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.
Patricio Olivares
TASTE:Leather, Wood, Nutty, Creamy, Vanilla
HOBBIES:Working on cars, Poker, Video Games, Formula 1, and Film
STRENGTH:Medium, Full
FOLLOW

El Septimo Emperor Collection Yao Connecticut 6"1/2 * 60

(1)
El Septimo Emperor Collection Yao Connecticut 61/2 * 60
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The El Septimo Emperor Yao was a surprisingly approachable cigar! Mild is the name of the game with this cigar, yet somehow manages to capture an inescapable nuttiness that really pleases the taste buds. Retrohaling the cigar only accentuated its “oaky” characteristics. It was easy to tell that these cigars were crafted with precision and care just by the burn of the cigar. The cigar effortlessly burned even and never needed a single retouch. This is an excellent cigar for enthusiasts with a special interest in mild cigars, even more so for beginners looking for a more complex smoke that challenges their palette. Can’t wait to check out the rest of Septimo’s Emperor Collection. Picked on 10/13/2025
Older Picks
RICHARD GARCIA
TASTE:Earthy, Leather, Espresso Bitterness, Dark Chocolate
HOBBIES:Being a Dad, Student of the Leaf.
STRENGTH:Medium/Full
FOLLOW

Deadwood Sweet Jane Dia de los Muertos Toro Box-Pressed 2025 6" * 50

(3)
Deadwood Sweet Jane Dia de los Muertos Toro Box-Pressed 2025 6 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Kicking off spooky season, I decided to start October with the Día de los Muertos cigar—a fitting nod to the meaning behind the holiday. Día de los Muertos, celebrated November 1st and 2nd, is a deeply rooted tradition in Hispanic culture that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed while celebrating the beauty of life and the natural cycle of death. That sentiment really sets the tone for this smoke—it feels like a small, thoughtful tribute as the seasons shift. As for the cigar itself, the tip is sweetened all the way through, which gives off a candy-like vibe that fits the Halloween mood, though it’s not quite my preference. The sweetness can be a bit much, but once you move past it, the flavors open up beautifully. Rich leathery and black pepper notes lead the way, blending into hints of baking spice and finishing with a smooth touch of vanilla. It’s a balanced mix of sweet, earthy, and spicy that feels right for this time of year. The box-pressed shape is a nice touch too—comfortable in the hand and easy to enjoy. Picked on 10/11/2025
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

FOLLOW

La Palina Classic Connecticut Robusto 5" * 52

(13)
La Palina Classic Connecticut Robusto 5 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The La Palina Classic Connecticut Robusto is a nice short, sweet, mild smoke perfect with your morning coffee, with notes of toasted bread, cedar, and dried fruit. I did not notice a lot of flavor changes throughout this delightful experience but that's okay if you are just looking to mellow out and enjoy a nice, mild, tasty smoke. I did have a little bit of a draw issue with this one, but as I got halfway through, it opened up to me and was smoking like a charm. Add this one to your rotation if you love mild smokes! Picked on 10/10/2025
Older Picks
Mace Maisuria
TASTE:Creamy, woody, spicy
HOBBIES:Golfing, cooking, movies and documentaries
STRENGTH:Medium
FOLLOW

Alec Bradley Filthy Ghooligan Toro 6" * 50

(8)
Alec Bradley Filthy Ghooligan Toro 6 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Always a fan of a nice barber pole cigar and especially when it's a limited edition! Only 1500 boxes made, I had the pleasure to smoke this at our Fort Lauderdale location and it was definitely a surprise wrapped in a beautiful leaf duo. The Connecticut Broadleaf takes the forefront at the beginning of the cigar welcoming you with rich leathery profile and robust notes of almost like dark brewed coffee and a subtle maple sweetness. This cigar however is not sweet in anyway, I felt it to be more rich and earthy, with the Habano providing the subtle sweetness they mention in the description. About midway through the richness picks up and you get more of the sweeter notes with the Habano oils burning, adding a very balanced flavor. If you enjoy a cigar that transitions from medium to medium-full, the finish on this Ghooligan has lots of rich earthy notes and subtle sweetness, this is the one for you! I wouldn't recommend this for first time and new cigar enjoyers as it could come off a bit harsh or too strong on the earthy notes. My pairings with this was coffee (no sugar) to add to the robust earthy profile of the cigar. Picked on 10/07/2025
Older Picks
William Lazo
TASTE:Nutty, woody, pepper, cream
HOBBIES:Video games, watching football and MMA, movies
STRENGTH:Medium-Full
FOLLOW

