The cigar presents a velvety mix of flavors, consisting primarily of sweet cocoa and some earthiness. The elegant banding matches the presentation, with a very clean draw and burn.
With one month of age, these might need more time to rest before hitting the rest of the bundle. Appearance and burn were good, but the flavor presented nothing but tobacco and very mild spice.
Duplicate review, exactly the same as last time. This cigar presents a smoothly blended profile of wood, leather, and spice - a touch of nuttiness shows at times. The draw is smooth after resting and burns very evenly. Only somewhat soft to the touch in terms of construction.
Continued review. Now with over 2 full years of rest in the humidor. Mild spice and coffee notes. Surprisingly smooth. The draw is better than the last couple, but the burn was still dead even. Decent budget smoke.
Another super budget smoke trial here. There's a little bit of wood but nothing else at all. Draw and burn were actually proper, even with the haphazard appearance. If the flavor was better this would be a decent smoke.
Here is a super budget line made by Artista. The flavor notes are surprising, full of wood and baking spice. The draw and construction is much better than would be expected. Although the appearance is nothing elegant, it smokes fairly well.
A super budget smoke, simple in flavor, but somehow constructed well. Smoking profile consists of wood & a nutty tone. The retro is smooth and full of that wood note. Almost perfect draw and burn as well. Not a bad little smoke.
Updated review. Now with 2 full years of rest in the humidor. Mild spice and coffee notes. Surprisingly smooth. Somewhat airy draw still, but the burn was dead even. Decent budget smoke.
5 Vegas goes Brazilian!
5 Vegas has plenty of bangers in the portfolio, including the Gold, the Classic, the Cask Strength, the Triple A, and quite a few more. However, the Big Five has made quite the impact over the last few years as one of the quintessential big-ring budget cigars on the market. Instead of playing it safe and releasing a bunch of different Big Fives with slight variations in wrapper leaf, 5 Vegas went all out and wrapped their newest release in a beautiful Brazilian beauty!
The 5 Vegas Big Five Brazil gets its name from the oily Brazilian Maduro leaf wrapper that encases the Nicaraguan binder and long-fillers beneath. Unlike anything else in the 5 Vegas line, the Big Five Brazil pops with plenty of that Brazilian spice from the wrapper, along with the smooth and savory notes from the Nicaraguan binder and fillers. Chewy smoke pours out from this big beautiful premium and coats every inch of the palate with that wonderful Brazilian heat!
Exceptional in construction as would be expected. The flavor profile is simple, but the aged tobacco presents itself with a touch of cedar and spice that stays full. Great smoke overall.
With 18 months of rest on the box, this one gets smoother each time. Profile produces a balance of pepper or spice throughout. A fairly level burn, but this one particular stick seemed to smoke much faster than the rest of the box has so far.
Just smoked the first of my pack after 6 months of rest. The flavor is sweet and creamy, but the construction was terrible. The entire cap cracked an inch using a punch, and it continued to crack in other places. Draw was acceptable, but the burn was uncontrollable.
The timeless Gurkha classic.
This limited release is truly something special. Gurkha, of course, is the brand that’s widely hailed as one of the finest handmade cigars in the world, often called the “Rolls Royce of cigars.” And with the extremely limited, Special-Edition Centurian Double-EX, they may have outdone even themselves. In fact, this was originally made for the Sultan of Brunei - a cigar so limited and exclusive that it was commissioned specifically by one of the wealthiest men in the world for his own private consumption.
These cigars are hand-rolled from exquisite Cuban-seed ligero tobaccos grown in the Cibao Valley of the Dominican Republic, aged 8 full years, and hugged by gorgeous, dark, silky Connecticut wrappers fermented to perfection. This combination imparts a rich, very creamy taste with just the slightest hint of spice, and a mellow, pleasant, yet remarkable burst of flavor on the finish. This Perfecto shape is intriguing, a thick 60-ring perfecto that carefully tapers at both ends. Due to the demands of the tricky shape and quantity of aged tobaccos used in each cigar, only the most experienced torcedors in the factory are allowed to make the size, resulting in unerring consistency and flawless construction.
Punch at the top of their game.
