#4 (5.2″ x 43)

First let me say that I have not smoked too many seconds.  Why not?  Well I’m not sure, I just thought they would be horrible with bad tobacco.  Boy was I wrong.  I am really blown away by how good these cigars are.  When they say they are basically the real thing just much cheaper, they are not BSing you.

This particular cigar is from the La Aurora family.  I believe it is from the original LA blend Cameroon.  These cigar have very small flaws on them, some of them I noticed had sun spots on them.  Some had a few veins visible but believe me none of that had anything to do with the smoking experience these produce.

The smoke itself that I had was the  #4 corona size.  It produced ample amounts of smoke and the flavor was wonderful.  It had some cedar and a touch of sweet notes.  I would recommend this cigar to anyone, especially at the price point.  Around $1.00/Stick.

Country: Dominican Republic
Length/Ring: 7 x 50
Shape: Churchill
Wrapper: Natural
Strength: Medium

My Rating: 4.00 Stars

M.S.R.P: $3.50/Stick

La Gloria Cubana is a classic brand blended by Ernesto Carillo. They are a very unique cigar in terms of flavor and are one of my favorite brands. I have been smoking La Gloria Cubanas for around 10 years now. The blend to me has not changed. I credit this to the fact that Ernesto is a very fine blender and knows what works. Right now Ernesto has 4 different domestic blends of the LGC, the regular blend, Serie R, Reserva Figurado, and the Serie R Limitada.

Today I have the LGC Churchill. This is the regular blend of the line but is still a very good everyday smoke rounding out around $3.00/stick. The construction is always top notch with only a vein or two visible in the wrapper. Initial light up is of cedar and earth. This particular cigar also has some pepper notes. Not as many as i like but that is why they have the Serie R version. This cigar is a lot better with some age, so if you buy a box put it away for a couple of years and revisit this wonderful treat.

Wrapper:Nicaraguan Puro
Binder:Nicaraguan Puro
Filler:Nicaraguan Puro
Size: 6 3/4″ x 48

The stage was set for a great review. I had just gotten to the Cock & Bull, a small resutrant in Dallas to meet up with some of my herfing buddies. I was finishing up smoking my La Aurora Preferido Torpedo Cameroon when i was pondering what next to smoke. I saw the beautiful 888 sitting there just waiting for me to grab it. The Preferido was getting kinda harsh so I bid it ado. I pulled the 888 from my traveldor and just smelled the foot mmm, coffee and licorice… I knew i was in for a treat.

As soon as i cut and lit this cigar and took the first puff i could taste that distinctive flavor these particular ciagrs give off. Rich chocolate, coffee, and earth. Wow, what a combo! The draw was perfect all the way down this cigar. The flavor never got dull and continued all the way through. This truly is a masterpiece cigar in my eyes. These a quickly becoming one of my favorite cigar brands. I would recommend this cigar to anyone who likes a full bodied, full flavored smoke.

Length/Ring: 5 1/4″ x 50
Shape: Robusto #50
Wrapper: Connecticut broadleaf maduro
Strength: Medium
M.S.R.P: $10/stick

My rating: 4.50 Stars

This was one of the cigars in my fathers day lineup that I picked out special. I have a few of these left as they are very rare and only come out during the holidays. (See my #77 review). I am growing to like the anejo line more and more. The #77 shark is still my favorite though as I search for one even remotely close to it in the other numbers.

The cigar has a nice dark wrapper and a sweet peppery smell. The construction is top notch and so is the band. After I cut the head with my Xikar Xi and lit it up with my Element I could smell cedar and pepper. The first draw was of the same and it was very smooth and pleasing. The rest of the cigar was pretty much the same way, cedar notes and hints of pepper. The cigar had a razor sharp burn that never ran on me once. The big white clouds of smoke that this cigar produced were very nice indeed. As always I would recommend the Anejo line, If you can get your hands on them.

I had high hopes for this cigar coming from such a famed cigar maker as Oliva.  First of all after I lit it up I had a nasty burnt taste in my mouth.  After the first few puffs I could tell that it was almost flavorless.

