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.
Vishal Maisuria
TASTE:Creamy, woody, spicy
HOBBIES:Golfing, cooking, movies and documentaries
STRENGTH:Medium
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Kristoff Connecticut TAA Exclusive 2023 Perfecto 6"1/2 * 60

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Kristoff Connecticut TAA Exclusive 2023 Perfecto 61/2 * 60
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The Kristoff Connecticut TAA Exclusive 2023 Perfecto is a beautifully crafted cigar with a smooth wrapper and flawless construction. The smoking experience begins with soft, sweet notes of toasted almonds, brown sugar, and cinnamon, typical of an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. As you progress, the flavor profile evolves, adding a peppery spice without overpowering the sweetness. In the final third, the nutty flavors return, paired with a bold pepperiness, reminiscent of warm bourbon spice. Kristoff has created a well-balanced, complex cigar that offers a unique and satisfying experience from start to finish. Highly recommended for those who appreciate nuanced, smooth smokes with a satisfying finish. Picked on 11/17/2024
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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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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Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio Toro 6" * 52

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Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio Toro 6 * 52
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The Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio Toro is a Nicaraguan puro that features a striking, reddish Corojo wrapper. The construction is excellent, with a firm feel, a smooth draw and a sharp burn. From the first puff, the flavor profile reveals an intriguing complexity. Sweetness dominates the profile, complemented by rich undertones of chocolate along with subtle hints of spice. Floral notes round out the flavor profile, lending an aromatic character that is both surprising and satisfying. The ash holds well and has a salt-and-pepper hue. Smoke output falls between thick and thin. Strength-wise, this toro hits the sweet spot, between medium and full, which is perfect for novices wishing to extend their smoking portfolio. Pairs well with espresso or coffee (black no sugar). In summary, this is a balanced, enjoyable cigar with rich, layered flavors, excellent construction, and a medium-full strength that offers satisfying complexity without overwhelming. A fantastic choice for those looking to experience a well-crafted Nicaraguan puro. Picked on 11/01/2024
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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 1926 Serie No. 9 Maduro 5"1/4 * 56

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Padron 1926 Serie No. 9 Maduro 51/4 * 56
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The Padron 1926 Serie No. 9 Maduro is a standout in the world of premium cigars. With its robust 5¼ x 56 format, it offers a rich and complex smoking experience. The Maduro wrapper brings a deep, chocolatey sweetness that perfectly complements the cigar's earthy and spicy undertones. Upon lighting, expect a smooth draw that delivers notes of cocoa, coffee, and hints of dried fruit. The balance of flavors is impressive, evolving beautifully from start to finish. The construction is impeccable, with a firm ash and a consistent burn. This cigar is full-bodied but remains approachable, making it suitable for both seasoned smokers and those looking to explore deeper flavors. Overall, the Padron 1926 Serie No. 9 Maduro is a luxurious choice that embodies craftsmanship and depth, making it a must-try for enthusiasts. This is be far one of my favorite cigars. Picked on 10/21/2024
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Rene Labor
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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Warped El Oso 10th Anniversary Toro 6" * 50

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Warped El Oso 10th Anniversary Toro 6 * 50
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I will not deny the fact that I have been known to pick up a cigar purely based on its name or appearance. After all, we humans can naturally be a bit intrigued by things out of the ordinary, so when I saw a cigar with a blue bear on the band, called El Oso, ("The Bear" for our non-Spanish speaking friends) I was immediately curious and decided to awaken this beast from slumber. Warped's El Oso 10th Anniversary is a stick celebrating the decade since the original El Oso was born. Rolled at the El Titan de Bronze factory in the Little Havana area of Miami, this chocolate brown toro contains tobaccos from Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Dominican Republic. Price point paints this as an ultra premium, and that is exactly what it is! Medium bodied and smooth, El Oso is not as aggressive as you may expect. With very little spice to be found, instead, you encounter notes of coffee, earth, and even slight cinnamon. A subtle sweetness teases the palate as well, really the only thing missing are notes of honey, because, well, duh. El Oso's construction was superb, not surprising considering El Titan de Bronze has level 9 Cuban rollers in their ranks! Wrestle with El Oso soon though, only 1,500 boxes were produced and there will NOT be an end to the hibernation that follows after. Enjoy this one with a spiced rum to offset the lack of spice found naturally and to accentuate the sweetness at the same time. A cream soda would also partner with this oaf quite well. ENJOY!! Picked on 10/05/2024
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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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Red Anchor Admiral 6" * 52

