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.
William Lazo
TASTE:Nutty, woody, pepper, cream
HOBBIES:Video games, watching football and MMA,Movie fanatic
STRENGTH:Medium-Full
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El Septimo Sacred Arts Collection Salvador Dali 6"1/2 * 54

(4)
El Septimo Sacred Arts Collection Salvador Dali 61/2 * 54
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The Salvador Dali kicked things off with coffee, earth, and cherry cordial, coming out smooth like it had a reservation at a five-star restaurant. As the cigar opened up, dark chocolate, wood, and mixed pepper joined the lineup, turning this smoke into a full-blown flavor exhibition. The retrohale brought a little extra pepper to the table, just to let you know this masterpiece wasn't here to sit quietly in a museum.Moving into the second third, coffee took over like it was the manager on duty. Earth hung around in the background, making a few guest appearances, while dark chocolate and mixed pepper kept the supporting cast busy. The wood notes transitioned into cedar, adding a touch of class, while the cherry cordial made its exit like a celebrity sneaking out the back door. By the second half, cedar and pepper stepped up their game, proving this cigar still had plenty of tricks hidden in its tuxedo. Entering the final third, earth, cedar, and pepper took center stage like they were headlining the show. Coffee relaxed in the background, while the cigar continued delivering its bold personality. The flavors kept evolving, and the bitterness added another layer to the experience. The Salvador Dali eventually wrapped things up with a soft, cool nub, taking its final bow like an artist who knows the audience came to see a masterpiece. Picked on 10/15/2026
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Martin Ruiz
AGE:33
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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West Tampa Tobacco Company Devil Crab Figurado Pig Tail 4"1/2 * 60

(19)
West Tampa Tobacco Company Devil Crab Figurado Pig Tail 41/2 * 60
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The West Tampa Devil Crab immediately caught my attention because of its unique short perfecto shape, but what really won me over was how much flavor it delivers in such a compact cigar. It starts with a nice combination of pepper, earth and cedar, then gradually develops into deeper notes of coffee, dark chocolate and a touch of sweetness as it burns. The transitions are smooth, the flavors stay well balanced, and the strength never takes away from the overall experience. What I enjoy most about the Devil Crab is that it feels different from a lot of cigars in this size, with plenty of character and enough complexity to keep things interesting from beginning to end. The undisclosed blend also adds a little mystery to the cigar, which makes it even more fun to smoke. For me, it’s a great option when I want something shorter that still feels complete and satisfying. I’d pair it with a dark roast coffee or a smooth bourbon to bring out the richer coffee, chocolate and spice notes. Picked on 10/06/2026
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Angelo Pezzotti
TASTE:Leather, Wood, Chocolate, Earth
HOBBIES:Skateboarding, Music, Anime
STRENGTH:Medium, Medium-Full
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Joya de Nicaragua Clasico Green Room Selection Diadema LE 6" * 54

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Joya de Nicaragua Clasico Green Room Selection Diadema LE 6 * 54
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This special edition Joya de Nicaragua Green Room Clasico has the perfect combination of flavor, punch and style. Celebrating the history of the Joya de Nicaragua brand, here you have a well-balanced nutty and creamy stick, with notes of toasted bread, wood, and a little peppery touch. At one point I also detected notes of hard pretzel among a soft and earthy profile. Solid construction and an excellent draw gives this diadema extra points, and its Ecuadorian Shade wrapper might have you thinking it will be super mild, but everything else in this cigar is Nicaraguan so its gonna have a little Nicaraguan punch. This is probably why Richard Nixon in the 70s named Joya de Nicaragua the official White House cigar, as they gifted the Clasico to guests in the White House's Green Room during that decade. If you like a complex cigar with an elegant touch, this is the one you have to try. Because finally, you don't have to be invited to the White House to find this amazing piece of history. Picked on 09/01/2026
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Samantha Veliz
TASTE:Dried Fruit, Earthy, Spice
HOBBIES:Drinking Tea, Jazz & Lofi
STRENGTH:All

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente Candela
Highclere Castle Senetjer

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El Septimo Culinary Art Collection Spain Rioja 5" * 54

(9)
El Septimo Culinary Art Collection Spain Rioja 5 * 54
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The El Septimo Rioja Robusto is a smooth, lighter-bodied cigar with a subtle aroma, easy draw, and balanced strength. Its gentle spice and refined notes paired beautifully with a red wine. A great choice for an easygoing wine-and-cigar pairing. Picked on 08/26/2026
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Christopher Palma
TASTE:Vanilla, Creamy, Coffee, Cedar, Spice
HOBBIES:Gaming, Running, Playing Guitar, Writing.
STRENGTH:Medium-Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente
Tabak Especial Negra
Deadwood Baby Jane
Foundation Olmec Claro

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Romeo y Julieta Vintage V 7"1/2 * 50

