Mari's Picks

MARI

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

Aging Room Quattro Original (Formerly F55)

Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo

Hoyo de Monterrey El Torcedor Selectos Regalo 7"1/4 * 54

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

I love perfecto or Salomon shapes. The flavor, the burning, the whole smoking experience is different with them and this specific one starts out just as I expected. This cigar is all about flavor, The Sumatra wrapper gives it some sort of sweetness and cocoa that goes really well with the subtle spice from the Nicaraguan binder. Let’s not forget the Dominican fillers that contribute adding earthy tones to the blend. The more I smoke this cigar… the more I like it, I can taste Cedar and a smooth natural tobacco flavor and some…citrus? Maybe, I’m not sure but there is some sort of it. The burn line for the most part is even, I got some sort of wave but corrected itself as I was approaching the end of the second third. The ash is actually very compact and holds for almost half of the cigar. Maybe has something to do with the fact that only the factory best rollers are the ones in charge of making this cigar, and, the number of cigars made is very small in comparison with other lines. Extremely enjoyable, I paired it with a glass of French sparkling water with lemon and Jalapeno slices. I have to say it was perfect. Picked on 11/02/2021

ADVentura the Navigator Pinzon 5"1/2 * 50

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Are you ready to discover “the unknown pleasures of the world.”? Take a puff and explore this magnificent cigar. A harmonious blend of four different types of tobacco put together by the experts hands of the best Rollers in Dominican Republic. A cigar with the right amount of spice and cream, with a mouthwatering intense yet smooth aroma. Right from the beginning notes of almond and pepper take over my palate, the flavor is exquisite. Upon lighting a hint of spice that blends perfectly with mocha notes which leads into a very creamy almond finish that lasts the entire smoke, Don’t get me wrong the pepper gets more intense but not overwhelming, just to keep it interesting with underlying cocoa notes from the beginning to the end, Well balanced and flavorful, solid construction with a solid white ash and even burn. No relights needed, This cigar is medium to full in strength…definitely full in flavor, Perfect to be paired with some nice Dominican Rum! Picked on 10/04/2021

Recluse Amadeus Los Cabos Kanu No. 3 8" * 58

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

When you have an oily Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper covering a Sumatra binder and a filler made of Dominican Republic, Dominican Ligero, and Nicaraguan Criollo tobaccos you would think of a very strong cigar or at least in the medium plus strength range…. This cigar is a box of surprises. Smooth and creamy with a variety of flavor notes that certainly will rejoice the palate of the most experienced cigar smoker and really teach a lesson about flavors to the novice smoker. First thing that caught my eye is the unusual shape: its kind of a rectangle round shape firmly press on the ends with a very long neck and almost a flat head. At first it was kind of a weird feeling to smoke it, but then one just adapt and feel even comfortable in the mouth. Wooden and pepper followed by toasty hazelnuts notes start this array of flavors, very balanced since the beginning to the end and by the halfway point, the profile is velvety chocolate and very cedary. Added to this mix are a subtle sweetness that gives the cigar a nice mellow finish. Medium strength all the way, without construction or lighting issues, a gray almost white ash and a very even burning line. This cigar is fantastic! You can smoke it at any time of the day with a hot cafecito in the morning or a shot of Harry Blu’s Gin at the end of the day…Cheers!!! Picked on 08/12/2021