I got a very small hint of cedar but other than that it was just smoke.   The burn was also horrible as it ran down 2 different sides and I had to constantly light it.  I would not recommend this cigar to anyone, move on people.

Country: Dominican Republic
Length/Ring: 4 x 48
Shape: Perfecto
Wrapper: Natural
Strength: Medium

Today I have the short story Hemingway from Fuente. The cigar is a figurado shaped cameroon beauty when you take it out of the celophane. The wrapper was vein less and had a nice roll and straight cap. Many people swear by these smokes as an everyday because they are relatively cheap (around $5.00/stick) and they are small so you can smoke even when time may not permit. I had smoked a short story years ago so I decided it was time again. The cigar lit well and had an even burn from my table top Lotus lighter. I got a hint of sweetness along with lots of cedar from this cigar. Overall it was a good smoke, but just not really my cup of tea.

All you texans out there should visit my new forum site http://www.texasherf.com. We will update new herfs in the area as well as discuss cigar news and reviews. Come check us out!

Wrapper:Nicaraguan Puro
Binder:Nicaraguan Puro
Filler:Nicaraguan Puro
Size: 4″ x 44 gauge

The illusione line is quickly starting to become my favorite cigars right now. These cigars have such a great distinctive flavor profile that is like nothing else.

Today I have the ~68~ Petite corona size cigar from Illusione. The cigar is pretty small but perfect for the drive home or a good quick smoke. The wrapper is perfect looking with no veins and a dark sheen. The smell is wonderful and reminds me of some good island smokes. On the initial light up I can taste lots of cedar and coffee along with that unique flavor that these cigars possess. The cigar had a perfect burn and never ran on me. The flavors also stayed consistent throughout and I nubbed this little beauty. I would recommend this smoke to everyone who likes cigars, its not strong and not mild. I believe it to have the perfect balance strength.

Country: Dominican Republic
Length/Ring: 5 x 50
Shape: Robusto
Wrapper: Maduro
Strength: Medium

I haven’t been around too much in regard to writing reviews.  We just bought a house a month ago and I have been really crazy with the upkeep.  Hopefully I will find more time to post.  I picked up a Cusano Maduro yesterday because I have never had one before.  This was a great smoke from the beginning.  I picked up lots of flavors from coffee to chocolate.  It’s not an overly powerful smoke, i would say it on the milder side of medium.  I really enjoyed this smoke and would recommend it.

Country: Honduras
Length/Ring: 5 3/4 x 52
Shape: Robusto
Wrapper: Maduro
Strength: Medium

I was lounging last night after hanging pictures in our new house for my wife and pulled a Camacho Negro Robusto out of the wine0dor. The box for these cigars is awesome, one of the best i have seen. The cigar is nice looking right out of the wrapper and I could tell it was well made. The cigar had lots of flavor and was not overpowering like some other Camacho’s i have smoked. I got hints of cedar and coffee and smoked it down to the nub. I would recommend this smoke to those who like dark flavorful smokes.

Length/Ring: 5 5/8″ x 54
Shape: Torpedo (Shark)
Wrapper: Connecticut broadleaf maduro
Strength: Medium
M.S.R.P: $12/stick

My rating: 4.75 Stars

It was my birthday yesterday and I broke out all the stops on my cigar selection. I am here to add one very special selection from yesterday, the rare #77 Shark. Not too many people have tried these as they are rare holiday cigars distributed out by Fuente during the holiday season only to select vendors. I happen to have some very good BOTL friends that gifted me some to sample.

The cigar itself its a beauty. The construction is top notch, it is very toothy and mine had some plume around the foot. The smell was sweet and very pleasing even before i lit it up. I clipped it with my Xikar Xi and started to light it up with my Element lighter and toasted the foot. As i was smoking it I was getting lots of sweet notes, cedar, and earth. This was a great cigar all the way through and I didnt want it to end. It was by far my favorite Anejo to date, and i have tried the 48,49, and 55. I would recommend this to anyone that can actually get theirs hands on one.

