Staff Picks

Our hard-working staff is busy smoking dozens of cigars, so you don't have to! Each week, they choose their favorite stick from the bunch.
RICHARD GARCIA
TASTE:Earthy, Leather, Espresso Bitterness, Dark Chocolate
HOBBIES:Being a Dad, Student of the Leaf.
STRENGTH:Medium/Full
FOLLOW

H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Sunrise Churchill 7" * 50

(1)
H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Sunrise Churchill 7 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Sunrise is the newest addition to the AJ Fernandez family for Altadis, and it certainly lives up to its name. Designed with the morning in mind, this cigar starts the day by giving you just enough spice and pepper to wake up your palate—because apparently coffee shouldn't have to do all the work. I enjoyed the Churchill size the best. After that initial burst, the cigar settles into a smooth, balanced smoke that is incredibly easy to enjoy. The profile becomes more refined and mellow, making it a natural companion for your morning coffee—or whatever your preferred excuse for starting the day is. While the Sunrise Churchill is designed with the morning in mind, its smooth character makes it enjoyable at any time of day. Whether you're already a fan of AJ Fernandez's work or you're just getting familiar with his lineup, this is one I definitely encourage you to try. A smooth, approachable cigar with just enough spice to get your day moving. Consider it your morning wake-up call. Picked on 07/19/2026
Older Picks
Robert Vallee
TASTE:Coffee, dark chocolate, earth
HOBBIES:Smoking, making music, playing cards
STRENGTH:Medium to Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Padron 1926 Serie Maduro
The Tabernacle
Punch Diablo

FOLLOW

Ozgener Maracana Toro 6"1/2 * 50

(4)
Ozgener Maracana Toro 61/2 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Ozgener Maracana is a cigar that showcases the refined blending philosophy OZ Family Cigars has become known for. From the first draw, it delivers a balanced profile of cedar, roasted nuts, baking spices, and a touch of natural sweetness, creating an experience that is flavorful without becoming overwhelming. As the cigar progresses, subtle notes of espresso, leather, and cocoa begin to develop, adding depth while maintaining excellent harmony throughout the smoke. Construction is equally impressive, with a clean burn, firm ash, and effortless draw that allows every nuance of the blend to shine. What makes the Maracana stand out is its focus on balance and complexity rather than sheer strength, making it approachable for a wide range of cigar enthusiasts. The transitions are smooth and deliberate, rewarding smokers who take their time and appreciate the finer details of premium tobacco. It's a medium-bodied cigar with enough character to keep seasoned smokers engaged while remaining refined enough for those looking to explore a more nuanced profile. The Ozgener Maracana is another excellent example of Tim Ozgener's commitment to craftsmanship, offering a sophisticated smoking experience that deserves a place in any humidor. Picked on 07/09/2026
Older Picks
William Lazo
TASTE:Nutty, woody, pepper, cream
HOBBIES:Video games, watching football and MMA,Movie fanatic
STRENGTH:Medium-Full
FOLLOW

Avo Expresivo Toro 6" * 54

(3)
Avo Expresivo Toro 6 * 54
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
When I first lit the Avo Expresivo Toro, I wasn't immediately impressed. It took a little time for the cigar to really get going, but once it did, it rewarded my patience. During the first third, I was greeted with pleasant notes of cedar, wood, and rich cocoa. The flavors were smooth, balanced, and enjoyable without being overpowering. As I moved into the second third, the cigar really opened up. The flavors intensified, and I was pleasantly surprised by the explosion of rich woody and nutty notes. The profile became much more complex, delivering wave after wave of satisfying flavor that kept me engaged. By the final third, I smoked it all the way down to the nub because I simply didn't want it to end. Those bold nutty and woody notes continued to shine, creating a rich and memorable finish. Overall, the Avo Expresivo Toro is an excellent cigar that rewards a little patience. If you're a fan of cigars with a warm, woody profile and rich nutty flavors, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I think it pairs exceptionally well with a good whiskey, making it an outstanding choice for an evening smoke. Picked on 07/07/2026
Older Picks
Patricio Olivares
TASTE:Leather, Wood, Nutty, Creamy, Vanilla
HOBBIES:Working on cars, Poker, Video Games, Formula 1, and Film
STRENGTH:Medium, Full
FOLLOW

