Marianela's Picks

MARIANELA

TASTE:	All
HOBBIES:	Reading, running and smoking good cigars
STRENGTH:	Medium-Full and Full

FAVORITE BRANDS

Liga Privada T52

Ashton VSG

Tatuaje Miami Seleccion del Cazador

Eiroa Classic

Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo

Aging Room Quattro Original (Formerly F55)

Fratello Bianco IV 6"1/2 * 54

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It is amazing the way different flavors blend together to create a new flavor with different and unique nuances and notes.This is exactly the case with the Fratello Bianco IV, a tobacco from five countries: a Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper, Dominican binder and Nicaraguan, USA Broadleaf and Peruvian fillers. The contrast between the white label and the dark wrapper makes this cigar very attractive to the eye, it smells sweet and woody, kind of like a wet forest. The first puffs smell of pepper and some dark chocolate notes that make my palate rejoice. The first third is all about mocha and cocoa notes. In the second third of the cigar the coffee flavor becomes the star of the show. Kind of salty and sandy and moving forward in strength, at this point it is a full body cigar. It goes from bold to a subtle sweetness that move the chocolate front and center with some steady pepper in the background. The final third continues to display notes of rich chocolate,. The coffee stay around , and the aroma of the cigar is that of wet soil. The pepper continues being an important part on the mix. I would describe the Fratello Bianco IV a complex, satisfying, medium plus to full cigar. Perfect for after dinner with a dry rum or a nice espresso coffee or if you are bold like me, a cup of java mint Tea...or just because Omar like Imperfect Pairings! Picked on 01/21/2021

Mombacho Cosecha 2015 6" * 52

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A range and Variety of Tastes, good construction, a good looking solid ash, an even burn and of course a good draw are some of the characteristics of an excellent Cigar. It should start off mild and have changes of flavor and strength to keep the palate interested. I was thinking about all that when I decided to smoke the Mombacho 2015, I have smoked some Mombacho cigars before and they were very enjoyable being the Mombacho Diplomatico one of my favorites from their catalog. Featuring 100% Nicaraguan tobacco from a single year crop the cosecha 2015 promises to be a great experience. I would say I had some doubts, you know?. The cigar is pricey, Mombacho is a young cigar company; should I go with something I know for sure I’m going to like? At the same time Claudio is a great guy, he’s been in the cigar business for a long time, he knows what he is doing and the cigar was calling out for me to smoke it. What the heck…it looks great and enticing. Once lit, the first puff was like heaven, very earthy and cedary with a subtle saltiness. I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and creamy it is. A few puffs later a dash of pepper and the strength start to increase to plain medium to medium plus. At some point I taste some sweetness in the background and after 2-3 inches it develops leathery and grassy notes and becomes more peppery, the strength increases a bit and it taste and smell of hay and tobacco. It reminds me of the first time I entered an aging room. The last part is an array of flavors, kind of oaky, definitely the strength is medium to full at this point but somehow still smooth and silky. I have no regrets. Consistent, flawless construction, the flavors blended and play very well together. Beautiful solid ash and even burn line, good draw, Mombacho 2015 delivers the whole package. Perfect for an special occasion or as your everyday cigar if you can afford it. Picked on 12/04/2020

La Aurora TAA Exclusivo Toro 6" * 50

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Making a TAA cigar is a big compromise and a very demanding task. It needs to have the look and of course the flavor of an special cigar. La Aurora TAA is a wonderful surprise for the senses. Aromas that take you to the tobacco farms, scents of rain and wet soil with a touch of citrus. The cigar has a beautiful Ecuador wrapper, a Dominican binder and Dominican and pennsylvania broadleaf as fillers; It may sound more simple and unpretentious that what in reality is. An elegant brown and gold band worthy of an special cigar ornate this stick, a special blend made for the TAA. After lighting it up and taking the first puff a subtle unidentified sweetness take over my palate, following for fairly strong woody notes. What a contrast! this notes accompanied each other without interfering, or without one overpowering the other one. The cigar starts as a medium, very creamy and soft, gaining strength after the first third. Those aromas from the beginning become flavors and one can feel hints of earth and cedar, the sweetness still but it develops some peppery notes here and there, In the last third the strength has increase a bit more but flavor has done it as well and is almost a full bodied smoke. Good draw and a perfect burn…It is a fact, La Aurora never disappoint. Picked on 08/28/2020

Kristoff San Andres Box-Pressed Toro TAA 2020 6"1/4 * 54

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Being the first Kristoff San Andres box press cigar I can surely say I’m impressed with the results. Hands down I like it better than the original round vitola. Yes, this is the same blend of the Kristoff San Andres but in a different presentation. I can attest the cigar is delicious, tasty and smooth as velvet. Don’t get me wrong, the cigar is a solid medium to medium plus at some point when the pepper reach its higher point and the flavor gets full develop but still smooth and creamy. With a mix of light pepper, earthy notes and a sweetness that to be honest caught me by surprised. I was waiting for the wrapper to be predominant here and to apport more pepper to the mix, while this might be disappointed for other cigar smokers waiting for that San Andres to show up in full mode I found it great, both, full body and mild to medium smokers can smoke this cigar and be pleasantly satisfied. Excellent draw performance, the ash is a little too flaky to my taste but it keeps an even beautiful burning line. I would say wood, earth and mild to medium pepper are the predominant notes of this stick. The creaminess goes all the way to the end and it makes the cigar so easy to smoke and so enjoyable that I am sure you are gonna smoke more than one. A Dominican rum is perfect to pair with this cigar but let me know your ideas of pairing, I am open to try them all! Picked on 06/14/2020