(6)
Romeo y Julieta Vintage V 71/2 * 50
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The Romeo y Julieta Vintage V is the kind of cigar that makes slowing down easy. It opens with a smooth, creamy profile accented by cedar, toasted nuts, and gentle sweetness. A light touch of spice keeps it interesting and, more importantly, prevents it from getting too mellow. The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, Mexican binder, and Dominican fillers come together nicely, delivering a mild to medium-bodied smoke that stays balanced and approachable throughout. Moving into the second third, the profile becomes a little richer, with toasted nuts and wood joining the core. The sweetness hangs around in the background and gives the smoke a nice balance. What I enjoyed most was the consistency. The Vintage V never tries to overwhelm your palate or force dramatic transitions. Instead, the flavors settle into a comfortable rhythm, with cream, wood, nuts, and subtle spice carrying the experience from start to finish. The construction was equally dependable, producing an easy draw and plenty of smooth smoke. This is a great choice for a morning smoke with coffee or a relaxed afternoon when you want something flavorful without much strength. The Romeo y Julieta Vintage V is polished, easygoing, and exactly the kind of cigar I'd keep around for those moments when I just want to sit back and enjoy the smoke. Picked on 08/26/2026
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Adam Stewart
AGE:47
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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Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro Gordo 6" * 60

(15)
Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro Gordo 6 * 60
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It had been a quite a long time since I picked up anything with the quirky moon man on the label. I am glad that I did however! Since taking one on a test spin, I found myself returning again and again! Why? Well, because it is damn near perfection, no exaggeration. It is well made - no construction issues to speak of. The draw is effortless; yet smoke output is high. The flavor is excellent. It is not incredibly complex but offers gobs of rich chocolate notes backed up by hints of cinnamon, raisin and cloves. You will almost want to eat it for dessert. Despite its striking, almost pitch-black wrapper, it is not at all overbearing - It is an easy going, yet full flavored smoke that can be enjoyed right down to the nub by neophytes and seasoned professionals alike. I will also go on record to state that this stick punches well above its weight in terms of its price point. It feels like it is in a different echelon than many other $10.XX smokes. Pairs well with many things but I really dig it with Gerolsteiner, as it allows the flavors of the cigar itself really shine. Pick one (or a couple) up, as I highly doubt you will regret it. Cheers! Picked on 08/13/2026
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Marciano Hernandez
TASTE:Chocolate, Espresso, Coffee
HOBBIES:Musician, Watching Soccer, Partying.
STRENGTH:Medium-Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Padron Series Maduro

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Mi Querida Triqui Traca No. 448 4" * 48

(4)
Mi Querida Triqui Traca No. 448 4 * 48
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The Mi Querida Triqui Traca No. 448 is one of those little cigars that brings a lot more to the table than its size suggests. It kicks things off with rich notes of dark chocolate, espresso, earth, and cedar, with a healthy dose of pepper adding some heat along the way. As it develops, a subtle sweetness emerges, helping balance the darker flavors. What I really like about the Triqui Traca is that it doesn't sacrifice flavor just because it's a smaller cigar. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper has plenty of richness, while the Nicaraguan core and Dominican ligero bring some extra strength and spice. It produces a ton of smoke and has that bold, dark profile I look for in my cigars. If you're a fan of full-flavored cigars, this is an easy one to keep around. Small cigar, big personality. Picked on 08/12/2026
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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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Joya de Nicaragua Rosalones Reserva RR550 5" * 50

(5)
Joya de Nicaragua Rosalones Reserva RR550 5 * 50
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Great daily smoke with fantastic woody and earthy flavor notes. A slight bit of pepper thrown in there to get your day started the right way! Picked on 08/03/2026
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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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San Cristobal Golden Hour Magico 5"1/2 * 50

(9)
San Cristobal Golden Hour Magico 51/2 * 50
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Before lighting this cigar, I noticed a very pleasant aroma. The first thing that stood out was a sweet note that reminded me of honey, along with hints of wood and a light touch of leather. Once I lit it up, the smoke was quite smooth. From the first few puffs, I picked up a creamy flavor with a touch of sweetness, and as the cigar developed, I started noticing notes of coffee, cocoa, and some mixed nuts. There was also a light peppery note, but it stayed very subtle and never overpowered the other flavors. One thing I really enjoyed was the amount of smoke it produced and how easy the draw was from start to finish. It made for a very relaxing and enjoyable smoking experience. The cigar lasted about 80 minutes, smoking it at a slow, relaxed pace. I thought the smoking time was just right because it never felt too long or became boring. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable cigar. It offers good flavors, develops enough throughout the smoke to keep things interesting, and never feels harsh. It's definitely one I would smoke again on a relaxing afternoon or while catching up with friends. Notes I picked up: honey, wood, cream, coffee, cocoa, mixed nuts, leather, and a subtle touch of pepper. Picked on 07/31/2026
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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Ozgener Maracana Toro 6"1/2 * 50

