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Comfortably Numb by Espinosa, Vol. 1

9/21/2018 Tim Expert Picks: Favorite Fallbacks Expert Pick

Comfortably Numb Vol.1 is a morsel that is fun, flavorful, and refined. Numb's nuances come and go in casual complexity. The blend's subtleties of sweetness fade just before a chorus of spices reset the tempo, keeping perfect time and balance. You'll find the fine-tuned finish features more notes than a David Gilmour guitar solo.

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Southern Draw Jacob's Ladder

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Torano Exodus 1959 '50 Years'

1/3/2020 Tim Expert Picks: Through the Years Expert Pick

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11/8/2019 Tim Expert Picks: Holiday Handmades Expert Pick

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9/20/2019 Tim Expert Picks: Must-Have Maduros Expert Pick

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Oliva Master Blends III

8/9/2019 Tim Expert Picks: Habano Heat Wave Expert Pick

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CAO Gold Cigars

6/28/2019 Tim Expert Picks: Summer Starters Expert Pick

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5/17/2019 Tim Expert Picks: All-Time Greats Expert Pick

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4/5/2019 Tim Expert Picks: Spring Into Sun Grown Expert Pick

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2/22/2019 Tim Expert Picks: Spring Favorites Expert Pick

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11/9/2018 Tim Expert Picks: Winter Winners Expert Pick

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8/10/2018 Tim Expert Picks: Absolute All-Stars Expert Pick

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REO

6/29/2018 Tim Expert Picks: A Summer to Savor Expert Pick

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H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez

5/17/2018 Tim Expert Picks: Father's Favorites Expert Pick

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4/5/2018 Tim Expert Picks: Choice Churchills Expert Pick

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Gispert Intenso

7/13/2017 Tim Not Your Grandfather's Gispert

For those of you familiar with Gispert, you know that its original blend is on the mellow to medium side. It’s a great cigar that’s well made and has elegant notes of cream and leather, but it’s not exactly the most complex cigar you’ll ever enjoy, and while I appreciate this cigar’s accessibility, I like something with a little more oomph. Apparently others feel the same, and Gispert heard the …

Romeo 505 Nicaragua

6/8/2017 Tim Rome 505: A Bolder Departure

Romeo y Julieta is a brand that needs no introduction. It’s had staying power in a crowded field, simply because its cigars are timeless blends that enthusiasts have flocked to for over 130 years. The brand wanted to appeal to enthusiasts who prefer bolder flavors, so it branched out a few years ago with its Romeo line-up. Which brings us to its newest release: Romeo 505Named for Nicaragua’s …

Viaje Full Moon Collector's Edition

4/27/2017 Tim Viaje Full Moon Collector’s Edition

I’ve been a Viaje fan for some time now. The brand’s Exclusivo is among my favorite cigars on store shelves right now. Despite my affinity for Viaje, Full Moon Collector’s Edition somehow went under my radar. Yes, I know this is a Halloween-themed cigar, so call me late to the party but, I just wanted to share my delight in finally giving this cigar a go. Let’s start with aesthetics - the cigar …

La Gran Llave Maduro by AJ Fernandez

3/28/2017 Tim You'll Love the Llave.

Why did I find myself surprised, after the first dozen or so puffs, at how much I was enjoying La Gran Llave Maduro when right there in the name, it’s clearly stated “BY AJ FERNANDEZ?" Knowing full well what Fernandez is capable of with tobacco and time, I should have expected this all along. La Gran Llave Maduro is fantastic, with a concerted creaminess throughout the whole experience that’s …

Alec Bradley Coyol

2/9/2017 Tim A Lancero to long for.

Alan Rubin is no stranger to using Honduran tobaccos in his blends to award winning results. His Coyol is no exception to this strategy, as the Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos used in this recipe combine to create one of my new favorites. Grabbed one out of the humidor for two reasons: #1 – the brand… I have loved the Tempus and Prensado for years, and have really enjoyed the few Mundials I’ve …

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1/3/2017 Tim Expert Picks: Supreme Infusions Expert Pick

If you like the idea of an “enhanced” cigar blend, Opulence 3 is the finest choice. Sporting a toothy maduro wrapper from San Andrés, ‘O-3’ pumps out clouds of rich and creamy smoke, with a sweet finish, and a room note that is out of this world. …

Room 101 Uncle Lee

12/30/2016 Tim An Uncle you'll like!

