Jose's Picks

JOSE

TASTE:	All
HOBBIES:	Watching movies, listening to music, spending time with family, reading, writing, photography
STRENGTH:	Any

FAVORITE BRANDS

Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real

Liga Privada Unicos

Davidoff 702 Series

Punch Natural Double Corona 6"3/4 * 48

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The Punch Natural Double Corona is a pretty straight forward cigar. And often times, it’s what I’m looking for in a cigar. No eclectic notes of “buttered blueberry muffins,” “rum spice,” or “autumnal candy corn.” Just warm tobacco sweetness. And this long, lean stick has it in spades! Its rustic, reddish Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrapper had a bit of plume on the body. Prior to lighting, I did pick up some grassy notes along with the sweetness. As this double corona burned, the tobacco sweetness dominated but it was accompanied by faint notes of baker’s spice. As for the draw it was tight. Too tight for me. I had to work really hard to bring the air through this long body. It is why I typically stay away from cigars that are longer than six inches. However, the burn was sharp, but the ash leaned towards the dark side. Overall, this is a one-dimensional cigar, which is just fine if you’re anything like me and enjoy the soothing, soulful warmth that comes from tobacco aroma. As for strength, it started medium and creeped up to full without being overpowering. The only issue was the draw. However, it did loosen up at the halfway mark. Next time, I’ll choose their robusto or Rothschild. I’d pair it with an espresso (Cuban-style, aka colada). Picked on 11/06/2023

El Mago El Cubano Toro Tubo 6" * 52

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So, I happened to attend the El Mago cigars event at Neptune Cigars. While there, I had the great pleasure to meet new-kid-on-the-cigar-block, Nicholas Fusco, founder and owner of El Mago cigars. Nick and El Mago cigars have a unique and touching origin story that not only transcends generations, but it also connects Cuba, Miami, and Czechoslovakia! You read that right. If you go to El Mago’s website, you can read the entire story (and I suggest you do). Onto the El Cubano cigar. The cigar’s aluminum tube is decorated with the Cuban flag and a palm tree with an island in the background representing Cuba. The cigar itself sports a smooth warm, light-tan USA Connecticut Shade wrapper. A pigtail caps off the cigar to give it a Cubanesque look. The cigar’s body was firm with a little give. A soothing sweetness aroma came off the body. Once lit, I picked up faint notes of baker’s spice, but the sweetness stood out. In the second third, the sweetness stayed the course, but I was able to detect coffee and earthy notes. The finish was creamy and somewhere between short and long. The retro-hale was slightly peppery. The burn was on point and the draw was effortless. The final third was all sweetness with a deep tobacco aroma. Overall, the El Mago El Cubano cigar is an excellent choice if you are looking for a smooth, creamy cigar at a wallet-friendly price. Pair it with a coffee, café Cubano or Cuba Libre. Picked on 10/09/2023

Punch Knuckle Buster Toro 6" * 50

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If you have ever worked on a small car’s engine before, you know what a knuckle busting experience that could be (especially the ones in which the manufacturer crams a lot of components into a small space). Luckily! The Punch Knuckle Buster Toro won’t scrape your knuckles or do undue damage to your cigar budget either. Its oily, dark Nicaraguan Habano wrapper was a little on the veiny side, and its construction was a little soft in the middle. Prior to lighting, I picked up a strong tobacco aroma from the foot and body. The first third did not offer much flavor, but I was able to pick up some spicy notes. Into the second third, notes of sweetness stood out. For the final third, a pronounced tobacco flavor and aroma took over. Due to its soft middle, I had to relight the cigar a couple of times, and the draw was tight. Overall, this Knuckle Buster is a good smoke you can enjoy every day without having to keep reaching for the first aid kit. Pair it with a café con leche to enhance its sweetness or an espresso with no sugar for contrast. Picked on 09/07/2023

Diesel Fool's Errand Simple Fool 5" * 58

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There’s an old saying that goes “Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.” But I’m no fool, and I know a good, affordable cigar when I see one. Besides, I have always been a sucker for a well-made perfecto. So! For a second time, I smoked a cigar from the Diesel Fool’s Errand line: the Simple Fool. A soothing tobacco sweetness came off the foot and body of this expertly crafted cigar, which wore a rustic yet stunning Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed maduro wrapper packed with fine Nicaraguan Habano leaves. The construction was a bit too firm for my tastes, but the draw was effortless. For the first half, I picked up nothing but tobacco sweetness, which is fine by me since tobacco aroma is what I love about cigars. The retro-hale was a tad peppery. The finish was long and tingly. There was not much change in the cigar’s profile during the second half, but there is nothing wrong with a cigar that lacks complexity as long as it satisfies you. The ash was salt and peppery, and the smoke output was wispy. The burn was sharp. As for strength, it fell between medium and strong, so I suggest you smoke it after a meal. As for paring, coffee black or light and sweet. I recommend this Simple Fool for the wise aficionado who is looking for a well-made, good-looking cigar that pleases the palate and is easy on the wallet. Picked on 08/16/2023

Diesel Fool's Errand Stubborn Fool 5" * 58

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Most people embark on a Hero’s Journey. For me, I have missed that boat on numerous occasions, and, instead, I have set sail many a time on a Fool’s Errand. So! I guess it is why the Diesel Fool’s Errand Stubborn Fool appealed to me. Plus, I liked the perfecto shape. It is the sign of an expert roller. This little fool had a rustic, dark USA Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper. The foot band’s design was interesting with its old time font. It reminded me of an old Western movie. The cigar had a firm construction, but it didn’t feel like a rock. A warm tobacco aroma accompanied by a leathery note and a hint of freshly fertilized lawn came off the foot and body. Overall, the cigar evoked a warm fresh farm feel. The cold draw was tight, which surprised me because of this cigar’s wide body. The foot band came off easily. After lighting, the draw stayed tight but after a gentle massage of the body and letting it burn the draw opened up. For the first half, the profile was all tobacco sweetness with some spice, and a little grassy aroma. Into the second half, there was little change in the profile, but I did pick up a bit of coffee notes. The main band was a chore to take off. It was like it was tacked on with Gorilla Glue. The smoke output was thin, and the strength was medium to full. Overall, this is a good straight forward cigar except for the draw and band issue. I would pair it with a Café con Leche. No fooling! Picked on 06/24/2023

Room 101 The Big Payback Nicaragua Toro 6" * 54

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The term “big payback,” is usually associated with someone seeking revenge. Not so with Matt Booth the man behind Room 101 Cigars. In 2014, Booth released The Big Payback as a way to repay a debt of gratitude to the people who helped him build his popular brand, namely the farmers, cigar crafters, retailers, and fans of Room 101. In 2022, he launched The Big Payback Nicaragua to celebrate the fine tobacco that comes from Nicaragua. Upon close inspection, this Nicaraguan puro’s dark chocolatey maduro wrapper had a rustic salt of the earth appearance. The cigar was firm with a little give. I picked up a grassy aroma from its foot and body. The cold draw was effortless. The first few puffs were a bit bitter, but once this toro got underway it settled into a mellow tobacco sweetness with hints of dark chocolate and spice. The retro-hale delivered a blast of pepper, which practically cleared my sinus, but it was manageable. However, the finish was thick and creamy. The ash leaned towards the dark side, and the smoke output was wispy with a blue tinge. The draw was all flow no hassle. The spice tapered down, and an earthy aroma revealed itself in the second third. The ash turned whiter as the smoke progressed. By the final third, the tobacco sweetness took center stage accompanied by faint notes of spice. As for strength, this toro started out medium and crept its way to strong, but it wasn’t overpowering. Overall, this is an excellent smoke that should be part of every aficionado’s regular rotation, and it is offered at a gratifying, wallet-friendly price. I paired it with lemon-flavored sparkling water, but you can pair it with anything. So, enjoy! Picked on 06/07/2023

