Origin : Honduras
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 54
Wrapper : Nicaraguan Corojo 2006
Binder : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$10 each
More info about purchasing Padilla Dominus cigars...

No two cigar smokers would ever agree on how the perfect cigar should taste. Some of us like our cigars strong, others mild, some spicy, some fruity… there are an infinite number of variables that make up the flavor of a cigar and we all have our preferences. That’s why when we use cigar reviews as a buying guide we must first understand the reviewer’s point of view in relation to our own. But sometimes a review will spark our interest in a particular cigar and set in motion a pursuit to experience the cigar first hand. For me, the Cigar Insider review of the Padilla Dominus Double Robusto really got me going. It was not the 92 score alone that piqued my interest, but rather that fact that it was coupled with the knowledge that it was made at Fabrica Tabacos Raices Cubanas… one of my favorite cigar factories.

Read the full review of Padilla Dominus Double Robusto (“Joe’s Gem”)...

Origin : Honduras
Format : Robusto ("IV")
Size : : 5 x 52
Wrapper : Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder : Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler : Dominican
Hand-Made
Price : ~$6 each
More info about purchasing Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Dark Knight...

First things first, the cigar comes inside a cool-looking tube and in the middle of the tube, you’ll find the words “DARK KNIGHT” in big font. For a huge Batman geek like myself, that’s a great thing. And I hate to say it, but that alone would get me to buy this cigar. I know, I know. I’m the first one to preach about not getting sucked into marketing schemes, but I guess we’ll always be victims once in a while.

On the sniffles, the very dark and oily wrapper gave off a caramel chocolate and cedar smell. (It does come wrapped in a sheet of cedar) The foot smells very woody and on the pre-draw I picked up some more chocolate, but with a tea bag aftertaste behind it. Finding flavors and scents before the smoke is always a good thing. Perhaps I'm in for a good cigar?

Read the full review of Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Dark Knight...

Origin : Honduras
Format : Double Corona
Size : 6.75 x 54
Wrapper : Honduras
Filler : Honduras, Nicaragua
Binder : Honduras
Hand-Made
Price : $175 / box of 20
More info about purchasing Alec Bradley Tempus cigars...

The name “Tempus” means time which is appropriate for the Alec Bradley Tempus. These cigars were developed back in 2001, but were released in 2008. The Magistri (along with the Inceptio and the Magnus) were introduced in 2009. Both the wrapper and the binder feature a Honduran Trojes wrapper. The featured vitola is the 6 X 54 in. Magistri Maduro.

Read the full review of Alec Bradley Tempus Magistri...

Origin : Honduras
Format : Churchill
Size : 7 x 48
Wrapper : Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder : Nicaraguan
Filler : Honduran, Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : ~$5 each
More info about purchasing Rocky Patel Renaissance cigars...

Background Info

This cigar is available in limited quantities per year, with something like 120,000 available. Handmade in Danli, Honduras.

Mission Notes

This target was apprehended while on a separate mission in Pittsburgh, PA. Allegheny Smoke Works kept said target under wraps and on lock down in a properly humidified holding cell. The cigar has some mass to it, feeling quite full of tobacco. Extremely smooth wrapper, somewhat oily. Speaking of oily, HQ needs to be notified of the defect in the S.O.S. (SpymobileOilSlicker™) attachment. There are some insurance claims being filed that shouldn’t have been my fault. Anyway…

Fantastic flavors of nutty sweetness. Loads of smoke. Great burn. The sweetness is something like dark, dried fruit. Nice tobacco and leather notes here and there. The name of this cigar represents the whole experience.

Final Statement

I want more interrogations like this one! Fantastic. If any of you would like to transport more to me, feel free to! Acquire. This. Target. Immediately.

Origin : Honduras
Format : Lancero
Size : 7.5 x 40
Wrapper : Maduro
Filler : Nicaraguan
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : $8 each
More info about purchasing Illusione cigars...

The standard Illusione ~hl~ is a favorite of mine. I consider it the single best Lancero on the market right now. Whether you agree with me or not on that point, there is no denying it is an excellent cigar. Recently Illusione added a Maduro and Candela version of this elegent Lancero. I smoked a few of the Candelas recently and it proved to be an excellent version of the Holy Lance. One I enjoyed very much. It seemed only natural that I finish the cycle and try the third and final incarnation of the Lance.

I really enjoyed the ~hl~ with the maduro wrapper. The flavors were very rich and very different from the others. It was earthy with very nice dark chocolate notes and subtle bitter/semi sweet component to it. It was perhaps not as complex as the other two. It never really changed much but the thing is that it doesn’t need to. The flavors are deep and delicious. It is a great smoke that I enjoyed and never got bored with. It is a total change of pace from the Rosado and the Candela ~hl~’s.

Origin : Honduras
Format : Corona
Size : 5 5/8 x 46
Wrapper : Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler : Colombia
Binder : Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico
Hand-Made
Price : ~$130.00/Box of 20
More info about purchasing 7-20-4 cigars...

Background Info

The 7-20-4 is a revived brand based out of Manchester, N.H. Kurt Kendall of the K.A. Kendall Company has brought back the R.G. Sullivan produced cigar that went out of business in 1963. The 7-20-4 name is based off of the street address of the original factory in Manchester: 724 Pine St. I was originally gifted one of these from Dan Welsh of New Havana Cigars. I had placed an order and when I opened the box, there was a 7-20-4 in there with my original order. After giving it a run, I have since ordered more and here we are!

Read the full review of 7-20-4 Classic Corona...

Origin : Honduras
Format : Lancero
Size : 7.5″ x 40
Wrapper : Candela
Filler : Nicaraguan
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : $8 each
More info about purchasing Illusione cigars...

I have to believe that this cigar is a first in the Modern Cigar Era. A Candela wrapped Lancero. I recently reviewed the Illusione ~88~ Candela which kindled a spark of interest for this wrapper that I largely ignored in the past. Like I said in that review of the ~88~, Candela wrappers seemed to be reserved for use on bad cigars. The regular Illusione ~hl~ sports a rosado wrapper and is probably my number one favorite Illusione cigar. The standard ~hl~ is the definition of elegance and balance. The Candela ~hl~ is a different animal.

I don’t know if the blend of this cigar was tweaked or just entirely different from the blend used for the standard Holy Lance but this green version tastes nothing like the original. The Candela is heavy on the palate with a strong spice. The Candela wrapper imparts a crispness with a slight grassy note and a subtle sweetness that is almost completely overpowered by the spice and tobacco flavors. The heaviness of the flavors is backed up by a fairly stout punch in the strength department. I found the ~hl~ Candela to be a bit rough around the edges but still a really good robust smoke. If you asked me to pick a favorite of the Candelas I think I’d have to give the nod to the ~88~. One I will certainly enjoy again. Still, I thought the Lancero was excellent and offers a different Candela experience. It is a cigar I will certainly enjoy again soon. My Local just got a bunch of boxes in so I should be able to stay in good supply.

Origin : Honduras
Format : Cuban Press (Robusto)
Size : 4 7/8 x 50
Wrapper : Brazil
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$50 for a sampler of 12
More info about purchasing CAO "Cuban Press" cigars...

Maybe you have been wondering why I haven’t posted in a while. Well, I lost my camera. Do you guys have any suggestions on a new camera? Something good and well priced perhaps? I was using a Casio Exilm, it is by far the best camera I have ever owned. I miss it. So if you have any recommendations on something similar (or better), with the same specs, PLEASE help this agent out! Thanks Guys!

Read the full review of CAO Brazilia Cuban Press...