RICHARD's Picks

RICHARD
RICHARD
FOLLOW
TASTE:Earthy, Leather, Espresso Bitterness, Dark Chocolate
HOBBIES:Being a Dad, Student of the Leaf.
STRENGTH:Medium/Full

Romeo y Julieta 151st Kentucky Derby 2025 Toro 6" * 50

Romeo y Julieta 151st Kentucky Derby 2025 Toro 6 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
From the moment you pick up this Romeo y Julieta Derby edition, its pedigree feels unmistakable. The wrap is a Nicaraguan leaf with a mellow Colorado hue, tightly and uniformly packed into a solid 6" × 50 Toro. Supplies are limited—just 1,350 boxes in this 20-count run—so it's clearly aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate both quality and collectability. On lighting, the first few draws bring out a balanced mix of sweet spice and dried fruit. There’s a soft cedar undercurrent, giving it a refined woody character—not aggressive, but certainly noticeable. It’s medium-bodied but not timid: there’s strength and elegance. As you transition into the second third, a very pleasant nuttiness begins to emerge—almost like toasted walnuts or almonds—layered under that dried fruit sweetness. The cedar remains, but it’s softened by a gentle creaminess, which smooths out the profile and keeps it refined and not too sharp. In the last third, the cigar leans into a more woody, slightly darker tone. The fruit fades just a little, giving room for a subtle spice to rise—pepper flickers at the finish, but nothing overpowers. The finish is velvety, linger­ing, and satisfying—a kind of slow, polished crescendo The Romeo y Julieta 151st Kentucky Derby Toro is a refined, elegant limited-edition stick that pays homage to both racing tradition and cigar heritage. It isn’t about power or flash—it’s about balance, craftsmanship, and a thoughtful flavor journey. Whether you're lighting up to toast the roses or just treating yourself to something special, this cigar delivers a memorable, dignified smoke Picked on 11/18/2025

Aladino Maduro Elegante 7" * 38

Aladino Maduro Elegante 7 * 38
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Aladino Maduro Elegante hits just right as the days get shorter and the fall breeze rolls in. From the first draw, dark espresso dominates the palate—rich and smooth. There’s a hint of leather in there too, which keeps things interesting and rounds out the flavor. Construction’s solid: easy draw, even burn. The cigar’s bold yet balanced character made for a thoughtfully relaxing afternoon smoke, especially with something creamy like cafe con leche/coffee with milk. Picked on 11/18/2025

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

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

Las Calaveras Edicion Limitada 2024 LC48 6" * 48

Las Calaveras Edicion Limitada 2024 LC48 6 * 48
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
I’ve been around cigars long enough to know when a hype train is running full steam, and Las Calaveras has always been one of those annual releases that stirs up conversation. Some years it earns the fuss, some years it doesn’t. With the 2024 LC54, I’ll say this—it’s not just another band change on a recycled blend. Crowned Heads and My Father actually put in the work here. The cigar feels hefty in the hand—solid, well-packed, not spongy, not tight. Right off the light, you’re met with a wall of flavor: black pepper and a savory, almost meaty richness, like charred steak edges. The Nicaraguan tobacco flexes its muscle, and the balance is right where it should be for a 54-ring stick—not overwhelming, but unapologetically bold. As it progresses, there’s this interplay of dark chocolate, roasted espresso, and a mineral earthiness that reminds me of older Pepín-made blends before they started smoothing things out for broader appeal. Now, I’ll be honest: if you’re expecting a sweet, creamy crowd-pleaser, this isn’t it. The LC54 has some grit, and I like that. It doesn’t beg you to like it—it demands respect. Retrohales push that white pepper and cedar right up the nose, and the finish hangs around with a leathery depth. Construction-wise, mine burned like a champ. Not razor sharp, but consistent and even, with long, sturdy ash that showed the quality of the leaf and the roll. Bias admitted—I’m partial to fuller-bodied, earthy cigars with character, so the 2024 Las Calaveras lands right in my wheelhouse. If you’ve been smoking for decades, you’ll probably appreciate its throwback strength and unapologetic punch. If you’re newer to cigars, it might come across as a little too brash. Picked on 09/22/2025
RICHARD

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

FOLLOW