Arturo Fuente Maduro 8-5-8 6" * 47

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Looking for a good everyday smoke doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you know where to look. Luckily, Arturo Fuente is a cigar crafter that offers a wide range of cigars that appeal to just about every palate profile and every budget. The Arturo Fuente Maduro 8-5-8 is a long, lean corona grande with a rustic USA Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper and offers a medium-bodied smoking experience. The cold draw was all flow and revealed a soothing cedar flavor. The construction was firm. The first few puffs offered warm coffee notes accompanied by pleasing vanilla and tobacco sweetness. The cigar’s firmness softened as it warmed up. A relaxing tobacco aroma revealed itself during the second third along with some earthy and woody notes. The retro hale had a slight peppery sting. The finish was thick but short. In the final stretch, the woody aroma took center stage underscored by an irresistible sweetness. In summary, this is a good budget-friendly cigar if you are searching for an everyday smoke from a highly respected cigar maker without having to look too far. Pair it with a dark coffee or an ice cold cream soda. Picked on 04/27/2023

Punch Brotherhood The People's Champ Brobusto 5" * 50

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The Pugilistic Upper Cut Robusto is one undisputed heavyweight of a cigar. Wait! What? April Fool’s! LOL. All kidding aside, The Punch Brotherhood The People’s Champ Brobusto was crafted to celebrate this iconic brand’s 180th birthday. To create the blend and size, Punch asked their most ardent fans, aka The Punch Brotherhood, what they thought would be an ideal blend. They responded, and Punch took their suggestions and devoted three years to developing one fine crowd-sourced cigar. The cigar’s bold, toothy Honduran Habano maduro wrapper is home to a Mexican San Andres binder and filler leaves from Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Talk about a united nation of flavors. Pre-light, I picked up a soothing tobacco aroma. During the first half, I was greeted with notes of spice and more tobacco sweetness. Pure smoking bliss. The retro hale was peppery and the finish was long and tingly. Into the second half, the spice was still present, but I picked up a deep earthiness and refreshing grassy notes. It had a flawless draw, and the ash was dark. The strength started out medium but slowly shifted to strong. I recommend you get the ten-cigar bundle because you will be wanting to smoke this “Brobusto” again and again. Happy April Fool’s Day >>> Picked on 04/01/2023

Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan 6" * 50

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So, with St. Paddy’s day rapidly approaching, I figured I’d fire up the Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan Shamrock. There’s nothing wrong with getting ahead of the curve. Am I right? Anyways, this bi-colored toro’s beautiful barber pole wrapper is made of a candela leaf entwined with a savory, dark Habano leaf. A preflight sniff revealed a very pleasant tobacco sweetness with some grassy notes. The construction was just right: firm with a little give. The cold draw was easy. In the first third, I got a nice creamy flavor with some subtle spicy notes. The retro hale had a peppery sting, and the finish was long and creamy. The tobacco sweetness revealed itself more as this cigar burned. The draw was a little tight. The ash started out dark, but it turned more salt and pepper as it approached the second third. Up to this point the smoke was wispy. Into the second third, the grassy aroma was more pronounced, and the draw loosened up. The tobacco flavor started to dominate. The second retro hale was very peppery. This is a nice slow burning stick. The pleasant tobacco sweetness took over in the final third. Overall, this is a good cigar despite some minor draw issue. Strength-wise it was medium with a little lean towards the full. I paired it with a La Croix Lime flavored sparkling water which was nice since it didn’t compete with the cigar’s flavor. Picked on 03/01/2023

La Gloria Cubana Society Cigar Toro 6"1/4 * 54

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So! What do you do when you are a legendary cigar brand with an ultra-strong fanbase? You ask them what they want in a cigar, listen, take notes, experiment, and execute. And that’s exactly how the La Gloria Cubana Cigar Toro was born. The blend for this cigar was based on the input provided by members of the La Gloria Cubana Society, which is an online community composed of the brand’s most hardcore fans. The cigar is a Honduran puro that features a rustic maduro wrapper. Its construction was firm with just the right amount of give. Prior to lighting, I picked up a soothing tobacco sweetness along with a grassy and earthy aroma. During the first third, warm coffee notes greeted my palate. Into the second third, the construction loosened up a bit, and some tingling notes of spice introduced themselves. The burn did require a touch up, but the draw was all flow, and the ash leaned towards dark. In the final third, the grassy and earthy notes receded, but the spice stayed steady, and the tobacco sweetness became more pronounced. If you’re a fan of this popular brand or been wanting to try it, your ship has come in, but you’d better jump on it because this dreamboat won’t stay in port for too long. For pairing, I suggest a Cuban Coffee, Port Wine, or Dark Brown Ale. Picked on 01/23/2023

Perla del Mar Short Robusto 3"3/4 * 56

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During the long cold winter months and especially if you have to smoke outside, it is not wise to smoke a cigar that’s longer than five inches. So! What do you do? Luckily, most cigar crafters offer a shorter version of their cigars that can be enjoyed in just under 30 minutes. Such is the case with the Perla del Mar Short Robusto. At 3 1/2” inches long and a 56 ring gauge (just shy of an inch), this little shorty fit the bill. Its warm brown Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper expertly covered a Nicaraguan binder and filler. Its construction was firm, and the pre-light sniff revealed a mild tobacco sweetness with hints of earth and spice. Once under way, this little guy offered up some nutty, spicy, and coffee notes along with an overall creaminess. Into the second half, the spice took center stage, but it wasn’t overpowering. The other notes receded into the background. Overall, the cigar was packed tight, but the smoke flowed easily. As for strength, it fell into the medium range. My closing thoughts: if you live in a cold climate or if you are looking for a short flavorful smoke at a wallet-friendly price, then this box worthy cigar was meant for you. Oh! And it is made by J.C. Newman. ‘Nuff said. Picked on 12/20/2022

Laranja Reserva Azulejo Toro 6" * 52

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Normally, I don’t let a cigar stay in my humidor for too long. But! I have always been curious about what would happen to a cigar if I were to age it for one year. According to the experts when a cigar is shipped, it is ready to smoke and does not require any further aging. If you do let it age, those in the know say, it tends to mellow out the strength and some of the flavors. So! Without really trying, I let the Laranja Reserva Azulejo age for one year and four months. It wasn’t on purpose. It just happened that way. I kept putting off smoking it until finally I decided it was time. The cigar had a muscular dark Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper that made it look imposing. Almost menacing. The construction was firm, which due to the aging I expected it to be soft. Despite its firmness, the cold draw revealed an easy flow. At first light, I got a very pleasant tobacco aroma, and I picked up some spicy notes along the way in addition to some earthiness. Into the second act, the spice died down, but the sweetness kept on coming while the earthiness gently faded away. The draw was all flow. The burn was sharp, but the ash was dark. The smoke was thick, and it had a blue tint. There was not much change in the flavor profile, which was okay by me since I love tobacco aroma. The Azulejo is billed as a full-strength cigar, but this one was just over the medium mark. This could have been attributed to the aging. I’m not sure since I didn’t have another one to compare it to. Overall, would I smoke this cigar again? Absolutely! Will I let it age again? Not unless I have another one to compare it to. Picked on 11/22/2022

