601 Blue (maduro) Toro (6.25" x 54)

 I've reviewed this stick before but after smoking the toro, I had to do it again. It's a great smoke and I've been seeing sales online of the robusto for $4 a stick. At that price...fans of Don Pepin Garcia and/or maduros should pick up a few!

Here is what Famous cigars has to say about them:

The 601 'Blue' cigar series are slightly box-pressed, medium to full-bodied premium cigars created by Don Pepin Garcia with an exquisite recipe of perfectly-aged Nicaraguan longfillers finished in a dark, oily Nicaraguan Habano wrapper. Precisely blended to offer a rich, well-balanced medley of dark and naturally sweet tobacco flavors enhanced by an arousing aroma, if you prefer taste over strength, this is the 601 for you. Make sure you have a box on-hand for those very special occasions.

For once , I think I'd agree with the sales blurb!

Smoking this slightly boxed press cigar was a real pleasure. Though I always enjoy these things, this one had been aging for over two years and was even better than usual. Much of it was a smooth nutty maduro expresso type mix  but at several points I felt like the stick was channeling the Padron 1964 maduro (a much more expensive cigar that I reserve for special occasions). The burn was perfect. The aroma was nice (Michelle commented that it smelled pretty good, which is rare!).

 I continue to rate this stick a 4 on my 4 point scale. 

Pinar del Rio Habano Sun Grown robusto (5" x 50)

I picked up a few five packs of these from cigarmonster.com after I had heard some good things about them. One reviewer hinted that they were a "poor man's Oliva V" so I had to get some. After having four or so I am ready to review!

Here is what one vendor has to say about the Pinar del Rio Sun Grown

Pinar Del Río Habano Sun-Grown cigars showcase a blend of extra-long-aged Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos with a lush, oily, Dominican-grown Habano leaf - like the deep, red-brown wrappers grown in Pinar Del Río, Cuba - that laces the palate with rich flavor.Cigar Press wrote: "Medium to full in body and rich, creamy aroma, with a lot of spice in the nose. Complex. Excellent smoking cigar." Discover these outstanding premium cigars created by Abe Flores and Juan Rodriguez today

Upon lighting this guy I realized that I really do like these cigars-though they can be a little flakey on the flavor and the burn. I attribute some of this on the cold weather of Fall-two I had were really perfect and the third (smoked at 5:00. a.m. with Family in the cold October morning) was a bit bitter. The one I smoked for this review was bittter at first and I realized that I needed to slow my draws down-made a world of a difference. I've found that most non maduro cigars I've smoked in the cold (or when going from one temperature to another) tend to suffer from flavor or burn issues-can't really blame the Pinar, right?

After about ten minutes of smoking, the Pinar burn corrected and I did not feel like I was smoking some kind of leprous exploding cigar. I keep thinking "this is like a diet Oliva V" and I think that can be a good thing-though at several points I started craving that extra body that the V brings to the table. 

The flavor is kinda nutty with a creamy element and that semi-tart flavor that I associate with sun grown smokes. I'd say it is a medium flavor and body smoke-a really nice break from the full growns I've been enjoying the most for the last year or so. The triple bands are nice too and the cloth band at the tip makes these cigars stand out on the shelf.

I think I paid $2 or $3 for these on sale and at that price, they are a good deal. I think they run around $6 at the cigar store.  I'd rate this stogie a 2 on my four point scale-a good and enjoyable smoke. The one bitter one and the apparent sensitivity to environmental factors keep it from earning a 3. I'd pick one up on sale again, without hesitation.

Here's a bonus pic of me smoking the Pinar. It's kind of a bad photo but in the shadows  I'm kind of mysterious so here you go!

CAO Brazilia (Chango) 6.5" x 50

Here is what a vendor has to say about the CAO Brazilia

The Brazilia is the fuller-bodied side of CAO.  Its dark and spicy wrapper make it very flavorful with a long earthy finish.

