David's Picks

DAVID

TASTE:	Anything and everything, I’ll try anything once.
HOBBIES:	Collecting coins, basketball cards, cigars, cigar swag and playing video games
STRENGTH:	Mild in the mornings and medium to full in the afternoons and nights, depending on my meals.

FAVORITE BRANDS

Liga Privada T52

Casa Fernandez Maduro

Foundation Charter Oak Maduro

Muestra de Saka

RoMa Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion 1794

New World Navegante Robusto 5"1/2 * 55

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Produced in Estelí, Nicaragua by the esteemed cigar makers at A.J. Fernandez, the New World line was first introduced in 2014 and has been in a lot of smokers go-to list ever since. One of the standout blends is the New World Navegante Robusto, mostly because of its rich and complex flavor profile. The cigar is made using a blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos, including a dark and oily wrapper that gives the cigar a full-bodied flavor. When you first light up a New World Navegante, you'll notice a bold and spicy flavor that quickly gives way to a more nuanced and layered taste. As you continue to smoke the cigar, you'll begin to detect hints of coffee, cocoa, and even a touch of sweetness. These flavors last all of the way to the end and packs a little punch toward the end. One of the other key attributes of the New World Navegante that I noticed is its construction. The cigar is expertly rolled and packed, which ensures an even burn and a smooth draw. This means that you'll be able to savor every puff of this exceptional cigar without any harshness or bitterness. Its combination of rich flavors, expert construction, and luxurious feel make it a cigar that's truly in a class of its own. Whether you're enjoying it with friends, after a delicious meal, or simply as a way to unwind at the end of a long day with a chilled whiskey, the New World Navegante Robusto is a cigar that's sure to impress. So why not treat yourself to one today and experience the unparalleled pleasure of smoking a truly exceptional cigar? Picked on 05/02/2023

Tatuaje Tattoo Caballero 5" * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Tatuaje is a brand that has become synonymous with high-quality cigars, and their Tattoo line is no exception. The Tattoo cigar is a Nicaraguan puro that is handcrafted by the renowned Don Pepin Garcia in Estelí, Nicaragua. One of the things that sets the Tattoo apart from other cigars in the Tatuaje line is its price point. Don't be fooled by its price, the Tattoo still delivers the signature Tatuaje flavor and quality. The wrapper on the Tattoo is a beautiful, dark Ecuadorian Habano maduro leaf that gives the cigar a rich, oily appearance. The binder and filler are Nicaraguan, and the combination of these tobaccos creates a complex flavor profile that is both spicy and sweet. Upon lighting the Tattoo, you'll immediately notice the strong notes of black pepper and cedar. As the cigar progresses, I start to pick up on hints of cocoa and espresso, as well as a subtle sweetness that lingers on my palate. This lasts for almost the entire experience of the cigar and becomes a little stouter at the end with a heavy leather and spice taste. The construction of the Tattoo is also top-notch, I got a mostly even burn and a sturdy ash that holds on for quite some time. The draw was smooth and effortless, making this cigar a pleasure to smoke from start to finish, especially with some whiskey or a long island iced tea. Overall, the Tatuaje Tattoo is a fantastic cigar that delivers on both flavor and value. Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or just starting to explore the world of premium cigars, the Tattoo is definitely worth a try. So go ahead, light one up, and enjoy the rich, complex flavors of this Nicaraguan gem. Picked on 04/12/2023

