More Reviews By Kelly

Similarly to the other Experts, the presentation of the Tres Compadres took me by surprise: I’m so accustomed to Kristoff cigars and their boxes looking more rustic, giving that “fresh from the factory” feeling. This newer release is classical and sophisticated, two adjectives I’d also use to describe this blend’s delivery on the palate. 

If you asked me to sum up my thoughts on the Noblesse re-release, I could do it in one word: opulent. Given the San Andrés wrapper, there are these indulgent notes of chocolate and espresso, making for an ideal after-dinner experience. Pairs well with Maker’s Mark 46.

I go through phases where I smoke the same strength profile for a while, and then repeat the cycle with something different. While revisiting medium-bodied blends I was amazed at the complexity of Made Man… With each one I enjoy my palate discovers a new nuance I didn’t experience before, and that’s why it’s now in my regular rotation.

Fun fact: the Aladino name stems from a vintage movie theater in Danlí, Honduras, which was converted into state-of-the-art factory by the Eiroa family. It’s there that Aladino Corojo is made. You’ll notice that between the “A” on the band are the years 1947 and 1961, and that’s a nod to Cuban cigars of those years which this blend proudly recreates.

I’ve enjoyed other Punch cigars regularly, but Golden Era having received a ‘90’ rating upon release from Cigar Aficionado caught my attention. The Honduran Havana Seed Corojo wrapper was as silky on the palate as it was in my hands; perhaps the most enjoyable experience was each nuance never overpowering the other.

Fun fact: The ‘M’ logo on the band is not only an abbreviation for Mil Días, but it’s also the Roman numeral for 1,000. Since the cigar’s name literally means 1,000 days in Spanish, you can tell the Crowned Heads team really put a lot of thought into every possible detail for this blend.

Debuting in 2021, Rocky's White Label has flown under the radar a bit. Is it any wonder? With an award-winning portfolio like Rocky's, it can be hard to stand out. But something tells me this gem is about to get noticed. A combination of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos is finished with a silky-smooth Connecticut Shade wrapper. Expect notes of cedar, earth, and hints of vanilla.

AJ Fernandez more than earns his Master Blender title with this ‘91’-rated blend. Due to the dark Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, the Maduro is bolder than its predecessor, but no complaints here. There’s a nice spicy-sweetness due to the interplay between earth and pepper underneath sweeter nuances of almond, cocoa, and vanilla. Remarkably even burn.

I simply can’t resist La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press. These Dominican-made premiums are chock full of tobaccos from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico’s San Andrés Valley capped off with a redolent Nicaraguan Jalapa wrapper. Savor every moment as this medium-bodied cigar is rich with notes of earth, red licorice, black pepper, raisin, and baking spice. Fire up a steak and pair this with a nice bourbon…you’ll thank me.

Oliva’s catalog of blends is legendary. And personally, I love a good Cameroon-wrapped cigar, so this one was a no-brainer for me. A hearty but balanced handmade, Serie ‘G’ is packed with Nicaraguan tobaccos and gives off notes of leather, cedar, and coffee. To top it off, the genuine Cameroon wrapper offers hints of sweetness throughout. Pair this gem with some bourbon and you have a match made in heaven.