For years CAO dreamt of a cigar that uses premium Brazilian tobacco, but finding good Brazilian leaf at the end of the cigar boom was not an easy task. At the time Brazilian tobacco was not at the top of its game. However, CAO stumbled on a beautiful dark wrapper leaf from the coveted Bahia region and the rest is history. After its launch this cigar brought attention back to Brazilian tobacco and essentially was the rebirth of Brazilian cigars in the US cigar market, as other cigar makers flocked to South America in attempt to recreate CAO’s success. The rich Brazilian wrapper gives the CAO Brazilia a full-bodied and full-flavored aroma that carries a long and spicy finish. It is a truly unforgettable cigar, and a powerhouse addition to the humidor.

CAO reminds me of a kid I went to school with. He talked a lot of b.s. and he always had a look on his face-irrespective of the fact that he had little to be proud of-like he'd just whupped Jack Bauer's butt and was taking his daughter to the drive-in. Just like this kid, I occasionally decide to "hang out" with a CAO cigar and every darn time, when it's through, why I didn't remember the last time. This time I'm going to do a review-perhaps this text will remind me so I don't walk down that road again in a year.

Let me start out by saying that I really wanted to like this cigar. The green and yellow tubo was attractive and the idea of a Brazilian maduro smoke really appealed to me. But when I pulled the stogie out of the tube I felt a somewhat dry stick with a mottled wrapper that smelled only of really strong cedar. Cedar is NOT my favorite cigar flavor. Where is the rich maduro aroma? Not here.

The light did not improve things. The smoke was full but the flavor was charry. After a few puffs I detected a little bit of a nutty flavor. After a few puffs, the Chango increased in flavor, kind of a mix of cedar, char, and some kind of full and mellow espresso with a little sweetness. The aroma improved as well, kind of a mellow sweetness.

Overall this smoke is remarkable for the marketing and its white ash, its good construction, and its layered flavors which provide a rich experience overall. It reminded me very much of some kind of rich dessert and was surprisingly good overall. I rate the Chango a "3" on my 4 point rating scale and am pleasantly surprised that I found a CAO that didn't let me down!

Here are two bonus pics-Michelle enjoying the Fall morning with me while I smoke the Brazilia and read The Passage...

...and here are three of the "Reid Boys" enjoying some fishing at the Reid pond! Notice the authentic props (Reid casa, Reid "Old Red truck", rotting log where Ry was scared silly by a dead snake...

Capoeira (torpedo, 6.5" x 52)

I picked up some of these from Famous cigars-ran me about $3 apiece. Smoked this one on a beautiful Fall evening-the 2nd evening this season that really felt like Fall.

Here is what Famous had to say:

Pronounced "kapu'era," Capoeira cigars get their name from a centuries-old Afro-Brazilian art form combining martial arts, music and dance. Created by Jesus Fuego, he used mostly organically-fertilized Honduran & Nicaraguan Criollo and Mexican San Andres longfillers, plus a Costa Rican Corojo binder rolled in 4-yr-aged Brazilian Mata Fina Maduro wrappers. Expect a well-balanced, full-flavored smoke with elements of pepper, sweet wood, nuts and espresso.

I like the appearance of this-dark maduro with a nice blunted torpedo head.  I cut it narrowly but had to recut because the draw was a little tight. I didn't detect much of a prelight but once lit, this stick pumped out some cocoa, pepper, and solid maduro flavors (a hint of sweetness). It didn't vary much but the flavor was very good. The stick required some maintenance though-3 or 4 touchups and relights, which was kind of a pain and would have been a little more annoying in a social situation. The body was medium and the flavor was medium to full (all the way through!). On a side note, it reminded me some (though milder in flavor inensity) of other maduros I've had that have Mexican tobacco in them-a good thing, if you like stronger cigars.

RTR review: 3 out of 4. Check this one out if you're in the mood for a budget maduro with some flavor!

