Gabriel's Picks

Gabriel
GABRIEL
FOLLOW
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

Alec & Bradley Blind Faith Toro 6" * 52

Alec & Bradley Blind Faith Toro 6 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Alec Bradley Blind Faith is one of those cigars that quietly wins you over. Between the price point and the incredible flavor, it is slowly but surely becoming a staple in my rotation. Right out of the gate, it opens with notes of roasted coffee, wood, and a touch of sweetness, all backed by a creamy smoke texture that keeps the profile smooth and complex. As the cigar develops, notes of roasted nuts and leather begin to emerge, while the retrohale adds layers of campfire wood and a kick of pepper that keep things satisfying. What really stood out during this review was the balance. Blind Faith never tries to overpower the palate, but it still delivers enough strength and flavor to stay engaging from start to finish. The Honduran Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan-heavy core create a medium-bodied experience that feels rich without becoming bitter or harsh, making it an easy cigar to revisit. Construction was excellent across the board, with dense smoke production throughout the session. Handmade at Raíces Cubanas in Honduras and blended by Alec and Bradley Rubin, Blind Faith feels like a more mature, restrained take on the modern full-flavored cigar. I typically enjoy this with coffee on a quiet morning. Picked on 05/11/2026

Black Label Deliverance Nocturne Toro 6" * 48

92
Black Label Deliverance Nocturne Toro 6 * 48
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
While being somewhat of a “Black Sheep” in the cigar world, Black Label Trading Company has made a tremendous impression on me with their Deliverance Nocturne. Dark chocolate, black pepper, charred wood, and espresso hit right away, setting the tone for a cigar that will really put some hair on your chest. The opening has that signature Black Label grit, dense smoke, and a punch of spice through the nose, balanced by a dark sweetness from the PA Broadleaf that keeps it from getting too harsh. Into the second third, the cigar settles and sharpens. The pepper pulls back just enough to let notes of roasted coffee, earth, and a molasses-like sweetness come forward. There’s a nice ebb and flow here. Nothing feels muddled, and the transitions are clean. Construction holds up well with a steady burn and solid draw, producing thick, lingering smoke that carries the profile without fading. The strength is worth noting as it was at this point that I began to feel the familiar buzz that so often comes from a stiff cigar. The final third ramps things back up. The char and spice return, this time layered over deeper, almost smoky cocoa and a more pronounced earthiness. Strength creeps into the upper end of medium-full, but it never loses balance or becomes overwhelming. Aggressive, strong, and very well balanced, this cigar is a maduro lover’s dream. Be sure to try one soon! Picked on 04/13/2026

Montecristo White Diadema 6" * 52

Montecristo White Diadema 6 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Montecristo White Diadema takes the familiar smooth and creamy Connecticut profile of the White Series and presents it in an indulgent diadema format. The cigar features the line’s classic blend: a beautiful Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper covering a Nicaraguan binder with Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. The elegant tapers at each end give it a slightly different feel than the standard sizes in the line. Construction is solid throughout with a clean burn, easy draw, and plenty of creamy smoke. The first third opens remarkably smooth, leading with cedar and toasted bread alongside a gentle honey-like sweetness. As it settles into the middle, notes of roasted nuts and light baking spice appear, adding a bit more depth while keeping the cigar firmly in that mellow-to-medium range. By the final third, the wood notes deepen slightly, and the creaminess hangs on, finishing balanced and relaxed. It’s a polished, easygoing smoke that shows why the Montecristo White line remains such a staple for Connecticut lovers. Picked on 03/16/2026

Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario 25 Edicion Limitada 6"1/4 * 52

Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario 25 Edicion Limitada 61/4 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Aniversario 25 opens with a dense, chewy smoke that immediately coats the palate. The draw is generous, producing thick clouds with little effort, and the creamy smoke texture is a huge part of the appeal. Early on, the profile centers on toasted nuts, fresh cedar, and a clean, natural tobacco sweetness typical of Aganorsa’s Nicaraguan Corojo. There’s a measured pepper presence, most noticeable on the retrohale, but it stays refined rather than aggressive. As it develops, the cigar settles into a balanced, nuanced smoke. Flavors of roasted coffee, light cocoa, and warm baking spice come forward, layered over a core of earthy, Jalapa-style sweetness. The smoke texture stays creamy and dense, and the cigar hardly had to be corrected. In the final third, strength ramps up slightly, bringing deeper notes of espresso, leather, and charred oak. The sweetness settles, overtaken by a more savory, concentrated finish. The cigar remains smooth and balanced through to the end. This cigar perfectly toes the line between a daytime golf stick and an after-dinner smoke. Perfectly balanced, I think this would pair well with a good lager or some sparkling water (my preferred choice); neither option will overpower the cigar’s taste. Picked on 01/14/2026

