Erika's Picks

Erika
ERIKA
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TASTE:Creamy, Vanilla
HOBBIES:Traveling, Going to the beach, Music
STRENGTH:Mild-Medium
FAVORITE BRANDS

Montecristo White

La Galera Connecticut

Sobremesa Brulee

Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto 5"1/2 * 50

Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto 51/2 * 50
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The Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto is a cigar that, at first glance, promises an elegant and well-balanced smoking experience. Its robusto vitola is ideal for a medium-length smoke, comfortable in the hand and perfect for a relaxed session. Construction is excellent: firm to the touch, with a silky, light Connecticut wrapper that has a slight sheen and invites you to light it up. Upon lighting, smooth and creamy notes come through immediately hallmarks of well-aged Connecticut wrappers. As the cigar progresses, subtle hints of cedar, nuts, and a touch of natural sweetness emerge, with a clean retrohale and no harshness. The burn is even throughout, and the ash holds well, a testament to its quality craftsmanship. I paired this cigar with toasted almonds a simple but spot-on match. The almonds’ roasted notes and slightly oily texture enhanced the cigar’s soft profile, adding contrast without overpowering it. The harmony between the two made the experience even more enjoyable. What stands out most about the Vintage 1999 is its balance. It doesn’t overwhelm, but it’s far from bland. It’s a great option for both newcomers and seasoned smokers looking for a smoother cigar to unwind with. Plus, its price point is very reasonable given its quality, making it an excellent daily smoke to keep in the humidor. In summary, the Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Robusto offers a pleasant, refined, and unpretentious experience. A calm, elegant smoke that I would gladly revisit. Ideal for: relaxed mornings, light pairings, or as a first cigar of the day. Picked on 08/06/2025

Sobremesa Brulee Wagashi 6" * 50

Sobremesa Brulee Wagashi 6 * 50
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This premium cigar, created by Steve Saka and crafted by Joya de Nicaragua, offers a mild to medium smoking experience, making it ideal for both seasoned smokers and beginners. Its wrapper is an elegant Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade in a honey hue, complemented by a Mexican San Andrés binder and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. During the smoke, sweet and creamy notes of caramel, coffee, toasted almonds, cedar, and a hint of warm nuttiness emerge. Its profile is round and balanced, providing a pleasant experience that is smooth on the palate yet complex in flavors. When paired with a fine Cognac, the sweetness and spicy notes of the cigar are enhanced, creating a perfect harmony between the two. The cognac adds a warmth that complements the cigar's smoothness, while its fruity and spicy undertones enrich the sensory experience. An ideal cigar for those seeking a refined, sweet, and well-constructed smoke, perfect for enjoying during a leisurely afternoon or evening with a glass of cognac. Picked on 06/09/2025

La Galera Connecticut Chaveta Robusto 5"1/8 * 50

La Galera Connecticut Chaveta Robusto 51/8 * 50
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I am reviewing the La Galera Connecticut Chaveta Robusto today. It is composed of an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade Wrapper, with Dominican Filler and binder. This cigar is an excellent choice if you like smooth, creamy smokes just as much as I do. From the moment you light it, it feels super smooth on the palate, with flavors like cream, a bit of nuttiness, and good amounts of cedar. This cigar definitely surprised me with the woodiness it showed. This is an absolute gem for the price point. It's not too strong, not too mild, but just right, making it ideal for relaxing and a wonderful pairing with a morning coffee. Picked on 05/01/2025

Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Desert Rose Belicoso Fino 5"1/2 * 54

Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Desert Rose Belicoso Fino 51/2 * 54
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The Southern Draw Desert Rose Torpedo offers a refined and complex smoking experience. From the start, you’ll notice a silky creaminess, accompanied by a subtle white pepper on the retrohale. As you progress, the profile evolves with notes of cedar, nuts, honey, and a floral touch, making it elegant and well-balanced. The torpedo shape allows for a more controlled draw, enhancing the flavors as the smoke develops. By the second third, you may detect hints of cocoa and sweet spices that remains smooth yet present. This cigar is a mild to medium body and would pair beautiful with a glass of whisky. This cigar is perfect for a slow, enjoyable smoke, allowing you to appreciate its transitions in flavor. Picked on 04/10/2025
Erika

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