Gurkha Royal Challenge – Definitely Royal
For many years friends have suggested that I try Gurkha cigars. And, I did, once. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. Yet, at an event some moths ago, I met Ollie Hyams, the director of PR for Gurkha. He has been very responsive to questions and has provided a few cigars for me to review. This has proven to be an excellent investment on his part since they are nothing like what I...
La Gloria Retro Especial
You never know what you’ll find when you open a well stocked humidor. There are many gems hidden away in nondescript wrappers, and many surprises to discover. This is one of my great joys in cigars. You unwarp and partake of the aroma, clip and light and find, well, something unexpected. So it is with the La Gloria Retro Especial. Upon first inspection you notice a beautiful golden...
Cain F – Smooth and Strong
Reaching into the humidor for tonight’s smoke I found a Cain F Torpedo. And, it was indeed a great find. Cain is the product of the Studio Tobac division of Oliva cigars. Oliva, a few years back, began experimenting with different blends. The experimentation was all done in this division and it has resulted in some great cigars. Last year, 2011, they arranged a tour and had...
Oliva V – Another Victory for Oliva Cigars
Often times when you have prolific producers you tend to overlook the commitment required to consistently produce good quality. Oliva makes many different cigars and there is not a bad one in the lot. That requires an attention to detail that insures consistency. I was smoking a Double Robusto which I guess they call double because of a little larger ring than a traditional 48 or 50....
A Gorgeous Chocolate Candy – Joyo de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo
Over the years I have found cigar people at all levels to be extremely generous. Whether it is a cigar smoker who opens his humidor to share a great find with a new smoker or old friend or a tobacconist who offers someone a cigar to try without charge, cigar lovers are very kind and open with their sticks. Show that you appreciate the offering by passing along the favor and our great...
Torano Signature, A Worth Autograph
Truth be told I like Torano cigars. Long before I started writing reviews I was buying the Exodus 1959 by the box and recommending them to friends. Almost always with great results. So, it was a pleasure a month or so ago to spend the afternoon in Miami smoking and sharing stories with Jack Torano. Know that I favored the torpedo shape he gave several cigars fromt he different blends that...
