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.
Moe Afyouni
AGE:30
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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Rocky Patel Emerald Toro 6"1/2 * 54

(5)
Rocky Patel Emerald Toro 61/2 * 54
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The newest line from Rocky Patel cigars debuts an Ecuadorian habano wrapper over binders from Mexico and Nicaragua and fillers from Nicaragua making for one hell of a cigar. The first thing that caught my eye with this cigar was the bright green color they chose to dress this cigar with. After that caught my interest the price made it a sure deal for me to give it a try. The cigar has an Ecuadorian Habano leaf which for whoever knows me knows is my favorite wrapper. The cigar tasted amazing and burnt beautifully, I am not the biggest fan of Rocky Patel cigars but this one was the one for me. Notes of sweetness and woodiness start immediately with a touch of spice that fades away after the first half inch. I paired this with a coconut water which seems like a strange combination but just typing this is making me want to have that pairing again. Its a medium bodied cigar that is so smooth that even a mild smoker will enjoy this cigar without being overwhelmed while still having so much complexity and flavors that full bodied smokers will also never get bored of it. This was a pleasant surprise and I will definitely be smoking more of this in the future. Picked on 01/29/2025
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

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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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Mace Maisuria
TASTE:Creamy, woody, spicy
HOBBIES:Golfing, cooking, movies and documentaries
STRENGTH:Medium
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Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Eduardo I 6"1/4 * 54

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Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Eduardo I 61/4 * 54
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This review praises Plasencia's Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro line for its high-quality construction and rich smoke profile. The cigar starts with a sweet, toasted hazelnut or nutmeg-like flavor. The first half has a delicious sweet profile similar to toasted hazelnut or nutmeg. At the midway point, the oil concentration does enhance the flavor profile to bring out a welcomed spice and cedar note to the smoke. The sweet profile does lessen to a coffee, almost caramelly taste which keeps your palate salivating ensuring you're able to catch every note. The end has a strong finish, very rich in cedar and coffee notes as you get to the end. As a fan of medium bodied sweet and cedar rich cigars, this was right up my alley and has made a welcomed impression on my choices to smoke because when you finish. Once you get a taste for this aged Colorado Claro wrapper, you end up wanting more! Picked on 01/23/2025
Older Picks
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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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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The Diamond Crown Julius Caesar Pyramid (6 1/2" x 52) offers a luxurious smoking experience with a smooth, medium-to-full-bodied profile. Its rich flavors of creamy leather, hints of spice, and subtle notes of cedar provide complexity and depth. The construction is flawless, with a perfect draw and even burn. A refined choice for those seeking sophistication and balance in a premium cigar. This is in my top 5 best cigars I've smoked. Picked on 01/22/2025
Older Picks
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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RoMa Craft Intemperance VO 1920 Senator Volstead 5" * 50

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RoMa Craft Intemperance VO 1920 Senator Volstead 5 * 50
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I love a nice robusto vitola. And I love when that robusto leaves you both satisfied and wanting more. Sometimes, you smoke two. This new line from Roma Craft, Volstead, sports an Ecuadorian grown Sumatra hybrid wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and fillers from La Canela, Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan tobaccos grown in Condega, Jalapa and Pueblo Nuevo. This size, the Senator, is a limited production size made at the Nica Sueno factory that comes out once a year. It is a gorgeous cigar with a medium brown exterior and an exposed foot. My guess is that this is more of an aesthetic choice and it makes the stick look rustic but chic at the same time. This cigar is full of earthy and sweet flavor. The body is medium to full. You do not expect the complexity of this smoke, but it is there: good tobacco flavor, just the right amount of spice, and flavor notes that go from toasted cedar, to coffee, to black pepper. While the cigar gets bolder as you smoke it, it remains a medium bodied stogie. Overall a great cigar. Picked on 01/11/2025
Older Picks
Jose Alonso
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

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Nica Rustica El Brujito 6" * 52

(170)
Nica Rustica El Brujito 6 * 52
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The Nica Rustica El Brujito cigar sports an ebony USA Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that had a rough, muscular look which seemed to herald the cigar’s strength. The body was firm but not rock hard. This toro featured a “rabito” at the head, which easily came off with a light tug and eliminated the need to use a cutter. Prior to lighting, I picked up some grassy notes off the body. I was expecting a blast of pepper as I took the first puffs. Instead, I was greeted by heady earthy, leathery, grassy, and chocolatey notes that composed the profile from beginning to end. A syrupy sweetness underscored the flavor profile. I did a couple of retro-hales and each time I felt a slight peppery sting. Its long-finish left a tingly sensation on the tongue. For a firm cigar, I was surprised by its effortless draw. Also, the cigar had a slow burn. It took me just under two-hours to finish it. Strength-wise, I was expecting El Brujito to come at me like a wrecking ball, but it was more like a dodge ball to the face. It was an eye-opener, but it left me standing (medium to full-strength). Overall, this is a great choice if you are looking for a fine everyday smoke at a wallet-pleasing price. Pair it with an espresso to ramp up the boldness, or a very sweet cafe con leche to tone it down. In case you’re wondering, “El Brujito” is Spanish for “little warlock.” And this enchanting smoke will have you spellbound and coming back for more, so buy it by the box. Picked on 01/02/2025
Older Picks
Rene L.
AGE:37
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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Curivari Buenaventura Maduro BV 600 6" * 60

