10 weeks ago, we started publishing articles in the Stellar Stogies series by Karen. 10 major cigar brands were covered and we hope that it was a pleasant and insightful read for all of you. If you missed some of the articles, we had put together all the links in this post. Enjoy!
As there have recently been (and there's more to come) a few wine-related posts on this blog, I would like to have readers' opinion - should we write about other topics, not directly related to cigars, such as wine (this is something I am particularly interested in) and other drinks (rum, cognac, coffee)?
Please use the poll below and feel free to post your comments in the comments section. Thanks!
According to your experience, is there any significant flavor difference between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars?
- Yes, Cuban cigars definitely taste better on average. (47%, 82 Votes)
- It really depends on the particular cigar. No significant difference. (43%, 74 Votes)
- Yes, non-Cuban cigars definitely taste better on average. (10%, 18 Votes)
Total Voters: 174
Based on the number and the quality of submitted cigar tips, I decided that mountchuck is the winner of our August contest.
He will receive a 5-pack sampler courtesy of Duque Cigars:
- Oliva Serie G Cameroon Churchill
- Rocky Patel Nording Robusto
- Graycliff G2 Torpedo
- Java Latte Wafe
- Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Robusto Corojo
Thanks for everyone who participated and to Duque Cigars for sponsoring the contest. There will be more to come, so stay tuned!
The winner of our August contest will be selected tomorrow. You still have time to enter the contest by submitting a cigar tip here.

Premium cigar brand Hoyo de Monterrey is one of the oldest brands in the world. Of course, a cigar this old has got to have a pretty interesting history. And Hoyo de Monterrey is no exception. These cigars were born in Cuba when a 13-year-old boy came to work on his uncle’s farm. And they were reborn for the American market in Honduras in 1969, when a Cuban seed was smuggled out of post-revolutionary Cuba in a diplomatic pouch.

Our first target was the Margaux region, which is located in the Medoc area (click here for a map). The soil contains a large amount of gravel which helps to keep the heat - this is needed to successfully grow the Cabernet-Sauvignon grape variety. The wines are considered the most elegant in Bordeaux and this is really one of my favorite appellations.
A couple of reviews that grabbed our attention this week:
Vengeance Torpedo
Reviewed by Brian Hewitt at The Stogie Review
Another smoke brought from the IPCPR, and another good stick.
Read the full review here...
Live Red Label
Reviewed by Ricky at Cigar Command
What's interesting about this stick is that it is a creation of Cigar Live cigar forums.
Read the full review here...
Just a reminder that you only have one week left to participate in our August contest. Just submit a cigar tip and get a chance to win a nice 5-pack from Duque Cigars.




