Cigar Reviews

Bolivar Simones

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Bolivar Simones

In 2005 Habanos S.A. launched the Regional Edition (RE) series. This series would make up limited production cigars made exclusively for a specific regional market. The cigars are made up of current production vitolas that are not already available in that specific brand. The regional cigars usually contain two bands. The standard production band... (more...)

Partagas 898

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Partagas 898

Don Jaime Partagás Ravelo had worked in the Cuban tobacco business for years before establishing his own factory, Real Fábricas de Tabaco Partagás in 1845, on 60 Industria Street in Havana, Cuba. The factory is located directly behind the Capitolio building on the SW corner, in the heart of Havana.... (more...)

American Stogies Toro

Friday, February 12, 2010
American Stogies Toro

Nestor Plasencia is one of the most influential cigar blenders around.  In addition to developing the Habana2000 wrapper, he has created a variety of blends including Rocky Patel’s Edge and Sungrown.  On top of this, he produces Plasencia Reserva Organica — a 100% organic cigar.  The man is also responsible for the American Stogies... (more...)

Por Larrañaga Panetela

Thursday, August 27, 2009
Por Larrañaga Panetela

When I open my humidor to look for an easy, quick smoke, I often think that I should be reaching for a Por Larrañaga Panetela. The problem is the 3 of them I have left are from my stag 4 years ago and I have stubbornly assigned them a sentimental value. I say stubbornly... (more...)

Thomas Hinds Maduro Robusto

Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thomas Hinds Maduro Robusto

When you’re preparing for a scotch tasting, in particular one held at a private home in the summertime, bringing along an accompanying cigar should be a priority.  Some tastings may even sell them at the event. For A Dram Come True, I chose to purchase what I was told was a good value Nicaraguan... (more...)

Pinar Del Rio Habano Sun Grown Robusto

Monday, August 3, 2009
Pinar Del Rio Habano Sun Grown Robusto

Produced in the Dominican Republic, Pinar Del Rio is a partnership between Juan Rodriguez and Abraham Flores.  The company makes two lines of cigars, the Habano Sun Grown and the Habano Oscuro.  The Sun Grown features a deep red-brown wrapper, while the Oscuro features a maduro wrapper.  Both lines have been made in the... (more...)