Espinosa Wasabi 5" * 52

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I decided to go with something a little different. The Espinosa Wasabi is one cigar I like to bring out to change up my palate. Every time I remove it from the cellophane the cigar has a nice sweet earthy scent with some bits of cocoa. Snipping the cap and taking a cold draw gives off hints of hay and freshly cut grass, perhaps par for the course on a candela wrapper like this one. Upon lighting and taking my first puffs, I find smooth and sweet earth notes. The smoke is thick and slightly chewy and leaves a short after taste of green tea. These flavors stay for more than half of the cigar with subtle hints of ginger. The burn stays evenly for the most part but never needs correction and the smoke stays nice and cool. As I took the band off, I started getting more ginger and a hint of sweet black tea on the tongue and a peppery retro hale. I ended my experience with less than a quarter of an inch left, and boy was that smoke getting hot. Smoking time was about 50 minutes and had an open draw, so it depended on how hard my draws were. I highly recommend a light beer, sweet tea or try a flavored spring water to pair with it. Grab some and let's see what you think about it... it may surprise you, and there's no better day than St. Patrick's to set this one ablaze. Picked on 03/15/2023

New World Dorado Robusto 5"1/2 * 52

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Howdy! Lately, I see a lot of collaborations with AJ Fernandez. So, I figured I'd go for the gold and grab AJ's newest blend, the New World Dorado. Beautifully designed with the aged paper look with gold really makes this robusto I grabbed feel like a something aged since the 1870's. Taking it out of the cellophane it was a dense cigar with an aged tobacco and leather smell. I cut the tip, lit the foot. My first puff was very smokey and I got a pleasant flavor of caramel and coffee. The draw was very open which made me slow my puffs and take my time, just like people did in the old west. I smoked the first third and enjoying flavors as they flipped to a green tea and ginger. Retrohale was peppery and had a lot of bite on the sensors, which I think contributed to the ginger notes. So far, I am enjoying the slowdown of this cigar. A little past the half, it mellows out a bit but that retrohale still shows you who is boss as if you were near a campfire and accidentally got some of the smoke up your nose. No flavor had changed as I sat the butt of the cigar in my ashtray, and I felt like I could have been sitting hillside while my horse rested from a long day's travel. The New World Dorado was a great smoke and definitely had me thinking of the olden days. I'd say, grab you one, light it up with your favorite beverage and ask yourself - Do I feel lucky? Well... do Ya? Picked on 02/08/2023

Macanudo Inspirado Black Robusto 4"7/8 * 48

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Have you ever picked up a cigar and said to yourself, "this one is going to make me sick"? Most people have. But this can be the biggest misconception. I thought I would prove it to myself and many others, so, I embarked on smoking the darkest cigars I could find. The first cigar I grabbed is the Macanudo Inspirado Black Robusto. One of the darkest wrappers on the market with an oily sheen and great looking black and chrome band. Using my trusted Xikar Xi cutter and Tactical lighter, I started my journey. The first puff gave me a nice blast of leather and cocoa as if I had made a fresh cup of coffee in a leather factory. The draw was easy and had barely any resistance. Smoking 15-20 minutes in, the smoke is thick and chewy as it leaves a long after-taste of sweet cocoa and marshmallow. This would be a GREAT cigar to smoke around a campfire. Past the halfway point, the ash finally fell off. I was pleasantly surprised the ash stayed on strong with me moving around as I worked, constantly putting it down and picking it up. I removed the band and continued to smoke as the flavor profile changed back to leather and a robust cinnamon bread-like note on the retro hale. This rich flavor lasted until there was only about a half inch left, and I never felt that much strength. So, with this being the first cigar on this experimental journey, the Inspirado Black Robusto debunks the myth so far! I also recommend a good rum or Scotch with this blend if you want to increase the flavors. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some boots and a belt to make... Picked on 11/18/2022

Romeo y Julieta 1875 Bully 5" * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

