Cuban Stock Extra – Worth the Extra

Not a surprising name for a cigar company, Cuban Stock.  And it’s true.  All of the tobacco that they use comes from original Cuban seeds.  Started almost twenty years ago, Cuban Stock has slowly grown a reputation of providing quality cigars to appreciating smokers.  “For the window of time in which you are enjoying a cigar, all is right with the world and it is with this notion in mind that we create each Cuban Stock cigar. May you enjoy each smoke in the way that we craft it: with the passion for perfection.  Says Yaniv Levy, founder and owner of Cuban Stock Cigar Company.  I met Yaniv at the recent IPCPR show and he was receptive to a new review of his cigars.  He was passionate about the cigars and about his business.  But, most of all, he was concerned that smokers enjoy his products.  I certainly did.

Today’s cigar is nice to look at.  It comes with a golden brown wrapper that was firm to the feel.  The top was almost flat in the Cuban style.  And the sheen and feel were both oily and veiny.  Your attention is drawn to the stick not only by its appearance in terms of tobacco, but it also has nice bands.  Both a large band at the normal position as well as a nice sized foot band.  I punched and lit the stick without problem/

Construction was good.  There was an open draw despite the firm pack, something about which I was initially concerned. Regardless, the cigar drew evenly and burned well for its duration.  My smoking pleasure was interrupted by a phone call and after letting the cigar go out, I relit.  The relight was just as easy burning as the original.

Taste was mostly similar throughout the entire smoke.  The cigar has earthy flavors, tinged with cedar and leather.  As the cigar approached the final third, it picked up some spiciness that would place it firmly inthe medium bodied or ‘lunch’ cigar category.

At around $6.50, this is a very nice cigar.  If you look at our scores the overall score seems to be higher than one might expect.  But, I just flat out liked this smoke and felt that was the best way to reflect that to you.  Pick up a Cuban Stock Extra, I’, sure you’ll enjoy it as well.

I recently became aware that this blend is now available with a maduro wrapper as well.  I’m hoping that will some interesting sweetness to the taste.