RoMa Craft Intemperance WR 1794 McFarlane 5" * 50

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I just can’t have enough of the Roma Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion. It’s been a regular in my weekly rotation since I tried it, packed with flavor, great construction… this cigar is on point in every sense. An Ecuadorian Habano ligero wrapper, Indonesian binder and Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers make the perfect combination for a full body cigar that is perfectly well balanced. When one flavor does not subjugate the others but complement each other. Once fired up you won’t be disappointed. Even though the cigar starts up with strong spicy notes one can feel rich cedar and earthy flavors, hints of coffee and lots of pepper. Don’t be scared, all this is surrounded by a cloud of creaminess which is a delight to the palate. The second third is all about coffee and cedar with a dash of pepper that intensifies on the last third. It doesn’t mean it overshadows the rest of the flavors but it does dominate the last part with coffee/chocolate and cedar notes creating a balance around it. The cigar is beautiful, flawless construction, nice even burn line and it stayed lit the whole time. I’m a slow smoker and I really take the time to enjoy my cigars and I get annoyed when I have to relight a cigar too many times. I haven’t had this problem not even once with the Intemperance. Excellent price…so, what are you waiting for to try it? Picked on 04/13/2020

Davidoff Millennium Robusto 5"1/4 * 50

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Davidoff has been one of my favorite brands for some time now. High quality and luxury is associated with this brand, and one does not always realize all the little details and uncompromised effort that make this possible. The soil, the seed, the leaves, are all meticulously selected, and the entire process of aging the tobacco, making the cigars, transporting and distributing them is as scrupulous and precise as a Swiss watch. I once had the privilege to visit their factory and I have seen first-hand how important it is to deliver a high end product. The respect and appreciation I have for this brand is on another level now. Having tried most of the Davidoff lines, I can say for sure that the Millenium is my favorite. The complexity, the strength and the flavor profile is always satisfying and perfect for my palate. The dark brown Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper creates a beautiful contrast with the pristine white Davidoff label. The Millenium starts with nutty and cedary notes, with some sweetness and some spice that gives the cigar an interesting twist; they compete and compliment each other at the same time. The second third is all about coffee, wood, and caramel, bold but smooth and subtle like a powerful symphony created with the most delicate notes. In the last third the sweetness remains, with the pepper and the nuttiness upfront accompanied by cedar in the background. Flawless construction, perfect draw, beautiful burn line... As perfect as only Davidoff can be. Picked on 02/05/2020

Edition One Cloud Hopper No. 485 5" * 48

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Edition one has become a stapler on my cigar rotation. It impressed me the first time I smoked it and still doing the trick 10 or 15 cigars later. Medium in body and complex in flavor profile, this stick delivers plenty of earth, fruit, floral and cedar notes. Opens up strong and flavorful. My palate encounter hints of dried fruits, pepper and right up front. The party of flavors continue on the second third. Adding to the mix a dash of pepper and the cedar becoming more a grassy note than combine with the fruity flavors make for a delightful smoking experience. On the final third Earthy notes accompanied by a sudden sweetness makes its way upfront with some underneath cedar to give a perfect finish to this cigar. Satisfactory from beginning to end. You would never imagine that such a simple looking cigar is capable to give so much joy to the smoking experience. I pair the Edition Cloud Hopper no. 485 with a cup of Hibiscus tea and it was a combination made in heaven. A whole new level of enjoyment. Picked on 12/04/2019

AVO Unexpected Tradition 6" * 50

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I think the Unexpected series is one of AVO’s best releases ever. l confess I love them all, they are good looking, well balanced… and even though it’s almost a whole new terrain for this brand, which started with the Avo Nicaragua and then Avo Ritmo, one has to admit it has reached a new level of expertise with the Unexpected Series. The Tradition is my favorite blend. It appeals to my sight, my sense of smell and my palate, it has everything I like and look for in a cigar: flavor, strength and complexity. With a mix of pepper and wood the cigar starts very promising. Some vanilla and fruity notes appear to make the smoke a lot more interesting by leveling and adding different nuances to the mix. I can taste sweet and some subtle saltiness that balances and add to this wonderful array of flavors. The cigar is delicious from the beginning to the very end. Satisfying in all of the crucial points: appearance, flavor, complexity and construction, maybe a little high when it comes to the price but, if you overlook that detail it’s very close to perfection. If you are up to experiment with new flavors or you are not into alcohol I suggest to try this cigar with Ginger Tea. It will take you to heaven! Picked on 11/04/2019

Balmoral Anejo XO Nicaragua Gran Toro 6" * 52

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Balmoral Anejo XO Nicaragua features a reddish brown Habano wrapper, a Brazilian binder leaf, and a blend of Dominican Or, Nicaraguan, and Brazilian tobacco. The result: a very unique masterpiece, you can taste sweet, Mocha and some fruity notes that makes this cigar a interesting experience. Medium to full bodied flavors that reach their peak right on the second half. Delivering a blast to one palate, Coffee, Chocalte and a touch of spices, velvety and smooth not to be overpowering but with enough strength and taste to be satisfying. Perfect burning line and firm gray ash. A great smoke without any doubt and enjoyable no matter the time of the day. Cheers! Picked on 10/19/2019