One of my first cigars ever smoked was made by Romeo Y Julieta. So naturally I will revisit the line and see how I remember it tasting. This time I went with the trusty 1875 Bully. When I removed it from the cellophane, it had a great subtle spice and cedar. Usually, I will do a straight cut, but I opted for a v-cut. Toasted and lit, I take my first puff to be met with a blast of fresh cut cedar. Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I can sit in a wood mill all day and enjoy the sweet smell of sawdust. As I keep smoking It reminds me of the times, I would help my dad build things in the garage when I was a kid. So, it helped me stroll down memory lane of great days. Halfway in the flavor changed and gave me hints of pencil shavings. Again, another memory comes up from sharpening my pencil in elementary school and having to crank that big pencil sharpener on the wall with a garbage can under it. Now, that I have been thinking I'm a lumberjack, the flavor changed up by the band and gave me some fresh brewed urbal tea aroma with some subtle spices. Getting close to an inch left I called it a day and was left with a lingering spice taste in my mouth the rest of the day. I highly recommend this cigar for anyone, new or seasoned smoker. I paired it with a creamy coffee and water, but I would recommend a nice Whiskey or Long Island Iced Tea. Now go be a lumberjack and smoke one today! Picked on 10/26/2022

Rocky Patel Vintage 2006 Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Rocky Patel has been pushing out some great cigars for many, many years. Although I like plenty of them, I think I may have narrowed down my favorite. This Vintage 2006 Robusto sports a beautiful dark Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper that has been aged for 11 years. Once you remove it from the cellophane, you get a wonderful whiff of that pungent aroma of aged tobacco and citrus. Using my Vertigo Churchill punch, I made a perfect hole in the cap and it had a perfect draw with very little resistance. Excellent. Toasting and lighting the cigar, I am met with a very strong leather and citrus taste on the first few puffs. As I smoke the first inch, it smooths out a little and stays heavy with the leather and pepper begins to tickle the sides of my tongue. Every single time I have smoked this cigar, it NEVER fails on the bold flavor as I hit the half way spot. It is still smooth, smokey and the retro hale hits with a freshly peeled orange and sweet BBQ pulled pork. The moment I find myself taking off the two bands, I can safely compare it to a piece of sausage I do not want to stop eating. If I keep smoking it, I will soon burn my lips and fingertips, a sacrifice I'm seriously considering. Finally, with less than a half of an inch left, it was time to put it to rest. I highly recommend this cigar for smokers who love the flavor of a strong cigar but aren't looking for the crazy strength that comes with it. I recommend a chilled rum or whiskey to enhance the true flavors of this blend. Trust me - this will be a worthwhile adventure. Enjoy and be a legend! Picked on 09/21/2022

CHC Serie E Hermoso No. 2 6"1/8 * 48

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

When I stumbled across the Crowned Heads CHC Serie E Hermoso a few weeks back, I knew very little about it. However, I had seen the red, black and white pattern before. Then a light bulb went off in my head... the Eddie Van Halen truck on the cover of a 1993 Truckn' magazine! Damn, bringing memories like that back is hard. So, I had to smoke it! Since that week I have smoked it at least twice a week and learned that this cigar paid tribute to his guitar solo in '83. Without further ado, here is how my most recent experience went. It has a dark oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, which has a great earthy smell and a very pungent aroma of fresh picked plums. After giving it a clean straight cut, I toasted the foot and took my first puffs. It had a blast of dried fruit and leather right at the beginning. The retro hale leaves a slight sting but leaves a great long-lasting aroma of leather. Makes me imagine how Eddie Van Halen's leather jackets must have smelled like back in the 80s. I had this same combo of sweet tobacco, exotic fruits and that new leather wallet you got for Christmas. I remove the band of the cigar, so I don't burn it, fully intending on keeping it for my favorite's collection. Then I thought to myself I wish I kept that 1993 magazine so I could frame it with this band. This cigar was burning perfectly, and it had very little transitions in flavor. My overall experience lasted for about 73 minutes until it got too hot for my fingers. This is a straightforward cigar that had some good smooth flavorful, full body smoke that didn't give you the full-strength kick between the leather chaps. If you loved those days of hairspray and jean jackets than this will help you remember those good ol' times. Now go grab a few, put on some Van Halen, and Dance the Night Away with an Eruption of smoke. PANAMA! Picked on 08/04/2022

