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.
Mace Maisuria
TASTE:Creamy, woody, spicy
HOBBIES:Golfing, cooking, movies and documentaries
STRENGTH:Medium
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Bandolero Clandestinos Barbaros 4"3/8 * 60

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Bandolero Clandestinos Barbaros 43/8 * 60
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If you know me, you know I'm always a fan of Ecuadorian Habano wrappers, as well as Mr. Nelson Alfonso. Beside being the curator of the most famous Cuban cigar, the Cohiba Behike, he does a phenomenal job with his lines: Atabey, Alfonso, Byron, and this one, the Bandolero Clandestinos. Coming in 4 different sizes I went with the one fitting my preference in the 4 3/8" by 60 ring gauge. The initial start of this cigar has a rich spice similar to cinnamon and a smooth smoke profile, creamy, like a sweet espresso. Mid way it does transition to a medium to full body profile with the smoke having a sweetness and bitter like a 1/2 sweet Cafe Con Leche. The finish on this cigar is my favorite though, the coffee profile changes from Cafe Con Leche to almost an espresso like note thanks to the oils from the wrapper and internal tobacco. I was able to smoke about 3/4 of the cigar with the ash still there, only to fall when I touched it against my ashtray. Paired with coconut water, coffee, coffee or cream liquor, or Amaretto would be my suggestions to compliment the cigar without taking away from the natural notes it provide. Picked on 04/20/2025
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Erika Colmenares
TASTE:Creamy, Vanilla
HOBBIES:Traveling, Going to the beach, Music
STRENGTH:Mild-Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Montecristo White
La Galera Connecticut
Sobremesa Brulee

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

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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
Moe Afyouni
AGE:31
TASTE:Creamy, fruity, sweet, vanilla, coffee
HOBBIES:Football, basketball, golfing, traveling
STRENGTH:Medium-Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Padron 1964 Anniversary Natural
San Cristobal
H. Upmann 1844 Reserve

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Padron 1926 Serie No. 2 Belicoso Natural 5"1/2 * 52

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Padron 1926 Serie No. 2 Belicoso Natural 51/2 * 52
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For my pick for this week I wanted to stay in a familiar area where I know I would not be disappointed and for me that is always a Padron. I went with the Padron 1926 Natural. The 1926 Padron line premiered in 2002 to commemorate Padron's 75th birthday. The tobacco is aged five years then blended to create an exceptionally smooth, complex, balanced and full-bodied flavor. Upon lighting it the cigar immediately put a smile on my face and I knew I was going to enjoy the next hour. The cigar is rich and a little more bold than its 1964 counterpart while still being incredibly smooth. The cigar transitioned from a touch of spiciness in the beginning of the cigar to a delicious chocolatey and sweet notes that had my mouth watering. I paired this with a cappuccino and it was a phenomenal smoking experience. Construction and burn was as good as anyone would expect from a Padron. This has easily become one of my top 5 favorite cigars and I will be finding any reason to smoke this again. Picked on 04/09/2025
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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

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Onyx Vintage Nicaragua Toro 6" * 54

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Onyx Vintage Nicaragua Toro 6 * 54
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This go around I decided to review the Onyx Vintage Nicaragua-- it interested me as something that many people might overlook, and I love finding hidden gems. The cigar started with notes of earth and spice, a bold flavorful smoke that lasted maybe ten or twenty minutes into the first third. Eventually, the spice dies back leading to a core of earth as well as a light wood and a subtle sweetness. The cigar was constructed perfectly, with a good draw and no large veins on the wrapper-- visually, it was very appealing. Around the begining of the second thir the earthy notes seem to die back soom, leading to a pleasant medium body core that was easy to smoke throughout the length of the cigar. I actually really enjoyed it, much more than I thought I would. As far as pairing options I would definitely recommend something sweet to take the edge off of the earthiness, something like coffee with sugar or even a soda! Picked on 04/03/2025
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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

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Diesel Vintage Series Robusto Gordo 5" * 56

