Cigar Reviews

Cigar Review: Cuba’s Trinidad Vigia Is a Pleasure to Smoke But Lacks Wow Factor

The Trinidad Vigia is a regular production cigar from Habanos S.A. The Vigia is one of the more recent editions to the Trinidad family (originally released in 2014) and arguably one of the most popular as well. Though the Trinidad Vigia is newer in the Trinidad portfolio, the brand has a long history, established post-revolution…

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Cigar Review: AJ Fernandez Enclave Salomon Looks Great But Fails on Flavor

The salomon vitola is one of my favorite in the entire cigar industry. Producers such as Cuaba and La Flor Dominicana are well-known for their salomones. The Oliva Melanio Figurado has been one of my favorite in this category, though of course it’s not quite the same shape as the AJ Fernandez Enclave, which features…

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Lighter Review: Xikar Tactical 1 Is a Powerful, Precise Cigar Torch

A review of one of Xikar’s newest lighters, the Tactical 1, which has a powerful but precise single jet that might be a little too beefy for some. But others who prefer that military-style, tactical look will love the look and feel of this high-quality lighter. One of the most unique features of this lighter…

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Cigar Review: Epic Maduro Robusto Is a Full-Bodied, But Nuanced Smoke

Anytime I see a wrapper this dark on a cigar, I immediately think twice. Will it be a pepper bomb? Will it be too spicy? The Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper on the Epic Maduro is dark and toothy, but don’t be scared away! While the Maduro may be on the full end of the spectrum, it…

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Romeo y Julieta, Exhibición No.4 2018 Review

The Romeo y Julieta Exhibiciòn No.4 is a regular production cigar by Habanos S.A. The Exhibiciòn No.4 is one of 27 regular production blends offered in the Romeo y Julieta portfolio, one of the largest Tripa Larga, Totalmante a Mano portfolios available from Habanos S.A. The Exhibiciòn No.4 is made from tobacco grown in the…

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Room101 Doomsayer “Passive” Habano Review

The Room101 Doomsayer limited edition cigars were released in two types, Aggressive and Passive, in June 2019 as part of the IPCPR trade show from brand founder Matt Booth. The Aggressive features a dark maduro wrapper of unannounced origin while the Passive, which we are reviewing today, has a Ecuadorian Habano donning its exterior. Both…

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Epic Cigars Project E San Andres Gran Ola

OVERVIEW VITOLA:   Toro SIZE:   6-1/4″ x 54 ORIGIN:   Dominican Republic FACTORY:   Charles Fairmorn WRAPPER:   Mexican San Andres BINDER:   Indonesian Sumatra FILLER:   Dominican Republic and Nicuaraguan STRENGTH:   Medium – Full SOURCE:   Received Sample from Epic Cigars ENVIRONMENT WHERE: My deck WHEN: July 12, 2020 DRINKS: Iced Tea WEATHER: Perfect warm Summer night – low 80’s with 65%…

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Episode 35: Project E Gran Ola Review

I give you my review of the Epic Cigars limited edition Project E Gran Ola. You can follow along with my review here. I also go over our new Statement of Ethics and why it’s important to our staff and to our fans. You can get your own Simply Stogies Podcast SWAG here!

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Punch Punch 2019 Review

OVERVIEW VITOLA:   CubaSIZE:   5.6″ x 46 ORIGIN:   CubaFACTORY/BOX CODE:   DEC 19 WRAPPER:   Cuba (Vuelta AbajoBINDER:   Cuba (Vuelta Abajo)FILLER:   Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) STRENGTH:   Medium SOURCE: Generous gift from a friend at simplystogies.club ENVIRONMENT WHERE:   Open patio in my backyard WHEN:   July 6, 2020 @ 8:30 AM DRINKS:   Black coffee WEATHER:   Beautiful summer morning;low-80s in the shade, light…

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Episode 30: Cigar Scanner App and Hygrometer Review

This week, I quickly gives my thoughts on the PCA cancelling the 2020 trade show and how this presents the PCA with a unique opportunity for change; change for themselves, and change for the industry. I then jumps into my review of the Cigar Scanner Application and the Cigar Scanner WiFi Hygrometer and Thermometer. I…

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