The Tabernacle Corona 5"1/4 * 46

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Being in a wonderful industry of endless blend combinations and pairings, The Tabernacle never disappoints. Nicholas Melillo AKA Mr. Broadleaf has been making some awesome cigars for over 20 years. Forming the Foundation Cigar Company in June of 2015, I figured I would honor their anniversary by smoking their most talked about blend since its release, the Tabernacle Broadleaf Corona. This cigar has a sweet but strong pungent smell of fruit cake. I know, I know, eww fruit cake... but I like fruit cake and it reminds me of Christmas in the 80s, so it brings back good memories of simpler times. I made a straight cut with my trusty Xi cutter and started toasting the foot. The first puff is smooth and creamy with a dash of pepper on the retro hale giving me a raisin-like sweetness. After the first 15 minutes I was given a smooth caramel that never faded. Not once did it turn off or wither in taste. More than half way into the cigar it flips a little and builds up in smoke output flavor. As it almost burned the band, I started to get hints of toasted marshmallows and cocoa notes. Of course, I start smoking more and then burning my fingers. With literally barely enough to hold between my thumb and index finger, I placed the nub down. I smoked this cigar for about an hour and was pleased and loved every puff of it. I paired this with a glass of Havana Club Anejo Especial which paired perfectly. I highly recommend The Tabernacle to lovers of rich, bold smokes. Get yours now and celebrate 7 years of Foundation Cigars. Bottoms up! Picked on 06/29/2022

Caldwell Blind Man's Bluff Maduro This is Trouble Robusto 5" * 52

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

As we all search for the perfect cigar for a rainy day, short cigars are usually the best. Since it has been raining a lot here in Miami, I figured I would cause a little trouble... the Caldwell Blind Man's Bluff This is Trouble to be exact. Sporting an oily Mexican San Andres wrapper, it had a sweet zest-like aroma once removed from the cellophane. Once cut and lit, the first couple of puffs had hints of espresso and mixed nuts. The draw was very open, and I had to regulate my puffs a little, but it burned easy and straight. No flavor change as I am more than halfway through the cigar. The last third had mild down a bit to an earthy, fresh-cut woody note. Being that I smoked it in the morning, I paired it with my coffee, and it opened up my palate a little more and gave me some sweet cedar taste. With only an inch left, I ended my experience. Without a doubt this is a very smooth cigar that will not need any attention and can be smoked anytime, anywhere and with any drink. So, grab one now and stay out of trouble... or not, it'll be fun either way ;) Salute! Picked on 06/06/2022

Crowned Heads Jericho Hill Jack Brown 5" * 56

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

In honor of Cinco De Mayo, I had to treat myself to a go-to cigar with a Mexican San Andres wrapper that has never failed me since my first experience smoking it a couple of years ago: the Crowned Heads Jericho Hill. Named after the legendary Johnny Cash song, this rustic beauty is made at the My Father factory in Nicaragua. The previously mentioned San Andres wrapper is dark and leathery. Cutting was easy as the box pressed tip has a great angle to cut from. The cold draw is pleasant with a hint of fruit and pepper. When you light and toast the cigar, it flips to a robust hot cocoa. The smoke is thick enough to where you can almost chew it. Halfway through, it stays pretty robust, but the smoke thins a little and flavor still remains a bold heaviness with cream. It is almost like they blended a tiramisu. Even with more than half smoked, the wrapper still gives you an oily cocoa powder taste. Reaching the band, it starts to produce more smoke like at the beginning. Now the flavor has become more nutmeg and vanilla, which means the strength is starting to pick up. Taking the band off and puffing away, the flavors become more subtle but still has the robust thick smoke and it becomes very hard to put down. And of course, the strength creeps up and bites you a little at the nub. All in all, this is a fantastic cigar that I could enjoy while sipping my Modelo and cleaning the backyard. If you like 'em rich and robust, I promise that the Jericho Hill will not disappoint. Picked on 05/06/2022