West Tampa Tobacco Company Black Toro 6" * 52

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I’m always looking for a new cigar to smoke. So, when I spotted The West Tampa Tobacco Company Black Toro, I was curious. But I held back because new cigars from new companies can be risky. However, when I learned that both the company and the cigar is the dream child of well-established cigar impresario Rick Rodriguez, I threw caution to the wind and dove right in. This toro features a rustic, dark Habano maduro wrapper stuffed with Nicaraguan tobacco. Its construction was solid. Prior to lighting, I picked up a soothing tobacco sweetness. Once underway, I was greeted with warm notes of coffee, spice, and an earthy aroma. The burn was sharp. At the halfway mark, the spice and coffee receded, but the sweetness remained. As for strength, it was medium to full which makes it a good after dinner smoke. I paired it with a black tea, which contrasted the cigar’s sweetness. Overall, this is a great new cigar that’s made by a veteran of the industry, and it is soon to be a classic. Picked on 10/25/2022

Foundation Charter Oak Habano Torpedo 6" * 52

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Foundation’s Charter Oak series was created as a tribute to the state of Connecticut and its rich tobacco history. It also happens to be Nick Melillo’s home state. Nick is the founder of the Foundation Cigars Company. So! With its rich history and Melillo’s reputation as a master cigar crafter, I had to have one. This torpedo had a flawless Ecuadorian wrapper with a slight sheen that begged to be smoked. The construction was firm with a slight give. It had a pleasant floral aroma off the foot and body. Upon lighting, I was greeted with a deep tobacco sweetness and hints of spice. The burn was sharp, and the ash had a grey-white hue to it. Into the second third, the tobacco sweetness stayed the course, but the spice tapered down a bit. The retro-hale was peppery but not overpowering. Its finish was long and creamy. During the final third, the tobacco sweetness took over and it was accompanied by faint earthy notes. Its strength was medium, but it leaned a little towards the full side. I paired it with an ice cold Cherry Coke Zero with a splash of lime, which brought out the cigar’s sweetness. Overall, I recommend this fine cigar to aficionados who enjoy a well-made cigar with a fine flavor profile and a budget-friendly price. Picked on 09/19/2022

Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua Toro 6" * 50

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I’ve always been a fan of Romeo y Julieta cigars. So! When I noticed they had a Nicaraguan puro and it was made by Plasencia Cigars, I had to dive in. I was impressed with this toro’s smooth and nearly flawless wrapper. The cigar’s orange band (and box) gave it an eye-popping appearance without being too showy. The construction was firm, and it had a little give. A pre-light sniff test revealed hints of citrus and tobacco sweetness. The cold draw was effortless. Once lit, notes of earth, spice, and coffee greeted me. The citrus aroma tapered down a bit. During the second third, notes of cedar and tobacco sweetness dominated, but the spice stayed present. The draw was effortless. Into the final third, an earthy aroma stood out, while the sweetness and cedar was still prevalent. The strength was medium. I paired it with a coffee black, which served as a background to this cigar’s flavor profile. Overall, the Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua does a great job of showcasing Nicaraguan tobacco. I plan to add it my regular rotation, and I recommend you do too once you try it, of course. Picked on 08/17/2022

Joya Silver Toro 6" * 52

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So! I tend to shy away from limited-edition or anniversary sticks. Why? The price point is one reason. But! When I noticed the Joya Silver Toro, I just had to try it. Released as part of Joya de Nicaragua’s 50 year anniversary celebration, the Silver is available at a very appealing price point. Its dark, cafe au lait Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is adorned with a simple yet elegant band. From foot to head, the wrapper had a rustic appearance. A gentle squeeze exposed a little hardness in the middle. The first few puffs revealed woody and grassy notes and a subtle sweetness. The draw was slightly hard, so I massaged its center, which helped loosen it. At the mid-point, I noticed a barnyard aroma along with tobacco sweetness. Towards the end, notes of spice appeared, but the sweetness stayed strong. Strength was middle with a tilt to full. Overall, this was an enjoyable cigar that’s ideal for special occasions as well as an everyday stick. Picked on 07/20/2022

CAO Session Garage 5"1/4 * 54

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In my never-ending quest to find a great everyday smoke, I stumbled upon the CAO Session Garage. The size fit my criteria: not too long, not too short, and not too thick. It was something I could enjoy in 45 minutes or so. Its dark chocolatey broadleaf wrapper was surprisingly smooth in texture, and it had a little sheen to it. The construction was firm with a little give. The aroma off the foot and body was a little grassy with some earthiness too. When lit, the earthy aroma prevailed, and I picked up some sweetness and a bit of nutty notes. Halfway through a warm tobacco aroma took over and some spicy notes introduced themselves. The draw was easy, and the burn was sharp. At some point towards the end, I picked up some of the earthiness, but the tobacco flavor stayed the course. Overall, this one’s a keeper if you’re looking for a great smoke at an affordable price. Picked on 06/29/2022

Plasencia Alma del Fuego Candente 5" * 50

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Lake Cocibolca lies in the southwest portion of Nicaragua. In the lake is the Island of Ometepe. It is home to two volcanos. The tobacco grown there is highly regarded for its strength and flavor. When I learned that the Plasencia Alma del Fuego cigar contained tobacco from this region, I had to try it. The Candente, a box-pressed robusto, had a nice rustic wrapper with a slight reddish hue, and it had a closed foot. Pre-light: I got a nice tobacco sweetness and earthy aroma off the foot and body. Once lit, the tobacco sweetness became more pronounced from start to finish. Along the way, grassy and spicy notes introduced themselves, but this cigar was all tobacco, which is a good thing. This was a well-built cigar with no draw or burn issues, and the smoke was billowy. The strength was medium with a slight shift to strong. Overall, I recommend this stick to smokers who are looking for a straight forward cigar. Picked on 05/27/2022

Aladino Corojo Reserva LE No. 4 5"x 44

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I was in the mood for a classic cigar, so I picked up the Aladino Corojo LE No. 4. It is a Honduran puro that’s stuffed with Corojo tobacco from filler to wrapper. I love everything about the Aladino brand. From its soft tissue packaging to its old-fashion box design and image of gentlemen in a social setting enjoying cigars, drinks, and each other’s company. As for the cigar, it doesn’t get any better. The wrapper had a warm reddish-brown hue and a slight sheen. Prior to lighting, I got some nice earthy notes with an overall sweetness off the foot and body. The cold draw was effortless and revealed more of the earthy notes. Once lit, this delectable corona offered some notes of cinnamon and vanilla. The smoke was just right, not too wispy and not too thick. Into the second third, the vanilla and cinnamon became more pronounced while the tobacco sweetness took a back seat. The burn was on point, and the ash was nice and white. The retro-hale was peppery. The finish was short but creamy. Up to this point, the strength was medium. However, it made a slight shift to the full side. The flavor profile stayed the course into the final third. I recommend this puro to smokers who want a traditional cigar with a great flavor profile. I’d pair it with a coffee, dark. Picked on 05/03/2022

Tatuaje Cohetes Sumatra 4" * 50

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“Cohetes” is Spanish for rockets. And the Tatuaje Cohetes Sumatra is a shorty that lives up to its name. Measuring just 4 inches long and with a 50-ring gauge diameter, the Cohetes fits the bill for when you want to enjoy a great smoke but are short on time. This little rocket had a lovely Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrapper that was a little veiny, but it did not affect performance. Pre-flight inspection revealed a solid construction and a soothing grassy, earthy aroma. Ignition was effortless. During the first stage, I got some a strong spicy aroma and a smooth draw. The second stage the spice was still present, but a tobacco/vanilla-like sweetness started to show through. Into the third stage, the sweetness tapered back, and the spice became more pronounced along with some earthy notes. The burn was on point and the ash was salt and peppery. The smoke was billowy. As for strength, it was a steady medium. The retro hale was peppery but on the mild side. The finish was long and spicy. Overall, the Cohetes had a nice flavorful payload for a short flight stick. I’d recommend this cigar if you are looking for a quick smoke. I’d pair this with cola and a splash of lime juice. Picked on 04/11/2022