Cuba Aliados by EPC Churchill 7" * 50

88
Cuba Aliados by EPC Churchill 7 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Cuba Aliados by E.P. Carrillo Churchill is a cigar with a lot of history. Originally a legacy Cuban brand, it was made by Ronaldo Reyes Sr. and later acquired by Oliva in 2022. Oliva makes their own version of the cigar and entrusted another version to Ernesto Perez Carillo, owner and founder of Casa Carillo, which is what I will be reviewing. Casa Carillo makes this cigar in their Dominican factory, Tabacalera La Alianza, for Oliva. This Churchill features a well-aged Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and a rich blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. The result is a cigar that’s well constructed and flavorful Immediately upon lighting, the flavor profile opens with cedar, roasted nuts, and gentle spice, followed by notes of earth, cocoa, and a hint of citrus. Throughout the firs third, there is a bit of pepper on the retrohale, but not an incredible amount of spice on the palate. The most dominant flavor coming through for me is coffee. Moving into the second third, the cedar and nutty notes become more pronounced a the white pepper takes the backseat. It’s at this point I had to touch up the cigar to even out the burn but it wasn’t canoeing or tunneling drastically. The final third has a pronounced sweet nutty note that carries through the whole cigar. The finish on the palate is not too strong but woody notes are definitely present. Elegant, complex, and satisfying, the Cuba Aliados by E.P.C is a great choice for when you have enough time to be able to fully enjoy a Churchill with a lot of complexity. It’s not so strong as to knock you out while smoking it, despite its length, and the flavor really was nice. Whether you’re relaxing after dinner or enjoying a well deserved break, this cigar delivers craftsmanship in every draw. Picked on 10/16/2025

Red Anchor Commodore 7" * 55

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

CAO Cameroon Toro 5"1/2 * 55

CAO Cameroon Toro 51/2 * 55
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The CAO Cameroon Toro is a great example of how a classic blend can remain relevant in today’s changing cigar market. Medium-bodied and full flavored, this cigar has been well known in the industry for decades as one of the stars in its price point. The CAO Cameroon features an African Cameroon wrapper paired with bold Nicaraguan long-fillers. The balance created between the sweet nuttiness of the Cameroon and the subtle spice from the Nicaraguan make for an incredibly appealing smoke from beginning to end Construction is top notch and, while not being the prettiest cigar, the draw had the perfect amount of resistance. Upon lighting, the first third opens with a warm sweetness, cedar, baking spice, and a creamy nuttiness that sets the tone. Moving into the second third, the profile evolves with the introduction of subtle cinnamon, and a mild earthiness that adds depth without overwhelming the palate. In the final third, a touch of cocoa and a gentle increase in pepper emerge, rounding out the experience with a satisfying and balanced finish. The CAO Cameroon Toro is an excellent cigar — ideal for morning or evening smoke and always incredibly smooth. This medium bodied smoke should be on rotation in anyone's humidor and is best paired with a nice bourbon whiskey. Stay Smoking. Picked on 08/05/2025

Illusione Haut 10 Churchill 6"3/4 * 48

93
90
Illusione Haut 10 Churchill 63/4 * 48
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Not every cigar needs to make a grand entrance. Some win you over with quiet confidence—and that’s exactly what the Illusione Haut 10 Churchill does. It doesn’t rely on flashy branding or overwhelming strength. Instead, it focuses on balance, complexity, and a kind of subtle elegance that reveals itself slowly with each draw. This Churchill-size cigar is longer than your average smoke, but that’s part of the appeal. It gives the blend more time to evolve, and Illusione takes full advantage of that space. The first third opens with clean, focused flavors. Cedar, a touch of pepper, and a nutty, almost toasted quality that sets the tone. The draw is easy, and the smoke is creamy and dense without being heavy. What really makes the Haut 10 stand out is its balance. It leans toward medium-full in strength, but it’s never harsh or overwhelming. Newer smokers won’t find it intimidating, and seasoned cigar lovers will appreciate the layers it offers. As it burns, the profile gradually deepens. Hints of leather, espresso, and a bit of natural sweetness come in—nothing too bold, just enough to keep things interesting. Construction is excellent, as you’d expect from a cigar produced at the Aganorsa Leaf factory. The burn line stays sharp, the ash holds well, and the cigar smokes cool and steady all the way through. No touch-ups, no drama. A great pairing for the Illusione Haut 10 Churchill is a well-aged rum—something with depth but a soft, rounded profile, like Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva or Zacapa 23. The natural sweetness and warm spice of the rum complement the cigar’s notes of cedar, nuts, and leather without overpowering them. It’s a pairing that enhances the cigar’s creamy texture and adds a rich, smooth finish to the experience. Picked on 07/02/2025