My Father La Promesa Robusto Grande 5"1/2 * 54

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

When I talk to people about the My Father cigar company, a lot of them stick with the most common of their lines. Some others talk about the La Promesa, so I recently smoked it to see what the fuss was about and where I could potentially fit it into my daily rotation. 'La Promesa' translates to 'The Promise' in Spanish, and that seems fitting since I was promised by many that I would enjoy it! Removing it from the cellophane I could tell it had a nice citrus aroma along with a bit of spice. I used my Xikar Xi2 cutter to ensure I had a perfect, clean cut. The cold draw featured heavy cider and a fruit-like taste. First puff contained a lot of freshly cut wood and home squeezed lemons. Those flavors lasted for about 20 minutes as I got into the halfway point of the cigar. At this point I can't help but notice that it is burning a little fast. However, it is burning perfectly and razor sharp. Just 10 minutes after the halfway mark, I am puffing along, and the notes changed to a spicy cream with an after taste of roasted peanuts that lasted until I had about an inch left. This delicious experience overall lasted about 45 minutes, which is similar to a robusto at my pace. In the end, this was a very good cigar and I never had to relight it. I can safely say it can be part of a morning gathering with a mimosa or mid-day BBQ with a long island sweet tea. Now come get a few to share with some friends, I PROMISE you will all enjoy them ;) Picked on 04/14/2022

Acid 20 Connecticut Toro 6" * 54

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

I was excited when these were first released as I have smoked a lot of the first iteration, and every time I have smoked this Connecticut blend, it hits the right spot. Before you even remove it from the cellophane, you can already smell the sweet traditional Acid aroma. Cutting the cigar was clean as I used my trusty Xikar Xi2 cutter and my Acid single torch event lighter. After the first puff, I was met with a very sweet cap and beautifully smooth smoke with a full body of flavor. I really enjoy smoking these cigars because it opens my palate by the process in which they create the cigars with. The first third had the essence of a mixed cocktail. It has a lot of smoke that is very easy on the retro-hale a large puff and leaves a great after taste. Half way into the cigar it changed to a dark wet sweet wine with some bread crumbs taste. As I smoke it into the last third, the smoke keeps getting smoother. After I took the band off and smoked it another inch, I felt as though I had just eaten some breakfast toast with mixed jelly. The flavor has changed to more toasty bread with blueberry and strawberry type notes. The aged tobacco is the dominant part of the cigar now with hints of sweetness and it no longer had the sweet cap. It burned perfectly for a grand total of an hour and 5 minutes. I highly suggest drinking a sweet mixed drink or simple spring water with this cigar. Now go get one and experience the Rebirth of Cigars! Picked on 03/16/2022

Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva GT20 6" * 54

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

When smoking a cigar, I always think, "Will I smoke this again". This time around, I decided to smoke something that is both new AND old. Enter the Joya De Nicaragua Antaño GT20. This cigar was made to celebrate the 20 years of the Antaño family of lines, which have been very good for them. When removing this cigar from its cellophane it has that traditional sweet smell like most Antaño with some raisin-like notes (which I notice seems to be a staple in all of the JDN lines). Using my Xikar Xi2 cutter to give it a clean flawless cut, I gave it a cold draw test and found a nice and rich cinnamon taste with some light floral tones. Lighting up the cigar and taking the first puff was very delightful. The thick smoke has a chewy consistency that is rich in raisins and dates. It can almost be like a morning breakfast made of smoke. Inching down mid-way it slightly changes to a Cuban coffee type flavor with sweet and rich undertones. Entering the last quarter, the strength picks up to match the body and isn't so bad for a fuller-bodied smoker as myself. If you don't normally smoke stronger cigars, I suggest working your way up to it and eating a heavy meal before you light up a GT20. In the end, with not even a half inch left, I feel like grabbing another and making another pot of coffee. This is a very well-rounded cigar "even though it's boxed pressed". So, my conclusion is: Yes! I will smoke it again with pride. Picked on 02/13/2022