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Diesel Vintage Series Robusto Gordo 5 * 56
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The Diesel Vintage Series Robusto is a collaboration between AJ Fernandez and STG's Justin Andrews. For a $7 cigar (For the robusto size that I am smoking) It really doesn't get any better than this. The construction was very sturdy with a dark chocolate toothy Mexican San Andreas wrapper, a personal favorite of mine! In your first 10 mins of this experience you will get pungent notes of black pepper and a little bit of cherry sweetness mixed with dark chocolate. About half way through I noticed the ash was very firm, sign of a beautifully constructed cigar. Nothing new if you are familiar with AJ Fernandez cigars. Throughout my 70-minute experience I was blown away that this cigar was only 7 dollars, full of flavors of cocoa, espresso, fruit and earth. This is the cigar you want to go out and buy a box of as it doesn't break the bank and provides you with a rich premium smoking experience. Definitely give this one a shot. Picked on 04/03/2025
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Eliu Arroyo
TASTE:All
HOBBIES:MMA, Listening to music, Photography, Videography
STRENGTH:Medium to Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Padron 1926 Serie Maduro
Leaf by Oscar
The Tabernacle

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Padron Family Reserve No. 85 Natural 5"1/4 * 50

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Padron Family Reserve No. 85 Natural 51/4 * 50
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The Padron Family Reserve No. 85 Natural is a well-balanced, flavorful cigar that is perfect for those who appreciate a premium smoke. I would say I got cocoa and espresso notes. It's not overly complex, but it's incredibly satisfying with its combination of rich flavors, smooth smoke, and impeccable construction. This cigar is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a fine whiskey, which complements its flavors. A great choice for both seasoned cigar enthusiasts and those looking to indulge in a luxurious experience. Picked on 03/30/2025
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Rene Labor
AGE:38
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

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Black Label Lawless Robusto 5" * 54

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Black Label Lawless Robusto 5 * 54
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I love trying out new brands, particularly ones with modern or outlandish names or presentation. When I laid eyes on the Black Label Trading Company's Lawless, I knew I'd be lighting it up imminently. Made at the Oveja Negra factory, this stogie features a black and white band with either a buffalo or bison skull surrounded by barbed wire. Are you intrigued yet? Well, I sure as hell was. Sporting an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper on top of Nicaraguan binder and filler, I immediately detected notes of cherry and earth upon first puff. The cherry leaned more towards licorice after a while, but the earth kept coming in full blast. At the second third, wonderful notes of black coffee joined the party, which lasted (and became more intense) until the end of this tasty medium-bodied smoke. I also must add that the draw was EXCELLENT, not too open, but lots of chewy smoke came with ease. At its current price point, I can definitely say the Black label Lawless is an absolutely amazing value, and is well suited for either a daily throwdown cigar, or even as a premium treat for a Friday night. Enjoy with a nice whiskey, and you'll be looking to add a herd of these to your humidor in no time. Picked on 03/14/2025
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Joseph Pizzuto
TASTE:Nutty, creamy, woody, leathery
HOBBIES:Rap, making music, basketball, comedy
STRENGTH:Medium to full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente Hemingway Natural
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro
Liga Privada Unicos
Davidoff Nicaragua

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Partagas de Bronce Corona Gorda 6"1/4 * 46

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Partagas de Bronce Corona Gorda 61/4 * 46
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Alright, if you don't know about the birthplace of this cigar then you definitely need to get acquainted. Rolled out of the El Titan de Bronze factory located on SW 8th St, the Partagas de Bronce is a special stick rolled by level 9 Cuban rollers! The craftmanship and superb construction leaves you amazed. With a beautiful white ash I was extremely impressed by how well made this cigar was. Upon first light I was met with strong notes of cedar as well as graham crackers. I was overall impressed by how much this cigar tasted like a cinnamon graham cracker. As I continued, those notes started to blend with some cocoa notes as well. You will also notice an extremely pleasant creamy and smooth consistency all they way through till the end. I was drinking a chocolate milk while enjoying this one which really pronounced the cookie notes I was experiencing. Overall regardless of it being a bit pricier then your average budget stick, I would gladly throw this one in your collection for special nights and special moments with friends and family! Highly advise you pair with a Caribbean rum instead of a chocolate milk like me - hopefully you aren't on the clock like I was when you light it up! Picked on 03/14/2025
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Luz Holguin
TASTE:Earthy, Pepper
HOBBIES:Cooking, Reading, Traveling
STRENGTH:Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Arturo Fuente
La Aurora Preferidos Cameroon Platinum
Tatuaje Black Label
La Galera Imperial Jade