El Rey Del Mundo Appointment Brazil Gordo 5" * 60

(2)
El Rey Del Mundo Appointment Brazil Gordo 5 * 60
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
This cigar has me wanting to learn Portuguese just to thank whoever rolled it. This cigar contains the classic flavor notes of Brazilian wrapped cigars; unmistakable wood notes, intense oily sweetness, and irresistible chocolate flavor notes were all invited to the Carnival. The extremely approachable price makes this cigar one of the best maduro daily smokes that just asserted itself into my rotation. Picked on 06/23/2026
Older Picks
Christopher Palma
TASTE:Vanilla, Creamy, Coffee, Cedar, Spice
HOBBIES:Gaming, Running, Playing Guitar, Writing.
STRENGTH:Medium-Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente
Tabak Especial Negra
Deadwood Baby Jane
Foundation Olmec Claro

FOLLOW

Hiram & Solomon Chabal Toro 6" * 52

(5)
Hiram & Solomon Chabal Toro 6 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Hiram & Solomon Chabal Toro delivers a mellow-to-medium-bodied experience built around roasted-nut and earthy flavors. Right from the start, notes of roasted cashews, cedar, and a touch of sweetness lead the profile, and some understated mineral qualities and a unique doughy character on the retrohale. As the cigar settles in, roasted cashews remain at the center of the experience, joined by sweet hints of buttery toast, caramel, and occasional citrus. The strength is firmly in the medium-bodied range, though it gradually builds through the middle portion. The final third brings added depth with leather, salted caramel, and lingering roasted nut flavors. Some of the earlier mineral and yeasty notes fade, making room for a touch of black pepper on the retrohale. Construction is solid overall, with an easy draw, even burn, and no relights required during the smoking experience. For smokers who enjoy nutty, toasted flavors with subtle sweetness and a mild-to-medium profile, the Chabal offers an enjoyable and approachable smoking experience from a truly boutique brand. Picked on 06/18/2026
Older Picks
Marciano Hernandez
TASTE:Chocolate, Espresso, Coffee
HOBBIES:Musician, Watching Soccer, Partying.
STRENGTH:Medium-Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Padron Series Maduro

FOLLOW

West Tampa Tobacco Company Dark Time Toro 6" * 54

(3)
West Tampa Tobacco Company Dark Time Toro 6 * 54
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The West Tampa Dark Time was a cigar I had been looking forward to ever since it was announced. Rick Rodriguez has built a reputation for making balanced, flavorful cigars, and I was curious to see what his first maduro would bring to the table. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint. From the first few puffs, I was greeted with rich notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and earth, backed by a healthy dose of black pepper. There's definitely more body here than in some of the earlier West Tampa releases, but it never crosses into harsh territory. As the cigar settled into the final third, I started picking up a subtle sweetness reminiscent of molasses, helping tie everything together. The smoke was thick and chewy, the draw was effortless, and the burn stayed razor sharp throughout the entire experience. One of the cooler touches with Dark Time is the presentation. Beyond the obvious play on the word "time," each 10-count box includes a double guillotine cutter designed to resemble a Rolex GMT-Master II. It's a fun addition that fits the theme perfectly and gives collectors a little something extra beyond the cigars themselves. What impressed me most was how approachable Dark Time remained despite its darker profile. It has enough strength and flavor to satisfy experienced smokers, but it's balanced enough that it never feels like a drag. If you're a fan of Maduro cigars or have enjoyed previous West Tampa releases, this one is absolutely worth making time for. Picked on 06/01/2026
Older Picks
Rene Labor
AGE:39
TASTE:Wood, Earth, Leather
HOBBIES:Guitar, Beer, Sarcasm
STRENGTH:Medium/Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Liga Privada No. 9
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro
Tatuaje Miami Seleccion del Cazador
Kristoff GC Signature Series
Eiroa CBT Maduro