Cohiba Connecticut Toro 6"1/2 * 52

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A Mexican San Andres binder, Brazilian Mata Fina, Dominican, Piloto Cubano, Nicaraguan Jalapa and Dominican Olor as fillers accompany this gorgeous Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and blends to create a mild to medium stick. With a white and gold band this cigar looks as luxurious as its name. The wrapper has a beautiful flawless gold shade, with some visible veins, but they are very small and very subtle. The foot of the cigar exudes earth and cedar notes. Right away I can taste some sweetness and cream with wood and hay notes being the predominant flavors. Then I taste a tad of pepper on my palate, I found the first third is delicious, Very light with notes of cedar and a great aroma. In the second third the pepper increases a bit on the palate, just for a moment before I can start feeling the tobacco sweetness again with mild pepper on the background. Reaching the final third, I got plenty of cedar, playing around earth and toasty notes, dulling away the pepper and playing along with some tobacco sweet notes. Sweet, wood and Cedar are the predominant flavors during the entire smoke. Creamy, Smooth and Delicious are the right adjectives to describe the Cohiba Connecticut. Construction is flawless with a nice draw, solid gray ash and even burning line. Complex and satisfying this cigar can be enjoyed not only for a Connecticut leaf lover but for every cigar smoker out there. Picked on 09/02/2019

Flor de Selva Toro 6" * 52

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Maya Selva has been in the market for more than 20 years now. The company is named for its owner, Maya Selva. Maya Selva Cigars has had a presence in Europe for quite some time and has starting to create a fan base in the USA market. I’m not a fan of Connecticut wrappers but this cigar is one of the few ones I love and enjoy the most. The beginning of this cigar is great. Flor de Selva Connecticut Toro filled my palate with a blend of cream, wood, a hint of pepper, and a wonderfull sweetness that makes the cigar flavor rich from the first puff. One can feel the cream and the sweetness on as the cigar burns through the first 2-3 inches, the other notes move into the background. The pepper lingered quite a bit on the tongue but is never too much, just the right amount. For the second third, I found the cedar mixes with the cream notes in the front line. With some almost unnoticed natural tobacco and mild pepper notes in the background, the sweetness is still there but like the perfect companion of the overall flavor. The last third, I would say is my favorite part. The pepper increases a tad and the natural tobacco notes are predominant now along with cedar notes. The burn line continued straight from start to finish. The ash was tight and solid with a beautiful gray color. This cigar fall into the mild to medium range in terms of strength. I found the body of the Flor de Selva Connecticut Toro started out mild-medium-bodied and becomes a solid medium by the second half, keeping that strength until the end. This cigars is flavorful, along with it’s flawless construction guarantees a joyful experience. Picked on 03/18/2019

Balmoral Serie Signaturas Dueto Robusto 5" * 50

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Two names with a long history and tremendously successful in the cigar world combined their experience and taste to create this beautiful stick. The band is bright red, just gorgeous. The wrapper is oily and kind of dark-reddish. Since the wrapper and binders are Nicaraguan tobacco with mata fina and Nicaraguan fillers I was not entirely surprised the way the cigar started. A blast of pepper takes up my palate followed by a very pleasant nuttiness and coffee notes. For a second I almost thought the pepper was too much but... I‘m not a quitter. The pepper started receding after a couple of puffs. The cigar is more tame and became smoother and more balanced. Some hay and earthy notes dance around the pepper with a sweetness underneath and fruity aroma. I’m loving it, my bud tastes are happy. The final third comes with an increase of the coffee/cacao notes and a tone up of the pepper, not overwhelming but almost like in the beginning. Only this time the underlying sweetness makes the combination more interesting. Draw and burn were good, the cigar was flavorful and satisfying.Pair it with rum and it was great! Picked on 02/03/2019

Micallef Experiencia La Crema 7" * 52

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Micallef Cigars is a new brand backed up for three generations and 134 years of experience in cigar making. Experiencia means Experience and this is what one gets when smoking this cigar. Featuring a beautiful elaborate design band with blue, gold and red colors contrasting beautifully with the oily light colored Mexican leaf. It feels firm without being tight to the touch with a nice nutty and earthy aroma. The Cigar is made in Nicaragua by the Gomez Sanchez family. The cigar starts off with coffee notes accompanied by a dash of pepper. Some sweetness and a very creamy finish. After a few minutes it becomes woody with an increase on the peppery notes, hints of leather in the background. Towards the second half nutty notes are all over my palate. The cigar is creamier and very earthy at this point. Cocoa and leather appears and one can taste some spicy for a couple of minutes but it goes back to be velvety and subtle in the medium strength range, still there till the final third. The leather becomes predominant at the end. The cigar truly is a enjoyable smoking experience: Flavor, complexity, long finish, good draw, a sharp burning line…what else can I say? It has everything!!! Picked on 11/29/2018

