Montecristo Villanueva
5 1/2 x 50
Natural
Dominican Republic

I stumbled onto this stick mearly by chance. While browsing one of the online dealers that I shop from occasionally, I noticed it in the ‘recommended’ area. They were selling it by the box, of 10. I forget the price, but it was in the neighborhood of $80 for the box. Anyway, I bought the box and went through it pretty quick, I’m currently into my second box.

All that to say, the first impression in appearance was very good, it’s cedar-wrapped in a sealed glass tube. Very smooth and cream-colored wrapper.

This relatively mild smoke had very good construction, as it had a even draw and smooth burn. I regularly enjoy this smoke. I think that’s obvious, since I’m on that second box.

8 out 10.

JM

Padron Anniversary 1964 Superior
42 x 6 1/2 Natural
Nicaragua

A number of my friends really enjoy Padron cigars, so I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. So I tried one. It was good, but I wasn’t impressed. Since then, I’ve continued to hear similar raves and reading good things about the Anniversary Series, constantly. So I decided that my next Padron experience would be one from the Anniversary line.

I found this particular one, in a shop over in Charleston, while visiting a few weeks ago. I picked it up, along with a couple of other sticks I’d been recently looking for. I knew it was supposed to be good, I just didn’t know how good. Boy, was I in for an experience.

I can’t say enough good things about this cigar. It might just be the best non-cuban I’ve ever had, it’s certainly the best I’ve had since we started this site.

It lit with relative ease. The burn was even. The draw was smooth. The flavor was creamy and full, but not overbearing. Sound perfect? It just about was. I can’t wait to have another one of these.

I give it a 9.5 out of 10

Here’s a heads up on a few of our upcoming reviews. We’d love to get your opinions and reviews on these too so go ahead and grab a few of these and do a write up to send in when we post the review.

- Ashton VSG Robusto (5 1/2 x 50)
- Padron Anniversary
- Montecristo Villenueva
- Joya de Nicaragua Puro Celebracion
- Romeo Y Julieta Habana Reserve

This was my first venture into this brand. And honestly, I haven’t heard or seen many reviews about it, good or bad. Generally, this turns out to be a good thing, so you don’t end up with some pre-concieved notions about any particular smoke.

Anway, this was also my first experience with a “box pressed” stick. For some reason, I consider this “box press” as some sort of novelty, it just seems strange. After some brief, initial difficulty getting it lit, it proceeded to have a smooth draw. However, the burn was quite uneven and made enjoying it a bit more work, as I had to continue to work it even.
The flavor was smooth and mild, making it a good starter stick for the novice smoker.
The finish still mild but was some work, having to re-light a time or two.

I give it a 6.5 out of 10.

More Information on this Cigar:

J.L. SALAZAR y HERMANOS Reserva Especial Robusto is a typical Box-Pressed cigar.  The tobacco leaves in the cigars are aged for over three years and specially cured through four fermentations.

Size: 5.5 ” x 52

Nicaragua

5.50×38

Full

Color: Medium Brown

Shape: Parejo

Size: Petite

I ended up finding this cigar kinda by accident. I found them, on sale, because Montecruz was about to update their logo and merchandising. So the stock that was on-hand had to be liquidated in order to make room for the new, updated version. I bought a box of them for several reasons; they were gonna be ‘giveaways’ at a party being attended by both regular cigar smokers and those that might just take a couple of drags and toss the rest.

All that to say, we were very surprised and pleased with the outcome of our blind buy. There have been a couple of duds amongst the box we bought. The flavor was a little too bitter for my taste, but judging from the reaction of the crowd, they were still enjoyable. The overall size of the stick mixed with the purchase price, didn’t lock you into a lengthy committment that other cigars might command.

Generally speaking, the draw was marginally harder (I’ve had some issues keeping them lit) but the burn was still good and even.

6 out of 10

Dominican Republic

6.00×50

Medium

Natural

I didn’t know what all to think about this stick, for some reason, I haven’t heard much about it throughout the cigar community. A treat was in store.

The construction was quite solid and with quality appearance. The draw was just right and the burn couldn’t have been better.

They call it a “medium”, but I’d almost err on the milder side of things.

I was pleasantly surprised with this stick, good flavor and zero aftertaste.

This cigar was enjoyed along side a frozen hot chocolate with peanut butter from Toomer’s Coffee.

8 out of 10.

Dominican Republic

5.12×42

Mild/Medium

Wrapper: Medium Brown

Shape: Parejo

Smoking a Cohiba brings with it an ‘aura’. Being one of the most popular and well-known cigars, it is also one of the most imitated, especially the Cuban Cohibas.

That being said, the non-cuban variety, like the ones we enjoy, are still very good. Cohibas are traditionally very well made and therefore have a good draw and a smooth burn. This one was no different.

Typically, you can’t go wrong with a Cohiba, it’s gonna be good every time.

However, because they are so popular and well-known, they normally are in the higher price range. They are worth every penny. But, there are a number of good cigars that give you “more bang for your buck”.

8 out of 10.

Carlos Torano- Casa Torano

Honduras

4 3/4 x 52

Robusto

Maduro

Medium

I had heard of Carlos Torano before, but never stepped out and tried one on the fly. Over the weekend I was treated to a fine smoke. The Torano house has made quality cigars for years and it shows.

Solid constuction led to an even burn and relatively smooth draw. It had bold flavor but not overbearing. However, it did have a slight, but overlookable, aftertaste.

A relaxing smoke.

8.5 out of 10.

Enjoyed with a Crown Royal and Coke.

5.50×42 Natural wrapper Corona Medium

This was my first experience with A. Fuente and I can’t say enough about how enjoyable it was. I had heard many, many good things, but until I tried it, I couldn’t fully understand.

First off, the construction was very good, no issues what-so-ever, very evident of having three generations of cigar rolling experience. Confirmed with an even burn.

Smooth draw. The Fuente family has classified this as a “medium”, but I almost put in closer to the “mild” end of things. Either way, the flavor was good and not overbearing at all. Quite enjoyable. Almost no after taste.

8.5 out of 10. I look forward to my next one.