With an oily, dark chocolate brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Uncle Lee is handsome. Pre-light, the cedar and sweet hay aroma is intoxicating. Inside each you find a hearty blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran Corojos combined with Dominican ligeros. Light up and discover creamy nuances of chocolate, almond, and malt initially dominate the palate, eventually making room for heavier notes of espresso …

La Flor Dominicana Suave

12/8/2016 Tim Interesting to the nub...

Sporting a silky Connecticut wrapper, as soon as I lit this up any preconceived notions I had about La Flor Dominicana were smashed. Smooth with hardly any spice at all, this was clearly going to be a great choice for that first cigar of the day. Pairing exceptionally well with my morning coffee, I picked up notes of sweet hay, earth, and cream. Very little spice if any, this is not a bad thing …

Romeo y Julieta 1875 Cigars

11/3/2016 Tim Expert Picks: Christmas Lights Expert Pick

The original Dominican Romeo, the 1875 Bully performs like a true tobacco “cafe con leche” as nuances of coffee bean and sweet cream give way perfectly to its subtle sugarcane finish, creating a modern day classic. This best-seller is also a regular in my personal humidor. Mellow enough for the masses yet possessed with a surprising WOW factor. …

Black Ops Berserker

9/21/2016 Tim Let Your Palate Run Wild

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 …

Punch

9/20/2016 Tim Expert Picks: Fall Classics Expert Pick

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 …

Rocky Patel Super Ligero

7/27/2016 Tim Expert Picks: Ligero-Laced Expert Pick

Rocky Patel has always catered to enthusiasts that enjoy fuller-bodied cigars. Now he's added the Super Ligero which will undoubtedly win over the hearts and humidors of America's ligero lunatics. A unique St. Augustine Habano wrapper is on display here, not to mention the totally ligero long-fillers from Costa Rica and Nicaragua. This is one intense blend.…

5 Vegas Gold

6/30/2016 Tim Expert Picks: Summer Shade Expert Pick

Gold is an old favorite of mine. Real old, like back when the Mets were bad and Zima was flowing like water. In fact, I’m enjoying yet another one this evening at my desk, and I have to say this fantastic cigar has only gotten better over time. This chunky Connecticut is creamy and rich, with a hint of spice. 5 Vegas Gold has enough flavor and character to …

Rocky Patel Decade Cameroon

5/11/2016 Tim Expert Picks: Cameroon Craze Expert Pick

Decade is one of my all-time favorites, so I had to try Rocky’s newer Cameroon version. After enjoying dozens since its release, I can tell you this blend delivers and frankly is as good, if not better than the original. There’s a nice sweetness to the smoke throughout and some serious complexity with hints of caramel, coconut, and peanut. Another KO from Rocky! …

Graycliff 30-Year Vintage

3/29/2016 Tim Expert Picks: Masterfully Balanced Expert Pick

Searching our inventory for the most balanced cigar I could find, Graycliff 30-Year Vintage was an instant winner. A five-country cocktail of tobaccos, the highlight is an authentic African Cameroon wrapper cultivated over 30 years ago. Nuanced, complex, yet medium in body, the 30 Year Vintage is a work of elegance and unsurpassed balance.…

Camacho Corojo

2/16/2016 Tim Expert Picks: Powerhouse Puros Expert Pick

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. …

La Palina Classic

1/6/2016 Tim Expert Picks: Brazilian Safari Expert Pick

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 …

Brick House

11/12/2015 Tim Expert Picks: Santa's List Expert Pick

She’s a BRICK… HOUSE! From the makers of Diamond Crown comes the wildly popular Brick House brand. Under an oily Havana Subido wrapper leaf, the all Nicaraguan filler blend provides some power yet remains balanced and smooth with a slightly sweet finish. Well deserving of a ‘92’ rating and Cigar Aficionado “Best Buy” honors. Santa will be …

Romeo y Julieta Viejo

9/23/2015 Tim Expert Picks: San Andres Selection Expert Pick

Romeo y Julieta is known for their use of Sumatran and Connecticut wrappers, but not until the introduction of the Viejo did they become well-known for using a San Andres maduro wrapper, masterfully at that. Expect a sweet aroma reminiscent of fresh, baking bread and smooth, savory cocoa and cream flavors.…