Warzone Short Churchill 6"1/2 * 48

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

For my first cigar review of the brand-new year, I laced up my boots and marched out the gate with the Espinosa Warzone. Once removed from its cellophane, this cigar had a strong yet very pleasant leathery aroma. The dry draw had a dominant grapefruit and plum-like flavor. The draw was easy and had little resistance, which is always welcomed. Once fired up, the first puff was heavy on the leather again with some citrus notes with lasting after taste of plums... almost exactly how it was before I lit the cigar. It has a slight burn on the retro hale but still has fruit-like taste with some nice bitterness. These flavors and aromas last more than half of the cigar until you get to the band. Once I removed the band and had about an inch and a half left, the cigar changed to a strong flavor of dates. It’s sweet-like, but also had the bitters of a citrus fruit. I can see this pairing well with a whiskey or an Olde English. If you are looking for a reliable smoking comrade that won't leave you behind, then the Espinosa Warzone is the one for you. Picked on 01/06/2022

Liga Undercrown Connecticut Shade Flying Pig 4" * 60

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Today I wanted to take a break from the sun and sit with some shade... The Undercrown Connecticut Shade Flying Pig that is. This size has always intrigued me and many other smokers. I removed it from the cellophane, twisted off the pigtail cap, and took off the foot band to start toasting this hog. Right at the first puff I noticed smooth and creamy notes with a slight black pepper on the tongue. The draw is easy with very little resistance and allows the plumes of smoke that Drew Estate is known for to flow through. Halfway in, the flavor notes stay consistent but have had a slight twist of freshly toasted white bread. As I got closer to the last third and taking the main band off, the smoke slightly intensified, and body picked up to a medium. Once I approached the end of the smoke, it started to burn my fingertips due to not wanting to put it down, it had such a nice nutty and roasted almond taste! Now when I started on this cigar, I thought it would only burn for about 30-40 minutes looking at its size. Alas, I was amazed that it lasted an hour-plus, likely thanks to its hefty ring gauge. While smoking this cigar I had a Brisk raspberry tea with a splash of tequila and lemon. This cigar is truly a special (and rare) size and is certainly worth every puff. Go grab a couple of these piggies, your favorite drink and a couple of friends and fly as a pack. Picked on 12/10/2021

La Palina Black Label Robusto 5" * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Today I decided I wanted to introduce a new dark Maduro into my rotation. I think the La Palina Black Label Robusto was a perfect pick. Once removed from its clear sleeping bag, it had noticeable farm and barn like aromas. Needless to say, I was excited to get it lit. I used my red Lotus triple torch and its convenient built-in V-cutter to get things moving and it did the job perfectly. Once toasted and evenly lit, it immediately spills plenty of smoke off the foot. On the first puff I was greeted with a full black coffee flavor and dark chocolate notes. Along with the dark notes, I also detected a chewy nougat flavor. By now, the flavors dance around from a macadamia nut then to black coffee and then to a milky way chocolate bar. Granted, I might have had a few Halloween snacks in between puffs (don't judge me), but this was a great cigar and I would highly recommend it for everyone to try. Now go make yourself a nice cup of coffee to pair with it, and enjoy a smooth trip through the galaxy. Picked on 11/06/2021

RoMa Craft Intemperance EC XVIII Goodness 5" * 56

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Recently we received a good selection of new cigars, but one in particular had stood out to me. Not just because it was a Roma Craft with the word GOODNESS on the box, but because it was a box pressed Connecticut. Being a sucker for box pressed cigars, I jumped at the chance to try it. As I giddily removed the cigar from the cellophane, I was greeted with a sweet hay and brown rice aroma. After applying a straight cut, I started to toast the exposed foot. Upon first puff, I tasted smooth cream and dry bread toast notes. Taking sips of my big cup of coffee, the natural creaminess of the cigar nicely enhanced the creamer I always add to my coffee. Half way in and enjoying the generous smoke output, the cigar changed to a heavy cedar taste with a light pepperiness to the finish and retro-hale. Chugging coffee and puffing my way past the band, I was hit with a strong blast of animal cracker notes. At the end with about a half inch left, I can happily say this is a great cigar for the mornings. The burn gets a little sideways at times, but I never had a real issue and it always corrected itself. I highly recommend any type of coffee, a single malt scotch or a light whiskey to pair with this cigar. Now go out and get some before we smoke them all! (ooga ooga) Picked on 10/12/2021