Oscar Valladares McFly Toro 6" * 52

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Normally, I shy away from cigars with large flashy bands and “cutesy” names. It usually means they’re trying to sell the sizzle and not the steak. Personally, I like steak, medium-rare please. However, the Oscar Valladares McFly caught my attention with its eighties graphic design and not so subtle reference to the popular 80s movie about time-travelling. So, I picked up this medium-strength toro with its café au lait brown Mexican wrapper and shaggy foot. Faster than you can say, “... you built a time machine out of a DeLorean?” I smoked it. Pre-ignition, I picked up some earthy and barnyard notes. Once underway, I got some nice spicy notes and a grassy aroma. When the wrapper started to burn, I was greeted with a subtle creaminess. As my journey through time and space continued, the spice tapered down a bit and a nostalgic tobacco sweetness took over. Overall, the construction was firm, and the ash was a solid white. The smoke was thick, and the burn was sharp. I tried a couple of retro-hales and each time I picked up some peppery notes. Into the last leg, the tobacco sweetness stayed the course, but it was accompanied by the grassy aroma. I recommend the McFly to fans of Valladares cigars or those wanting to try something new. No flux capacitor or Calvin Klein underwear required. For a flavorful contrast, I’d pair it with an espresso. Picked on 03/23/2022

EP Carrillo La Historia Parientes 6"1/2 * 43

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In 2021, the EP Carrillo La Historia Parientes was awarded the number one Dominican Republic cigar of the year by “Cigar Lover Magazine.” And I can see why. This long, lean, box-pressed Lonsdale hit all the right buttons for me. It had strength, balance, complexity, and ease of smoking. Its savory, dark Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper had an imposing muscular look that telegraphed its potency. Construction wise it had a little play. The aroma off the body was grassy. The draw was smooth and effortless. Once lit, I picked up strong and imposing notes of spice and pepper, which did not let up. For a long cigar, it had no burn issues, nor did it go out. The smoke was wispy. The ash had a nice salt and pepper look to it. For the second part, the spice stayed strong, but subtle notes of earth and tobacco sweetness made their presence known. Into the final chapter of this family-themed cigar, the faint notes of coffee and coca appeared and helped mute the spice a bit. The cigar’s strength is listed as full, but it creeps up on you. It starts medium and slowly works its way-up to full. While it does pack a punch, its potency does not get in the way of its flavor profile and enjoyment. Overall, I recommend the EP Carrillo La Historia Parientes to aficionados who like a strong, balanced smoke. Pair it with a black American coffee to heighten the cigar’s boldness. Picked on 02/23/2022

Sixty by Rocky Patel Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

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When you want to create a cigar to celebrate a milestone event (like your sixtieth birthday), you had better use nothing but top-shelf tobacco. Well, the Sixty by Rocky Patel is just that. So, naturally, I had to smoke it in honor of Rocky Patel, a survivor and a thriver of the 90s cigar boom, whose passion for cigars is well-known. From its eye-catching, fully-dressed multi-bands to its mouthwatering Mexican San Andres wrapper this stick told me I was in for a treat. The construction was firm but with a little play. The aroma of the body and foot was all tobacco sweetness with hints of earth. The draw was all flow. The first few puffs greeted me with nothing but tobacco sweetness and aroma. Entering the second third, I picked up some noticeable spicy notes and the aroma shifted slightly to earthy and barnyard. The retro-hale was peppery and the finish was spicy. The smoke was wispy. It had a dark ash, but the burn was sharp. Into the final third, the tobacco sweetness came back accompanied by some grassy notes. Overall, this celebratory stick can be enjoyed on a special occasion or just because. I paired it with an Earl Grey tea made of leaves from Ceylon, without milk or sugar, to heighten the cigar’s strength. Picked on 01/31/2022

Crowned Heads Le Patissier 6"1/2 * 44

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I’ve always been a fan of the Crowned Heads brand, and I never hesitate to try one of their cigars. So, when I noticed they released Le Patissier, I just had to dive in. In case you’re wondering “Le Patissier” is French for “pastry chef.” The name alone told me I was in for a treat. Sweet! The cigar had a nice toothy, decadently delicious dark Connecticut broadleaf wrapper that leaned towards the rustic side. The aroma off the body and foot had an all tobacco sweetness with hints of barnyard. The construction was a little soft, but it did not affect the smoke-ability of this Lonsdale. The cold draw was effortless. The first third was all tobacco, and the smoke was wispy and white. Despite the soft middle, the draw was all flow. Into the second third, I picked up earthy and barnyard notes. However, the tobacco flavor and aroma stayed in the forefront. For the final third, the tobacco sweetness crowded out the other flavors, but I was able to detect some spicy notes. As for strength, this stick stayed in the medium range. Overall, this is a good stick that works well as an everyday smoke. I paired it with an iced water and a splash of lemon juice. Picked on 01/10/2022

Macanudo Inspirado White Toro 6"1/2 * 50

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I was looking for a creamy smoke and Eureka! I found it in the Macanduo Inspirado White. Its smooth golden-hued Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper (that had been aged for 6 years) telegraphed that this was going to be a pleasant smoke. The aroma off the foot and body had hints of grass with touches of floral. The construction was firm. Upon lighting, I was surprised by some spicy and earthy notes with a mouthwatering sweetness in the background. For the second and final third, the sweetness became more pronounced as the spiciness played in the background. Overall, this stick had a slightly tight draw, but it did not affect the flow. The burn was sharp, and the ash leaned a little towards white. The finish was creamy and velvety. Strength wise, it was mild to medium. I’d recommend this cigar to fans of the Connecticut Shade wrapper or for aficionados looking for a rich, creamy smoke. Pairs well with a dark coffee or a latte. Picked on 12/21/2021

Plasencia Reserva Original Robusto 4"3/4 * 52

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Typically, I’m not a huge fan of short cigars. I prefer my sticks to be in the toro range. But! I’m always willing to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. It is why I chose the Plasencia Reserva Original Robusto, which is short in stature, but big in flavor. By the Plasencia name alone I knew I was in for a special treat. This Nicaraguan puro had a rustic, savory maduro wrapper, which served as an excellent background to its eye-catching band. Off the foot, I got a nice earthy aroma. The first few puffs revealed a warm, soothing woodsy flavor with hints of spice. Into the second third, the profile shifted a little with more of the earthiness revealing itself and the wood taking a backseat. As it approached the final third and beyond, the spiciness became more pronounced. Surprisingly, the finish was creamy with faint hints of pepper. Overall, the construction was firm, but with some give. The ash was mostly white, and the burn was sharp. The draw was effortless from beginning to end. As for strength, it was mostly medium to strong. I recommend the Plasencia Reserva Original Robusto to the veteran as well as the novice aficionado. I paired it with a cola and a splash of lime, which complimented the cigar’s flavor profile. Picked on 11/30/2021

H. Upmann Hispaniola by Jose Mendez Toro 6"1/8 * 52

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The H. Upmann Hispaniola by Jose Mendez Toro features a rustic, reddish Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrapper. Prior to lighting, this medium to full-strength cigar had a nice grassy and tobacco sweetness aroma to it. The construction was a little too firm for my tastes and the draw was a tad too tight, but neither affected the cigar’s performance. The first third started out as all natural tobacco sweetness with muted notes of spice. In the second third, the spice picked up, but the sweetness stayed in the forefront. The draw did loosen up at this point. This flavor profile didn’t change much in the final third, but the grassy notes did show through. The smoke was heavy, and the ash was dark throughout. Overall, this is a straight forward cigar with no hidden surprises but nonetheless it was enjoyable. I would pair it with a black coffee as a contrast to the cigar’s sweetness. Picked on 11/09/2021

Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper Robusto 5" * 50

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The Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper Robusto is the second release by, you guessed it, Alec and Bradley Rubin, the progenies of Alan Rubin, who founded the popular Alec Bradley Cigars brand. Whew! Talk about a name game. But one thing is certain, the Gatekeeper is one stand-up smoke that doesn’t play games. Its deep brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper had a nice oily sheen to it. The construction was firm, and the cold draw was slightly tight. It had a warm earthy aroma. At first light, I got a copious amount of smoke. The first couple of puffs were spicy and peppery with an underlying sweetness. Into the second third, I picked up some earthy and leathery notes, and the spice tapered down just a bit. The heat loosened up the cigar which allowed the smoke to flow easily. The burn was sharp, and the ash leaned a little towards the dark side. For the final third, the profile transitioned, and notes of espresso and chocolate took the forefront, but the spice was still noticeable. As the cigar reached the nub, I wish I had chosen a longer vitola because this “Gatekeeper” let me enter a garden of smoking delights. Overall, this is a medium-bodied cigar that makes for a great everyday stick. I would pair it with a dark American coffee, and after eating a hearty hamburger. Picked on 10/18/2021

El Viejo Continente Classic Brevium 4"3/8 * 56

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The El Viejo Continente Classic Brevium is a short stick with an Old World charm. I’ve been a fan of this brand for some time. I enjoy their blends and old style branding. I liked the Classic Brevium’s warm, light-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper although it was a little on the veiny side, which didn’t affect the cigar’s performance. The construction was firm, and the cold draw was effortless. Prior to lighting, the aroma off the foot was chocolatey with some tobacco sweetness. From the first few puffs, I got a blast of pepper, which took me by surprise. Into the second third, the pepper died down a bit and some earthy and spicy notes revealed themselves. However, the retro hale was peppery. The finish was not too long but it was spicy. For the final third, the spice and pepper really died down and the tobacco sweetness took over with subtle floral notes. As for strength, this stick was medium to full. Overall, the burn was sharp, and the ash was grey. The draw was easy. I’d recommend the El Viejo Continente Classic Brevium for smokers looking for a traditional smoke at a great price. Picked on 09/23/2021

Drunk Chicken Mother Clucker Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

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When a neophyte cigar company goes by the name of Drunk Chicken and one of its sticks is called the “Mother Clucker,” you know I just had to try it. So, like a fox in a hen house, I checked out the Drunk Chicken’s product offerings and fixed my eyes on the Mother Clucker Robusto. Its reddish Nicaraguan wrapper was a little veiny, but the body’s construction was firm and had a little give. The cold draw was a little too loose for my tastes. Once lit, this chick-a-dee gave off a nice earthy aroma and the first couple of puffs had a warm tobacco sweetness. Into the second third, I got a bit of pepper in the retro hale, and the finish was long and creamy. This same flavor profile stayed the course pretty much into the final third, but some spicy notes came to the forefront. The draw was loose, but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this cigar. The burn was sharp, and the ash had a nice salt-n-pepper look to it. Overall, the Drunk Chicken Mother Clucker cigar is a good mild-to-medium bodied, everyday smoke that should be part of your rotation. Picked on 09/03/2021

Tatuaje Black Petite Robusto 4" * 50

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When it comes to choosing a cigar size, I like to go for something in the 5”x 50-ring to 6”x 60-ring range. But! sometimes I like to try something new. It’s why I picked the Tatuaje Black Petite Robusto (a 4”x 50-ring petit corona) for this review. It is right sized for when you want a great smoke but are short on time. It’s also an excellent vitola if you live in a cold climate and have to smoke outdoors. This little guy with the big flavor is part of Tatuaje’s Black Label brand, which used to be a special reserve/events only cigar. And it received a 92-rating from Cigar Aficionado. Nice! It is a potent Nicaraguan puro with an oily red-hued wrapper. The construction was firm. Prior to lighting, I picked up an earthy aroma off the body. Once lit, I got a big blast of pepper that stayed strong to just past the halfway mark. The retro-hale was peppery, and the finish was long and spicy. Into the second and final third, a warm tobacco flavor accompanied by an earthy aroma took over, but the peppery notes stayed strong. Overall, the burn was sharp, and the ash had a nice salt and pepper look to it. This was a pretty powerful puro, so I paired it with a sweet and milky iced coffee to take off some of the edge. If you like your cigars short, potent, and peppery, then I highly recommend the Tatuaje Black Petite Robusto. Picked on 08/05/2021

Asylum Martes 13 54x6 6" * 54

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According to the song “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “When you believe in things that you don't understand, then you suffer.” That may be true for superstitions, but not for the Asylum Martes 13 54x6. This potent yet flavorful toro offers nothing but smoking bliss. In case you’re wondering, “Martes 13” is Spanish for Tuesday the 13th, which is the Spanish equivalent to “Friday the 13th.” But you won’t need to throw salt over your shoulder to enjoy this Honduran puro that’s made from all-Corojo tobacco. However, you should smoke it on a full-stomach because it is potent. The first third starts off with an unexpected but delectable sweetness that is shortly replaced by some spicy and woodsy notes. Into the second third, I picked up some earthy and nutty notes. Towards the end, a memorable tobacco sweetness took over, but the spice was still present. As I mentioned earlier, this is a strong stick but it’s well-balanced. Overall, the construction was firm, the burn was sharp, and the draw was effortless. I recommend the Asylum Martes 13 for the veteran cigar aficionado who is not afraid of walking under ladders or any other superstition for that matter. And yes! I smoked this on “Martes 13.” Picked on 07/13/2021

Aladino Habano Toro Vintage Selection 6" * 50

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Every now and then you run across a cigar and say, “This is it!” For me, the Aladino Habano Toro Vintage Selection is just that cigar. From its minimalist designed band with its raised lettering to its smooth, café-au-lait brown Habano wrapper and beyond this is one sophisticated Honduran puro. Everything about this stick was perfect. The construction was firm with a slight give. The aroma coming off the body and foot had a nice nutty scent to it like a cone full of freshly roasted nuts that you get at the state fair. The cold draw was effortless, and it stayed this way throughout. Upon lighting, I picked up hints of spice and pepper. The retro-hale was spicy but not overbearing. The finish was long and creamy with some pepper lightly dancing on my tongue. Into the second third, this gentle cigar’s profile transitioned to a nice warm tobacco sweetness with the nutty aroma and the spice playing in the background. The ash was nice and white, and the smoke was somewhere between thick and thin. In the final third, the tobacco still held center stage with the spice receding into a fond memory. I rarely smoke a cigar down to the nub, but I did not want to let go of this fine stick, so I did. There is not much more for me to say than this is another fine cigar from JRE Tobacco. If you are looking for a box worthy cigar that will give you a very pleasurable smoking experience, then I highly recommend the Aladino Habano Toro Vintage Selection. Picked on 06/08/2021

Sobremesa El Americano 6" * 52

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I’m a big fan of things that clash and contrast. It is why the Sobremesa El Americano’s elegantly minimalist band and foot band contrasting against the cigar’s muscular, dark, oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper got my attention. The wrapper was a bit veiny, and its construction felt firm. Prior to lighting, the body and foot had a barnyard and earthy aroma with an underlying tobacco sweetness. Upon lighting the draw was tight, but I gave the body a little massage as I rolled the cigar in my fingers and let it burn a little. I did not get much flavor from the first couple of puffs, but the warm earthy and barnyard aroma was present. However, the draw did get looser, and a nice tobacco sweetness revealed itself. This profile stayed pretty much the same throughout the first third. In the second third, some spicy notes accompanied the tobacco flavor. A strong peppery sensation greeted me when I did a retro hale. Surprisingly, the finish was thick and creamy with hints of spice. The profile didn’t change in the final third, but the barnyard and earthy aroma receded. Strength wise, this stick flexed towards the strong side, but it was not overpowering. If you’re a Sobremesa fan, you’re going to love it. If you haven’t tried one, I recommend it. The Sobremesa El Americano is best paired with a strong coffee or after a hearty steak dinner. Picked on 05/14/2021

