Not Tony by Jochy Blanc

This cigar comes out swinging, delivering a generous dose of spice from the very first draw. The construction is exceptionally firm—perhaps even slightly overpacked—but it initially provides a good draw and plenty of smoke output. Early on, I pick up subtle preserved fruit notes layered over a foundation of aged tobacco and black pepper. There’s […]

Gratiot Ave Coat Of Arms

I was a little concerned when I first lit this cigar because the draw was all air. It was so loose that I wasn’t sure it would even stay lit. Five minutes later, though, the cigar came alive and began producing a full, rich, savoury smoke. The 5 x 50 format is a fantastic size, […]

Curivari Epitome 550

I’ve had this cigar resting in my humidor for almost exactly three years, so it felt like the right time to finally break it out. Advertised as a “Cuban seed” cigar, anything with “Cuban” in the marketing doesn’t really sway me one way or the other these days. Winter has properly arrived again and it’s […]

Aganorsa Supreme Leaf

This is the second iteration of this cigar that I’ve smoked, so let’s go! This larger format comes in at 6 x 50 and, once again, it’s a real treat. The closed foot adds an extra layer of complexity when lighting up, giving the lighting a little more intrigue than your typical cigar. Right from […]

Birthday cake

Very light draw from the start, paired with a larger ring gauge than I would normally gravitate toward. The wrapper began to peel slightly at the cap, though I suspect that was more a result of my cutter than the cigar itself. At $21 USD, it’s on the expensive side for the U.S. market, but […]

El Buble

Nicaraguan puro, say less! The first impression was a good one, with a solid draw and plenty of smoke production. Unfortunately, about 20 minutes in, the draw tightened considerably and the smoke output dropped off a cliff. A recut and several purges helped, but it took the better part of 20 minutes to get the […]

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 […]