Nestor Miranda Collection 75th Anniversary Salomon 7"1/4 * 57

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A puro Nicaraguan created to commemorate Nestor Miranda 75th birthday. Miami Cigars hit the ball out of the park with this gorgeous cigar. It has the look, it has the flavor and it has the name. Everything about this cigar is said to be top of the line : The beautiful white and gold box wrapping the most gorgeous cigars I’ve ever seen. Featuring two cigar bands ,one is white with gold letters and the other one completely gold which highlight the dark corojo wrapper making a very nice contrast and giving the stick a luxurious look. This Salomon shape makes this cigar even more interesting. The dimensions 7 ¼ by 57 makes one look at it with respect, it’s not a small cigar and of course just looking at it one can imagine how flavorful and delicious its going to be. The first third brings notes of nuts, coffee surrounded by a touch of dates and some pepper. The pepper intensifies a bit after the first ½ inch without being overpowering, just completing the whole. Second third the cigar delivers a touch of floral sweetness combined with notes of cedar, wood and some salt lingering around; with the taste of red pepper still in the background. The last third of the cigar is all about nuts, cedar, and a dash of salt with some pepper. The construction is flawless, no touch up required and a perfect burning line ( I would like you guys to see the pictures I took), there’s nothing else to say. Its definitely a must try…for a special occasion or if you have a healthy budget as an everyday smoke...while you can get it, this cigar is worth every penny!! Picked on 10/28/2018

Casa Fernandez Miami Aniversario Serie 2015 L.F. Celine 6" * 56

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The packaging of the Celine is gorgeous. The white and silver band is classy and makes a beautiful contrast with the light caramel wrapper of the cigar. It has a white paper sleeve as well to complete the look of this Nicaraguan Puro. The first note I detect right after the first puff is cedar and some mild pepper that continue for about 1 1/2 inches. After that it becomes very earthy and the pepper increases a bit. Some fruity notes and a caramel kind of flavor tone start to develop in the second third and it becomes extremely flavorful and delicious. By the last third the mix of cedar with some leather and caramel notes close this enjoyable smoking experience. Construction was flawless, draw was just right and the burning line and ash on point. I would say this cigar has the look, the flavor and the complexity that makes a cigar an exceptional smoke. Medium plus to full body in strength this cigar is pure pleasure to the palate. This Cigar is a reflection of the experience and care that Casa Fernandez puts in its cigars. Picked on 10/07/2018

Aging Room Pura Cepa Mezzo 6" * 54

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This cigar is just another example of the quality and care that Aging Room puts into its products. A nicaraguan puro made at the plasencia factory in Nicaragua, the cigar features tobacco from different regions of Nicaragua and it reflects it in the flavor and intensity. Medium to full in strength this cigar does not fall short in flavor and the construction is flawless. Cedar and leather are the predominant notes with hints of coffee and wood, bold with the right amount of pepper it is the archetype of a nicaraguan puro. Flavorful from beginning to end this stick it’s a party for the palate. excellent draw and a beautiful ash to complete a wonderful smoking experience. Cheers!!! Picked on 08/26/2018

Montecristo Ciudad de Musica Robusto 5" * 50

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I have to confess the real reason iI smoked this cigar was because of the name. I consider myself a happy kind of person and Ciudad de Musica makes me think of happy songs and pleasant moments with family and friends. The band is very unusual with three logos on it: Montecristo, Crowned Heads and Ciudad de Musica using black and copper colors in a fairly large band that cover most of the cigar. Simple but strategically done, even though it prevents the gorgeous Ecuadorian habano wrapper from being fully appreciated. To be honest not my favorite cigar band but the name and the fact that it is a collaboration with Crowned Heads intrigued me. The cigar starts as very earthy and cedary with some pepper that comes and goes in my palate but keeps steady in my nose and almost make me sneeze. It’s not overpowering but it is playful and interesting. By the time I reach the second third the pepper has receded and become smoother and the cedar notes take over with hints of wood in the background. The last third is very creamy and woodsy with a very pleasant sweetness and a mild pepper to wrap the smoke. Good draw, well constructed and a nice burn line. No retouches needed. Medium to medium plus in strength this cigar is a must try when you are feeling adventurous and want to give your palate a different experience than your average everyday smoke. Having tried the Toro and the Robusto size I think the Robusto is by far more complex and satisfying and will not disappoint. Picked on 07/22/2018

Avo Maduro 30 Years No. 2 6" * 50

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Avo is one of the most overlooked brands on the market. The branding is somehow discreet..well, except for the Avo Syncro. But even the Syncro is not as flashy and vibrant as the majority of the cigar bands right now. I think that has a lot do with with the type of smokers who look for this specific brand: a more experienced and critical consumer. This Avo Maduro 30 years is aiming for that smoker, the one that doesn’t care about bright colors and flashy packaging but about flavor and aroma instead. The cigar was such a pleasant surprise! Don’t get me wrong Avo always delivers but the smoothness, the flavor and the aroma was just perfect. Enough to activate ones palate without being overwhelming or falling short. Started as a solid medium. Very earthy with some floral notes and hints of pepper underneath in the first third. It develops an impressive sweetness in the second third and one can taste cedar and cocoa that intensified in the last third. Complex but humbled, not flavor explosions but mild transitions. Nice and even burning line, a gray almost white ash. Consistent in flavor, and no relights needed. The cigar didn’t blow my senses but at the end I couldn’t stop thinking how satisfying and rewarding it was and how much I enjoyed. Maybe I’m becoming more experienced and wiser or its only a phase...maybe I’m just getting old, whatever it is: I loved it! Picked on 06/23/2018