 

 RTR posing doing some Brazilian martial arts while smoking!

Graycliff Double Expresso (4.5" x 54)

First, here's the setup: My buddy Jeff mailed me this sparkplug of a cigar a few weeks ago and asked me to review it. I put it in the humidor and let it stabilize and now it is ready to roll!

It is notable for several reasons: It is made in the Bahamas (not well known for cigar making) and has a Costa Rican wrapper and binder. The filler is a mix.  Additionally, this cigar retails at $13, according to my preliminary research (Thanks Jeff!). As such, it sets expectations high, especially when you take into account its small size. The dual-bands give it a classy look and the pre-light aroma is aromatic-smelled sweet and reminded me of some kind of fancy coffee or pastry. The form-factor is really good-I wish there were more stogies like this (maybe I need to check out the Nub!).

I really enjoyed this cigar. The flavors were a strong bitter coffee (hence the "Double Express" part of the name). I also got some underlying nuttiness that was very enjoyable. As I progressed through about an hour of smoking this guy, I realized that I really wanted a cup of coffee to go with it (though, with this cigar, I'm not sure how that would work!). The cigar has a lot of draw and produces good plumage. The flavor is full initially but drops to mild-medium by the end. The body is mild or mild-medium.

As I burned through this guy I noticed that the flavors lessened a little-very different from how many other cigars progress. I would rate this cigar a "3" on my 4 point scale-a pretty darn good cigar. I think I would enjoy these the most at the end of the night of smoking stogies or perhaps in the later morning. The price tag is probably a big deal-killer for me, however-as there is a lot of potent competition in this price range. Thanks much Jeff!

 

Here's a special bonus pic of my sweet daughter!

Murcielago "The Bat" robusto (5 1/4" x 5)

I enjoyed the Murcielago at my brother's place in KC. It capped off a fun trip to the Ren Fair at Bonner Springs. Sadly, we had not yet recovered our camera from Lost and Found there so these photos are from my cell!

Here is what one vendor has to say about "The Bat":

While hiking in the mountains of Veracruz, Mexico, Eddie Ortega and Erik Espinosa, co-owners of United Tobacco, Inc., came across a cave of bats. The exciting experience resonated with them and years later the Murcielago, Spanish for "Bat," was created.

These medium to full bodied cigars have a Nicaraguan filler, Mexican binder and a Mexican Maduro wrapper. The Mercielago has a nice sweet taste, notes of spice and superb balance.

Here's my scotch and my Bat...ready to hit  E & K's patio for a smoke!

I'm starting to associate this smoke with KC-I enjoyed one with my brother at the (new) Outlaw there a month or two ago...and I remember the cigar guy there telling us a story of how the wrapper is Mexican and was supposed to be for Padron and DPG somehow got access to it. Regardless of how this wrapper came about, it certainly gives the smoke a much different flavor and character than other Don Pepin Garcia and 601 smokes.

When I first pulled this cigar from the cellophane, the smell of spicy dark cherries filled my nostrils. Perhaps it was partially due to the fact that I hadn't had a smoke in a few days but I really enjoyed the prelight aroma on this cigar and immediately knew I'd be in for a treat.

The cigar's flavor (and the gold/black/red "bat" label) are the most distinguishing characteristics. The flavor is very difficult for me to describe and was very complex-I did detect some black cherry type tartness and some chocolate type flavors. The plummage was thick and potent, drawing comment from my sweet wife ("Get it out of my face!"). The burn was perfect, as was the construction. I would rate it as medium to full in body and full in flavor.

I rate this stogie a 4 on my 4 point scale-will be trying to get some more soon. I do think it might be a little complex for many and would not have enjoyed it a few years ago. I got it in a sampler but figure a robusto like this probably costs $7-$8 in a store.

Wife and I enjoying the KC evening!

Here's a foo creature we saw at the KC art museum. Pretty awesome!

