La Aurora 1495 (Blind Tasting)

A few weeks ago I was exchanging emails with Jim Cronin of Top Shelf Cigars. You may recognize the name from previous reviews which include the Top Shelf Signature Select Blue, Black, and Red Labels. Before speaking with Jim I was having trouble tracking down information on a small boutique manufacturer. With a failed email attempt to the company, I tried getting information from one of the few retailers which I knew carried the line.

During …

Top Shelf Signature Select Pure Corojo (Short Ashes)

In this episode of Short Ashes, I take a look back at the Top Shelf Signature Select Pure Corojo (Red Label). While visiting Jim Cronin at Top Shelf Cigars last week, Jim gave me one of his Red Labels for the road. On my way out the door I stuck the cigar in my shirt pocket for later smoking. I had four cigars already and my tongue was beginning to feel furry from all of the smoke.

A couple of …

Oliva Serie G Maduro (Short Ashes)

Here we are with yet another Short Ashes Cigar Review. This time I take a look back at the Oliva Serie G Maduro. Just as I would have expected, the cigar smoked very well and did not disappoint. This cigar has become one that I consider to be a morning, noon, and night stick. I can smoke them on an empty stomach with my morning coffee or as a nightcap.

After you are finished with this video, head back to …

Oliva Serie V Maduro (Guest Review)

This guest review comes by way of our friend, and long time commenter here on The Stogie Review, Marcian. The cigar featured is the Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial.

Okay so I after receiving some bad news that put me in a pretty messed up mood. I came home to my wife and two year old daughter, who always makes me feel better. My daughter greets me as her hero every day; even when life has beaten me down it …

Los Imperialistas Torpedo

Recently an Atlanta cigar shop was graced with a visit of the legendary Don Pepin Garcia, and of course, I made a point to be there. I had seen the man from a distance at previous IPCPR trade shows, but a local visit promised a greater level of access. The turn out for the event was large, but the crowd of people was much less dense than the show. In fact it was pretty easy to walk right up Pepin …

Win Samplers of Bravo Cigar Product

The final contest in our month long Bravo Cigar give-away has come. After giving away three boxes so far, Bravo Cigar has kindly donated three sampler packs to give away to three winners.

• 5 Pack Sosegado
• 5 Pack Colombian Gold
• 4 Pack North Coast

To enter, simply post a response to our new Daily Discussion topics in the Stogie Review Fan Forum. Each person may enter one time per day, and may enter every day until Sunday, November 30, …

What exactly is a boutique manufacturer?

Last weekend I decided to create a daily discussion on the Stogie Review Fan Forums. The idea was to pose a discussion topic to the members of the forum for a days time. After that day elapsed, I would lock the thread and pose a brand new topic.

Our second topic was one that went over exactly how I planned. The community members stepped up and really expressed their views on the subject. The topic I posed for discussion …

Azul Luna Polo

Hey folks! This week I bring you a cigar that was gifted to me by my buddy Stew over at The World According to Stew. Stew had got these cigars after meeting the guy who owns the line at a polo match Stew was at. Stew sent a pair of these my way so I can give them a try.

Video runs about 17:00 and I hesitate giving the cigar a thumbs up. Its definitely not a thumbs down …

Flor de Oliva Corojo (Blind Tasting)

Brand: Flor de Oliva Corojo
Vitola: Robusto
Ring Gauge: 50
Length: 5.00
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: $3.00 (in PA)

Pre-Light:
After blind tasting the Flor de Oliva Gold, the group thinned out and I was left with three individuals who were interested in smoking a second blind cigar that afternoon. I handed out a few cigars and things were immediately underway.

The first step in the review process was to inspect the cigars. Each person …

My First Cigar Purchase

Last week I posted the contest announcement for a box of Colombian Gold Perfectos and asked everyone to share with us their first cigar purchase experience. As of the time I am writing this article (Monday night) I am completely amazed by the type of responses that have been shared.

I find it amazing that everyone has had a good first experience, and even more amazing that due to that first experience you still purchase from that shop after a …