Nat Sherman Epoca Reserva Corona 5"1/2 * 42

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

No doubt 2020 will be remembered as a challenging year. Covid19 occupied every minute of our lives for the last 18 months or so, lots of business didn’t survive the economic impact of the pandemic. Among those, the Iconic and legendary Nat Sherman international, it was shocking for all us cigar aficionados since the name was synonym of quality and luxury. For ninety years Nat Sherman was a favorite of the American cigar aficionado and one of the most followed and trend creating names in the cigar business. I enjoy the classics. I like reading about old times and traditions. Today I wanna smoke one of those classics: Nat Sherman Epoca Reserva Corona The cigar is a long corona made in the Dominican Republic. A Dominican wrapper holds an equally Dominican binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. This cigar delivers a complexity of flavors that includes cedar, earth, and natural tobaccos with notes of pepper…The Epoca is a very beautiful cigar. The wrapper is light with a smooth soft feel in the mouth. The first third starts off on the mild side with Woody and Cedar notes and a touch of sweetness so subtle that is almost unnoticeable I can also taste some mild spice in the retrohale. The second third is consistently more of a mediun smoke loaded with spice, leather, cocoa, well balance and keeping an overall smoothness to the blend but at the same time makes it very rich and interesting to the palate. The final third, it is only a confirmation that the Epoca is very consistent in its profile. The mild spice sensation and the richness of flavors was a constant. At this point the finish had become long and lingering with a richer and stronger earthy tobacco flavor. The burn was very good, even and I would add that was slow and steady. No need to relight it The ash was gray in color, it was also firm and tight. The smoke volume was very good. The draw, I found it to be light and very easy. Overall, I consider Nat Sherman’s Epoca to be a medium bodied, medium Picked on 06/10/2021

Oscar Valladares Altar Q Toro 6" * 52

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

The Altar Q has a very impressive look. The packaging and labeling are very well done and they tell a story. One about Mayan kings and rulers, about divinity and ancient monuments so fascinating and interesting as the cigar itself. An oily Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper gives cover to Honduran binder and fillers. Very attractive, silky to the touch with some small veins and a small pigtail on the cap. The aroma is a pleasant combination of citrus, subtle leather, hay and some pepper. Starting out, the Oscar Valladares Altar Q is so creamy and have this sweetness mixed with some woody notes, citric flavors, and white pepper giving the final touch to this array of flavors making one palate to rejoice, In the second third of the Altar Q, the creaminess note actually gets stronger, I would say that in this level flavors are more plants oriented. I can taste more cedar and more tobacco notes with hints of salt and some spice. At this point the cigar is a solid medium-plus. strength continues to increase during the final third of the stick, the creamy cedar still there along with the white pepper and the same spice since the beginning. The cigar has become very nutty, the citric notes have receded and its more leathery now. I got a lot of smoke since the beginning, a beautiful even burning line and an excellent draw. Construction wise the cigar is perfect. I could easily smoke this cigar every single day, it is so easy to enjoy, so creamy and satisfying, It has become for me one of those cigars you smoke when you are looking for comfort, when you don’t want any surprise and you are sure at the end you will be happy with the selection you have made. Picked on 03/21/2021

Crowned Heads Mil Dias Corona Gorda 6" * 46

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

Mil Dias translates into A Thousand Days, a reference to the nearly three years it took the company to develop and perfect this blend. This is the result of Crowned Heads’ second collaboration with Tabacalera Pichardo in Nicaragua, along with Don Eradio Pichardo and Luciano Meirelles. Their first release together was Juarez. I have smoked at least 6 Crowned Heads Mil Dias Corona Gorda’s along with 3-4 of the other sizes and hands down this is my favorite size. I don’t even know how to describe it, this cigar is fantastic!! Mild to medium in strength, the Mil Dias allures the palate right from the beginning. The cigar opens up very fruity, almost sweet, accompanied by biscuit and cedar notes. A gentle bit of black pepper touches the palate, bringing a little intensity to the retrohale but just as a complement in the background, I also picked up some zesty and salty notes in the second third. The cigar started off as a mild cigar and after a mere five minutes started picking up on strength reaching a medium at its peak. The last third is as flavorful and complex as the second one, caramel and biscuit flavors blended so well with a mild spice and that subtle sweetness that makes me want the cigar to last another ½ an hour. I will happily say, the cigar becomes more rich and complex by the minute. The burn line was perfect, the ash not too firm or too flaky, just right, Everything in the Crowned Heads Mil Dias is the way it’s supposed to be: flavor, construction, draw, appearance, and fortunately, an excellent price. Picked on 02/09/2021

Fratello Bianco IV 6"1/2 * 54

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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

Appearance

Draw

Burn

Aroma

Taste

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