Sorry B/SOTL’s i have been out of sorts the last week and a half with a nasty cold and sinus blockage.  Needless to say I have not smoked as many cigars as i usually do.  In fact i tried to smoke one again today but I couldn’t taste it!  I will get back on track and hopefully my trusty sidekick Matthew can pick up some slack for me.  I will see everyone soon.

Niko

Length/Ring: 7×56
Shape: Straight
Wrapper: Corojo
Strength: Mild-Medium
M.S.R.P: $7.45/stick

My rating: 2.5 Stars

Today I strolled into the shop looking to recover from the disappointment of the Don Lino Africa, and today I decided on a Perdomo Habano Corojo in the Presidente size.

From initial light up till I finished this cigar there was a very slight hint of a cedar flavor. Aside from that this cigar was a very light smoke. I would recommend this cigar to someone who may have a long drive to work i the morning. But it’s just too mild to truly be enjoyed. Any other time of the day this cigar wouldn’t be enjoyable when a possible stronger or more flavorful cigar would rather be smoked.

Length/Ring: 6 1/2 x 58
Shape: Straight
Wrapper: Colorado Maduro
Strength: Full

M.S.R.P: $7.25/stick

My rating: 2.0 Stars

Today I walked into my local cigar shop looking to make another fine cigar purchase. In the past I had walked past the Don Lino Africa each time the very beautiful glossy box caught my eye. Today it caught my eye enough, and I bought one of the Kiboko’s. At first glance it was nice and oily, and shined in the light of the store. Unfortunately that was the best part of this cigar for me .

With the initial light up there was a very short woodsy, creamy aroma that went away after a minute or two. An enjoyable couple minutes of a medium leathery taste was the only enjoyable taste this cigar left in my mouth. Two thirds into smoking this cigar (15-20 mins) all hints of any flavors were lost for me. After smoking it down to halfway with no flavor a very strong bitter tangy flavor appeared. But I decided to press on and ride it out. Minutes later a very strong acidic flavor appeared, and never went away. It was so strong that I had to put it down, and stop smoking it.

As a guy who enjoys full bodied cigars I was very disappointed with this cigar. After the initial 20 minutes of creamyness left this cigar was very bland and tasteless. The strong acid flavor was a taste that I had never tasted before but it was bad enough that I would have a very hard time buying this cigar again.

Length/Ring: 6 X 52
Shape: Toro
Wrapper: Broadlfeaf Ligero
Strength: Full

M.S.R.P: $11.00/Stick

My Rating: 4.50 Stars

This is one cigar that has been a long time coming. Drew Estate, the maker of such brands as Acid and Natural wanted to express his “real” cigar blending skills and crafted this beauty. I have had the privilege of being a tester for Steve Saka of Drew Estate who sent me 2 of these sticks.

On first glance you can tell the tobacco used was top notch. The cigar has a dark oily sheen and no visable large veins in the wrapper. Rolling it between my fingers i could not find any under filled spots that may cause an uneven burn. The foot smelled of fresh tobacco and slight coffee. I cut the cigar with my trusty Xikar Xi and we were ready to roll. My Xikar Element lighter was blazing as i put foot to flame to get a little toasting. The aromas were great, nuts and earth.

The first few puffs were smooth and full of white smoke. The first third i didn’t have any complaints but i wasn’t getting to many flavors out of it. The second third i started getting some nutty notes, with a coffee back end. The cigar was smooth all the way through. The last third was of toffee and coffee, what an enjoyable smoke this is. I would definitely recommend this cigar to any smoker, it is never overpowering and produces smooth white smoke.

Length/Ring: 4 1/2 x 50
Shape: Robusto
Wrapper: Corojo
Strength: Full

M.S.R.P: $10.25/Stick

My Rating: 4.75 Stars

I was lucky enough to be chosen by Christian Eiroa and crew to sample the brand new wonder that is the 10th Anniversary Camacho Corojo. I was excited when i saw the box sitting on the counter when i got home, the wife with her usual stare of “What did you buy this time?” I had to explain to her my status in the cigar community and how my taste buds were to about to be exploded upon by the wonder that is the 10th anniversary. She said blah blah, yeah whatever… So i guess she understands. Anyway to the cigar.