FOLLOW

Micallef Purple Robusto 5" * 52

(8)
Micallef Purple Robusto 5 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
I am shocked and appalled that nobody on our roster has reviewed any of the Micallef 'Color' series yet! After becoming a bit of an ambassador for the brand over the last couple of years in-store, I think it's time I let my online friends in on the secret: the Micallef Purple (as well as the White, and Green, and Black, etc...) are all absolute winners in every category. First thing's first - this cigar punches above its weight class. I personally think this cigar could be double the price and it would still make sense. When I read that the wrapper on the Micallef Purple was Mexican San Andres, I was a bit surprised since it appeared much paler than the Mexican wrappers I've always been used to. Regardless, once lit, the Purple instantly sent me to flavor town. Right at the start, I noticed flavors of toasted bread along with sweet tobacco and a subtle milk chocolate. As it progressed, the natural sweetness remained and I encountered a delicious note of cedar that complimented the breadiness very well. The entire time I smoked the Micallef Purple, I enjoyed a wide open draw and generous smoke output that filled the room with chewy aromatic goodness. Perfectly medium-bodied from first puff to last, I still can't believe the price point of this stogie, along with all the rest of the 'Colors' line. Do yourself a favor and try them ALL, none are better than the rest, but everyone I speak to eventually finds their favorite. Trust me - Micallef will find itself to be a mainstay in your humidor before you know it. Thank me later ;) Picked on 05/31/2026
Older Picks
Angelo Pezzotti
TASTE:Leather, Wood, Chocolate, Earth
HOBBIES:Skateboarding, Music, Anime
STRENGTH:Medium, Medium-Full
FOLLOW

Island Jim Barber Pole #2 Torpedo 6"1/2 * 52

(5)
Island Jim Barber Pole #2 Torpedo 61/2 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Island Jim Barber Pole #2 Torpedo looked so cool I had to try it! This is a well balanced cigar that's perfect for when you want something different in your day. It's smooth and creamy, with a lot of nuttiness and a slight cedar note. I thought it was mild to medium in strength, and visually very different than most cigars thanks to the dual barber pole wrapper that combines the Connecticut and Corojo wrappers in a stylish way. Construction was excellent, the ash was super solid, and when passing the halfway point it hits you with some more toasted woody flavors, along with a sharp shot of nicotine before it's over. Overall, the Island Jim's sweet earthy notes make it an experience you need to try for yourself! Picked on 05/31/2026
Older Picks
Erick Morales
AGE:45
TASTE:Chocolate, Sweetness, Creamy, Cocoa, Coffee
HOBBIES:Wildlife, Photography, Cycling, Jogging, hiking
STRENGTH:Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Oliva Serie V
Sobremesa Brulee

FOLLOW

AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro 6" * 60

(23)
89
AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro 6 * 60
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro 6x60 was a really enjoyable smoke. Smooth from start to finish with a nice mix of pepper, wood, cream, and a little natural sweetness. The bigger ring gauge made it burn cool and slow, perfect for just relaxing outside. Had a solid draw and plenty of flavor without being too strong. Definitely a cigar I’d smoke again if you like something smooth but still flavorful. Picked on 05/29/2026
Older Picks
Gabriel Novas
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:Playing guitar, watching movies, reading
STRENGTH:Medium to Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos
Crowned Heads Le Careme
Liga Privada H99
Foundation Olmec Claro