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My Father The Judge Grand Robusto 5" * 60

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My Father The Judge Grand Robusto 5 * 60
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A smoke for fans of medium to full bodied cigars, with a reddish-brown Sumatra seed wrapper grown in Ecuador that gives this stick a rich flavor of earth and spice. There is white pepper and cinnamon that comes not just from this wrapper, but also from the double binder Corojo and Criollo leaves. I rarely go for the thick ring gauges such as this one but in this case, it works. The Jalapa and Esteli fillers in the blend balance each other, one providing a creamy and smooth flavor and the other a bolder, more leathery and spicy flavor. This is a well balanced smoke that will satisfy your craving. Regardless of whether you consider it to be worthy of the Best Cigar of the Year award or not, I encourage you to forget the accolades and just enjoy this cigar for what it is: a damn good cigar! Picked on 03/14/2025
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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

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Kristoff Veinte 20th Anniversary Robusto 5" * 50

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Kristoff Veinte 20th Anniversary Robusto 5 * 50
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Today's review happened by accident, but what an awesome mistake. I was trying to grab Kristoff's Vengeance (another great full bodied blend) and thought I was grabbing one of the rebranded versions. Instead, we stumbled into Kristoff's 20th Anniversary. I'd like to start by mentioning the entire Kristoff line is very approachable for price and is offering delicious opportunities in every strength bracket, even if this review doesn't sound like you I think there is a Kristoff that would fit in your rotation. Now to the business at hand. This cigar is rocking a nearly black Brazilian wrapper, Indonesian binder, and filled with Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania tobacco. For taste it was oaky and smokey all the way through with a light natural sweetness. While it did lead with a decent peppery bite on the first half inch (expected based on tobacco varietals) this mellowed out by the end of the first inch and turned silky smooth by the mid way point, for my pallet delicious transitions. Some dark coco notes were present throughout that became more pronounced further into the cigar as the rest of it mellowed. This build also hit the spot in terms of construction. Smoked this at work with all the days distractions and it never went out on me, never bittered, and took me almost an hour to nub this classic 5 x 50 robusto. Bold start, rich flavors, inoffensive bite, and a quality construction on an anniversary edition cigar that hit with a standard price tag, yes please! Medium bodied guys with an adventurous side willing to get through the first half inch and any full bodied smoker is going to find something to like about this cigar, enjoy friends! Picked on 01/28/2025
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Gabriel N.
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

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Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Pyramid 6"1/2 * 52

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Diamond Crown Julius Caeser Pyramid 61/2 * 52
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JC Newman is no stranger to making a good cigar. The Newman family owns and operates the oldest running cigar factory in the United States today. When I was a newbie smoker, the Diamond Crown Julius Caesar was one of the first cigars I smoked when I decided to step it up from smoking Connecticuts. I really enjoyed it and became an instant fan of JC Newman cigars, but particularly the Diamond Crown Line. I'm revisiting it today to see how it holds up a few years later. Upon lighting this torpedo I'm instantly met with strong notes of cedar accompanied by a bit of black pepper on the retro-hale. The flavor really packs a punch but as far as strength goes, I'd say its in the medium-plus range. The cigar has a wide open draw, which can sometimes be a problem for torpedoes. Going into the second third a those pepper flavors are subsiding, giving way to sweet notes of nuts and espresso. The cigar leaves heavy notes of espresso on the pallete, which I found to be very satisfying. The burn needed to be corrected a few times but no drastic canoes. The final third really turns the strength up a notch, those espresso notes getting darker and a return of that spice I was getting on the retro-hale. The cigar ends stronger than it begins, with lots of smoke and dark notes of toast and coffee. I'd recommend something sweeter like a café con leche or a rum to cut through some of those heavier notes with the sweetness. Picked on 11/09/2024
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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

