Nub Connecticut 460T (4" x 60)

It's Sunday morning and I grabbed something "light" from my treasure chest of stogies that I won from the Outlaw. That's right: It's time for an (Oliva) Nub Connecticut! I paired it with some Roasterie City of Fountains blend and smoked the sucker up while chatting with my bro (who was smoking a damaged Cain Daytona). Rockit.

 The stogie has a nice appearance and the torpedo format makes it look a little cooler looking than the other nubs. I still really like the Nub band-it is distinctive and kind of minimalistic. This Nub has an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and was kind of tough to light up-it used up six kitchen matches before the thing finally took to the flame. Once lit, though, it burned solid and never went out or required a single touch up.

I rate this stogie a 2 on my 4 point scale. Like the other "non-Cain" Nubs I've had...there is nothing "wrong" with it...but it just doesn't "pop" or satisfy. It started out kind of bitter (like many Connies) and eventually settled down and became kind of creamy. I think it would be a good cigar to smoke in the wind (fishing or golfing or something) because it really did stay lit and burned very nicely. However, like the Nub Habano I smoked last night, it left me thinking that I should go get something better. These things sell for $5 or $6 bucks apiece by the box but I probably won't be buying any.

Nub Habano 460

 Tonight I smoked the short and fat Nub Habano 460. It was one of the many Michelle won for me from the Outlaw Cigar Store drawing a month or so ago. I paired it with some Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, a mellow bourbon which seems to go with most cigars.

 

 This cigar is an impressive little guy and I like the band. The cigar itself shows little in the way of blemishes but doesn't stand up on its end without a little assistance (some of the filler cigar is sticking out a little). Normally I wouldn't mention it, but a short and fat cigar like this seems like it ought to stand up by itself without any "schmushing."

There's not much to say about this Nub-like most of the nubs I've had (excluding the Cain Nubs which are a different story) it is an uncomplicated smoke that is tasty but  unremarkable. It smells okay. It burns okay. It tastes okay. With that being said, I think that this cigar would be enjoyed (by me) the most as a morning cigar or one that I'm smoking with friends...or one I'm smoking after my taste buds are fried from smoking other cigars. At the risk of sounding overly pompous, (if funds allow), "Life is too short to smoke average cigars."

I rate the Nub Habano a 2 on my 4 point scale. Does it rock the house like a Clutch album? Hells no. Is it an endless loop of your daughter's favorite Disney tracks? No way. It is what it is and I would probably not buy it (even though they sell for less than $5 each by the box.

Which leads me to the often debated topic: Is the Nub a gimmick cigar? I would say it is a striking form factor that tends to deliver one decent tobacco flavor from the first puff to the last. They seem to be smooth and well constructed and reasonably priced. I do not think that they are a gimmick in the respect that they are decent cigars and if you like fat boys, they are a pretty good value. However, they just don't deliver enough in the flavor category to score above a 2.

Now that my Nub is gone...I find myself wanting a cigar...not a really great recommendation.

Cain F (habano) Lancero (Unreleased) (7" x 38)

Today I smoked (and am reviewing) the Cain F (habano) Lancero by Oliva. Like the Oliva Cain Nub that I reviewed earlier in the week, it is from the large batch of Oliva cigars I won at the Outlaw Cigar Store in Kansas City. The cigar is also noteworthy due to the fact that is is not in regular production (yet) and thus unavailable to purchase.

The stick makes a big impact. It is long and thin and very elegant looking-definitely not the jawbreaker that the Cain F Nub I smoked yesterday was. It took to the flame and maintained a perfect burn while giving off copious amounts of plumage and great heavy and tart tobaco flavor. It reminded me a lot of the Cain Nub F but was more refined and much more enjoyable to me.

I found myself detecting a few other notes to the flavor, especially some tart elements that reminded me of cherries or citrus. It paired very well with my Roasterie City of Fountains coffee (a Kansas City Costco exclusive I can thank my brother for pointing out to me) and as I smoked it, I felt my on-again/off-again  love affair with lanceros returning. Each puff whispered "you missed me, didn't you" and each exhale said "hell's yeah!". I don't know how much these guys will retail for but I'm hoping to get a box next year if they are released.

I rate this stogie a 4 on my 4 point scale-great appearance, great burn, great flavor. Plus smoking one is a great conversation starter (I'm sure) as it is an impressive stick in its own way with its length and super oily surface. It does not seem as potent at the other Cain F I tried but still packs a lot of flavor and punch.

Cain F Nub (Habano) (4" x 64)

I won this Cain F Nub at the Outlaw Cigar Store in Kansas City KS. recently. It came with a nice wooden Oliva humidor and every time I see it (as if I need a reason), I remember one of the reasons that my wife is so great-she's lucky! This is not the first time she's won me something in a drawing but it is probably the best! Anyway, you should  check out the Outlaw Cigar Store if you are in Kansas City or check out their website http://www.outlawcigar.com/. 

The Cain F is a short and stocky sucker. It clips and starts burning quickly and stays lit throughout the smoke. In keeping with the theme, I'll keep my review equally short: Cain F Nub is a good cigar but not really my thing. I had to slow down a few times as the strength of flavor and the nicotine potency kept increasing. Additionally, though the tangy flavor was enjoyable it didn't change much throughout the smoke, which kind of left me a little bored. 

This cigar was a little too much power-it could really gain from a reblending that toned it down a notch and added some complexity. I rate this cigar a 2 on my 4 point scale: It's a good smoke but it isn't to my taste. I will probably trade some of these with my buddies that like the power house cigars (are you listening, Rico?) and continue my mission to review each of the different types of cigars we won at the Oliva Outlaw event.

Wifey rocks!

It has been awhile since I've posted a blog but the warmer weather is coming so I'm gearing up! Plus, thanks to my sweet (but also intelligent and beautiful and wise) wife, I won the Oliva raffle from the Oliva event a month ago at the Outlaw Cigar Store...thanks to Michelle filling out my raffle tickets.

I won an Oliva humidor and a bunch of cigars so I'm going to review one of each type of cigar I received in the very near future-a bunch of Nubs, Cains, and a couple other Olivas. That's right! I'm a lucky dog...

Peace out, girl scouts.

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!)