Privada test blend Maduro torpedo 6 1/4 x 52

Another presumed AJF test blend. Let’s go. Straight away I’m getting a little mustiness on the wrapper along with some dark tobacco aromas. The cold draw is extremely light, almost too light. It’s wearing a dark wrapper and comes in a decent-sized torpedo, although aren’t all torpedos supposed to look impressively sized? Going in, I […]

Don Toirac

First of all, the size — this has to be close to the perfect cigar format. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy cigars big and small, but visually this vitola just looks spot on. (6 x 52) And speaking of visually perfect, have a look at this band. Absolutely stunning. Very regal, with a classic […]

Montenegro President Series Cordial

Heat right from the start — chilli spice immediately coating the tongue. This cigar comes in swinging and never bothers asking permission. Don’t know what happened to the photo, so here is one I borrowed. Zesty as hell. At first it’s hard to pin down exactly what’s happening because it just assaults the senses in […]

Narcos RL

This cigar is another secret blend provided by Privada Cigar Club. The Dominican Republic is renowned for producing exceptional cigars, so I was hoping this one would live up to expectations. The draw was quite light from the start, but it still produced plenty of smoke. I’d been cooking a brisket for most of the […]

Plasencia Alma Fuerte Generacion V Salomon

I don’t know why I sat on this review for the last two years, but here we go. Tonight I pulled out this beautiful cigar to celebrate my 45th birthday. Honestly, there’s no better occasion for an amazing smoke. The timing could have been better though — the rain started rolling in and my balcony […]

Tabernacle Broadleaf Corona

This is one firmly packed cigar, but the cap cut cleanly and the draw was spot on from the very first puff—thankfully. Wrapper: Connecticut BroadleafBinder: Mexican San AndrésFiller: Honduras & NicaraguaLength: 5 1/4 inchesRing Gauge: 46Vitola: Corona Extra This is a great-looking cigar with a dark, toothy Broadleaf wrapper and an elegant band. The pack […]

Sake Nigiri

This is the last of the three cigars in the Privada Sushi range. Vitola: 6 x 46Wrapper: Ecuadorian HabanoBinder: Ecuadorian HabanoFiller: Especial Right from the first draw, this cigar is impressively smooth. I often find the opening puffs of most cigars to be the least enjoyable, but that is not the case here at all—this […]

field scout

From the fresh draw, there is a light sweet barnyard aroma, which translates perfectly into the flavour once lit. Knowing this cigar comes from Privada, there is a strong chance of an AJ Fernandez collaboration. On this occasion, the wrapper, binder, and filler are undisclosed—and probably for good reason. Within the first 10 minutes, I […]

Evil eye

This Costa Rican toro certainly looks the part. The wrapper has a smooth, attractive sheen and the cigar is expertly rolled. Savoury notes lead from the start — a touch herbal with hints of leather and cedar. As the cigar develops, I’m getting some cereal vibes: honey-nut flakes, a bit of nuttiness, and even a […]

The 200

This example has been aged for 6+ years — and it definitely smells like it. Most cigars mellow with age, but the scent on this one is still intense: dark, rich, and very reminiscent of pipe tobacco. The draw started a little tighter than expected, though smoke output was still solid. Early on I picked […]