FOLLOW

Alec & Bradley Blind Faith Toro 6" * 52

(16)
Alec & Bradley Blind Faith Toro 6 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The Alec Bradley Blind Faith is one of those cigars that quietly wins you over. Between the price point and the incredible flavor, it is slowly but surely becoming a staple in my rotation. Right out of the gate, it opens with notes of roasted coffee, wood, and a touch of sweetness, all backed by a creamy smoke texture that keeps the profile smooth and complex. As the cigar develops, notes of roasted nuts and leather begin to emerge, while the retrohale adds layers of campfire wood and a kick of pepper that keep things satisfying. What really stood out during this review was the balance. Blind Faith never tries to overpower the palate, but it still delivers enough strength and flavor to stay engaging from start to finish. The Honduran Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan-heavy core create a medium-bodied experience that feels rich without becoming bitter or harsh, making it an easy cigar to revisit. Construction was excellent across the board, with dense smoke production throughout the session. Handmade at Raíces Cubanas in Honduras and blended by Alec and Bradley Rubin, Blind Faith feels like a more mature, restrained take on the modern full-flavored cigar. I typically enjoy this with coffee on a quiet morning. Picked on 05/11/2026
Older Picks
Samuel Pafford
TASTE:Natural tobacco / anything new
HOBBIES:Video games, dogs, documentaries, smoking new cigars
STRENGTH:Medium to full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Oliva Serie V Melanio
ADVentura the Navigator
Crowned Heads Mil Dias

FOLLOW

Matilde Limited Exposure No. 3 Toro 6" * 50

(3)
Matilde Limited Exposure No. 3 Toro 6 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Matilde’s Limited Exposure series gives the company room to experiment with small-batch blends while staying true to its smooth Dominican character. The Limited Exposure No. 3 Robusto delivers natural sweetness alongside notes of cedar, nuts, earth, and light spice in an easy-smoking medium-bodied profile packed with flavor. The tobacco tastes clean and healthy throughout, finishing smooth without lingering harshness. For smokers looking to branch out from the usual big brands, Matilde is a boutique worth exploring. With just 350 boxes of each vitola made this experience unfortuanitely has a time limit, but theres always the No. 4! Picked on 05/07/2026
Older Picks
Martin Ruiz
AGE:32
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:Sports, video games, food, good beer
STRENGTH:All

FAVORITE BRANDS
Liga Privada No. 9
Padron 1926 Serie Natural
Arturo Fuente Fuente Opus X
Flor de las Antillas

FOLLOW

Rojas Street Tacos Barbacoa Robusto 5" * 50

(4)
Rojas Street Tacos Barbacoa Robusto 5 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Neptune just brought in , and the Street Tacos Barbacoa Robusto honestly shocked me with how good it was for the price. From the first few puffs I got a blast of black pepper, smoky earth, dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a rich savory sweetness that reminded me of charred steak and spices right off the grill. The flavors are bold but incredibly smooth and balanced, with thick clouds of smoke and a finish that keeps getting richer as you go. This is the kind of cigar that makes you stop halfway through and think, “How is this not twice the price?” Easily one of the best bang for your buck cigars I’ve smoked in a long time. It pairs perfectly with a dark roast coffee or an añejo tequila. Picked on 05/07/2026
Older Picks
Erika Colmenares
TASTE:Creamy, Vanilla
HOBBIES:Traveling, Going to the beach, Music
STRENGTH:Mild-Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Montecristo White
La Galera Connecticut
Sobremesa Brulee

FOLLOW

Asylum 867 Zero 50X5 5" * 50

(8)
Asylum 867 Zero 50X5 5 * 50
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
I really liked this cigar. It has a very pleasant sweetness from the start, not at all overpowering, which makes it really enjoyable. It’s not a strong cigar, more medium in strength, but still full of character. What caught my attention the most was that explosion of aromas: sweet and aromatic notes that pair perfectly with a coffee. It’s one of those cigars you can smoke in a relaxed way without it overwhelming you, while still keeping you engaged with its flavors. I would definitely smoke it again. Picked on 02/11/2026
Older Picks
Luis Novas
TASTE:Habano, Broadleaf, Mexican San Andres
HOBBIES:Cooking, writing, reading, cigars, cycling
STRENGTH:Medium to Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Tatuaje Miami Seleccion del Cazador
Crowned Heads Four Kicks Maduro
Sin Compromiso