Here's the sunset as we were returning home. 

Nestor Miranda Dominicano Robusto Grande Rosado (5.5" x 54)

Long name...really good cigar!

I first experienced the Miranda Dominicano while at Disney World with the Family-and it has the distinction of being one of the stand-outs of the trip. Though we had lots of fun...the Dominicano is a great smoke and I can re-experience the trip (through the delights of olfactory memory triggers) for only 8 bucks!

It was dusk on Sunday night and I had set the stage for this smoke by pouring some Bowmore 12 Year Scotch. I took a sip and evaluated the Dominicano:

*Wrapper was dark (but not maduro)  and smooth-Ryan commented that he thought it was "Perfect".

*The band has kind of an African feel and has the distinctive copper bands that adorn all the Nestor Miranda lines. 

This stick, to me, is all about the plummage and aroma-it has plenty of both. The flavors are full but tough to describe. I enjoy them but cannot name them-though I did detect a bit of cocoa. The cigar produces thick aromatic smoke that I kept pausing to enjoy.

Here's some info from a vendor:

The Nestor Miranda Collection label from Miami Cigar & Company are a collaboration between Nestor Miranda (of course) and Pepin Garcia. These smokes, manufactured in the Dominican Republic, have captured the imagination of cigar smokers across the globe and are a must for the cigar connoisseur. 

Surprisingly (given the name), the only Dominican tobacco is the binder-the rest is all Nicaraguan.

I enjoyed this stogie-have smoked four this Summer and they have all been stellar. I rate it 4 on my 4 point scale-it is one of my favorites (based almost exclusively on the smell!).

Here are some bonus photos of some of the Family at our vacation:

Here my two boys and I are mugging it up in the fake subway entrance...

Here is a photo of the resort we were at-we really enjoyed the river that cut through it.

Here's four of our five, hanging out by one of the restaurants.

Here T and M are getting wild to some Cuban music!

Cubao #7 (Corona, 6" x 42)

Cubao #7 (Corona, 6" x 42)

Like Dokken said so long ago, I'm "Back for the Attack"! Yes, it's been awhile since I've got a blog review going...been smoking, of course, just haven't had the "ummph" to write anything up. After some email encouragement, I figured I'd share my experiences with the Cubao #7 with you, my faithful readers!

The Cubao is a thin little guy with a cute pig tail. I thought they were "short lanceros" (and they still are, to me) but I discovered that the manufacturer calls these "coronas". Eh. They are made by Don Pepin Garcia for EO cigars (makers of other goodies such as 601).

I really like the Cubao line. I have reviewed them before but not in this format. The cigar has a simple brown band, and a dark and mottled wrapper color. It has a nice little pig tail on the top, which I think is kind of cute. The stogie, like other Cubaos I have had, has a rich prelight aroma-good tobacco smell with a little Pepin tartness that makes me want to light it up a.s.a.p. The cigar is composed of Nicaraguan fillers and wrapped in an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. I think I caught a special on Cigarmonster.com and got a five pack for $25.


I lit this bad boy up this last week...and settled down to enjoy it with some coffee and a Dr. Who graphic novel that my sweet wife bought me. The sun was up and right before I lit up I wondered if the furnace heat of August in SW Kansas was going to ruin the experience...another sniff of the Cubao and I lit it up-committed to smoking this guy, damn the costs. Heroic? That's for others to judge.

The Cubao #7's thinness was its most unattractive feature-however, it was mitigated by the fact that the thinner version of the Cubao imparted more flavor than its thicker siblings-noticeably richer and more sophisticated. Additionally these thin cigars tend to burn a little faster and when time is tight, that's a nice feature. I'd call it a potent smoke, perhaps full bodied and full flavor as well-just what the Doctor ordered (heh heh, that's for you Tardis and pun lovers out there).