An industry leader in innovative, high-end tobacco blending for 175 years, Punch remains one of the most recognizable brands in the biz. Once the face of the Cuban cigar market, Punch found a new home in Honduras in 1969 with the nationalization of Cuba, and they have been refining their craft ever since. Their newest release may be their proudest, tastiest work of art to date.
Dubbed Punch Signature, a combination of rare and extremely refined tobaccos are at play. At first glance, you are met with a spotless Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper leaf with an updated and eye-catching white and black-colored Punch band. Lying just beneath is a feisty, one-of-a-kind Nicaraguan binder cloaking vintage long-fillers from lush growing regions in the Dominican and Nicaragua. Rich, full-bodied notes of aromatic spice, cedar, and leather, along with a slight cinnamon nuance all enter the fray giving way to a complex blend with unwavering balance.
Punch Signature also received an impressive 91-rating noting: "Bold impressions of smoked meat, leather and mesquite are elegantly interwoven with sweet touches of dried stone fruits, caramel and a raw cocoa bean finish."
Unhand the Opus, my good man.
Man O’ War is carefully blended and hand-crafted by Abdel "AJ" Fernandez in Esteli, Nicaragua. Born in Cuba, AJ began working with tobacco at a very young age, studying under some of the industry's most legendary minds. After years absorbing knowledge, Abdel moved to Nicaragua 6 years ago and began building what is now emerging as one of the finest boutique makers in the country.
Of all the cigars made in his factory – ITC 10th Anniversary, Padilla Habano, Rocky Patel Fusion – Abdel considers the Man O’ War his finest creation. Each expertly made cigar is a sight to behold. The dark Habano Ecuador wrapper is beautiful...thick, smooth, and covered with natural oils. This thing is stunning, positively gorgeous. But underneath the velvet glove is a hammer, a robust medium-full recipe of aged Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long-fillers which unleashes a bold bouquet for the senses. The opening is robust, with heavy spice and wood undertones, developing a chewy, velvety-smooth core of oak and earth which coats the palate, leaving behind a sweet array of spices. A variety of understated nuances come and go throughout the burn, including coffee, cocoa bean, and a touch of vanilla. Man O' War is simply incredible. I mean it.
The packaging for Man O’ War is suitably impressive, a presentation to match the quality of the cigar itself. 22 Man O' War cigars snugly packed in a unique, heavy cedar chest.
A Hoyo from the hands of AJ Fernandez...
La Amistad or "the friendship" for the "no habla" folks, is a giant step into the future for Hoyo de Monterrey. The recipe is simple - buy the best Habano Ecuador wrapper in the world and cure it to perfection. Then, and only then, assemble the finest blend of tobaccos from Nicaragua's four major growing regions under the watchful eye of AJ Fernandez, and BAM, it's a Hoyo unlike any other. It's full-bodied to the max, blended to take this historic brand to bold new heights. But don't take my word for it.
Here's what AJ had to say:
“I grew up very near to the Hoyo de Monterrey farm and I have always had a love for the brand. When it came time to develop this blend, I put my heart and soul into it. To me, this project represents how far my family and I have come since Cuba, and how our expertise in tobacco continues to be recognized. This cigar represents the best of me and my factory and I am proud to be a part of this collaboration.”
The delicious Hoyo La Amistad recently received a 90-rating, noting: "Rolled with a toothy wrapper, this cigar has a full, even draw that shows notes of leather, cocoa powder and fruit before a big walnut finish."
NOTE: Hoyo La Amistad recently received a packaging update and is now called Hoyo La Amistad Gold. The blend has not changed.
Welcome to Esteli, Romeo!
If I have to tell you how popular Romeo 1875 is, you’re either real green around these parts, or you’re living under a rock. One of the most successful Cuban-roots brands, Romeo y Julieta has been delighting cigar aficionados both old school and hipster for years now with its ties to old Havana. Delivering a consistently well-made product at a price that doesn’t break the bank, it’s no reason there’s a love story written around Romeo.
Today, we welcome the newest innovation from this decades old brand… Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua. This Nicaraguan makeover is a puro, meaning it contains 100% Nicaraguan leaves, manufactured in the famed Plasencia factory. Medium-bodied, complex, and balanced, Romeo 1875 Nicaragua delivers a toasty core, with hints of spice and natural sweetness.