Alec Bradley Black Market Torpedo 6"1/8 * 54

(37)
88
Alec Bradley Black Market Torpedo 61/8 * 54
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
If you're looking for a cigar that delivers bold flavor and serious style, the Alec Bradley Black Market Torpedo is ready to impress. This medium to full-bodied powerhouse brings a dynamic blend of rich flavors right out of the gate think deep, dark chocolate, robust espresso, and smooth cedar, all wrapped up with a creamy, velvety finish that lingers just long enough to leave you wanting more. Sure, the first third might start off a bit mellow for some, but hang tight this cigar builds beautifully, unlocking layer after layer of complexity as you go. It’s a slow burn in the best way, rewarding your patience with every draw. What really sets the Black Market Torpedo apart, though, is its top-tier construction. We're talking razor-sharp burn lines, a perfect draw, and plumes of thick, aromatic smoke that fill the air and set the mood. It’s a cigar that looks as good as it tastes — and it tastes damn good. Whether you're a seasoned cigar lover or someone who appreciates a rich, flavorful smoke with smooth delivery, this stick hits all the right notes. Bold yet refined, consistent yet exciting — the Alec Bradley Black Market Torpedo is a must-try for anyone who takes their cigar game seriously. Picked on 10/07/2025
Older Picks
Martin Ruiz
AGE:32
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

FOLLOW

Liga Privada Unico UF 13 Dark 5" * 52

(133)
Liga Privada Unico UF 13 Dark 5 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Liga Privada Único UF-13 Dark showcases Drew Estate’s blending expertise and has earned its reputation as one of the most sought after cigars in the Liga Privada portfolio. The rustic yet refined Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is dark, oily, and toothy, offering rich pre-light aromas of cocoa, earth, and barnyard. Construction is top tier, with a solid pack, clean foot, and expertly applied cap. From the first draw, the cigar produces dense, flavorful smoke with a signature Liga sweetness. The profile opens with dark chocolate, espresso, and earth, balanced by notes of black pepper, leather, and molasses. As it develops, the strength builds to full, introducing layers of charred oak and spice while staying smooth and balanced. A peppery retrohale and long, satisfying finish round out the experience. Performance is consistently excellent, with an even burn, easy draw, and abundant smoke output. The ash holds firm, adding to the overall craftsmanship. The UF-13 Dark is a bold and complex cigar best enjoyed when you have time to relax, ideally paired with bourbon, dark rum, or espresso. For Liga Privada fans, it stands as one of the highlights of the Único Serie: rare, flavorful, and deeply satisfying and without a doubt a must have for anyone who is lucky to get there hands on one! Picked on 09/22/2025
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

FOLLOW

Ozgener Aramas A54 6"1/4 * 54

(9)
91
Ozgener Aramas A54 61/4 * 54
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Ozgener Aramas A54 is a standout offering from Ozgener Family Cigars, blended and produced at the renowned Tabacalera La Alianza factory in the Dominican Republic. This torpedo-shaped cigar, measuring 6¼ × 54, features a dark and oily Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and a rich filler blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf tobaccos. From the first light, the cigar opens with bold notes of earth and coffee, setting a deep and grounded tone. As the smoke progresses, it evolves beautifully, introducing layers of dark chocolate, espresso, and leather, before finishing with a touch of sweet licorice that lingers pleasantly on the palate. This is a classic maduro cigar with sweet, chocolatey and coffee-like notes. The draw left a little bit to be desired, but the inclusion of Connecticut Broadleaf in the filler is something very interesting that we don't see too often! For the 'coffee on coffee' experience, I'd recommend pairing this with an espresso. Picked on 09/05/2025
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