Plasencia Reserva Original Toro 6" * 50

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The Plasencia family is well known for its enormous tobacco growing operation and for been manufacturing cigars for other companies, now they are using that experience to produce its own brand. The Plasencia Reserva Organica, a cigar made with organically grown Nicaraguan tobacco is one of the lines they are offering. the Plasencia Reserva Original is the world’s first and only organic cigar made completley with tobacco certified by the Organic Crop Improvement Association. The Plasencia Reserva Original is very appealing to the eye. The wrapper of this Nicaraguan puro looks like a Café con Leche claro. With a delicate aroma of cedar and honey on it. Once lit it smells rich and earthy and starts as a plain medium smoke. A inch into it, I can feel it picks up on strength, adding pepper and coffee notes but with a hint of sweetness leveling out the blend. My palate is really enjoying this stick... This natural tobacco sweetness holds and increases in the last third. The pepper notes fading but do not disappear and the cedar, earth and coffee notes predominating in this stage, the cigar becomes very creamy with a pinch of mild pepper on the finish. Complex, well constructed no draw or big burning issues. I would say medium in flavor and body. Picked on 04/21/2018

Aladino Robusto 5" * 50

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It’s almost unreal how perfect the wrapper looks. As smooth and even as a fancy chocolate bar you might want to eat it instead of smoking it. The Eiroa family proudly pointed it out as a authentic and 100% corojo cigar. I was waiting for a blast of pepper yet I’m pleasantly surprised how creamy and smooth it is upon first light. Yes, it has some pepper but it’s so subtle that it does not interfere with the earthy and sweet notes of natural tobacco; it’s more of a complement that gives this cigar a different dimension of enjoyment. The second third brings coffee and cedar notes and an increase of pepper...by the time it reaches the last third it becomes buttery. The sweetness has taken over and the pepper still there without being overpowering. Developing some flower notes to close the smoking experience. Medium to full in strength with a straight burning line. Gray flaky ash and a perfect draw this stick is certainly a hit. It’s intended more for an experienced than a novice smoker in my opinion. There’s nothing but good things to say of this cigar: Well balanced, great flavor and great construction!! Picked on 03/26/2018

The Wise Man Maduro Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

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What a gorgeous wrapper! This was my first thought of this cigar. So oily and inviting, rustic without being rough, the dark San Andres wrapper is like a promise of an excellent smoke. Dark cocoa, coffee and some leather are the opening notes; I can feel the pepper in the very first puff. About two inches into the cigar, it starts mellowing out, the pepper is almost gone the cigar becomes creamier and the earthy notes are quite predominant. The pepper intensifies again in the final third with the coffee and earthy notes fighting to be the leading taste. This box press cigar is a slow burner, with a consistent even burning line and ash. It’s not as complex as I imagined after smoking its predecessor El Gueguense but it’s not flat either. In fact has interesting and subtle notes of leather and chocolate that are hard to taste because the pepper and the coffee. Overall is an enjoyable smoke. I will be trying the toro size very soon?? Picked on 03/06/2018

Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Robusto Grande 5"1/2 * 52

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It is hard to keep track of one favorite smokes with such a vast selection of brands in the market. When I don’t want to experiment and just want an awesome cigar I always come back to this one: Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970. Bold, rich, complex and well constructed, what else can I ask for? Earthy notes with hints of pepper and some wood and floral tones and this cigar is as flavorful as a cigar can be. Medium bodied in strength but full in flavor, this cigar is like having a party on my palate and my nose. The aroma is of chocolate and raisins with a touch of leather that translates into more flavor and makes this cigar so delicious and satisfying...at least for me. Excellent draw and a even burning line with a strong beautiful gray ash. This cigar is a real gem. Picked on 01/29/2018

Camacho Diploma Limited Robusto 5" * 54

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I just can’t pass the opportunity to try a cigar with such gorgeous packaging. The blue diamond shaped box is stunning and the craftsmanship is something to talk about it but I know...you just want to know about the cigar experience. Let start: first thing I noticed is the pleasant aroma, very earthy and woody. Upon lighting it’s incredibly smooth and what is more exciting is there are no traces of pepper or any harsh flavors. Very nutty at the beginning and developed some cedar notes in the second third with some sweetness in the background. An increase on strength as well without loosing the velvety touch. In the last third the right amount of pepper combined with more noticeable cedar and earthy notes, gives the cigar a perfect ending. It was absolutely delicious. Great draw, great burning line, flavorful yet subtle, worthy of every penny you pay for it. I didn’t have the chance to try the original but thumbs up this is an excellent smoke. Picked on 01/01/2018

Montecristo Grupo de Maestros Private Batch III 6"1/8 * 52

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The wait is overs and once again Grupo de Maestros does not disappoint. The cigar looks classy, the wrapper is even, smooth and once you get rid of the cedar covering the torpedo stick it looks exactly like its cuban counterpart: the Montecristo no 2, but of course I like this one better (personal preference). Upon lightning the cigar is all about cedar and leather notes with some spice and pepper here and there. Wood and hay notes lead the way in the second third with a dash of floral flavors and an increase of the pepper...very interesting. The cigar starts as a solid medium but increases in strength at the end to a full bodied even though it’s smooth and creamy. Nice burn and ash. There are not many different flavors in this cigar but the variation in the intensity of them and the way they are perceived make it complex and satisfying to the palate. Overall it was an excellent smoke, the cigar delivers on every aspect: flavor, strength, aroma, complexity, balance and finish. It is a must try. Picked on 11/25/2017

