It carried these flavors throughout the rest of the cigar for the most part and overall had a great draw and construction the entire time as well. Overall, the Saga Short Tales TOMO IV is definitely one for the "books" if you ask me! It's a winner from start to finish. Picked on 02/20/2024
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Sam
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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Perdomo 20th Anniversary Sun Grown Torpedo 6"1/2 * 54

(15)
Perdomo 20th Anniversary Sun Grown Torpedo 61/2 * 54
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Perdomo's 20th Anniversary Sungrown Torpedo is, well, I guess its all there in the name. If you look at the effort that went into this cigar and the price tag on it we really find why Perdomo is a name most of know. The tobaccos selected for this cigar are 8 years aged, high priming, and topped with a bourbon barrel-aged wrapper. This cigar really nailed the sungrown experience of cedary, spicy, with a sweet finish. The extra kick on the front end of this cigar is a great way to get your mouth glowing but as the palate adjusts to the experience it tames out nicely into a medium to full strength stick. The sweet finish blends into earthier notes at end of this cigar and the spice softens keeping this stogie flavorful but balanced throughout. Burn time at 50 minutes, no construction issues, friendly price, bold but not unhinged. I would recommend this cigar to any sungrown fans and Perdomo as a whole to those who don't know it. Great cigars, great prices, and an easy to navigate product line. Cheers! Picked on 02/20/2024
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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

(23)
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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William
TASTE:Nutty, woody, pepper, cream
HOBBIES:Video games, watching football and MMA, movies
STRENGTH:Medium-Full
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CAO Gold Label Torpedo 6"1/4 * 52

(34)
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CAO Gold Label Torpedo 61/4 * 52
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As I pick up the CAO Gold torpedo I feel lots of black pepper and dark-roast coffee notes. Mellow spices and hints of dark chocolate and leather enter. Notes of cedar and butterscotch characterize the retro-hale. After about an inch, the flavors become somewhat salty and citrusy, but still mild to the touch. The second half is nicely balanced. The retro-hale is spicy while an overall creaminess unfolds. The long, lingering finish is a perfect balance of citrus and leather with notes of charred oak but the creaminess from the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper keeps it really intriguing.And also this cigar would be a perfect pair with a cup of whiskey Picked on 02/15/2024
Older Picks
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

(9)
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
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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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Chateau Real Shade Gran Templar Toro 6" * 50

(4)
Chateau Real Shade Gran Templar Toro 6 * 50
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Upon lightup, Drew Estate's new Chateau Real proved to be a great choice in the mild-to-medium category. The smoke had a great consistency to it and the cigar had an even burn throughout, but that's not to mention the flavor. Upon lightup it was slightly spicy, but before long that smoothed out into an incredible experience of nuts, wood and cream. This cigar might be on the lighter side of what I usually like to smoke, but that doesn't mean there's not an occasion for everything! The second third continued the smoke's creamy consistency, while also adding notes of wood and subtle sweetness. All in all, it is a great smoke to pair with something like a coffee or beer. The natural sweetness and creaminess would go great with coffee, and it won't overpower the taste of whatever beer you're drinking either. Picked on 01/11/2024
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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Camacho Triple Maduro Gordo 6" * 60

(68)
Camacho Triple Maduro Gordo 6 * 60
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If you like your cigars BOLD, then you may want to pay attention. The Camacho Triple Maduro is a dark, rich and full flavored cigar. Camacho managed to blend up a San Andres wrapper, a Corojo maduro binder, and finished it off with Honduran, Dominican and Brazilian fillers -- in simple terms: Full. Blown. Flavor. During the first third I noticed very pronounced woody flavors with subtle chocolate notes but very smooth. The second third was just as smooth as the first with the notes of chocolate being a little more present and pronounced and that beautiful Camacho spice picking up. The final third was nothing short of amazing, for such a strong full bodied smoke, the flavor profiles stayed present all the way through, it did not get boring and the thick clouds of smoke leave a nice creamy aftertaste to balance out the spice. I also picked up notes of leather showing up at different points throughout the experience, and since this stick is made by Davidoff, you already know the construction was perfect with a great draw. I highly recommend this cigar to anyone looking for a strong yet super smooth cigar with just as much flavor and complexity to match it. Pair with a Guinness to really send this bad boy to the moon. Picked on 11/20/2023
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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Casa Magna Colorado Gran Toro 6" * 58

(25)
Casa Magna Colorado Gran Toro 6 * 58
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Created by legendary cigar blenders Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plasencia, this Nicaraguan puro sports a reddish Colorado maduro wrapper that has a nice oily finish to it. Medium to full body but very smooth to smoke and easy to retrohale with flavors of cedar, coffee, cream and black pepper. Burns incredibly stable requiring no touch ups and has a nice sturdy light gray ash. If you are looking for the perfect concoction of complex rich flavors, a Nicaraguan puro that won’t have you reaching for a glass of milk, this is a silky smooth full flavored smoke with perfect construction that would make a worthy addition to your humidor. Picked on 11/10/2023
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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

(34)
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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