(8)
Ozgener Maracana Toro 61/2 * 50
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The Ozgener Maracana is a cigar that showcases the refined blending philosophy OZ Family Cigars has become known for. From the first draw, it delivers a balanced profile of cedar, roasted nuts, baking spices, and a touch of natural sweetness, creating an experience that is flavorful without becoming overwhelming. As the cigar progresses, subtle notes of espresso, leather, and cocoa begin to develop, adding depth while maintaining excellent harmony throughout the smoke. Construction is equally impressive, with a clean burn, firm ash, and effortless draw that allows every nuance of the blend to shine. What makes the Maracana stand out is its focus on balance and complexity rather than sheer strength, making it approachable for a wide range of cigar enthusiasts. The transitions are smooth and deliberate, rewarding smokers who take their time and appreciate the finer details of premium tobacco. It's a medium-bodied cigar with enough character to keep seasoned smokers engaged while remaining refined enough for those looking to explore a more nuanced profile. The Ozgener Maracana is another excellent example of Tim Ozgener's commitment to craftsmanship, offering a sophisticated smoking experience that deserves a place in any humidor. Picked on 07/09/2026
Older Picks
Rene Labor
AGE:39
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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Micallef Purple Robusto 5" * 52

(11)
Micallef Purple Robusto 5 * 52
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I am shocked and appalled that nobody on our roster has reviewed any of the Micallef 'Color' series yet! After becoming a bit of an ambassador for the brand over the last couple of years in-store, I think it's time I let my online friends in on the secret: the Micallef Purple (as well as the White, and Green, and Black, etc...) are all absolute winners in every category. First thing's first - this cigar punches above its weight class. I personally think this cigar could be double the price and it would still make sense. When I read that the wrapper on the Micallef Purple was Mexican San Andres, I was a bit surprised since it appeared much paler than the Mexican wrappers I've always been used to. Regardless, once lit, the Purple instantly sent me to flavor town. Right at the start, I noticed flavors of toasted bread along with sweet tobacco and a subtle milk chocolate. As it progressed, the natural sweetness remained and I encountered a delicious note of cedar that complimented the breadiness very well. The entire time I smoked the Micallef Purple, I enjoyed a wide open draw and generous smoke output that filled the room with chewy aromatic goodness. Perfectly medium-bodied from first puff to last, I still can't believe the price point of this stogie, along with all the rest of the 'Colors' line. Do yourself a favor and try them ALL, none are better than the rest, but everyone I speak to eventually finds their favorite. Trust me - Micallef will find itself to be a mainstay in your humidor before you know it. Thank me later ;) Picked on 05/31/2026
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Erick Morales
AGE:45
TASTE:Chocolate, Sweetness, Creamy, Cocoa, Coffee
HOBBIES:Wildlife, Photography, Cycling, Jogging, hiking
STRENGTH:Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Oliva Serie V
Sobremesa Brulee

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AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro 6" * 60

(23)
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AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro 6 * 60
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The AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro 6x60 was a really enjoyable smoke. Smooth from start to finish with a nice mix of pepper, wood, cream, and a little natural sweetness. The bigger ring gauge made it burn cool and slow, perfect for just relaxing outside. Had a solid draw and plenty of flavor without being too strong. Definitely a cigar I’d smoke again if you like something smooth but still flavorful. Picked on 05/29/2026
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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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Matilde Limited Exposure No. 3 Toro 6" * 50

(5)
Matilde Limited Exposure No. 3 Toro 6 * 50
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Matilde’s Limited Exposure series gives the company room to experiment with small-batch blends while staying true to its smooth Dominican character. The Limited Exposure No. 3 Robusto delivers natural sweetness alongside notes of cedar, nuts, earth, and light spice in an easy-smoking medium-bodied profile packed with flavor. The tobacco tastes clean and healthy throughout, finishing smooth without lingering harshness. For smokers looking to branch out from the usual big brands, Matilde is a boutique worth exploring. With just 350 boxes of each vitola made this experience unfortuanitely has a time limit, but theres always the No. 4! Picked on 05/07/2026
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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La Flor Dominicana 30th Anniversary 6"1/2 * 58

(9)
La Flor Dominicana 30th Anniversary 61/2 * 58
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Just put down the La Flor Dominicana 30th Anniversary, and honestly, that was one of the more memorable sticks I’ve had in a while. From the moment I clipped it, the cold draw teased a mix of cedar, sweet tobacco, and a hint of spice — the kind that makes you want to light it up right away. Construction was excellent. The draw was just right — not too loose, not too tight. Burn was consistent and even, and ash held firm in nice firm chunks. It’s one of those cigars that feels as good as it tastes in your hand. I’d pair this with a rich, dark roast coffee or an aged bourbon — something with its own depth and complexity. The slight sweetness in the bourbon plays nicely against the cigar’s spice, while the coffee brings out that chocolatey earthiness. If you’re more of a beer drinker, a robust porter with roasted malt notes would also be excellent. Picked on 12/26/2025
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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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La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation 6" * 52

(47)
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
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