Alec Bradley Black Market Illicit TAA Toro 6" * 50

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The last 5 years the cigar industry has seen an improvement in quality. You can see how the cigar makers are listening and paying attention to their customers; trying to deliver variety in order to reach and satisfy different palates while keeping them affordable. This is exactly what Alec Bradley tried and successfully delivered with the Black Market Illicit; a flavorful smoke. Not sure what’s the trick in this one, maybe the dual honduran-nicaraguan binder and nicaraguan fillers from different regions but for sure this is a winning blend. Achieving the exact balance between strength and flavor and featuring rich cocoa notes a tad of pepper and a subtle nutty taste to begin with it. This cigar is delicious. Hints of cedar and woodsy flavors come and go towards the second third and intensify when approaching the last third. Even burn with a gray flaky ash that doesn’t hold for more than half an inch but who cares when a cigar is this tasty. Picked on 11/06/2017

Liga Undercrown Sungrown Belicoso 6" * 52

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This cigar features a beautiful oily Ecuadorian Sumatra sun grown wrapper with a nice reddish hue, inviting and attractive to the eye. The cigar smells of earth and cocoa butter. Upon lightning I detect a floral scent and some zesty notes with hints of pepper here and there. The second third, a dash of citrus and spice with an increase of the cocoa butter/chocolate flavors make a great combination and create a more interesting smoking experience. Last third the sweetness is all gone and one can taste natural tobacco and some black pepper as predominant notes. Great burning with a gorgeous grey ash, excellent draw. Medium to medium plus on strength this cigar is a good addition to the Undercrown family and without hesitation I can say it’s my favorite of them all. Picked on 10/15/2017

La Palina 2017 Goldie Toro 6" * 52

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There's something about the Goldie, it looks classic, the light brown shade wrapper is smooth and even, it is flawless! And the gold band just adds more elegance to this stick. Upon lightning it up my first impression are waves of cedar notes taking up my palate along with some pepper, not enough to be overwhelming but to scare me a little bit; I'm not a fan of pepper. One inch down and it becomes very smooth and velvety, there's a touch of nuts, roasted nuts to be more precise with a sweetness like cinnamon and earthy flavors alternating and combining...of course I'm loving it. In the last third all these flavors toned down and is all about wood and pepper not as much as the beginning but it is there and I don't mind at all, since I can still taste some of the previous notes. Medium to medium plus in strength, perfect draw and a perfect burning line with a grayish beautiful ash. The cigar lives up to its reputation of being something special. I don't know if the history and mystery surrounding this cigar (which I love) influenced my appreciation of it but I truly enjoyed it and can't wait to smoke it again tonight. I'll keep you guys posted! Picked on 08/13/2017

Kristoff Maduro Robusto 5"1/2 * 54

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Sit down, take your time and enjoy this cigar . With a rustic look this cigar is beautiful enough to catch the eye, to stand out by itself. The cigar features a pigtail cap and a closed kind of shaggy foot. It's safe to say this is my favorite Kristoff ever. First impression is of strong chocolate and coffee flavor accompanied by some leather notes and a wonderful sweetness. Very creamy and developing some earthy and caramel notes in the second third. Consistently flavorful and complex, the cigar developed some spice in the last third. The Brazilian wrapper makes a wonderful pair with the Dominican binder and the Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. Construction wise the cigar has a good draw a solid gray ash and an even burning line. I smoked this one way down to the nub and enjoyed every bit of it. Picked on 07/23/2017

La Gran Llave Maduro Robusto 5" * 54

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This is a great looking stick for sure and it screams quality. The gorgeous colorful double band contrasting with the dark wrapper makes the cigar visually delicious. The smells of cedar, coffee and earth makes it absolutely irresistible for me. You can tell this cigar is the result of experience and knowledge working together. Michael Argenti and AJ Fernandez are the geniuses behind La Gran Llave and it's all about great quality and amazing flavors. Upon lighting I could feel how all these flavors would come and go playing with my palate. Coffee and cedar alternating with some earthy notes and a touch of sweetness make this cigar a very flavorful experience. The right amount of spice and a dash of pepper complete the perfect symphony of flavors making for an impressive performance. Construction is flawless and the cigar smokes perfect from beginning to end. Cold draw, even burning line and a firm, almost white ash. Full flavor, medium to medium plus in strength, this box press shaped cigar is definitely one you have to try. Picked on 07/09/2017

H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Churchill 7" * 54

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There's no doubt AJ Fernandez is the hottest cigar blender right now. Every blend is different than the previous and each line has his own personalized flavor profile. This cigar is a complete change from the traditional H Upman cigar, the bright colors in the packaging have been designed to attract a younger audience and a more modern smoker. Flavor wise this cigar is a gem, coffee and cedar are the predominant notes with a subtle nuttiness in the retrohale and a hint of spice. Medium to full in strength and flawless construction, solid ash, easy draw. The price point of an everyday smoke with the quality of a high end cigar...what else can one ask? Picked on 06/18/2017

Nat Sherman Timeless Supreme 749 Churchill 7" * 49

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Nat sherman cigars is synonym of classic luxury and this box press Vitola is not the exception. cigar is all about subtleness, without being excessively ornate you can tell it's a great smoke at first sight. Starting with some cocoa and very strong chocolate notes with a hint of spice and delivering some wood and fruity flavors later on. The flavors evolved from subtle to medium and finish with a strong natural tobacco combined with wood and cedar. A beautiful even burning line and gray ash. I liked to imagine this is the type of cigar my grandfather used to smoke, no false promises but great without being pretentious. Picked on 04/30/2017

