Deadwood Girl With No Name Toro
Nicaragua 6.0” x 52 Medium
95-Rated
While I have a ton of respect for Drew Estate – including their ACID line – and recommend them to many people, I typically burn more traditional cigars. That said, Deadwood has quickly become one of the top-selling brands in the country, so I had to try this newest addition to the line. Exotic is an appropriate word for this dark and oily Maduro. The cigar opens with a noble sweetness that lingers on the palate, followed by traces of bitter dark cocoa and various spices bouncing around my taste buds. The aroma is zesty, with unique spices filling the room. As a change of pace, this cigar is distinct and delicious, and I highly recommend others try it to expand their palate and concept of cigar.
Edition One Cloud Hopper .458
Nicaragua 5.0” x 48 Medium-Full
92-Rated
Savory. This little cigar is savory. I pick up notes of sugar cookie, cocoa powder and sweet spices. There’s a nuttiness to it, almost like the salted skin of a roasted peanut. The smoke is creamy and sits heavy on the palate. Savory. Satisfying. Splendid. Nuff said.
Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2
Nicaragua 6.1” x 52 Medium-Full
94-Rated
Montecristo chose Nicaragua as its home for this anniversary cigar, which makes me happy. AJ is a beast in blending big, flavorful handmades, and this puro certainly delivers. Throughout the slow burn is everything you would expect from a big Nicaraguan cigar…richness, creaminess, strength. Rich notes of coffee and chocolate mingle with softer notes of oak and sweet spices. An underlying core of sweet tobacco meshes these flavors together nicely, while a touch of leather finishes each puff. Monte 1935 is an enjoyable cigar worthy of special occasions.
Rocky Patel Vintage 20th Anniversary Gordo
Honduras 6.0” x 58 Full
93-Rated
Since its release, I’ve always been fond of the Vintage Series…specifically the Vintage ’90. With the 20th Anniversary donning a similar, dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, it caught my eye. After trying all sizes I decided the Gordo is my favorite. It seems to be the best representation of a bold but balanced Honduran cigar. I get earth and espresso bean throughout, while the wrapper leaves behind a gentle natural sweetness. Spice enters the fray in the final third, adding another nice layer to what I find to be a luxurious bouquet.
Weller by Cohiba Toro
Dominican Republic 6.0” x 50 Medium-Full
95-Rated
Spoiler Alert: this cigar is amazing. The smoke is heavy on the palate, blanketing all sides with rich and dense notes of earth, oak and sweet cedar. On the exhale, I pick up a trace of honey-like sweetness mingling with spicy-sweet nuances. The cigar is incredibly well-balanced, growing stronger during the burn without losing its exquisite marriage of unique flavors. A testament to the extensively aged long-fillers, secured inside a thick Connecticut Broadleaf binder aged in Weller bourbon barrels. The Ecuador Sumatra wrapper ices the cake, completing a slow-burning treat I’ll be back for more of.