The plummage was impressive (for a thinner smoke) and the burn was great. The strength of the cigar increases and by the time I nubbed this guy, I was really noticing the flavor and power. This cigar is a "4" on my four point scale-really a great cigar, in any of the sizes.

Here is a bonus pic of one of my sons out picking sand plums out near Protection, Ks. Though he didn't get a lot of plums, he did conquer and explore the surrounding area, especially this monster tree.

LG Diez "Americano" (5.75" x 46)

The LG is made by Litto Gomez (La Flor Dominicana) and is a Dominican Puro. I have been enjoying these for a year or so, off and on, and when Michelle suggested we go on a "Explore Southwest Kansas" trip this weekend, I grabbed it up. 

The cigar has a cool red/gold/black band but what gets my attention is the wrapper-in good light, it has a deep leathery color with a bit of orange. The color of the wrapper and the prelight aroma reminds me a great deal of the Coronado by La Flor Dominicana (one of my all-time favorite smokes). 

As I smoked this cigar, I couldn't shake the similarities between this and the Coronado. Both are rich in spices and flavor transitions and both have great construction and all the other qualities of a really fine cigar. In fact, until the final third I was pretty certain that they were, in fact, almost the same cigar. Both sticks have really great and interesting flavors (that I can't even really describe, sadly!). The last third, however, the LG amped up the flavor and the potency and that is where the two really go in separate directions. The LG is smoother than the Coronado and a more elegant smoking experience but also a more expensive one (I've seen this stick as high as $15 in cigar shops vs. the Coronado, which often sells for $9 (and is a bigger stick). 

Here is what Litto has to say about his LG puro: 

In 1999, We challenged ourselves to produce a cigar that was made entirely with tobacco grown on our farm. We knew it was a difficult task, because it implied growing our own wrapper. The investment was big and the risk too. But the most difficult part was the waiting. The process of fermentation and aging took more years than we expected. We tested this blend month after month for three years. Just to be disappointed because it was not ready but at the same time happy because we would taste the progress. Finally the waiting is over, today we can celebrate this great achievement. The flavor and complexity of the LG's are everything that we anticipated. We hope you enjoy these great cigars.

I rate this cigar a "4" on my 4 point scale, though the price is a little steep for me. The smooth yet flavorful stick packs some real punch at the end and the aroma is fragrant and aromatic. At several points as were driving around near Jetmore, KS I realized I was paying more attention to the stogie than I was to whatever we were chatting about-it's damn good. Anyone who finds the Coronado too potent or "rough" but likes the flavors should consider the LG for a special treat. 

Here is a bonus pic: We found a small body of water. That's right-WATER, within spitting range of Dodge City.

601 Black (robusto, 5" x 50)

601 Black

I've been digging on 601's a lot lately...all are made by Don Pepin Garcia for a company named EO. The Black label is the most mild of the bunch (clocking in at "medium" on flavor and potency). and smells of pepper on the prelight. The overall appearance is one of sophistication...and the first one or two I lit up I was very skeptical that I would like this stogie...the light wrappers do not usually appeal to me and the Black label gets the least amount of accolades of the bunch. After the first one I tried, though, I realized that this stogie is a great stick-especially in the morning or over Lunch. When I decided to read my "Preacher" graphic novel over Lunch the other day, I reached for this stick over all the others in my collection. The fact that it is my last one (and that I still selected it) strongly indicates my preference for this stogie-and I'm already trying to figure out how to get a few more. 

Here's what an online vendor has to say about it:

The 601 'Black' cigar series are medium to full-bodied premium cigars blended by Don Pepin Garcia with an exquisite blend of perfectly-aged Nicaraguan long filler tobaccos capped with a beautifully rich and oily Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper leaf. Connecticut wrappers are often used to 'tame' the robust and spicy nature of Nicaraguan tobacco, but Don Pepin has cured this leaf to be richer and more full-bodied in character, giving each cigar even more depth and complexity.