FOLLOW

Red Anchor Commodore 7" * 55

(2)
Red Anchor Commodore 7 * 55
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Red Anchor isn’t a new name—it’s a reborn legacy. Originally founded in 1772, this historic brand has been revived by United Cigars at the Kelner Boutique Factory in the Dominican Republic. Every tobacco in this cigars complex blend has been aged at least three years before aging. Upon lighting I'm immediately greeted with creamy notes, accompanied by cedar and a stiff touch of white pepper on the retrohale. Moving into the second third the pepper and cedar giving way to warmer, nutty notes. It's at this point in the cigar that I notice a pronounced leathery finish on my palate. The burn is perfectly even throughout and the draw has the perfect amount of resistance to make for a satisfying smoke. Moving into the final third the flavor notes get more intense, earthiness and cocoa flavors come on as the cigar begins to take on a more bitter flavor. All in all a very complex and enjoyable medium bodied smoke with some great flavor changes throughout. I smoked this cigar with a club soda to focus all my attention on the cigar itself and I found this to be a great decision, as the experience was incredible. This commodore size comes in a hefty 7' * 55 so make sure you've eaten and have plenty of time to enjoy this cigar to the maximum. Picked on 09/04/2025
Older Picks
Rene Labor
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

FOLLOW

New World Decenio Toro 6"1/2 * 54

(8)
New World Decenio Toro 61/2 * 54
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
There's certain cigars that you just KNOW are going to be a hot topic after their release, and the New World Decenio by AJ Fernandez is a perfect example of that. When I first heard about this upcoming celebratory release, I knew it would be the talk of the cigar town, and now that it's been out for a few weeks, I decided to board the hype train. I'll start by saying that I've always enjoyed AJ's brands, but in recent years found that some of his blends have started becoming a little too "samey" for my palate. Not the case with the new Decenio! I'm happy to say that this has to be my favorite AJ Fernandez offering in a long time! Those smokers worried about a pepper bomb have nothing to fear, as the Decenio is full-bodied yet smooth as butter, with little spice to be found. Notes of leather dominate the palate, with touches of espresso and almonds swirling around as well. Progressing along into the second half, a subtle citrus note begins to seep in, and by the end the leathery goodness is thicker than ever, making for one bold but svelte experience. The draw on my toro was immaculate, wide open and billowing a ton of smoke as per most of AJ's sticks. The burn was mostly fine, with a little touch up needed once or twice, but nothing that annoyed me. Although the spice is low on this one, it is still very much a strong smoke, and is best saved as an after-dinner treat. All in all, I highly recommend this stogie, and have already enjoyed 3 in the short time it's been out. The hype is real. Celebrate a decade of excellence with the new New World Decenio! Picked on 08/19/2025
Older Picks
Erika Colmenares
TASTE:Creamy, Vanilla
HOBBIES:Traveling, Going to the beach, Music
STRENGTH:Mild-Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Montecristo White
La Galera Connecticut
Sobremesa Brulee

FOLLOW

Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

(51)
Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto 51/2 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
Older Picks
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

FOLLOW

Ashton ESG 22-Year Salute 6" * 52

(60)
88
Ashton ESG 22-Year Salute 6 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
Older Picks
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

FOLLOW

Plasencia Alma del Cielo Amanecer 6" * 60

(9)
Plasencia Alma del Cielo Amanecer 6 * 60
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
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

FOLLOW

Partagas de Bronce Corona Gorda 6"1/4 * 46

(14)
Partagas de Bronce Corona Gorda 61/4 * 46
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
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

FOLLOW

My Father The Judge Grand Robusto 5" * 60

(141)
98
My Father The Judge Grand Robusto 5 * 60
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
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

FOLLOW

Kristoff Veinte 20th Anniversary Robusto 5" * 50

(9)
Kristoff Veinte 20th Anniversary Robusto 5 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
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

FOLLOW

La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation 6" * 52

(35)
La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation 6 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
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

FOLLOW

Ashton VSG Illusion 6"1/2 * 44

(67)
94
91
Ashton VSG Illusion 61/2 * 44
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
Adam Stewart
AGE:46
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

FOLLOW

CAO Cameroon Perfecto 4" * 48

(44)
CAO Cameroon Perfecto 4 * 48
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
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
Older Picks