It was a sunny day here in Dallas, Tx. A very nice Sunday at about 60 degrees, perfect for kicking back on the deck and firing up this corojo beauty. The wrapper was dark and chocolaty looking. I noticed little gold crystals throughout the wrapper. The smell was of fresh tobacco and nuts. I clipped the end with my Xikar Xi and it was clean. The first inital puffs were fantastic with strong tobacco, nuts, and a bit of cream, I knew i was in for a wonderful treat. As i continued to smoke the cigar it was full of thick white smoke which i really enjoyed. The first and second 3rd were pretty consistant with nuts and cream. The last 3rd was the best, i started picking up a black licorice flavor that was unbelievable. I didn’t want this cigar to end but sadly i had to part ways with the little nub.

I would recommend this cigar to those who like full bodied, full flavored smokes. These arent scheduled for release until March 28th, so call your B&M’s and get those pre-orders in!

Country: Cuba
Length/Ring: 4.88 x 50
Shape: Robusto
Wrapper: Cuba
Strength: Full

M.S.R.P: $7.50/Stick OverSeas

My Rating: 4 Stars

I haven’t smoked too many cuban cigars being that they are the “forbidden fruit” and all. This is one cigar that i am glad that i tried. It had a great razor even burn and produced thick clouds of smoke. The initial flavors were of leather and pepper. Just a hint of spice was noticeable, which was ok even though i like more spice than that. The cigar did draw kinda tight at first but loosened up upon smoking. The wrapper did feel a little bit frail and the foot was slightly cracked before i lit it.

I would say the last 3rd of this cigar was the best as the flavors really came out and danced on my palate, i felt an explosion of pepper and meaty notes. The cigar went well after a nice hearty meal.

I would recommend this cigar to anyone that likes a good flavored medium smoke that is an affordable Habano.

Country: Honduras
Length/Ring: 6 x 52
Shape: Torpedo
Wrapper: Natural
Strength: Full

M.S.R.P: $5.50/Stick

My Rating: 3.75 Stars

I know i haven’t posted a cigar review in awhile but you can blame that on all the work i have doing on the Shop. The shop is now fully functional and carries a great selection of humidors, cutters, hygros, etc.

A few months back i had reviewed the RP Edge Maduro but since the Corojo and Maduro have such different flavor profiles i figured I would write a review for the Corojo as well. This cigar is blended with all ligero long fillers for a more robust and stronger flavor. I just don’t think the Edge is very strong even though they are classified as such. The appearence of this cigar is nice, the wrapper has a nice oily sheen with very little veins protruding.

The light up has great flavors of ceadar and leather. Overall the cigar is pretty good, the Edge are my favorite smokes for RP besides the Old World Reserve. I would recommend this stick to anyone with medium to full tastes.

Let me introduce you to the In The Humidor Accessories Shop! This has been a project I have been working on for quite sometime now and am excited to get it going. I want to be your Humidor and Cigar Accessories supplier.   If ever anyone needs anything please feel free to PM me or email me here: niko@inthehumidor.com

The site will only accept Paypal and Money Orders for now.

I am also adding more and more items as i go so please check back often.

Country: Nicaragua
Length/Ring: 7 x 54
Shape: Torpedo
Wrapper: Dark Sun Grown
Strength: Med

M.S.R.P: $3.00/Stick

My Rating: 3.75 Stars

This is a big cigar and I had no idea what to expect from it. This cigar is in the family of tobacco’s blended by Felipe Gregorio. I had heard about this blender but never tried any of his stuff until now.

First off, this is not an expensive cigar. It can be had on cbid for around $2-$3 per stick. So at that price it was worth a go. Initial look over was very promising, this is a very large torpedo and it had hues of reddish and almost blue coloring on the sun grown wrapper. The cigar smelled great as well, construction seemed to be good with very little veins present on the wrapper.

When i toasted the foot there were hints of cedar and leather. The cigar created mass clouds of white smoke and good flavor. I could taste more leather, some nutmeg, and coffee notes. The burn started acting up a touch so i had to do some corrections but all in all it was a good cigar for the money.