Epic Habano Lancero 7" * 40

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The Epic Habano Lancero was one unassuming, but good-looking stick. Its band featured the Epic name in a Gothic or Medieval font style. Underneath the band was a smaller band that simply read “Habano.” I have always appreciated simplicity in style and design and this Epic fits the bill, epically. The cigar’s Ecuadorian Habano wrapper was veiny, and it had a light oily sheen to it. The construction was on the softer side of firm. Pre-light, a warm tobacco aroma came off the body and foot. The cold draw was effortless, but it was a little too loose for my tastes. I was able to pick up a hint of chocolate off the cold draw. Into the first third, this lancero had a sharp peppery and spicy flavor to it. The retro-hale was peppery but not overwhelming. The finish was thick and spicy. At some point in the second third, the flavor profile transitioned. The spice tapered down, and the tobacco flavor took over all the way to the end. The strength was a steady medium. The draw stayed loose throughout. The burn was good. The ash had a nice salt and pepper look to it, and the smoke was wispy. Overall, I’d recommend the Epic Habano Lancero to smokers who want to make a switch from thick cigars to something longer and leaner. Picked on 04/15/2021

Harvester Connecticut Churchill 7" * 50

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Like most cigar aficionados, I like the expensive stuff. But there are times when I don’t want to shell out $20 or more on a cigar. However, I still want a good quality smoke. Eureka! I think I found it in the Harvester & Co. Connecticut Churchill. This is a little-known cigar with an interesting back story that was recently brought back by Altadis U.S.A. It features a beautiful Connecticut shade wrapper, and it is filled with Nicaraguan tobacco. Plus, it is made by Plasencia Cigars. At slightly over $5 a pop for a Churchill, who could ask for more? The cigar was named after a British racehorse from the late 1800’s., which was featured on the original packaging when the brand was first introduced in the mid-twentieth century. It now features a duck in flight. The cigar itself had a fairly firm construction with little give. Before lighting, I detected a nice grassy aroma and tobacco sweetness coming off the foot. Out of the gate, the tobacco aroma and flavor took the lead with the grassiness running a close second. Into the second lap, the tobacco sweetness stood in front with some spicy notes hugging the rail, and a very peppery retro hale. In the final stretch, the tobacco sweetness commanded the lead all the way past the finish line. Overall, this long, lean stick had an effortless draw with a sharp burn, and the ash leaned a little on the dark side. The strength was mild to medium. I highly recommend this cigar for smokers looking for a great everyday stick. For the money, the Harvester & Co. Connecticut is a winner! Picked on 03/15/2021

Alec & Bradley Kintsugi Toro 6" * 52

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Kintsugi is the Japanese art of taking broken pottery and putting it back together using gold lacquer as a bonding agent. This centuries old technique enhances the pottery’s beauty. The Alec & Bradley Kintsugi applies this principle by using the cigar as a metaphor for the bond the joins the tobacco to the cigar artisan and to the smoker. And this stick is definitely a work of fine craftsmanship if not art. Its Habano maduro wrapper had barely visible veins that resembled the lines on a piece of Kintsugi pottery. The construction was firm. A nice warm tobacco and chocolatey aroma came off the foot with a very slight hint of earth. The cold draw was effortless and revealed a little sweetness. Once lit, this artfully crafted toro impressed me with its effortless draw, and chocolatey notes underscored by a not so muted tobacco aroma. Into the second third, some spice expressed itself with the chocolatey notes receding into the background. The retro hale was peppery but it was not overwhelming. The finish was short and a little spicy. As it entered the last third, the Kintsugi slightly transition from chocolatey to tobacco sweetness. Overall, the Alec & Bradley Kintsugi toro was a well-balanced cigar that hovered between medium and full strength. I recommend it for aficionados who enjoy an artfully crafted cigar that delivers a wonderful aroma and taste. Picked on 02/19/2021

Macanudo Heritage Nuevo Churchill 7" * 50

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I’m always leery of cigars with big labels, but sometimes I like to take a chance, especially if it comes from an iconic brand like Macanudo. It is why I picked their Heritage Nuevo Churchill. The cigar is cloaked by a head band, a foot band and a big label designed with an Old-World style map of Ecuador which let me know this cigar had an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. After I carefully peeled off the label and footer, I was treated to a beautiful light-tan wrapper, which had a nice grassy aroma and faint tobacco sweetness. Construction-wise this stick was solid. The cold draw was effortless and revealed a buttery creaminess. The first third had a rich creamy smoothness to it that was accompanied with soft tobacco notes and faint hints of spice. The retro-hale was creamy and the finish was long and velvety with hints of spice. During the second third, the spice picked up a little, but the creaminess stayed on. Into the final third, the tobacco sweetness slowly transitioned into the forefront. Overall, the Macanudo Heritage Nuevo is a mild and mellow cigar that lives up to its oversized label. I recommend it to all cigar aficionados. If you get the Churchill, I suggest you block out at least one solid hour because you will want to immerse yourself in this splendid cigar. Picked on 01/26/2021

Montecristo Espada Oscuro Guard 6" * 50

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What do you get when Altadis’s Grupo de Maestros and Plasencia Cigars collaborate to make a premium cigar? You get the Montecristo Espada Oscuro Guard – a Nicaraguan puro that captures the essence of this Central American country’s finest tobacco. Its eye-catching maduro wrapper has a reddish hue to it and an oily sheen that is begging to be smoked, which I did. Prior to lighting, I was able to pick up a mouthwatering tobacco sweetness. The cold draw was a little tight, but once lit this cigar opened up nicely. During the first third, it was all tobacco with some faint hints of chocolate. The retro-hale was peppery but not overpowering. The finish left a spicy sensation. The smoke was billowy, and the ash was a little dark. The Espada Oscuro’s flavor profile did not change much during the second and final thirds, but that’s all right because it had one of the most comforting tobacco aroma and flavor I have smoked in a long time. As for strength, this is a nice medium-full strength smoke that’s perfect for both the novice and seasoned cigar lovers. Overall, this is a great straight-forward cigar that will appeal to most if not all aficionados. Picked on 01/11/2021

Balmoral Anejo XO Connecticut Gran Toro 6" * 52

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The Balmoral Anejo XO Connecticut Gran Toro is one beautiful cigar. Its smooth, slightly veiny honey-hued Connecticut shade wrapper let me know I was in for a very special treat. The main band and its accompanying footer band has a very elegantly understated look. In case you’re wondering, the “XO” means “eXceptionally Old”. The blend was developed by Boris Wintermans of Royal Agio using carefully aged tobaccos. A pre-light sniff test revealed a rich tobacco aroma with some warm earthy notes. The construction had a nice firmness to it with just a little play. After the first couple of puffs, I was greeted with an opulent creaminess coupled with a sweet tobacco aroma. The retro hale was slightly peppery and the finish was smooth, creamy and long. Somewhere between the first and second third, I detected some faint grassy notes. The smoke was not too billowy but at the same time it wasn’t wispy. It was just right. Into the second third, I picked up a very mellow vanilla flavor that enhanced the tobacco flavor and aroma. In the final third, the vanilla was still there but it receded a little and the tobacco became prominent. The burn was sharp, and the ash tended to lean towards dark. Overall, this is a smooth and easygoing cigar. I recommend the Balmoral Anejo XO Connecticut to the aficionado who is looking for a refined smoking experience. Picked on 12/24/2020

