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 […]

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 […]

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 […]