FOLLOW

La Flor Dominicana 30th Anniversary 6"1/2 * 58

(9)
La Flor Dominicana 30th Anniversary 61/2 * 58
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
Just put down the La Flor Dominicana 30th Anniversary, and honestly, that was one of the more memorable sticks I’ve had in a while. From the moment I clipped it, the cold draw teased a mix of cedar, sweet tobacco, and a hint of spice — the kind that makes you want to light it up right away. Construction was excellent. The draw was just right — not too loose, not too tight. Burn was consistent and even, and ash held firm in nice firm chunks. It’s one of those cigars that feels as good as it tastes in your hand. I’d pair this with a rich, dark roast coffee or an aged bourbon — something with its own depth and complexity. The slight sweetness in the bourbon plays nicely against the cigar’s spice, while the coffee brings out that chocolatey earthiness. If you’re more of a beer drinker, a robust porter with roasted malt notes would also be excellent. Picked on 12/26/2025
Older Picks
George Perez
TASTE:All. Except soft
HOBBIES:Smoking good cigars, watching movies, Jazz music, spending time with family
STRENGTH:Medium , Medium to full, Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Oliva Serie V
La Flor Dominicana Limited Edition
Espinosa Habano
CAO Flathead
New World
Asylum 13 Ogre
La Galera Habano
CLE Prieto

FOLLOW

La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation 6" * 52

(43)
La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation 6 * 52
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
The aroma de cuba has always delivered some great cigars. That tradition continues with the Noblesse Coronation. This cigar is packed with some great flavors. This medium body cigar has a great earthy, nutty flavor at the beginning. Some hints of chocolate is introduced also at the beginning. Thge draw is phenominal. It has an easy draw. Can not say that about alot of cigars. The aroma is welcoming too. At the half way point, those flavors at the beginning are still found. Some cigars would of changed a bit at this point. Not this one. The draw is still great. Toward the end of the cigar, I was not surprised that the cigar was still consistent. It did pick up a bit in strength to a medium full. Some hints of spice was also introduced. Not overwhelming. But enough to make the cigar enjoyable. Every flavor was still there. The earthiness, the nutty. The hint of chocolate was not too overwhelming. This is one cigar that you have to try. What I liked about it also, no aftertaste was left in my mouth. Like some cigars tend to do. And if you need to pair it with a nice drink, I would recomend a nice Glenlevit. The oak of the drink compliments it. Enjoy everyone Picked on 09/17/2024
Older Picks
Adam Stewart
AGE:46
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:Music, Reading, Art, Nature, Craft Beer, Slacking
STRENGTH:All

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente
Liga Privada No. 9
Tatuaje Black Label
Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970

FOLLOW

CAO Cameroon Perfecto 4" * 48

(51)
CAO Cameroon Perfecto 4 * 48
Appearance
Draw
Burn
Aroma
Taste
This little perfecto surprised me. I was not expecting it to be bad by any means, but, being an inexpensive small cigar, I assumed it would be mediocre at best...something to smoke on while taking the dog around the block, etc. In actuality, it was excellent. While not being incredibly complex, it is well constructed and pumped out a decent amount of smoke. it also burned impeccably, and did not require any touch ups or relights, despite the foot starting out nearly as thin as a pencil. The flavor profile was somewhat typical for a Cameroon cigar....sweet, nutty, earthy, with subtle hints of cocoa / coffee. For just over $5.00, it is hard to say no to this little guy. AF Short Story fans seriously need to take note.... if your Short Stories are not available, or if you just feel like saving a couple of bucks.... this stick is for you. Try pairing with a Café con leche morning, noon or night and you will not be dissapointed. Cheers. Picked on 05/02/2023
Older Picks