Montecristo Crafted by AJ Fernandez Toro 6" * 50

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There's no doubt AJ Fernandez has a magic touch when it comes to creating fine cigars. Once and again you see the results of his craftsmanship in this new collaboration with Montecristo. This beautiful box press is bold and flavorful. An Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Mexican San Andres binder and fillers from Nicaragua, USA, and Honduras perfectly blend and complement each other resulting in a flawless smoke. A very simple but elegant look, this vitola truly is a work of art. This full bodied cigar started out with coffee and dark chocolate notes, adding some leather and spice later on. Strong enough to satisfy a full bodied smoker but smooth and velvety enough to be appreciated for smokers who prefer a lighter smoke. Impeccable construction, firm ash and no need to relight. This cigar is a must to try!! Picked on 04/09/2017

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

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One of the oldest brands in the cigar market, Henry Clay is all about quality and consistency. A Connecticut broadleaf wrapper with a Dominican binder and Brazilian and Dominican fillers; this cigar is the epitome of a good full flavor but smooth cigar. It opens up with very earthy notes with some leather in the background in a medium bodied strength range in the first third. Some spice appears in the second third with the leather notes becoming more noticeable but not losing any of its creaminess. Very rich and creamy in the final third with a dash of spice and pepper that combined with the earthy flavors makes this a very satisfying smoke. Henry Clay is not about novelty but quality and a well made cigar. Perfect draw, nice gray ash and a flavor consistency hard to find in other brands...maybe that's the reason this brand still around after so many years. Picked on 03/26/2017

La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Robusto 5" * 52

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I'm obsessed with this stick and I just can't stop smoking it. This cigar is packed with flavor that is complex from the very beginning to the end. This is a nice looking cigar that immediately catches the eye, with a rough and oily medium brown wrapper that smells of dark cocoa and leather. Medium to full in strength with a combination of leather, cocoa, nuts, and cedar interacting and playing alongside ones palate and nose. Going from medium strength and picking up to end as a full bodied smoke. Perfect draw with a grey almost white ash. I must say the partnership between La Palina and AJ Fernandez smells like success. Picked on 02/26/2017

Montecristo Espada Guard 6" * 50

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When Plasencia and Grupo de Maestros join forces one can be sure the result is going to be outstanding. This all nicaraguan cigar has everything you could ask for: look, impeccable construction, flavor and complexity. You will find so many flavors alternating and playing all together. Cocoa, pepper, spice and predominantly leather in the first third; coffee and almond notes in the background of the second half that take over in the last third. All these flavors work beautifully together creating an unforgettable cigar. Nice draw and an even burning line makes this full bodied cigar a winner and a must have for all cigar lovers. Picked on 02/12/2017

Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo Azarosa 4"1/2 * 52

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It's always quite a pleasure to smoke an Antaño Dark Corojo. I tried it for the first time a few years ago and my opinion about this stick hasn't changed even a bit: it is a wonderful smoke! The dark wrapper with a black and gold band is very good looking and enticing. Once it's lit you're hit with cedar and chocolate flavors, then leather notes appearing in the second third mixed with a bit of spice. Espresso and chocolate are the predominant flavors but you can taste some caramel and fruity tones in the background as well. It's bold and powerful but not aggressive to the palate,very satisfying. This cigar gives you everything a good cigar is supposed to: power, flavor, aroma, a nice strong ash, an even burning line and an excellent price. What more could you ask for? Picked on 01/22/2017

Flor de Selva No. 20 Lancero 7" * 38

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To celebrate 20 years in the cigar business is a huge achievement, but when you are a woman in a man's world, this is an even bigger accomplishment and it's even more satisfying. Maya know the business for sure but most importantly...she knows about cigars. Flor de Selva no. 20 is a celebratory cigar and a must to try for all lancero fans. The light colored habano wrapper looks smooth, soft, shiny, and smells of cedar and sweet raisins. The first third is earthy with some coffee notes and a nutty essence playing around the palate and this subtle sweetness that comes and goes... In the second third cedary and leathery notes are the predominant flavors with some spice that increases in the last third, making the leathery notes to come upfront and the wood to recede a little. I'm very impressed!! This cigar had a perfect burning line, a great strong ash for a Lancero size, excellent draw and no relights needed. Medium in strength but medium to full bodied in flavor. A Honduran puro that hits you right in the palate. You won't be disappointed! Picked on 01/08/2017

San Cristobal Quintessence Epicure 6" * 52

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Hands down this cigar has one of the most beautiful bands in the cigar world. When combined with a gorgeous Ecuadorian habano leaf the contrast for sure is gonna catch the eye. It's becoming a tradition for Ashton to give us the gift of a special release right before Christmas; a new special blend that is always on point and this year is no different. Medium to full in strength this cigar is extremely flavorful, with the right amount of spice to make it interesting without being overpowering. Starting with rich coffee notes alternating all the way with milk chocolate and an almost indescriptible floral sweetness. An excellent smoke from the beginning to the very end, nice ash more on the flaky side but with an even burn line. I highly recommend this new addition of the San Cristobal line, is the perfect cigar to bond with friends. Picked on 01/01/2017

Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generacion V Salomon 7" * 58