Henry Clay Maduro Breva Fina 6"1/2 * 48

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Lately I’ve felt a little rustic and brave. The Henry Clay Breva was picked, cut, and lit after a short walk through the isles. Sporting a beautiful, toothy Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, I got the usual barn yard aroma and tastes on the first few puffs. The first inch and a half gives you a great blast of chewy thick smoke and a very earth-dominate flavor. Loving the way this is going, I happily kept puffing and half way in I started experiencing a complexity and a familiar switch. I picked up funnel cake sweetness and flavors for only a few puffs. It then changed to a robust coffee with a slight cream touch on the retro hale. Getting to the end (as the strength picks up a little bit to match the body), it changed back to how it started. A lot of earth, hay and barn like aroma with a little nuttiness mixed in. As I put the nub down I must say this is a spectacular budget friendly smoke for anyone. I will note, I had only water to drink with this review. Adding a whiskey or bourbon to this cigar would only enhance the flavors. Cheers and enjoy! Picked on 09/21/2021

Emperors Cut Natural Pleasure Grand Robusto 5"1/2 * 56

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

When smoking something new to me, I like to do as little research as possible. When I discovered the Emperor’s Cut Natural Pleasure, I embraced it as a challenge since I knew very little about the brand and had never had one before. So let’s get this thing started! Cutting the cap and giving it a dry test puff gave me some fruit and raw honey notes. At first light it has a robust coffee-like hint with a little bit of nutmeg. That flavor seemed to have lasted the entire first half of the cigar with subtle blasts of a cream-like sweetness. Retro haling is very peppery but does allow you to notice the aged tobacco notes. Noticing that this a straight shooter for consistency, I paired it with a coffee and they go together excellently. When approaching the band, the strength does pick up, while the flavors remain mostly consistent. At about just 2 inches left I called it quits. All in all, the Emperor’s Cut Natural Pleasure had a great burn, decent flavors throughout and will combo good with any drink. Enjoy! Picked on 08/09/2021

Flor de Selva Maduro Robusto 4"3/4 * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

This month I wanted to explore a different country. Honduras has been becoming very popular lately and one of the top companies that has been known for the this regions quality is Flor De Selva. It is known to a lot of people, mostly because of the owner Maya Selva’s dedication to making great cigars. At first look this aged maduro wrapper of this cigar makes it look like a chocolate bar. (Don’t worry, I didn’t eat it.) It has a very earthy cold draw which is pleasant for chewers. At toasting and first puff, the earth and spice is very dominant. It has a great draw and produces a nice foot smoke aroma. Getting into the 2nd inch, I taste bits of dry coco and robust coffee notes. This made it much easier to smoke since I was drinking coffee with this review and made this a very enjoyable experience. Passing the half way point the taste of aged tobacco over takes my taste buds. It had a little bit of a running burn which corrected it self. Flavors and draw has not changed but, the smoke seems to have got a lot smoother in the retro hale. Reaching to the finale inch and a half, it did produce a small bit of sweet fig like notes but was still dominant of aged tobacco. My overall experience was good, it had little complexity but was very consistent and required no relighting. Best paired with coffee or a chocolate wine. Picked on 07/04/2021