Good news, Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua has earned an awesome 90-point rating, noting; "This oily robusto burns evenly, showing a mostly woody character with touches of graham cracker, milk chocolate and caramel. The finish hints of spice."
San Lotano comes full circle....err....full Oval.
Before the Oval, San Lotano was praised by all who crossed its path. But after Oval there’s nothing left to say - this exciting new handmade says all that needs to be said.
Introducing the San Lotano Oval, a completely unique blend and shape that’s all its own. Featuring a distinctively-shaped press finish that looks like, you guessed it, an oval, and a blend of tobaccos that’s equally as unique, San Lotano Oval is truly a special cigar. Sporting a toothy and scrumptious Habano 2000 wrapper and brimming with rich Nicaraguan and Honduran long fillers, San Lotano Oval is primed for flavor. Accenting the blend further is a secret filler, known only to the people at Tabacalera Fernandez. Despite its untraditional appearance, this shape perfectly complements this masterfully blended handmade, creating an amazingly smooth and balanced experience. Expect notes of leather, nuts, and spice backed by a long, rich finish. Medium to full-bodied, the Oval burns and draws spot on. Unlike anything else, and that’s a good thing.
San Lotano Oval received five separate 91-point ratings, one of which earned it a spot in the Top 25 Cigars of the Year. But this one in particular says it all perfectly: "Crafted with a very round head and ovular edges, the flat corona is rich with steady notes of leather, wood and dried cherry. The draw is even and lush throughout"
This cigar presents a smoothly blended profile of wood, leather, and spice - a touch of nuttiness shows at times. The draw is smooth after resting and burns very evenly. Only somewhat soft to the touch in terms of construction.
La Aroma de Cuba expands to Connecticut!
For those that have had a La Aroma de Cuba cigar, you know just how great they are. And if you're unfamiliar with this world-renowned brand, this is a great time to catch up. I mean were talking about the brand that's brought you the 93-rated La Aroma de Cuba, 94-rated La Aroma de Cuba Reserva, 94-rated La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial, and who could forget, the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor that's 95-rated and a former #2 cigar of the year! Expanding on their top-notch portfolio is the addition of the La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut.
Jose ’Don Pepin’ Garcia and Jaime Garcia combine together to create possibly their most satisfying blend yet. Hand-crafted in Nicaragua at Pepin Garcia's My Father factory, the La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut sports a gorgeous Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Some of the finest Nicaraguan tobacco is used for the binder and filler but not before undergoing a triple fermentation process. This leaves the final masterpiece at mellow-medium bodied with flavorful notes of coffee, cedar, and almond. The La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut is a must try and one you have to add to your collection today!
La Aroma de Cuba expands to Connecticut!
For those that have had a La Aroma de Cuba cigar, you know just how great they are. And if you're unfamiliar with this world-renowned brand, this is a great time to catch up. I mean were talking about the brand that's brought you the 93-rated La Aroma de Cuba, 94-rated La Aroma de Cuba Reserva, 94-rated La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial, and who could forget, the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor that's 95-rated and a former #2 cigar of the year! Expanding on their top-notch portfolio is the addition of the La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut.
Jose ’Don Pepin’ Garcia and Jaime Garcia combine together to create possibly their most satisfying blend yet. Hand-crafted in Nicaragua at Pepin Garcia's My Father factory, the La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut sports a gorgeous Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Some of the finest Nicaraguan tobacco is used for the binder and filler but not before undergoing a triple fermentation process. This leaves the final masterpiece at mellow-medium bodied with flavorful notes of coffee, cedar, and almond. The La Aroma de Cuba Connecticut is a must try and one you have to add to your collection today!
Maduro in the house!
Surely you’ve heard of Brick House, a 93-rated gem that managed to work its way onto the “Best 25 Cigars of 2010” list. Well J.C. Newman is back with the Brick House Maduro. This cigar is darker and spicier than its predecessor. An oily Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper houses a blend of premium Nicaraguan long-fillers and a Nicaraguan binder. The bold, full-bodied flavor profile is punctuated by notes of cocoa and sweetness. Slow-burning, firm in hand, and deliciously tasty, it’s a fitting follow-up that will easily work its way onto your top ten list.
