Cigar Review: Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester Flat Round Belicoso – Rated 95

The Brothers Fakih (Billy and Gus of Artesano Del Tobacco), in collaboration with A.J. Fernandez, unveiled 2 new extensions to their famed Viva La Vida line of cigars at this year’s PCA trade show. These new vitolas are celebrating the 5th anniversary of the blend: For this new full production release, the team changed the Read more about Cigar Review: Viva La Vida 5th Anniversary Jester Flat Round Belicoso – Rated 95[…]

Cigar Review: La Vega IL Terzo Robusto – Rated 90

Today I take a look at the third in the three-part series from LaVega Cigars. This time it is the LaVega Cigars “IL Terzo” which means “the third”. For this blend, Aaron Paoletta, Owner of LaVega Cigar Co., went with a medium blend described as: They are expressed in 2 vitolas, each packaged in 20-count bundles. It should be Read more about Cigar Review: La Vega IL Terzo Robusto – Rated 90[…]

Cigar Review: Black Label Trading Co. Orthodox Toro – Rated 96

Black Label Trading Co (BLTC) introduced what they describe as their boldest blend to date at this year’s Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show. The new Limited Release, ORTHODOX, hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua has started to ship to retailers this week and it is one you want to get your Read more about Cigar Review: Black Label Trading Co. Orthodox Toro – Rated 96[…]

Cigar Review: Jake Wyatt Maverick Robusto – Rated 96

Late in 2023, Jake Wyatt Cigars announced they started to ship their newest blend – the Jake Wyatt Maverick. Named after son of co-founder Gerard Abajian, the Maverick toro debuted at the 2023 TPE and at the 2023 PCA the company showcased two more vitolas of the bold new blend. The blend of the J.W. Read more about Cigar Review: Jake Wyatt Maverick Robusto – Rated 96[…]

Cigar Review: LaVega Cigars IL Secondo Robusto – Rated 93

Today I take a look at the second in the three-part series from LaVega Cigars. This time it is the LaVega Cigars “IL Secondo” which means “the second”. For this blend, Aaron Paoletta, Owner of LaVega Cigar Co., went with a milder blend described as: They are expressed in 2 vitolas, each packaged in 20-count Read more about Cigar Review: LaVega Cigars IL Secondo Robusto – Rated 93[…]

Cigar Review: LaVega Cigars IL Primo Robusto – Rated 92

Today I would like to introduce you to a relatively new cigar brand, LaVega Cigars Co. The company was founded by Aaron Paoletta who was a Las Vegas chef, musician and record label owner. Originally from Pennsylvania, he spent a good part of his business life in Las Vegas, NV. The brand launched in 2023 with Read more about Cigar Review: LaVega Cigars IL Primo Robusto – Rated 92[…]

Cigar Review: Barreda Cigars Don Chico Maduro Premium Nicaragua Robusto – Rated 94

Don Chico is a blend created in memory of Francisco Barreda, well-known as Don Chico. He was a tobacco grower in Nicaragua. He passed away 7 years ago. The cigars were blended by Oscar Barreda his grandson, this cigar holds a profound significance for the family. It is a symbol of their Nicaraguan roots. The Read more about Cigar Review: Barreda Cigars Don Chico Maduro Premium Nicaragua Robusto – Rated 94[…]

Cigar Review: Room 101 Hit & Run Redux Robusto – Rated 94

Remember back in 2017, Matt Booth decided to retire from the cigar industry after his service to Davidoff was completed. Yea… That did not last long! Matt loves this business too much. In fact, he loves it so much he partnered with Robert Caldwell to produce what would be known as the Hit & Run. Read more about Cigar Review: Room 101 Hit & Run Redux Robusto – Rated 94[…]

Cigar Review: El Mago Cigars Renegade Box Pressed Robusto – Rated 96

El Mago Cigars, was founded in 2022 by Nicholas Fusco, CEO of the company. At 23 years old, El Mago says that owner Nick Fusco is the youngest owner of a premium cigar company. Fusco created this brand to honor his grandparents, Maria and Gonzalo Torre, who overcame numerous challenges in their lives. They owned Read more about Cigar Review: El Mago Cigars Renegade Box Pressed Robusto – Rated 96[…]

Cigar Review: King of Clowns Corona Extra by the Cigar Clowns – Rated 97

Back in 2023, the Cigar Clowns released a cigar that they believed they had enough inventory for 2 years but it sold out in just 4 months. That’s how it goes in the cigar market, when you have a fine product and a loyal customer base. The Clowns made the decision to make sure everyone Read more about Cigar Review: King of Clowns Corona Extra by the Cigar Clowns – Rated 97[…]

Cigar Review: Hiram & Solomon “The Shriner” Toro – Rated 92

Recently, Hiram & Solomon moved production of their cigar portfolio to the watchful eye of Abe Flores and his PDR Cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic. This newly forged business relationship allows for streamlined production and distribution channels via the PDR factory. Today I present a review of The Shriner Toro. I reviewed the original back in 2017 before I Read more about Cigar Review: Hiram & Solomon “The Shriner” Toro – Rated 92[…]

Cigar Review: JM Patriarch Connecticut Toro – Rated 94

Today I would like to offer my review of the second of three reviews of JM Patriarch cigars. This time I take a gander at the JM Patriarch Connecticut Toro. Last month we reviewed the Maduro blend. The cigar is available in a single (6 x 52) toro vitola and has an MSRP of $13.00/cigar. Read more about Cigar Review: JM Patriarch Connecticut Toro – Rated 94[…]

Cigar Review: Family X Loyalty GERI Gran Toro – Rated 90

The Family By Loyalty GERI is named after one of the twin wolves of Odin in Norse Mythology. Its twin FREKI is also a cigar produced by Family By Loyalty. The wolves were not just the companions of Odin, they also were said to have helped the Valkyries carry chosen souls to their home in Read more about Cigar Review: Family X Loyalty GERI Gran Toro – Rated 90[…]

Cigar Review: Gato Negro Cigars – Gato Negro Box Press – Rated 94

Drew Nicastro and his Gato Negro Cigars Co have released their second cigar release – the Gato Negro Box Pressed. In a press release, the company notes: “The new release marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey to redefine the art of cigar craftsmanship. Inspired by tradition and infused with innovation, this cigar embodies Read more about Cigar Review: Gato Negro Cigars – Gato Negro Box Press – Rated 94[…]