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La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation 6" * 52

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La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Coronation 6 * 52
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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
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Martin Ruiz
AGE:31
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

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CAO Arcana Mortal Coil 6"1/8 * 50

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CAO Arcana Mortal Coil 61/8 * 50
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The CAO Arcana Mortal Coil is what I will be reviewing today and I can say this was a poetic experience. This cigar sports a USA Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper with a USA Connecticut Shade Binder and a combination of fillers including the Andullo Dominican Tobacco, Dominican Piloto Cubano, Esteli, and Jamastran. The Presentation of this box makes me feel like I just got a golden ticket from a chocolate bar. The cold draw gave me hints of chocolate, coffee, and cocoa notes. After lighting up the cigar I must say this is a chocolate lover's dream. I truly did feel like I had won a golden ticket trying this cigar. This cigar contained powerful chocolate notes, espresso, dried fruits, anise, cocoa, and just enough pepper to keep it sweet and spicy. I must say, this falls perfectly into my palate of cigars that I love and, for an incredible price. Retrohale gave bits of leather and a bit nutty with a pinch of pepper. But if I had to use one word to describe this cigar it would be "Chocolate". I would describe it as a medium strength with loads of flavor. I recommend pairing this with a nice Chocolate Stout Beer, as I always say one can never have too much chocolate. Picked on 09/05/2024
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William Lazo
TASTE:Nutty, woody, pepper, cream
HOBBIES:Video games, watching football and MMA, movies
STRENGTH:Medium-Full
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Tatuaje Fausto FT127 Robusto 5" * 54

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Tatuaje Fausto FT127 Robusto 5 * 54
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As I started to smoke the Fausto, the earthy and hay notes complemented each other very well, and then shortly when the first half was ending some cocoa notes were starting to settle in and thats when some pepper spice notes gave it that extra flavor and little bit of a kick. In the second half, some sweet entered the equation in the form of sugar cane notes. As the cigar progessed through the second half, the cocoa notes transitoned into a classic choclate taste, and the combination of all these notes made a concoction of flavors.In the final half the pepper spice had gotten much more pronounced on the entire draw. And at this point the sugarcane, earth, and hay have diminished. i expected it turn into a spice bomb , but it didn't and the finish was very good with all of the chocolate, spice, and hay. I would recommend a Guinness to go along with the Tatuaje Fausto Robusto. Picked on 07/29/2024
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Aramis C.
TASTE:Earthy, cedar, cocoa
HOBBIES:Family time, grilling, combat sports
STRENGTH:Medium to full

FAVORITE BRANDS
Oscar 2012 Sumatra
Arturo Fuente
Aladino Classic
Tatuaje Havana VI

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Ashton VSG Illusion 6"1/2 * 44

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Ashton VSG Illusion 61/2 * 44
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The Ashton VSG Illusion is one of Ashton's most popular cigars, and it's not hard to see why. Handmade by Arturo Fuente in the Dominican Republic, this cigar sports an Ecuadorian 'Virgin' Sun Grown wrapper covering a Dominican binder and fillers. The cigar has a sweet chocolatey aroma and a little spice on the dry draw. The spice really comes through on first lighting it, with a subtle sweetness that underlines a bold peppery flavor. Working through the first third I noticed the spice die down letting that molasses sweetness come through. A wide open draw and some surprisingly big puffs of smoke for such a skinny lonsdale led me to the final third. The spice is gone all but for on the retro hale, notes of cocoa and leather on the finish make for a very satisfying finale. It's no surprise this took the number 15 spot on Cigar Aficionado's 2023 Top 25, it's definitely a stick every aficionado should smoke. The cigar lasted a little over an hour, perfect for a quick hit of peppery sweetness. I'd recommend a cognac to cut through that spice and enhance the sweet flavors of the tobacco. Picked on 06/29/2024
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Adam Stewart
AGE:45
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

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CAO Cameroon Perfecto 4" * 48

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CAO Cameroon Perfecto 4 * 48
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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
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