Big bird (SHHH)

Although I’ve developed a fondness for foot bands, this example was stuck on ‘good,’ resulting in the wrapper ripping. First impressions were of cedar and white pepper. There was also a zesty pepper hit on the finish, but cedar is the star here. Moving on, bought flavours of aged tobacco and, yes, you guessed it, […]

The witch

This is the last of my Halloween trio from Privada. The first flavours found are the usual suspects: cedar and pepper. What wasn’t usual is the cool, fresh taste of menthol – definitely a first for me. Continuing on, the pepper subsides, and a milk arrowroot kind of flavour comes to light. There isn’t much […]

The Black Cat By J.C. Newman

This black cat’s wrapper is as dark as night! First impressions: this is one solid cigar. Very firm pack from cap to foot with a scent of musty dried fruit. Once lit, I instantly realised that this is a pepper bomb. Aged tobacco and heat are all I can taste. The draw is a little […]

The Full Moon By Cavalier Cigars

Privada really do pull out all the stops when it comes to Halloween! This is one good-looking cigar with an awesome full mood band. Below this band is some gold leaf, which looks like the reflection of the moon over water. Very impressive. The only thing I can fault is the cap; it’s a little […]

Epic La Rubia Lancero

Epic is a pretty bold brand name, I expect big things. The smell from fresh is unmistakably sweet cedar. The first few draws taste just like Corn flakes with white sugar on top, and reminds me of my youth and subsequently countless dentist visits… I had a lancero curse for such a long time, it’s […]

Privada Spirits: Cognac

So, as you have probably figured out, this cigar is made to pair with COGNAC. Since I don’t have any, I will have to see how it goes on its own. This is one good-looking cigar. It’s the wrapper that gets your attention, dark with a nice oily sheen. I wish I only got a […]

Royal Affair By AJ Fernandez

A year ago I had never heard the term “puro”. Yeah I’m a noob, but now this is all I’m hearing. Which in my opinion, is not a bad thing at all. I wasn’t prepared but this is one big pepper bomb, white black and everything in-between, but surprisingly not overbearing so let’s continue. This […]

Stulac Colaboración

If this stick isn’t a doppelganger of most ‘My Father’ cigars then I’m going blind. What’s not to like with this 5×54 box pressed beauty? Check out this barrel aged Nicaraguan Habano wrapper adorned with a work of art for a band and a foot band, just in case you didn’t realise this is one […]

Romeo Y Julieta 1875

I have always considered RYJ to be a traditional Cuban brand, but with an Indonesian wrapper and a Dominican binder and long filler, this blend promises an interesting experience. Right from the start, it exudes the classic Cuban flavour profile, featuring clouds of cedar, white pepper, and other woody notes. What sets it apart from […]

Padilla catcher in the rye

I haven’t read many books, but ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ is one of them. The 6 x 54 size of this cigar is just perfect for my liking. This example lit beautifully, had the perfect draw producing abundant plumes of smoke. Not a bad start at all. It seems like Privada has a love-hate […]