Expert Reviews for September 2016

Black Ops has won fans over with their clever packaging, rugged theme and, more importantly, their outstanding premiums all at an attractive price point. When Black Ops Berserker was in the works, I couldn’t help but scout around the office, trying to find first-hand information—and by first-hand information I mean when the cigar was going to hit our shelves. When I had the …

This Dominican blend is a classic and one of the world’s best-selling cigars. If you thought mellow-bodied cigars weren’t your thing, there’s a good chance Macanudo Café will prove you wrong. It’s one of the most consistent cigars ever made and delivers an ultra-smooth experience from start to finish. Perfect for any occasion, Macanudo Café offers creamy notes of almonds, cedar, and vanilla.…

You can taste the Cuban tradition in this Honduras blended Trinidad Reserve. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper encases a robust blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers that make this full-bodied cigar smooth and complex with a hint of sweetness. This is a great cigar for after lunch. Just break off the pigtail, light it up and enjoy. …

I know a thing or two about getting punched, let’s just say I have one of those faces.  That said, this Bareknuckle blend from Punch is enjoyable through and through. Featuring an oily and redolent sungrown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and aged ligero long-leaf fillers, Punch Bareknuckle provides layers of spicy nuances and a strong yet pleasant aroma. You’ll be glad you got in …

A favorite from CAO’s popular world collection, Italia utilizes a habano seed that was brought to Italy from Cuba nearly fifty years ago. Featuring a complex blend of Italian, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian fillers topped off with a Honduran binder and wrapper, this full-bodied blend offers a unique aroma and flavor you won’t get anywhere else. I often find myself pairing this classic …

Vintage 2003 begins with a perfectly balanced blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers that offer a wonderful aroma and flavor. The icing on the cake is a Cameroon wrapper, aged for eight years, which adds a nice hint of sweetness with some lighter notes of pepper and cedar. Enjoying this cigar with your favorite Octoberfest style lager will make for a great evening on any fall day. …