Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Torpedo
Size : 6 x 52
Price : ?
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In October 2010, I had the opportunity to visit the Plesencia factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. While there, I was fortunate enough to sample a very unusual cigar that was still in development. Named the Punisher, this stick took me by surprise. Its wrapper appeared to be infused with a chili-like substance that, upon placing in my mouth, created a warm sensation across my lips and tongue. This was something totally new in all of my cigar-smoking experience. But it was no gimmick. The Punisher smoked like a dream and had the richness and complexity of a truly great cigar. Today, the Punisher is in the final production stages and currently available as part of a Cigar.com sampler. All information about this cigar is closely guarded and its construction and resultant flavor is the result of a secret process. But the alchemy that is taking place at Plasencia’s factory is certainly working; as this cigar is exceptional is many ways. Having now smoked a number of the current Punisher iterations, I am pleased to report that lovers of strong cigars have a great new addition to their smoking rotation.

Read the full review of Cu-Avana Punisher...

Origin : Dominican Republic
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 50
Price : ~$2.00
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This is a guest review from Matthew who just started a cigar blog called Smoking & Talking. It's definitely worth checking out!

Cu-Avana is Manuel Quesada’s ugly duckling; coming from the man responsible for such brands as Romeo y Julieta and Casa Blanca, the $2 a stick Cu-Avana just might be the best valued and most under-rated cigar on the market. I’ve had several of the Natural and the Maduro and these sticks are consistently smooth with zero burn issues and solid construction. The construction on this maduro was close to many $5+ cigars and the draw was exceptional. This is not a cheap version or an alternative of anything—genuine quality in my opinion. The lacking component is complexity and flavor variety. Though the maduro stayed smooth and sweet throughout, there were no real flavor that jumped out at you. Though a bit of spice was detected in the pre-light draw it did not appear in the smoking. Perhaps one of the mildest smokes you’ll ever have, the Maduro would perfectly accompany your morning coffee or tea.

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Origin : Dominican Republic
Wrapper : Connecticut Shade
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 50
Price : ~$2.00
More info about purchasing Cu-Avana cigars...

I really enjoy these cigars for a few reasons. They are mild in taste and smoke great. It has a nice slow, even burn and generates a lot of nice thick creamy smoke. I have smoked enough of these now to say that they are pretty consistent. I did have one that wouldn’t draw but you can run into that once and a while with any brand. This isn’t a top of the line cigar but it is a good quality smoke especially when you take its price tag into consideration. These robustos come in around $2 a stick retail, lower if you nab a box off of Cigarbid. That makes it a great cigar for the price conscious like me. They have a nice mellow flavor that doesn’t hang around past its welcome. If you are looking for a quality cheap smoke on the mild side I recommend these cigars.

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