Ave Maria Immaculata

8/13/2015 Tim Connecticut Elegance Expert Pick

Ave Maria Immaculata is the smooth blend made for the enthusiast who usually goes full. Even if you consider your weathered and leathered palate to be too experienced for mellower smokes, don’t pass on this AJ Fernandez made masterpiece. Immaculata is a winner and I dare you not to like it! Tons of flavor, super creamy, and irresistibly enjoyable.…

Aganorsa Leaf Maduro

7/1/2015 Tim Expert Picks: Maduro Mayhem Expert Pick

After years of providing other cigar manufacturers with the finest leaf for numerous award winning blends, Casa Fernandez is finally making their own outstanding cigars. This medium-bodied American-made maduro has notable cocoa, coffee, and vanilla bean flavors. Aganorsa is the holy grail of growing, the titan of tobacco, the president of pilones, and not to mention one of my new favorites.…

Nica Libre Silver 25th Anniversary

5/26/2015 Tim All Summer Long Expert Pick

Nica Libre or Free Nicaragua is a brand that not only celebrates the people’s emancipation but also the amazing tobaccos that are grown and imported into the Central American country. The latest installment of Nica Libre is called the Silver 25th Anniversary in honor of Violeta Chamorro’s victory in the 1990 Nicaraguan general election. While my teacher friends could …

Diesel Unlimited

3/2/2015 Tim Must Have Habanos Expert Pick

With so many limited edition releases clogging up the sales chute these days, it’s refreshing to have a reliable, everyday cigar that is always available. Dressed in a stunning Ecuadorian habano wrapper, this gem from AJ Fernandez is my ‘go-to’ blend when I need a stogie break and might be the best damn cigar you can get.…

Oliva Serie 'V'

11/17/2014 Tim All I Want For Christmas Expert Pick

Oliva Serie ‘V’ changed the way the industry and enthusiasts looked at full-bodied cigars. It was the first to specially ferment a ligero-heavy blend to provide a robust flavor that remained smooth and balanced. Fast forward more than 5 years later, the Serie V still wears the crown. This is what a true classic tastes like…

Montecristo Classic

6/21/2014 Tim Summer Slow Burners Expert Pick

Even though 60-rings are the latest craze, nothing rivals the Churchill size when you have time on your hands to kick back. And when it comes to smooth, mellow Churchills, few do it better than Montecristo. mellow to medium in strength, ‘Monte’ offers notes of cedar and cream backed by a crisp finish. In fact, the hardest part about enjoying this blend is trying to put it down to grab another …

Father & Son Duos

5/27/2014 Tim Father & Son Duos Expert Pick

Why He Likes It: E.P. Carrillo’s Cardinal Series is one of the most complex blends I’ve experienced in a long time. With so many nuances, it’s tough to specify each one. Balanced is the word. Strong, yes, but this might be the smoothest full-bodied cigar on the market today. Nothing is out of place with this masterful blend. …

Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real

4/14/2014 Tim Smooth & Mellow Expert Pick

While sorting through our list of mellow-bodied blends, I kept coming back to Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real. Even though it’s listed as a mellow to medium-bodied blend, the cigar packs a ton of flavor. The Nicaraguan fillers meld effortlessly with the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and pair perfectly with a light frappuccino. …

Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Dark Corojo

3/3/2014 Tim Full-Bodied Fanatics Expert Pick

From a collaborative effort of tobacco masters Joya de Nicaragua and the mad scientists at Drew Estate, comes the JDN Antano Dark Corojo. Don’t be afraid, it looks hardcore but it’s more of a balanced blend than an all-out firebomb. The blend is loaded with flavors ranging from espresso to pepper with a long, rich finish. Embrace the darkness! …

Torano Exodus Gold 1959

1/13/2014 Tim Taste Of Cuba Expert Pick

One of the first cigars I ever enjoyed and I remember the experience like it was yesterday. Box-pressed, this thing looks like a chocolate bar and it doesn’t taste that much different. This rich, exciting blend of diverse tobaccos serves to commemorate the Exodus of expert Cuban cigar families and their impact on the industry following nationalization in 1959. …

San Lotano Requiem Connecticut

10/15/2013 Tim New Age Connecticuts

Leav it to AJ Fernandez to make a Connecticut that will make you pause, sit, and enjoy like the world has stopped around you. Commanding your attention from first puff, San Lotano Connecticut starts with some light spice and builds in strength and flavor while maintaining a creamy, velvety essence. …

