The Expert Review Library
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Dave - Ave Maria Argentum02/19/2016
This stout, 5.0”x58, figurado offers up a unique experience. You may have had a chance to visit this limited edition size dubbed ‘Morning Star' when it was released under the original Ave Maria line featuring an Ecuador Habano wrapper. Argentum, on the other hand, is topped with a thick and flavorful Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper which boosts the strength up a notch, offering ample notes of spice, pepper, and leather. I found this cigar to be medium to full- bodied while still retaining that signature smoothness the Ave Maria brand is so well known for. If you love the original Ave Maria line but looking for an added kick, Argentum delivers tenfold. -
Andrew - Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 197002/16/2016
You want strong? I got it right here. Touted to be one of the strongest smokes in production, the Joya De Nic Antaño is not for beginners. Pepper and spice takes the forefront with a bit of leather and gritty earth which blend magically on the palate. the Consul is a must-smoke for full-bodied nuts.
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Michael - Punch Signature02/16/2016
Punch is back with a vengeance. Punch Signature harkens back to its original blend with a dark, oily Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper that gives you a nice shot of pepper upfront. As you get into this full-bodied smoke, notes of leather and an earthy spice please the palate. The smoke is thick and creamy leaving your taste buds wanting more.
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Dave - Diesel Unlimited02/16/2016
Diesel is well known for their potent, full-bodied cigars and the brands sophomore release is still one of my favorites. Crafted by AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua, Diesel Unlimited sports a Cuban-seed ligero wrapper and long-fillers from Nicaragua and Mexico. The flawless construction and enticing notes of cedar, spice, and pepper will keep you coming back for more.
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Dean - Padilla Dominus02/16/2016
If you are looking for a full-bodied powerhouse, then look no further. Padilla Dominus opens up with a blast of spice and pepper with hints of leather on the retro hale. As you enjoy this cigar you will notice the pepper subsides a bit, and it balances out nicely. From the first time I lit one up, it became a regular within my full-bodied rotation.
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Tim - Camacho Corojo02/16/2016
Everyone at the office knows this has been one of my favorites simply by looking in my humidors and ashtrays. Recently, the brand went through a facelift. I've smoked dozens since, and let me say, she's still got it! Honduran ligeros require some endurance on your part as this can get quite intense. Camacho is like a big Italian feast, with the Corojo being the after-dinner espresso.
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Sean G - Hammer & Sickle Hermitage01/22/2016
Hammer & Sickle has always been a brand that’s been on my radar but one that I never tried. So when we got a large shipment in recently, I was pumped to go through the line and see what all the fuss was about. And after burning through a few sticks, I have to admit I was a little disappointed. They weren’t bad but I didn’t think they were worth the lofty rating that one of blends recently received. Then I fired up their Hermitage line…
At first, I was just happy I found one I really enjoyed. Nothing too spectacular but a good cigar nonetheless. The next day, I found myself craving another one. The second cigar seemed even better. Robust notes of espresso and toffee made for an incredibly rich cigar that finished smooth with hints of vanilla. After that, I was hooked. I went from enjoying a couple of samples to buying a box myself. Sure, Hammer & Sickle has a higher rated blend out there, but for my money Hermitage is by far the best of the bunch.
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Tim - La Palina Classic01/06/2016
Brazil may have lost the World Cup, but they’re winning my humidor space with some great blends using healthy doses of top-notch Brazilian tobacco. La Palina Classic may be the finest example. An oily, Brazilian Habano wrapper leaf is an awesome reason this cigar is included in this sampler. Buy this and if you don’t enjoy, mail them back to me – I’ll gladly smoke ‘em.
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Andrew - Brick House Maduro01/06/2016
Brickhouse is a classic yet affordable top notch maduro from the folks at the JC Newman. Featuring a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper around a Nicaraguan core you can expect some decent strength that is offset by its smoothness with notes of spice and bittersweet chocolate with a few woody hints. This brick house will certainly stand up to any wolf and goes great with any pig… Did somebody say BBQ?
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Michael - La Perla Habana Black Pearl Original01/06/2016
Perfect any time of day, Black Pearl’s smooth subtleties work well as a morning cigar while its full-flavored character is more than worthy as an after dinner indulgence. The Arapiraca wrapper adds some nice complexities without increasing the overall strength. It is a medium-bodied blend with an earthy core and notes of toast and cedar throughout.
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