Fratello Arlequin Toro 6"1/4 * 54

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The Fratello Arlequin gets its name from a light-hearted and wily character typically found in Italian comedy theatre. Arlequin is Spanish for Harlequin. But let me tell you, this cigar is no joke. Its eye-pleasing Mexican maduro wrapper was the lightest maduro I have ever seen. Overall construction was firm and had some give. Prior to lighting, I picked up a sweet aroma with a subtle earthy note. During the first act, the Arlequin’s rich tobacco sweetness took center stage with spicy notes playing a good supporting role. The earthy notes revealed themselves a little bit more. The draw was a little tight, but it didn’t affect the smoke. The retro hale was peppery and the finish was a little spicy. In the second act, the Arlequin’s warm tobacco flavor and earthy aroma shared the spotlight without upstaging each other. The draw did improve during this act. As for the smoke it was thick, and the ash was white and dark. The burn was sharp throughout without missing a line. The spiciness receded to the background, but its presence was still felt. During the final act, the tobacco flavor delivered a warm, mellow monolog that merited a standing ovation. Strength wise the Arlequin was on the medium side although it did start a little strong. Overall, the Fratello Arlequin delivered an excellent performance that is definitely worth experiencing again. Picked on 11/06/2020

Acid Kuba Arte Keo #2 5"13/16 * 54

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The Acid Kuba Arte Keo #2 is one of five commemorative cigars Drew Estate created to celebrate their twentieth anniversary. Drew Estate commissioned five well-known Brooklyn graffiti artists to design the band for the cigars and its box, which was made to look like the company’s iconic water tower. The cigar is named after SCOTCH70 who is known for his traditional graffiti style. As for the cigar, it is an artfully handmade torpedo with a dark rustic maduro wrapper that screams “Smoke me,” which I did. Its construction was nice and firm and had very little give. Before lighting, I gave it a sniff test and picked up a nice soothing floral aroma. The cold draw was effortless. Its sweet tip was just right. Once lit, the Keo #2 had a nice mellow tobacco flavor and aroma to it. The smoke flowed easily through the cigar despite the firm construction. The retro-hale revealed more of the floral aroma and the finish was creamy with subtle hints of spice. The burn was sharp, and the ash was the whitest I have seen in a cigar in a long time. Throughout the second and final third, the rich tobacco flavor and aroma took center stage while the floral notes took a back seat. The spice did pick up in the last third, but it was not overpowering. Strength-wise, the Keo #2 is medium with a slight leaning towards strong. Overall, the Acid Kuba Arte Keo #2 is definitely a work of art that truly personifies why the Acid brand by Drew Estate has been a favorite among cigar aficionados for the last two decades. Picked on 10/15/2020

My Father No. 1 Robusto 5"1/4 * 52

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From its elaborate and tastefully ornate band to its rose-tinted Ecuadorian Colorado maduro wrapper, the My Father No. 1 robusto is one eye-catching stick, that definitely got my attention. Typically, I’m not a big fan of heavily decorated bands, but this one seemed to capture the essence of old-style cigar bands without being too flashy or overdone. As for the wrapper, it could not be any more perfect even though its veins were a little visible. The construction was firm with very little give. The aroma coming off the body and foot was all tobacco with some spice. The cold draw was effortless, and the flavor coming through it was spicy. Once lit, it delivered a rich tobacco flavor with more of the spice coming through. The retro-hale had a strong peppery feel. Its long spicy finish danced on my tongue for some time. From the first to the final third, the flavor profile stayed consistent. Overall, the draw was perfect, and the burn was sharp. Strength-wise, it was a medium to full-strength cigar that did not fight the warm tobacco flavor. I’d recommend the My Father No. 1 robusto to aficionados who like a well-made stick that has a consistent flavor. Picked on 06/23/2020

Sobremesa Brulee Double Corona 7" * 54

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When I first spotted this long and not too lean stick, the first thing I noticed was the nearly flawless Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper with its barely visible veins and well-appointed, triple-seam cap. The next thing was the elegant band that sported a die-cut gold crown and the initials “DTT” (for Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust) on the back, and its matching footer band with the words “Sobremesa” printed in raised lettering. Simplicity in design, sophistication in presentation is the best way to describe it. When I slipped this beauty out of its cellophane package, I was greeted with a faint tobacco aroma accompanied by warm pleasant notes of grass, leather, and earth. The cold draw was effortless and revealed more of its grassy base. The first third stayed true to the grassiness and earthiness. The retro-hale was peppery, but barely noticeable. The Brulee’s finish was creamy and long-lasting. During the second third, the grassy and earthy flavors died down and an agreeable tobacco flavor took over. The ash was dark and held to about 1 1/2" before gently dropping off. The burn was on point, and the smoke was white and fell somewhere between wispy and billowy. In the final third, faint notes of leather and earth introduced themselves underscored by the tobacco flavor. Overall, the construction was firm, but with a little give. As for strength, the Sobremesa Brulee is one mild to medium stick that would make a great morning smoke paired with a strong, robust coffee for an interesting contrast. Picked on 05/13/2020

Liga Privada Unico Papas Fritas 4"1/2 * 44

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For some time now, I’ve been looking for a short smoke that I can enjoy after mowing the lawn or while firing up some steaks on the BBQ. Eureka! I found it. Handmade at the La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua, the Liga Privada Unico Papas Fritas is one small fry that fits the bill. Appearance-wise, this little guy has a rustic, muscular, dark USA Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper that is just begging you to smoke it. The pig-tail cap gives this serious looking stick a whimsical touch. As for the construction, it was firm with a little give in the middle. The pre-light sniff test revealed an all tobacco aroma. The cold draw was effortless with some of the tobacco flavor coming through. It was all tobacco in the first third. As this little potato stick of a cigar entered the second third, the tobacco flavor took a back seat and some spicy and earthy notes took over. It was pretty much the same in the final third. As for the retro-hale, it was earthy. The finish was long with touches of pepper dancing on the tongue. The smoke was billowy, and the burn was on point. The ash started out white, but it turned more salt and pepper as the smoke progressed. Strength-wise, I’d put it in the medium to almost full category. I recommend the Liga Privada Unico Papas Fritas to the cigar enthusiast who is looking for a quick smoke but doesn’t want to compromise on flavor or quality. Picked on 04/08/2020

Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan Shamrock 6" * 50

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They say that there is a wee bit of Irish in all of us around St. Patrick’s Day. Well, it must be true, because this year I was lucky enough to pick up the Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan Shamrock. This limited-edition cigar is a unique find because its eye-catching barber pole wrapper uses three leaves instead of two. This beautiful wrapper uses a candela, habano maduro, and a habano seco leaf: all from Honduras. The wrapper is a little toothy with barely visible seams. Underneath is a binder and filler whose origins were not released. I could go on about the wrapper, but to sum it up, it was so beautiful that I almost did not want to light up the cigar. A gentle squeeze test denoted a solid construction with just enough give. The pre-light sniff test of the foot and body revealed a pleasing no-nonsense tobacco aroma. The cold draw let me know I was in for a spicy ride. Once lit, the first few puffs confirmed its spiciness and left a tingling sensation on my lips. The finish was peppery, and it lingered. Midway into the first third, the spice tapered down a little and I started to get some of that awesome tobacco flavor which later transitioned into an earthy note. In the second third, the spice came back but this time it was not as prominent. The tobacco and earth flavors served as a foundation to support the spice. In the final third, the spice did fade away and let the tobacco flavor take center stage. Overall, the draw was so effortless that I had to check the foot twice to make sure this Shamrock was still lit. The smoke was light and blue. The burn was on point requiring no touch up, but the ash leaned a little on the dark side. As for strength, it fell between medium and full. I was hoping the Shamrock would have more complexity in terms of flavor but trust me it did not deter me from enjoying of this exceptional stick. I’d recommend the Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan Shamrock to the cigar enthusiast who wants a great smoke to go with th Picked on 03/10/2020