Rocky Patel Quarter Century Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

I was excited to give this cigar a review due to the lengthy aging process it has gone through. Also, I’m a sucker for Mexican San Andres wrappers! I happily toasted the cigar and got a blast of dark pepper and deep fig flavors. Puffing down an inch, I hit a smooth leather and fresh cut cedar on the retro hale. Cruising into the half way point I caught a few notes of cinnamon that complimented the sweet cedar tastes. Entering the last quarter the smoke slightly intensified and gave more of a caramel and creaminess that made my mouth salivate. At this point, I had to put the cigar down so I don’t burn my fingers and lips (again). The lingering aftertaste was of dark robust coffee. This is a spectacularly crafted aged cigar. Pairing this with a spiced rum or Jack and Coke would make this an even more awesome experience. Enjoy! Picked on 06/06/2021

Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Toro 6" * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Diesel whiskey row sherry cast toro Day in and day out, we work around cigars. We get questions all of the time about cigars we have never had. So I thought I’d go for something different. The Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Toro fit that void. Removing it from the cellophane, it had a slight sweet oak smell as well as on the cold draw. After toasting and first puff, I picked up some fig or raisin type tastes. Smooth smoke output and did not need my attention to stay lit. Around a quarter of the way in, the sweetness toned down and a oaky taste became dominant with some dry nuttiness. About half way in I was wishing I had some type of liquor to go with the strong wood oak taste. As I inch down it started to get a little bit of a smooth peppery taste and slight spice to the lips. I had to call it quits with a half inch left as the smoke got too hot. This cigar had a great draw and would compliment any drink especially a spiced rum or brandy. Picked on 05/01/2021

Casa Cuevas Habano Toro 6" * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

The Casa Cuevas company has been on my radar for some time, now I figured I’d give it a go. The red and gold band along with the aged habano wrapper is a flawless classic. Pulling the cello off, the cigar had a nice mild smell and after cutting the cap the cold draw had a nice earthy taste. After the toast and first puff I had a super thick smoke that left a nice cedar flavor on my pallet. I was enjoying the flavor but I noticed a slight change on the finish, which now turned into a sweetness that was hard to figure out at first. After about 20 minutes in, the sweet taste has been amping up and throwing me off (in a good way). The smoke is so smooth I can retrohale a complete puff. Then it hit me, it was like my grandmas homemade cherry pie! You can almost even taste the toasted crust and cherry filling. As I approached the last third or 45 minutes in, the flavors are still dominant and I’m loving every puff of this cigar. Now at 55 minutes in, I literally could not smoke anymore or I would have blistered my lips being that I only had less than half of a inch left. Never had I felt a strength kick and I only had to touch up the burn a couple of times due to it burning uneven. This cigar left me highly impressed and I am now adding it to my weekly rotation. Go pick up a couple and try it for yourself! Picked on 03/25/2021

AVO Classic Robusto 5" * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

When given this opportunity of doing a cigar review I wanted to start with something new to me. I had 5 to choose from and the AVO Classic Robusto jumped at me. Due to the lightly tanned aged Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and elegant light colored band, I felt compelled and excited to give it a try. Once removed from the cellophane, the aroma from the cigar had a great smooth aged tobacco smell. I used my trusted Colibri V-cut and the draw was perfect with little resistance. After toasting the foot and taking the first puff, the cigar had a very smooth and smoke that tasted a lot like graham crackers. These flavors continued for about a inch and then changed to freshly toasted bread and lasted for the first half of the cigar. After passing the half way point, there was another change in taste. Now it has switched to freshly brewed coffee and some hints of caramel on the finish which lasted long in between puffs, sometimes longer than 5 minutes. Having really been enjoying this blend so far, the flavors changed yet again (which at this point, I’m thinking I need to buy a box of these ASAP). This time it went back to the nuttiness but had a slight maple flavor that lasted til my fingers started to burn with the tiny nub I had left. I must say, I was very shocked with this cigar by how smooth the flavors transitioned from one to another. I never had any issues with burn nor draw and the retro-hale was smooth with a slight pepper until the end. I highly recommend this complex mild - medium cigar to be paired with a morning coffee, whiskey or scotch. Picked on 03/06/2021

You like what I smoke? Follow me to get notified of my upcoming picks.
FOLLOW