Man O' War Puro Authentico

5/28/2013 Tim Can't Go Wrong

Full-bodied and full of spice, Puro Authentico is the perfect blend in the perfect size for me. This may be AJ’s personal cigar, but it is now my evening cigar. Every evening. I hope AJ’s OK with me taking a chunk out of his stash. Tasting notes: Tastes good … real good. Buy the sampler and try this cigar, it’s the right thing to do. …

Gurkha Beauty

3/18/2013 Tim Favorable Figurados

"Schwee Schwoo!" Heads will turn when this Beauty is out and about. Tall and curvy, this is the cigar equivalent to a super model! A silky Connecticut wrapper covers the aged Dominican long leaf that packs this figurado full. Mellow to medium in body, super rich and creamy – you’ll thoroughly enjoy this 2½ hour treat. …

Drew Estate Tabak Especial

1/7/2013 Tim Infused Cigars

I never do this, but I reached for an "infused" cigar the other day; Tabak Especial Red Eye, a shot of espresso in a cigar. I paired it with a Pumpkin beer called "Pumking." I can't believe it, but it was an excellent combo! Red Eye has a light sweetness that quickly fades as the bittersweet coffee-chocolate combo intensifies on the finish. …

Rich Robustos

10/8/2012 Tim Rich Robustos

Brazil. Home to beautiful women, tiny bathing suits, and the world's best tobacco. Proof is in the ligero pudding; San Lotano Habano, Maxx Brazilian, and my pick for this issue's sampler: J. Fuego Origen. Check out that Brazilian Habano wrapper. Don't you just want to eat it? Go ahead, just don't eat too many or you won't fit into that speedo. …

CAO Gold Cigars

2/27/2012 Tim Mellow Monsters

I met a CAO rep a few years ago. Asked about his favorite CAO, without hesitation he replied, "CAO Gold." I thought he was just trying to move a slow seller to a gullible, albeit handsome salesman like myself. However, I've since smoked scores of these and he wasn't lying. One of the best mellow cigars I've ever had! Call and I'll set you up with one of these samplers today. …

Man O' War Puro Authentico

1/9/2012 Tim Cuban-Esque Coronas

Full-bodied and full of spice, Puro Authentico is the perfect blend in the perfect size for me. This my be AJ's personal cigar, but it's now my evening cigar. Every evening. I hope AJ's OK with me taking a chunk out of his stash. Tasting notes: tastes good...real good. Buy our sampler and try this cigar, it's the right thing to do. …

Cain Daytona by Oliva

5/23/2011 Tim Father's Day Favorites

"What the hell is this?" My father asked as I handed him the new Cain Daytona. I explained it's the newest offering from Oliva — a mellower version of their original Cain Habano. "Daytona? Like the race track and the beach where the girls go wild?" he said. Yes sir, pop — that's co'rect. Except this girl is a bit more mellow than wild. "Not bad, kiddo. Not bad at all. Now when are you going to …

Ave Maria Cigars

4/11/2011 Tim Rothschild Extras

What a name. What a band. What a BOX. WHAT A BRAND! Light up this stout stick – a slow, slow burn and a full wallop of flavor. This is not JUST a cigar. This is elegant, refined, something special. Medium-bodied, true tobacco flavor. I bet this is what cigars tasted like back in the good ol' days. Ave Maria is my new favorite - the new standard upon which I judge all others. Now judge it …

Montecristo Media Noche

2/28/2011 Tim Maduros

May be the perfect Maduro. Heavy in hand, beautiful to the eye, and dark as night – Media Noche draws you in and makes you a believer even before you light it. Flame to foot creates clouds of blueish grey smoke. A little spice reminds you this is a medium to full-bodied blend, but it's the subtle nuances of chocolate, coffee, and berries that really make this a special cigar. Perfect …

La Aurora

1/3/2011 Tim Test of Time

From the oldest factory in the Dominican comes this classic Cameroon wrapped cigar. Long before Fuente, there was La Aurora. If I had to pick one cigar to smoke for the rest of my life, this very well may be it. Close to perfect - mellow to medium in body, flawless construction, and a consistent nutty/sweet character. This cigar is an old stand by for me, and possibly a new favorite for you! …

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