IGM 537 Toro 5" * 52

IGM 537 Toro 5 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Coming from the boutique, exclusive IGM Cigars factory in Costa Rica, the IGM 537 Toro is a well-made, medium-bodied cigar that delivers a smooth and flavorful smoking experience. This cigar looks appetizing right out of the cellophane, an oily, red leaf with minimal veins and a solid feel in hand, indicating expert rolling and proper aging. Upon lighting, I'm greeted with a wide open draw that blasts my palate with notes of cedar, earth, and a subtle toastiness. An inch or so into the first third, flavors of cocoa and roasted nuts begin to develop, harmonizing beautifully with a strong undercurrent of white pepper that tingles the nose on the retro-hale. Burning well into the second third, the flavor opens nicely—think cocoa, roasted nuts, and espresso. I get a very creamy finish on the smoke that adds balance, something I can only think to contribute to the Costa Rican fillers. The construction is solid, with an even burn and firm ash throughout. In the final stretch, I found deeper leather and dark chocolate notes, rounded out by a subtle spice. It finishes clean, with no harshness or bitterness. It's a super solid medium-bodied cigar. All the flavors you come to expect from an Ecuadorian Habano, beautifully married, and mellowed out by the premium selection of Costa Rican fillers. I would pair this cigar with a Kentucky bourbon or maybe even an Old Fashioned so that the drink's sweetness can complement the drier notes of the cigar. Picked on 05/15/2025

Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Pyramid 6"1/2 * 52

90
93
Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Pyramid 61/2 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
JC Newman is no stranger to making a good cigar. The Newman family owns and operates the oldest running cigar factory in the United States today. When I was a newbie smoker, the Diamond Crown Julius Caesar was one of the first cigars I smoked when I decided to step it up from smoking Connecticuts. I really enjoyed it and became an instant fan of JC Newman cigars, but particularly the Diamond Crown Line. I'm revisiting it today to see how it holds up a few years later. Upon lighting this torpedo I'm instantly met with strong notes of cedar accompanied by a bit of black pepper on the retro-hale. The flavor really packs a punch but as far as strength goes, I'd say its in the medium-plus range. The cigar has a wide open draw, which can sometimes be a problem for torpedoes. Going into the second third a those pepper flavors are subsiding, giving way to sweet notes of nuts and espresso. The cigar leaves heavy notes of espresso on the pallete, which I found to be very satisfying. The burn needed to be corrected a few times but no drastic canoes. The final third really turns the strength up a notch, those espresso notes getting darker and a return of that spice I was getting on the retro-hale. The cigar ends stronger than it begins, with lots of smoke and dark notes of toast and coffee. I'd recommend something sweeter like a café con leche or a rum to cut through some of those heavier notes with the sweetness. Picked on 11/09/2024

Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Blue No. 2 5"1/2 * 54

90
Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu Blue No. 2 51/2 * 54
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
I have been a fan of Tatuaje about as long as I've been smoking, but for some reason or another I never picked up the blue version of their classic red-banded Havana blend. It's no doubt a good looking cigar; a velvety Nicaraguan Corojo 99 wrapper drape a Nicaraguan binder and fillers, and the patriotic red and blue bands make for an inviting presentation. Upon lighting I'm greeted with cedar right off the bat. Warm, toasty wooden flavors combined with a pronounced hint of black pepper. I can immediately tell that this cigar is stronger than it appears, a common aspect of a good chunk of Tatuajes portfolio. The construction is excellent, the cigar burns evenly and the draw gives lots of smoke. Going into the second third I start picking up on creamier flavors as the pepper settles down a bit, though it still tingles the nostrils on the retro-hale. The flavor of the tobacco is on the drier side as opposed to sweet, likely owing to the Corojo wrapper. Moving past the second third, the spice lingers and the cigar is getting noticeably creamier. The smooth flavors of cream and cedar are complemented very well by the spice from the black pepper. The Havana Verocu Blue No. 2 is a fantastic, balanced smoke, great for a newbie looking to branch out or an aficionado looking for a solid medium bodied stick. I'd pair this with a sweeter whiskey like a bourbon or an Irish whiskey to further balance the smoking experience. Picked on 07/12/2024

Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva GT20 6" * 54

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

Villiger Cuellar Connecticut Kreme Torpedo 6"1/4 * 52

Villiger Cuellar Connecticut Kreme Torpedo 61/4 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
For my review this week, I selected the Villiger Cuellar Connecticut Kreme Torpedo. Appearance wise, this cigar is gorgeous. The elegant white band draped over the silky smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper make for a very inviting presentation. Upon lighting you're greeted with a wave of nutty, creamy aromas. The torpedo has an excellent draw and prduces lots of smoke. Tasting notes of cashews and hay envelope the pallet in the first third. I detected a subtle aroma of spicy cedar in the retro-hale, which I thought complemented the cigar quite well. Moving on to the second third, the spice is fades while that nutty sweetness lingers. At this point in my session the burn needed correcting a few times. No drastic corrections were required however, owing to its good construction. Warm flavors of baked bread and honey are present, and its spice still tickles the nose. The Kreme started strong and ended strong with the same sweet and nutty flavors. A smooth finish of café con leche lingers on the pallet after finishing. This light, creamy Dominican selectionn makes for a great morning cigar to pair with a coffee and a crossword puzzle to start your day right. Picked on 02/18/2024

Excalibur 1066 Maduro Dark Knight I 5"3/4 * 54 

Excalibur 1066 Maduro Dark Knight I 53/4 * 54 
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
This full-bodied toro from Hoyo de Monterrey drew me in as soon as I saw it on the shelf. A dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper contrasted by a gold label, the Dark Knight I is a cigar that looks as good as it tastes. The dry draw gives sweet notes of chocolate that serve as a delicious precursor for whats to come. Upon lighting you're greeted y=by that familiar chocolate taste complimented by a fragrant spice from the Broadleaf wrapper and Nicaraguan fillers. Draw is a little open for my liking, but this stick produces plenty of smoke. Smoking through to the second third, the spice gives way to an earthy funkiness thats classic in Honduran tobacco. Faint notes of spice linger on in the form of black pepper that tickle the sinuses on the retrohale. By the final third that sweet earth taste takes over. The black pepper provides some nice complexity without overpowering the sweet maduro taste. The Dark Knight I provides smooth maduro complexity and stiff strength levels for a toro. A good draw and a burn that only needed to be corrected a few times are signs of good construction. I'd recommend you eat a nice meal before smoking this potent stick and pair with an aged rum to cut through that mineral taste. Picked on 01/16/2024

L'Atelier Surrogates Big Ten Robusto 5"1/4 * 52

LAtelier Surrogates Big Ten Robusto 51/4 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Nothing makes you want to try a cigar like a big red exclamation point on the box? The L'Atelier Surrogates Big Ten is a solid medium bodied and flavorful Habano seed offering from Tatuaje. The first third brings a potent amount of spice, as expected from the brand, accompanied by a faint nutty sweetness. Smoking into the subsequent third, the spice subsides, making way for those nice Habano notes of toasted nuts and cream. Further down the stick, I got some pleasant sweetness and a subtle return of that initial spice. The final third is full of notes of coffee spice that leave a nice finish on the pallet. As a pairing, I'd recommend something sweet like a bourbon or rum to cut through some of that spice. Picked on 11/08/2023

Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto 7" * 50

Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto 7 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Another amazing cigar from Rafael Nodal, this time with the help of AJ Fernández and his Nicaraguan factory. The Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua is an extremely well renowned blend, taking cigar of the year in 2019 with its torpedo size, and this beautiful box-pressed Churchill simply gave me more to enjoy. This Nicaraguan puro starts off strong with some heavy chocolate and espresso notes from the first third, balanced out by a pleasant spice in the retrohale. The maduro sweetness is soon complemented by faint leather and earth notes in the second third. The final third brought the smoke to a close with a rich sweetness, which leaves a nice mild finish on the palette. Construction wise the cigar was near perfect, wrapper leaf in beautiful condition with clear rolling seams and the burn line only needed to be corrected a few times. I’d pair this cigar with a nice cognac to complement the mellow sweetness in the final third. Picked on 09/14/2023

EP Carrillo Dusk Robusto 5" * 50

92
EP Carrillo Dusk Robusto 5 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
I’m a fan of Broadleaf & EP Carrillo Cigars, so for me the Dusk was a no-brainer. The homegrown Connecticut broadleaf wrapper drapes an Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan fillers. The dry draw gives a little bit of chocolatey sweetness but you’re greeted with much more complexity after its lit- including sweet notes of coffee, earth, and a little bit of pepper to balance the cigar. Construction wise the cigar looks fantastic and there’s a nice open draw but the burn leaves a bit to be desired. The second third rounds out the dull earthiness with notes of cedar and leather making for a very well rounded smoke. Between the compact size and robust flavor this is the perfect smoke for a late night wind-down. I recommend pairing it with a nice bourbon to cut through that earthiness. Another tremendous cigar from EP Carrillo at a very reasonable price. Picked on 08/15/2023
Gabriel

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

FOLLOW