twin pines

The first thing that comes to mind when I look at this cigar is Rocky Patel. So many RP cigars are the same shape/size and softly boxed pressed. Just perfect. Cutting the cap and lighting greets you with the unmistakable flavour of cedar; the smoke output is great right from the start also. Even though […]

The blanco 9

If you have the pleasure of being a Privada member you will know that the tasting notes can be really handy with helping you define flavours. But it can be equally frustrating when you can’t taste what’s listed! To each their own. In this instance liquorice is right on the money. A flavour that I […]

El Titan De Bronze Sumatra Lancero LE

I just love the look of a Lancero. The fresh scent is of barnyard, which I find frequently in cigars. Maybe I’m imagining old barns of Spanish cedar scattered throughout the countryside. I haven’t used a punch in a while and this ring gauge works just perfect. The first draws bring flavours of peppery cedar […]

Montenegro Batista

The Montenegro Batista gets amazing reviews and from the first draw I understand why. I think this is going to be the perfect celebration cigar! For me the first draw of most cigars is usually not the best, and it takes little while for the flavours to come and smooth out. This cigar is certainly […]

Purple Sky Diablo Del Desierto

Naming a cigar the desert devil, ok then, you have my attention. The fresh scent and cold draw are both of barnyard and hay. What’s most noticeable though is how extremely light the draw is! The first third smokes pretty quick, and is difficult to note any particular flavours. The draw continues to be very […]

HVC Hotcake

And here we have another cigar with a ton of hype behind it. Personally I’d rather the underdog that surprises you out of nowhere, instead of having to live up to expectations. I found it very interesting that this cigar has been designed to have a tight draw. Reinier Lorenzo from HVC describes it as […]

Capo Habano

After a five month break from smoking cigars I am straight back at it with the Capo Habano! Paired with a long island iced tea because, well, why not?! When I look at this cigar it reminds me of an old jazz club (not that I’ve been to one!). The hat and jacket surrounded by […]

The Vince by Black Bird Cigars

This cigar smells as good as it looks! A box pressed Corona Gorda with a pig tail foot! Yes this cigar is really showing off. Let’s hope it lives up to the hype. Now everyone has had a cigar with a sweet tip, but salty? This is definitely new for me! You can taste the […]

Espinosa Cigars Hialeah Gardens

I don’t know which looks more delicious?! Also again, another barely boxed pressed cigar with just a slight edge to it. I decided to use a V-cutter to cut a crown on this cigar which I am becoming quite fond of. First impressions found the old favourites: pepper, leather and sweet cedar. I didn’t have […]

Stallone

Such a powerful looking cigar and the perfect pairing for some homemade pizza! The wrapper of this cigar appears to be two toned; both being very dark. The pack is quite solid and naturally only softens right near the foot. I have to say I’m a fan of this band; it’s reminiscent of a movie […]