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This cigar is a result of the blend of Nicaraguan tobacco from 4 different regions and the work of five people looking for perfection. Certainly it is more than just another gorgeous cigar. You can tell just from first glance this cigar is something else...the hexagonal shape, the beautiful label, and box; talk about luxury at its best. The tobacco used for the Alma Fuerte blend has been aged for almost 9 years and it reflects on the flavor: leathery with strong dark cocoa notes that intensify around the second third. A dash of pepper to remind us it's a Nicaraguan puro without being overwhelming. In the last third hints of coffee and walnuts give this wonderful smoke the perfect closing to leave the smoker satisfied and wanting to smoke it again. A strong almost white ash and even burning line combined with great flavor complexity and solid construction; talk about excellent quality and attention to detail. Even though this stick has a high price point it is worthy to have a place in your humidor for those occasions when you need a truly special smoke. Picked on 11/25/2016

La Palina Mr. Sam Toro 6" * 50

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This cigar has truly become one of my favorites. Visually it is classy and inviting, the dark wrapper, and the gold band contrasts beautifully and makes me dream of romance, poetry, and true love. The Ecuador wrapper blends perfectly with the Nicaraguan binder and filler, the result is a very tasty smoke with a nice aroma. Lighting the cigar was a nice experience; wood is the first note to hit my palate with a hint of pepper. Followed by a smooth chocolate flavor and an unexpected sweetness like molasses in the background. Some leather and cedar to complete the mix. This cigar is wonderful, it has everything: flawless construction, it's flavorful, has a perfect burning line, and a strong grey solid ash. A great cigar from the beginning to the very end. Picked on 11/11/2016

La Gloria Cubana Serie R Esteli Maduro No. Fifty Four 6" * 54

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I was not sure what to smoke for my review this week, there's so many new brands, lines and sizes that it is really hard to choose just one. So I settled for the Serie R Esteli Maduro, it's been a long time since I smoked one of these series R, why not to try the Maduro?. The cigar band is gorgeous, classic, very attractive to the eye and the bright red contrasts beautifully with the dark brown connecticut broadleaf wrapper. It looks oily but kind of rough; visually it has caracter, and smells of cocoa and leather. After lighting it there's a burst of dark chocolate and leather playing together in my palate, surrounded by some subtle coffee notes, smooth and velvety. Then in the second third I detect some earthy and nutty notes with some sweetness and an increase on strengh. The last third is a combination of earth, leather and coffee flavors. A lot of smoke, a sharp burning line, great solid ash, and great construction. Flavor and strength wise it's a solid Medium. Perfect for an everyday tasty and smooth smoke. Picked on 10/09/2016

Herrera Esteli TAA Toro Exclusive 6" * 52

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The dark, oily, and shiny wrapper caught my eye immediately; so sleek. Knowing the binder is the brazilian mata fina I love...that's it, I had to smoke it. If you think the look is stunning just wait and smoke it, the cigar is great in every way . Flavor wise it is complex and well balanced; woody and earthy with coffe notes that comes and goes, some mild pepper that increases in the final third surrounded by a sweetness found in figs and some zest here and there. Nice aroma, medium plus to full in strength, medium flavor. Good draw and a beautiful even burning line, no relights needed it. Hands down an excellent cigar, Herrera Esteli did it again! Picked on 10/02/2016

Montecristo Platinum No. 2 6"1/8 * 52

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You can tell this cigar has personality. The dark caramel wrapper makes an attractive contrast with the elegant silver double band, it screams power and strength. A mexican wrapper, nicaraguan binder and a blend of dominican, nicaraguan and peruvian fillers, makes for an interesting combination. Once it is lit, wood and hints of leather are the first notes coming around. The wood intensifies in the second third becoming the predominant flavor but one can taste some cocoa and mild peper in the background, The last third is very earthy with cocoa and leather notes as a companion. The cigar burns beautifully with a strong gray almost white ash. Nice construction. For the most part medium plus in strength, consistent, and flavorful. No need to relight something which l really enjoy. A wonderful cigar to be smoked anytime just for the pleasure... Picked on 09/25/2016

Crowned Heads Le Careme Cosacos 5"3/8 * 42

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Dark, bold and flavorful; three of my favorites traits combined in one beautiful box pressed stick. The wrapper is shiny and the cigar feels firm to the touch and smells of cocoa. The first third starts with cedar and leather flavors and mild pepper in the background. Heavy cocoa notes develop in the second third accompanied by hints of cream and a unusual fruity sweetness dancing around and then exploding into a nice mixture of chocolate, cherry, cedar, and leather notes in the last third. Medium to medium plus in strength but creamy with a nice velvety feeling in the retrohale. I'm impressed with how beautifully and consistently it burns, the ash is almost white and fairly strong...no touch-ups needed. Worthy of every puff and every minute spent enjoying this cigar. Picked on 09/11/2016

Casa Magna Jalapa Claro Toro Box Pressed 6" * 50

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Being an exclusive IPCPR edition and in very limited production my expectations were very high. I was excited to try it, the caramel colored wrapper and the gold band give it a classic inviting look. Of course the one I was dying to try was the box press. The cigar looks perfectly pressed, slim, smooth, and smells of fresh rain and cedar. Once lit the first third is earthy and cedary with hints of white pepper that recede and almost disappeared on the second third. The cigar becomes sweet with some citrus and lots of earthy and leathery notes on the background. Medium bodied all the way, well balanced, nice even burning line, gray flaky ash, no relights. Overall this stick is on point. Picked on 08/28/2016

Macanudo Inspirado Orange Robusto 5" * 50