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Curivari Buenaventura Maduro BV 600 6 * 60
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I was quite shocked when I noticed that nobody at Neptune had reviewed this hidden gem yet, so I'm here today to open everyone's eyes (and taste buds) to the excellent Curivari Buenaventura Maduro. The reason I'm shocked is because it seems that just about daily, everyone at my particular store recommends this stick to customers asking for an affordable smoke that doesn't skimp on flavor. After many months of this, I think I should let our online customer base in on the action if they haven't discovered this tasty treat already! At first glance, the Curivari Buenaventura is admittedly nothing noteworthy; a small and simple brown and gold band adorns the chocolate brown wrapper, with not much else going on. With a price tag that is shockingly low in today's market, the Curivari Buenaventura will seem almost too good to be true once you light it up and take your first few puffs. Sporting a Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper on top of Nicaraguan binder and fillers, notes of chocolate and leather hit the palate instantly. After the first third, nutty notes are introduced, with a nice tobacco sweetness seeping in as well. The draw was wide open, and the burn stayed consistent throughout its medium-full bodied profile. Available in a multitude of sizes, this is one cigar that you can proudly smoke as either a daily workhorse OR an after-dinner Friday night indulgence. Trust me - you will want these readily available in your humidor! One of the best "bang for the buck" stogies currently in production, hands down. Picked on 12/29/2024
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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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El Rey de los Habanos Toro 6" * 52

(1)
El Rey de los Habanos Toro 6 * 52
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This week I decided to try out the new cigar by My Father-- El Rey de Los Habanos. This cigar starts off with a nice spicy, earthy profile. The burn line wasn’t perfect upon lightup, but it was able to correct itself very quickly. All in all, it’s not too spicy, but a nice earthy full bodied smoke that is definitely interesting enough to try. The flavor is consistent throughout the cigar. I don’t get too much sweetness from it, and so I would pair it with anything sweet. I think a cafe con leche could do wonders to cut through the earthy profile Picked on 12/07/2024
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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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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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Warped Don Reynaldo 10th Anniversary Toro 6" * 50

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Warped Don Reynaldo 10th Anniversary Toro 6 * 50
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Warped? With another one? I swear I am never let down by this company! Everytime I go to grab a stick from these guys I am always met with a smooth experience, but this one in particular defnintely goes above and beyond. The Don Reynaldo 10th Anniversary. Ill tell you that even from a first glance this one gives off elegance. With its smooth milk chocolate wrapper made in the DR, you are already salavating to light this bad boy up. I must also say that this along with the other blends of Warped always have a great draw with a perfect pull. I never find myself fighting the cigar! As you dive into this special cigar you will defintely notice a couple different notes getting thrown around. First for me being this bold earthy note complimented by a very subtle spice and a nutty finish. All the way through till the end you are given a consistent swirl of these flavor notes and provided with nothing but a creamy and smooth finish. Trust me when I tell you Warped DOESN'T MISS! Come on in or shop online and grab yourself one while they are around being a special release! Picked on 09/16/2024
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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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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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EP Carrillo Essence Sumatra Robusto 5" * 50

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EP Carrillo Essence Sumatra Robusto 5 * 50
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The EP Carrillo Sumatra Robusto has a beautiful dark, oily and smooth Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. This is a really good looking cigar, the type of high quality construction you expect from EP Carrillo, who to me makes some of the best cigars in the world. Upon lighting you are greeted with a great blend of black pepper, earth and dark chocolate flavors. As it burns on a rich espresso note starts to develop and the pepper spice slowly starts to back away as chocolate and caramel notes start to become more prominent. With the EP Carrillo Sumatra you are getting a stellar smoking experience that requires no touch-ups and will keep smokers engaged with its rich and evolving profile. I'd recommend this with a hot cappuccino or perhaps an espresso martini. This is a must try if you are already a fan of EP Carrillo or if you love robust and flavorful cigars in general! Picked on 07/11/2024
Older Picks
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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JOSE PAZ
TASTE:Cedar and earth
HOBBIES:Traveling, family time, dancing, and movies
STRENGTH:Medium

FAVORITE BRANDS
Montecristo
Romeo y Julieta 1875
H. Upmann 1844 Reserve

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El Rey del Mundo Natural Rectangulares 5"5/8 * 46

(17)
El Rey del Mundo Natural Rectangulares 55/8 * 46
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A cigar that is easy to smoke, not complicated, but complex, great aroma, Perfect burn from beginning to end. Medium to full flavor. With a pleasant note of espresso and a touch of pepper that does not unbalance the pleasure of this economical cigar. Without a doubt, it is a cigar that pleases both novices and experts. A fully satisfying experience. Picked on 02/09/2024
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Kimball Jones
TASTE:Pepper
HOBBIES:Bass guitar, building computers, reading, concerts and cooking
STRENGTH:Full

FAVORITE BRANDS
CAO Brazilia
Plasencia Alma Fuerte
EP Carrillo Pledge
Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Corojo

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Enclave Figurado 6"1/2 * 52

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Enclave Figurado 61/2 * 52
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AJ's Enclave is Ecuadorian wrapper with a Cameroon binder and Nicaraguan/Piloto Cubano filler. AJ never lets me down and this cigar is no acceptation. The Figurado is the perfect size for me a good hour and a half smoke. First half had just enough pepper to keep it interesting and smooths out into the rest of the cigar with hints of cedar and Cocoa. On the retrohale picking up fruit and more cocoa. I am falling in love with the Cameroon all over again as something that can be a definite recommendation in any humidor. Picked on 09/05/2023
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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