DeeBeezy

Been drinking way too much recently! After a huge whisky event Sunday night in London I’ve decided to go on a short alcohol detox and see how it affects my performance in the gym. Please suggest tasty alternatives (yes I’ve seen the FOHrensics video from a few years back)

I am pretty well connected in the cigar industry, I have a lot of friends who are ‘famous’ cigar influencers. The opinion when it comes to tasting cigars that I hold in the highest regard is @El Presidente. I’m not just saying this because it’s his forum, generally I find myself aligned with him with respect to what he considers a cigar that he enjoys or a cigar that is currently smoking well. I also very much appreciate that despite being a retailer, he is somebody that really understands the value for money proposition of a cigar - he doesn’t buy into the sometimes fabricated hype of cigars with a second (or third) band. He’s a regular production guy, and so am I. The best and most consistent experiences I have had with Cuban cigars have been in the regular production ranges. I like the way he presents and describes a cigar’s flavour profile and generally, I find myself agreeing with him.

Whisky: Bunnahbhain 12 Arran 10 Rum: El Dorado 12 Flor de Cana 12

Not all from the box codes, but this particular one though hit the spot.

ESM JUN 22, less than three years and smoking a dream. Right now it’s by far my favourite robusto. (Yes, I know it’s a Hermoso no 4.)

The Davidoff Escurio Robusto was an amazing smoke from start to finish. Right away, I picked up notes of chocolate sponge cake, rich and slightly decadent, which deepened into a bold dark chocolate as the cigar progressed. What really stood out, though, was the retrohale—an incredible mix of sweet and spicy vanilla citrus that instantly reminded me of a tarte au citron topped with meringue. That unique balance of sweetness and zest carried through the whole experience, making this one of the most distinctive cigars I’ve had in a while, this no doubt came from the Brazilian mata fina tobacco. Truly memorable. What’s more, I managed to get over 1hr 30m smoke time for this robusto sized cigar! I always talk about suitable alternatives on the market for Cuban Cigars, for me Davidoff exudes class reminiscent of Cuban tobacco like no other new world brand can, the experience of this cigar would far surpass that of 9/10 Cuban robusto barring a moment of magic. If you can find a good deal on these or either of the other Davidoff black bland cigars, pick them up. 93 points from me. Paired with a delicious demarara rum, although the ideal pairing here would be a citrus based margerita.

Absolute winner- 10 years on at this point.

Following Rob’s raving review of the Plasencia Alma Fuerte Claro Robustus II, it was a cigar I simply had to try. Rob mentioned that upon trying this cigar in Cyprus, he was impressed enough to purchase a full box. This very much put Plasencia on my radar. This robusto was the third Plasencia I smoked in as many days, following the Alma del campo and the Alma del Fuego last night. This robusto was an enjoyable smoke, though it didn’t completely blow me away. From the start, I got warm, nutty notes that set a nice, surprisingly mellow tone. As it progressed, a rich oak flavor developed, adding some depth, and by the final third, there was a nice touch of roast coffee that rounded things out well. The flavors were well-balanced and refined, but for the price, I expected just a bit more. A solid cigar, but not necessarily one I’d rush back to. 90 points for me. How does this stack up against other new world smokes? I’d still gravitate to Fuente, Davidoff and Ashton blends over this one. This cigar is also not priced competitively enough (21usd) nor good enough to replaced Cubans in my regular rotation. Paired with Glengoyne 18.

Recently purchased this box from a reputable vendor. It’s a 2022 box date. Cigars look and smell fantastic. As you can see at the bottom of this picture, there are marks on the paper that covers the cigars. Is this natural oil? Or does this mean the box has been wet at some point? Let me know your thoughts...

Last night, I lit up my first Vegas Robaina Unicos from my recently acquire BRE 19 box (Upmann factory). It tasted identical to a Monte 2 I smoked last month from a 2015 box I’m working my way through. I heard rumours in the past that Cuba sometimes roll a number of a cigars in a particular size (i.e. piramides) and only after do they slap on a band and decide what brand it should be. I personally hate and dispel these rumours as I think it’s unprofessional even by Cuba standards. I understand the VR Unicos and Monte 2 may be similar blends, however I find the Unicos generally richer with a much more pronounced biscuit and rich tobacco note. These cigars were however near identical. Do you buy the stories about Cuba? Have you ever had a similar experience?