I rate this stogie a solid "3" on my 4 point scale. The price (about $5 a stick I think) works against it, as I can get some pretty decent stogies for that price online. Still, the stick has perfect construction, great plumage, is visually attractive...and has a really nice smooth and buttery pepperiness that may be unique among the stogies I've had. Many Don Pepin Garcia fans dismiss the 601 Black as too tame or boring but I think it is one of his best blends.  Ehhh. More for me!

Here I am getting some sun, enjoying my 601, and reading my Preacher graphic novel (very cool!)

San Cristobal "Monumento" (7.25" x 49)

I'm kicking it on my patio, enjoying a new Scotch and one of my favorite cigars of this year: the San Cristobal "Monumento" while rocking out to some old punk rock from my youth on Pandora (State of the Union album songs keep coming up-rock out Soulside, Fugazi ,and Ignition!). 

Here is what Ashton has to say about this stogie (they produce it):

San Cristobal is a boutique cigar handcrafted in Nicaragua by Jose “Pepin” Garcia.  Blended entirely from rich, well-aged Nicaraguan tobaccos, these cigars feature dark, oily Nicaraguan wrappers.  The flavors are rich and full-bodied, exhibiting a perfect balance between strength and complexity. Hearty notes of earth, cedar and spices are accompanied by lighter notes of walnuts, espresso, black cherries and dark chocolate.  Each cigar is constructed impeccably and finished with a traditional Cuban Triple-Cap.  San Cristobal is available in 8 sizes; packaged in cedar chests of 21 and 22.

This stogie looks very sharp-the band is doing most of the heavy lifting here. I love the colorful parrot! The stogie itself is dark and mottled and a rough looking-maybe that's why they went with the nice band! This cigar has the rounded torpedo type tip that I've seen on another Ashton (the VSG?)-and I like that too!

The prelight aroma is earthy and tart-made my mouth water! I lit it up and was immediately hit with a heavy tart/peppery flavor. This flavor lasted half the cigar and then intensified. I didn't taste half the stuff Ashton claims (surprise!) but it's a great cigar. The aroma is full and the plummage is solid as well. 

I've smoked about a half a dozen of these dudes and they've all been excellent-some of my favorite Don Pepin Garcias. I think that they retail for around $11, which I know isn't cheap. However some serious quality comes with these and I think that, for a stogie of this size and quality, it's a pretty good deal. I expect to keep one in my humidor for special occasions. For instance,  this week my good buddy Seth called-haven't heard from him in a long time. That's good enough to light up for me!

Here I am enjoying this San Cristobal.

Here's a bonus pic of my wife and her new "friend".

El Rey del Mundo Rectangulars (5.6" x 45)

El Rey del Mundo Rectangulars (5.6" x 45)

Here is the stogie, along with my Red Stripe, Swiss Army cutter, Blazer lighter. Not pictured are my laptop, the dvd "Torchwood: Children of Earth", and my sweet wife!

I thought I'd revisit this cigar, one of the first I reviewed on this blog. With two years of smoking these (some new, some with two years of aging), I have come to two conclusions: 1) Cigar smokers' tastes change a lot over time and 2) This is still a really good cigar. 

Though I used to think that this cigar was one of my favorite, I have since moved on to stronger stogies-the El Rey just doesn't have enough flavor or body to hold my attention. Even so, I have found that it is a really great cigar-I enjoy it most in the morning or anytime I want a cigar but I don't want to have to "worry" about it or pay too much attention to it. 

The construction is top notch, the price is affordable, and the flavor is a pleasant tobacco and nutty concoction. I have smoked at least twenty of these and I don't know if I have EVER had to do a relight or experienced any kind of cracks or problems of that sort. On my 4 point scale, I give it a "2", though-because the flavor just isn't varied , interesting or strong enough to keep my attention...but when my attention is diverted (such as when I'm watching a Dr. Who spinoff!), it hits the spot!