Good news! In 2017 Brick House Maduro received an impressive 91-point rating, noting: "Strong and earthy, this dark, attractive cigar also has a salt-and-pepper quality that becomes lighter and floral. The finish is bready with a hint of caramel."
Light up and chew the fat!
The League of Fat Bastards came about through Founder Adam Levine's (not the singer) desire to spread awareness for an often neglected subject: men's mental health. Men oftentimes are told to strive toward being the strong, silent type; to keep emotions on the inside. Well, Adam Levine and the League of Fat Bastards are looking to wash that stigma away, and what better way to do that than with fine cigars?
40% of their net profits will be donated directly to charitable organizations and mental health initiatives. If you'd like to visit their website and learn more about their mission, click HERE! Now that I've gushed over the League, let's talk about the cigar. The LOFB Serie L is a medium-bodied Nicaraguan cigar wrapped in a sweet and spicy Ecuadorian wrapper. Spicy undertones accent the smooth cocoa and leather that dominate from the time you light up to the nub. A great cigar for a greater cause, be sure to give the Serie L a try.
Two decades of awesome-ness
It’s a celebratory time in CI Nation. And I’m not just talking about our everyday beer chugging, cigar burning celebrations, this year is really special. Cigars International is celebrating our 20th anniversary. That’s right, it’s been two amazing decades of this awesome website, and what other way to commemorate than by joining Nick Perdomo in celebrating 20 years as well.
With an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and long-filler, the recipe to this cigar is deceiving. On paper, you see a blend like any other. But light it up, and Perdomo’s skill at blending and selecting high-quality leaves is undeniable. Creamy, cedary pillows of flavor are kept interesting with a slight spice and sweetness that makes sure you’ll be coming back for more. Give it a bit, and I’m sure we’ll see a 90+ rating soon on this one.
Decent cigar. Not sure if it is my cup of tea yet, but definitely a strong smoke and an interesting one for sure. Plan on getting a five pack of each variety to try out.
An orotund offering that epitomizes the skillful art of full-bodied premium handmades.
ru - in - a - tion [roo-uh-ney-shuh-n]
-noun
1. the act or state of ruining or the state of being ruined.
2. something that ruins.
Strap on your bike helmets gents. Behold, Man O’ War Ruination, a supremely flavorful handmade offering superior layers of bold, Cuban-esque flavors balanced by velvety smoothness that pours forth with raw spirit and intensity. Ample flavor abounds, driven by its bold mixture of Cuban-seed Nicaraguan and Honduran long-leaf ligeros. These hand-selected tobaccos have been picked from the plant's highest priming, bringing maximum flavor and richness. To conceal this deep, dense blend of tobaccos, an oily Habano Ecuador ligero leaf was chosen as its wrapper - one that's thick and juicy, even outshining the flavorful core within. An explosion of spice greets you up front, as Ruination deliquesces into softer notes of oak, earth, toast, wood, and leather. The velvety smoke coats the palate, leaving a long and satisfying finish filled with the wonderful lingering aroma of toast and charcoal. Toward the nub the roller-coaster continues....closing with a concentrated, layered, full-bodied finale. Nothing short of a religious experience!
An Estelí puro
Estelí, a city in Nicaragua where most of the nation’s cigars are rolled is home to tobacco fields known in the industry for producing strong, spicy leaves of prime tobacco. Spearheaded by cigar industry legend, A.J. Fernandez, Diesel Cigars is known for their full-bodied blends that utilize Nicaraguan tobacco grow mainly at many of A.J.'s farms. The newest edition to the Diesel line includes nothing but the best of the best that these Nicaraguan farms have to offer.
With a wrapper from A.J.'s La Lilia Farm, binder from his San José farm, and fillers from several plots all across Estelí, including the famous San Lotano farm, the Diesel Estelí Puro is a full-bodied experience that is going to ensnare your senses with a robust earthy, woody flavor profile that showcases notes of chocolate and pepper. If you are looking for a balanced savory and spicy cigar that is still going to blow your socks off, look no further and pick up the new Diesel Estelí Puro today.