It was sarcastic- each year the Cubans are getting closer to new world packaging, more bands on the cigar, more flash presentation. Look at the box of Punch above. If I didn’t know any better, I’d have bet my house it was the new world version of Punch.

New world cigars are now making limitadas?? Amazing!

As I was looking to occupy my evenings now that the NFL season is over, this Ashton ESG came to fill the void. Right from the start, there was this smooth, toasty Graham cracker note that set the tone, balanced by a subtle vanilla bean sweetness that lingered just enough to keep things interesting. As it burned, a rich woodsy depth came through, adding complexity without overpowering the softer notes. I’ve always believed this is the best cigar the Fuente family makes, and this time only reinforced that. Interestingly, the strength snuck up on me—something I don’t usually find with this cigar, but it added to the experience in the best way. A cigar that feels special every time. It carries a hefty price point and is seldom on sale, this usually prevents me from purchasing a full box. Nevertheless it is a cigar that I keep coming back to again and again. 93 points on this particular stick.

On a cold London evening, the Davidoff Nicaragua Robusto was exactly what I needed. Right from the first draw, I got deep, rich notes of ground coffee bean with a touch of oak, giving it a bold but well-balanced start. As it burned, a smooth cappuccino creaminess came through, rounding everything out beautifully. The draw was effortless, the burn razor-sharp—just a flawless smoking experience. Sitting there in the crisp air, this cigar brought a real warmth and depth, making the moment feel just right. I’ve mentioned many times that I am a huge fan of the Black Banded Davidoffs, they are cigars that to me, exude luxury and would out-do many Cuban counterpart robustos. Definitely pick these up if priced fairly. This one was an easy 92 for me, most of them are around there.

Pretty much anything Davidoff will give you a consistent and classy smoke - the only smoke that can stand up to the best of Cubans in terms of class. If you’re looking for value, Fuente Don Carlos Is where to park your coin.

Considering pulling the trigger on a box of these in robusto seeing as a couple of my favourite retailers are running site wide discounts. I’m interested in this cigar purely based on Rob saying it blew him away recently. Does anyone have experience with this cigar? What about other Placensia blends? I see the 151 garnering great reviews.

Hi John, which ones would you recommend as some of your favourites ?

I have multiple bundles and I am a big fan. I think they represent some of the best value on the market. If however, they were priced the same as Cuban robustos, I would never reach for one. This is not the case with the robustos I mentioned above.

Something I’m pondering myself. Is there any New World Robusto that consistently delivers a better smoking experience than say your favourite Cuban Robusto. As such that if they were priced exactly the same you would reach for/ purchase the new world robusto over the Cuban? For me this is the case with - Ashton ESG, Davidoff Yamasa, Nicaragua and Escurio lines. Those robustos generally deliver a better and more consistent experience than say the average RASS or JL2 I smoke.

Hoyo Petit Robusto, Cohiba Siglo 1, H.Upmann Magnum 50, Montecristo Petit Edmundo and HdM Epicure No 2.

What use is money to me if can’t build... 1. A walk in humidor 2. A cigar lounge in my home 3. An expansive cigar collection

I love every marque of Cuban cigars - RyJ is one I really don’t get, doesn’t excite me, doesn’t do it for me.

Quintero Favoritos

Ashton ESG 21 year- more consistent than a box of 25 Cuban cigars.

Hard for me to touch on what hasn’t already been said. These cigars are really THE hidden gem of Cuba (not so secret anymore). As above, they age beautifully- I don’t tend to smoke these under 4/5 years of age. In terms of its profile, I would say it’s most similar to a better rolled/more classy montecristo. However if someone asked me- show me an example of Cuban tobacco, This would be it- it is pure Cuban tobacco at its finest.