CAO Orellana Limited Edition Toro 6" * 52

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Like all things that come from the Amazon, the CAO Orellana Limited Edition Toro is a dark, mysterious, and enticing stick. In lieu of a paper band, the Orellana has a dark cord wrapped around its length. Prior to smoking, I unraveled the cord. It came off without a hitch. Although the cord left a slight impression on the wrapper, it did not damage it. Appearance-wise, this is one muscular-looking stick. Its reddish-brown wrapper is dark, toothy and somewhat veiny. I noticed a slight firmness to it when I did a squeeze test. Prior to lighting, I sniffed its foot, and I got an earthy and tobacco aroma with hints of chocolate. The cold draw was tight, and I could taste some chocolate. Once lit the draw’s tightness loosened up a bit after a few puffs and after I massaged the body a little. Flavor-wise, I got a deep, rich tobacco sweetness that was accented with spice. This flavor carried through the entire smoke. The retro-hale was peppery. Strength-wise, the Orellana starts out medium, and gradually builds its way up to strong, very strong. I urge you smoke it on a full stomach. During the second third, the spice and tobacco flavor stayed the course, but the pepper in the retro-haled died down a bit. The draw got looser at this point. The burn was on point and the ash was thick. The smoke was billowy, but not too much. In the final third, there was not much change in the flavor profile, except that the earthiness picked-up. Also, the strength became more pronounced. I recommend the CAO Orellana LE Toro to the aficionado who is not afraid of an anaconda-strength stick and wants to explore Brazilian tobacco. Picked on 01/06/2020

San Cristobal Quintessence Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

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From its artfully designed band to its natural Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, the San Cristobal Quintessence robusto was a joy to behold. But! It was an even better delight to smoke. Its beautiful light-brown wrapper was a little veiny and slightly cracked at the foot, but this minor imperfection did not affect its performance. The construction was firm and had a little give. I sniffed its foot and got a nice hint of spice. After cutting the head, I did a cold draw and was greeted with more spice, but it was not overpowering. During the first third, I was surprised by this stick’s mildness and sweetness. The first retro-hale was a little peppery. The finish coated my palate with a warm creaminess. As I puffed on, a sweet tobacco flavor made its presence known. Overall, the draw was effortless. The Quintessence’s ash had a nice salt and peppery look, and its burn was sharp. Into the second third, the tobacco flavor pulled back and the spice picked up. The strengthen gradually shifted from mild to medium. Into the final third, the tobacco flavor picked up, but the spice stayed true. It took me 45 minutes to smoke the San Cristobal Quintessence robusto, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I’d recommend this cigar to aficionados who enjoy a morning smoke with their coffee. Picked on 12/10/2019

Punch Diablo Stump 4"1/2 * 60

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The Punch Diablo Stump is one hell of a short perfecto that’s right sized if you don’t have a lot of time, but you want to smoke a stick that packs a devilish punch. It measures 4 1/2 inches long with a hefty 60 ring gauge at the foot which tapers down to a smaller and manageable gauge at the head. But, don’t let its small size fool you. Its bold, dark no nonsense Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrapper telegraphed this stick’s potency. A strong tobacco and spice aroma jabbed me right on the nose when I peeled off the cellophane wrapper. The cold draw was spicy, and I could detect some pepper. The first couple of puffs were spicy and strong. The tobacco flavor was there but it was subdued by the spice. The retro-hale was peppery. The Diablo has a long-lasting finish that is spicy. The smoke was billowy, and it had a bluish tint to it. The draw was tight, but by rolling and pressing the body it got looser. Strength-wise this little devil started out medium, but it picked up in the second and final third. Warning! Don’t smoke this stick on an empty stomach. During the second third, the spice settled down a bit, and the tobacco and wood flavor picked up. The ash was white. In the final third the spice came back to the forefront, but it did not over-power the tobacco flavor. I’d recommend the Punch Diablo Stump to the veteran cigar lover. Its strong and delivers one spicy punch after the other. Picked on 11/25/2019

Fratello Navetta 60 Enterprise 6" * 60

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When a NASA employee, who is drawing a six-figure salary, walks away from his job to pursue his one true passion, I take notice. Especially, when that passion is cigars. Luckily for me, Omar de Frias, cigar crafter and founder of Fratello Cigars did just that! For my staff pick, I chose the Fratello Navetta Enterprise. It’s hefty 6” x 60 ring size instantly told me that I was going to be in for a bumpy ride. I fastened my seatbelt and hit the ignition switch on my lighter. The Navetta Enterprise has a nice solid construction. Its dark Ecuadorian wrapper was a little bit veiny, but it did not affect the smoke. A pre-lit sniff revealed a strong natural tobacco scent. Once lit, the Enterprise boldly transported me to a wonderful world of flavor and aroma. Throughout the first third, I mostly tasted the tobacco, but a little bit of sweetness and cedar started to introduce itself in the second third. In the final third, the tobacco flavor stayed right on course without wavering while subtle notes of cocoa and nuts introduced itself. The burn was razor sharp and the ash was mostly white. Having a Nicaraguan filler added to the Enterprise’s strength and gave it a spicy edge. Strength wise, the Navetta Enterprise had all its thrusters on. It was a good thing I had had a hearty dinner before burning this big stick. However, the strength did not overpower the flavor making it a well-balanced stick. I would recommend the Fratello Navetta Enterprise to a veteran cigar smoker because of its strength and flavor. Picked on 11/04/2019

Acid Blue (Remi) Kuba Maduro 5" * 54

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The Acid Blue (Remi) Kuba Maduro is a good stick if you just want a cigar to help you unwind after a long day. The dark, USA Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper was a little on the veiny side, but it did not affect the smoking. The cold draw was effortless. This Acid’s construction was firm with a little give. Once lit, the Acid Blue Kuba Maduro took me on a sweet, mellow trip with notes of chocolate and a slight heightened sense of spice. It was blissful. The retro-hale was a little peppery. The draw was smooth. It hardly felt like I was smoking a cigar. The first third started mild, but as the Kuba entered the second and final third, it picked up in strength. However, it never passed medium. The ash had a nice contrasting black and white look to it. The only slight bummer of this Acid trip was the burn. It started to canoe in the first third, but it straightened itself without having to cut to retouch it. Overall, if you’re looking for a smoke that is nice and easy, I suggest you tune in and lit up an Acid Blue (Remi) Kuba Maduro. Picked on 07/16/2019

La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

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I have always heard of Spanish Pressed cigars, but I have never run into one until I spotted the La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press. In a nutshell, Spanish Press is a technique in which cigars are placed in wooden trays with dividers, and then uniform pressure is applied to the cigars. Next, the trays are pressed to establish the cigar’s final shape. Afterwards, the cigars are placed in specially sized boxes that help the cigars keep their shape. This centuries old method helps remove air pockets and ensures a flawless draw and increases smoke yield. Square shaped, the La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press had a solid construction with a little give. The dark Nicaraguan wrapper’s veins were hardly noticeable. Sniffing the foot, I was greeted with a strong tobacco aroma with some barnyard notes. The cold draw was effortless. During the first act, the tobacco flavor took center stage, and the draw was perfect. The strength was medium. However, it did get stronger throughout the second and final thirds. Towards the end I really felt it. The ash was on point, and the burn was razor sharp. The retro-hale was smooth. During the second act, the tobacco flavor settled in and let the barnyard flavor bask in the limelight. In the final act, the strength increased but it did not upstage the tobacco flavor. Overall, the smoke was thick, fluffy, almost cloud like. I recommend the La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press to aficionados who like a cigar that transitions in strength. Picked on 06/13/2019

Psyko Seven Nicaragua Robusto 5" * 50

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