This bonus pic is of my elite posse of martial arts enforcers after H.T. filled their bellies with Oklahoma BBQ and set them loose with a camera! Note the way that the middle one's Ki power has been focused as light bursts from her forehead!

J. Fuego Delirium Robusto (5"x50)

J. Fuego Delirium Robusto (5"x50)

This cigar is dark and feels a little dry...but smells of strong tobacco-chock full of that "barnyard" smell that almost always promises a good smoke. On the web I discovered that it has a Brazilian wrapper and Costa Rican binder; the filler is Nicaraguan and Honduran (mixed). 

I decided to try a punch cut on it and, after lighting, was rewarded with dry cocoa type aromas and flavors. As I began smoking, I rapidly began associating the flavor and smell with a dark beer like a Guinness. Though I was enjoying the Pacifico I was drinking, I began making plans to try this cigar again with something dark or perhaps a heavy coffee. 

Here the stogie is in all of its glory. 

This cigar is one of those that starts out with a given flavor (kind of a dry chocolate or cocoa) and then ramps up the intensity as you smoke it. I've had three and all of the provided the same experience...an enjoyable experience up until the last 1/3...at which point it reminds me of that third piece of chocolate cheese cake when you realize you might have overdid it. I presume that's where the name "Delirium" comes in, as in "I'm delirious with the rich chocolate flavors of this thing". 

I think I pad around $4 for it and have been seeing it on sale the last month or so. It has great plumage, aroma, construction, ash, flavor and burn...It's a really good cigar if you like more mocha and chocolate (LOTS MORE CHOCOLATE) and less pepper in your maduros.

On RTR's 4 point scale I rate it a low "3"-it is a really good cigar and I'll be smoking more...but that last 1/3 is just "too rich" for the stogie to ever make it into "4" territory.

Here's a bonus pic: Me and my two littlest ones after Thane won (another) bike-this time at the Easter Egg hunt!

Brick House Toro (6 x 52")

I'm lighting up the Brickhouse toro by the Newman Family...picked it up a few months ago after I started seeing buzz on it on the web. Apparently, many believe this to be one of the best new "budget" smokes (costs less than $5 at a cigar store)-in this economy, who wouldn't be interested in trying it out?

The cigar has a decent appearance with a kind of understated red, white, and cream band. The stogie feels heavy in the hand, like it is chock full of goodness. As I prepared to light up, I realized that The Smiths was playing on my Pandora radio and I wondered if I ever thought I'd jam to The Smiths while lighting up a stogie...not 100% certain that Morrissey would appreciate the pairing!

The prelight smells peppery and sweet. The initial draw was a bit loose and it seemed to have trouble lighting completely (some blackened areas that don't look lit were prominent). After a few puffs I started picking up some medium strength tobacco with an underlying mild sweetness. I paused after these first few puffs, and savored the overall experience...and realized that The Smiths rock just fine with this stick!


Here is some background from a cigar sales website:

The Newman family has brought back one of their vintage brands at an affordable price.  Eric & Bobby Newman, 3rd generation cigar makers, have recreated the Brick House cigar that was originally created by their grandfather, Julius Caesar Newman. The Brick House cigar was originally produced to honor J.C. Newman’s rich family heritage and childhood memories of his family's brick house.  (Back then, it was a big deal to have a house made of brick.)

Brick House cigars feature a "puro" blend of hand-selected Nicaraguan tobacco and a medium-brown Havana Subido wrapper.

Here I am enjoying this stogie.

The more I smoked this cigar, the more I like it. The smoke quantity and quality is high, the appearance is high, and the flavors pretty good too. I like the pepper and tartness but the underlying sweetness would probably keep me from smoking very many of these. I'd call it a medium on flavor and body.  I can see many people really enjoying them, especially for the price. I give it a 3 on my 4 point scale and look forward to smoking another to confirm. 

Here is a bonus shot of H.T. and some grandkiddos!