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.
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

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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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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

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Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Inter Robusto 5"1/4 * 54

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Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Inter Robusto 51/4 * 54
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The Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Inter Robusto is a standout expression of the Supreme Leaf blend and one I definitely recommend trying. It opens with a noticeable burst of black and red pepper before settling into rich notes of earthy cedar, toasted nuts, and a touch of natural sweetness. As the cigar develops, hints of citrus and warm spice add another layer of complexity while still delivering that distinctive Nicaraguan character Aganorsa is known for. The smoke is rich, flavorful, and satisfying from start to finish. What makes this cigar even more interesting is its story: the Inter Robusto was originally created for the international market, making its limited availability in the U.S. a great opportunity to experience a unique Supreme Leaf release. 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

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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: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

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Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro Gordo 6" * 60

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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

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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

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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

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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
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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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Plasencia Triunfal 6"1/4 * 54

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Plasencia Triunfal 61/4 * 54
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I've been waiting for the Plasencia Triunfal to hit our shelves ever since it was announced. Plasencia has been on an incredible run with its limited releases, and smoking the Ehtëfal, my expectations for this cigar were sky-high. Somehow, it still managed to surprise me. The Triunfal isn't trying to knock one out with strength. Instead, it won me over with elegance. Right away, I picked up cedar, white pepper, and delicate floral notes that gave the cigar a bright, refined opening. As it settled in, light coffee, cream, and cashew joined the mix, with a touch of caramel sweetness adding another layer of complexity. By the final third, the profile deepened into chocolate and ginger without ever losing the balance that made the cigar so enjoyable from the first puff. Needless to say, construction was flawless. The cigar hardly needed touching up. Rolled by just two master torcedores using aged tobaccos, the attention to detail really comes through in the smoking experience. If you're expecting a powerhouse, this isn't it. But if you appreciate nuance and complexity, the Triunfal absolutely delivers. It's one of the most refined Plasencia releases I've smoked in recent memory, and without question one of my favorite cigars of the year. A cigar this good begs for bourbon, and while I couldn’t enjoy a libation since I smoked it at work, I highly encourage you to pair it with a deserving liquor. Picked on 07/31/2026
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William Lazo
TASTE:Nutty, woody, pepper, cream
HOBBIES:Video games, watching football and MMA,Movie fanatic
STRENGTH:Medium-Full
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Sobremesa Tapa Negra Corona Gorda 5"5/8 * 48

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Sobremesa Tapa Negra Corona Gorda 55/8 * 48
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The Sobremesa Tapa Negra Corona Gorda is one of those cigars that makes you question why you would ever settled for anything less than a Dunbarton. From the first light, it comes out swinging with a little black pepper—just enough to wake up your taste buds without making you wonder if you accidentally licked a spice rack. That quickly settles into rich notes of cedar, espresso, and a hint of citrus that had me thinking, "Okay... now we're talking." As the cigar burned on, the pepper politely excused itself and let the brighter citrus notes take the spotlight while the coffee and cedar kept everything grounded. Every puff seemed to say, "Relax, I've got this." The draw was effortless, the smoke was thick enough to make me look like I was announcing a new pope, and the burn stayed razor sharp without needing any touch-ups. The final third is where the Tapa Negra Corona Gorda really flexes.The brighter flavors step aside and darker notes of espresso, cocoa, and earth roll in like the villain entering the last act of a movie. Somehow it gets bolder without becoming harsh, and even down to the nub it stays cool and smooth. I kept waiting for it to fall apart or turn bitter like that one friend who always loses at poker—but it never did. By the end, I was genuinely disappointed to see it finished. If cigars could drop the mic, the Sobremesa Tapa Negra Corona Gorda would have done it right before I started checking my humidor to see if I had another one hiding in the back. Picked on 07/28/2026
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RICHARD GARCIA
TASTE:Earthy, Leather, Espresso Bitterness, Dark Chocolate
HOBBIES:Being a Dad, Student of the Leaf.
STRENGTH:Medium/Full
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H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Sunrise Churchill 7" * 50

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H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Sunrise Churchill 7 * 50
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The H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Sunrise is the newest addition to the AJ Fernandez family for Altadis, and it certainly lives up to its name. Designed with the morning in mind, this cigar starts the day by giving you just enough spice and pepper to wake up your palate—because apparently coffee shouldn't have to do all the work. I enjoyed the Churchill size the best. After that initial burst, the cigar settles into a smooth, balanced smoke that is incredibly easy to enjoy. The profile becomes more refined and mellow, making it a natural companion for your morning coffee—or whatever your preferred excuse for starting the day is. While the Sunrise Churchill is designed with the morning in mind, its smooth character makes it enjoyable at any time of day. Whether you're already a fan of AJ Fernandez's work or you're just getting familiar with his lineup, this is one I definitely encourage you to try. A smooth, approachable cigar with just enough spice to get your day moving. Consider it your morning wake-up call. Picked on 07/19/2026
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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

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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
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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

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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

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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

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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
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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

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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

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