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Red Anchor Admiral 6 * 52
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My pick for the week was something I never tried before but it peaked my interest the moment I cracked the box open. The Red Anchor Admiral right from the start reminded me of the Padron 1964 Natural with how smooth the draw was and the amount of airflow. The slightly oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper has that natural sweetness I crave. On the palate, the Red Anchor Admiral opens with a burst of woody and cedar notes, accompanied by a subtle sweetness that hints at dried fruit and cocoa. As I continued smoking the cigar notes of leather, pepper, and nutty flavors emerged making their presence known, providing complexity and depth without overwhelming my senses. The smoke is dense and creamy, leaving a pleasant finish with hints of spice and chocolate. The strength is medium to full, making it a satisfying cigar for both seasoned smokers and those looking to elevate their palate. Its transitions and balance make it an ideal choice for a leisurely evening smoke, pairing beautifully with a dark rum or whiskey. In summary, the Red Anchor Admiral offered a premium, flavorful experience with plenty of complexity that did not bore me and kept me wanting more, making it a must-try for aficionados who appreciate quality and are looking for something new. Picked on 09/28/2024
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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
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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Crux Epicure Habano Toro 6"1/4 * 52

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Crux Epicure Habano Toro 61/4 * 52
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Lovely cigar that will absolutely satisfy your need for a bright, complex, smooth, flavorful, medium+ bodied smoke. As soon as I lit up this stick, it offered spice and herbal notes that instantly made me curious about what this experience was going to to be. Turns out, the flavors popping up are creamy, balanced, and sweet. Wood and leather and more spice show up more noticeably on the final third. A very enjoyable way to spend an hour or two. This cigar is as good as it looks! Picked on 06/25/2024
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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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Tatuaje 20th Grande Merveille 6"1/8 * 46

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Tatuaje 20th Grande Merveille 61/8 * 46
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This cigar, upon lighting up, scared me for a second. The last time I had smoked it, I remembered it as being a smooth medium-full body with slightly sweet and creamy notes along a main body of wood and spice. And, upon lighting up, I was blasted with an intense full body sensation! It was almost too much, but thankfully it only lasted a few minutes. By the time I worked my way a half inch down the cigar, I remembered what I liked about it. While a bit stronger on lightup, it mellows out beautifully into a nice, slightly sweet medium body. The initial blast of spice and wood is mellowed down and that sweetness takes over. It's what made me pick it up today, as I wanted to go for something that I knew I liked. This is not your average medium body, at about a seven or eight out of ten in terms of strength, but the flavor shines through as a wonderful medium. The spice soon dissipates completely, leaving behind core notes of sweet wood, slight vanilla, and nuts. Coronas gordas are my #1 favorite size, just because they're just enough smoke (like a robusto), but in the thinner than average format that is my personal preference. This cigar has a refined and elegant flavor that keeps me wanting to come back to it-- I just forgot about the intense start! Writing about it, though, will make it stick better to my memory-- and I'd easily recommend it with a coffee if you want to try something sweet and smooth, but with a beginning that will put some hair on your chest. Picked on 06/20/2024
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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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Aladino Cameroon Robusto 5" * 50

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Aladino Cameroon Robusto 5 * 50
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JRE's Cameroon Robusto is a Honduran puro. Consisting of a (you guessed it) Cameroon wrapper and corojo binders and fillers. This stick has a creamy smoke texture, a slightly resistant draw that opens up quickly, and a perfect burn line. I would say the construction and curing process are excellent! For flavors, I picked up a moderate sweetness, cedar, nuttiness, and a gentle peppery spice. With a friendly price structure, premium build, and experienced farmers behind it this blend didn't have a downside for me. The spice, while present, was tame and is unlikely to offend. With lots of flavor, but none of it over bold, I think this cigar could be recommended to anyone who will smoke a half step above true mild. Picked on 06/11/2024
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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

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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
Older Picks
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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