Since 2018, E.P. Carrillo has participated in the annual Tobacconists Association of America (TAA) Exclusive Series of cigars. After a couple of line extensions in 2019 and 2020 that were done for the TAA, 2021 saw E.P. Carrillo deliver a new blend to the series. It’s a cigar simply dubbed the E.P. Carrillo TAA 2021. […]
Cigar Review: Davidoff Year of the Tiger
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 85-87, Davidoff, Not Recommended, Review
Late in 2021, Davidoff released the 11th installment of its Chinese Zodiac series, the Davidoff Year of the Tiger. This annual ultra-premium series is one that is highly anticipated by Davidoff cigar enthusiasts. While the start of the Chinese New Year falls in between January 21st and February 20th, Davidoff typically puts out the Zodiac […]
Cigar Review: Platinum Nova Leo 11 Edition Limitada
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 85-87, Not Recommended, Platinum Nova, Review
At the 2021 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Platinum Nova Cigars would introduce a second cigar under its Personal Reserve series known as the Leo 11. The name Leo 11 comes from Leonor Abzaradel, who serves as the CEO of the company. In 2020, Platinum Nova had released the Leo 10 to commemorate Abzaradel’s […]
Cigar Review: Villiger TAA Exclusive 2021
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 2021 TAA Exclusive Series, 85-87, Not Recommended, Review, TAA, Villiger
In 2021, Villiger Cigars would introduce its second cigar that would be a part of the 2021 Tobacconists Association of America (TAA) Exclusive Series. Since Rene Castenada became the President of Villiger Cigars North America, he has paid particular attention to the handmade business of Villiger, using multiple factories (including Villiger’s own) to produce the […]
Cigar Review: Punch Aniversario
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 85-87, General, Not Recommended, Punch, Review, Scandinavian Tobacco Group, STG
Anniversary milestone cigars have been a part of the cigar industry for many years. Some companies have been embraced these milestones and have frequently released cigars to commemorate the occasion. Others have been more selective of which anniversary milestones were released. In the case of Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG)’s associated brands, STG has been quite […]
Agile Cigar Review: Kristoff 685 Woodlawn Box Pressed Toro (TAA 2021 Exclusive)
William Cooper Agile Cigar Reviews, Reviews No Comments 2021 TAA Exclusive Series, 85-87, Agile Cigar Review, Assessment Update, Kristoff, Not Recommended, TAA
Agile Cigar Reviews are cigar assessments where we use a lightweight, shorter format. These will never take the place of our comprehensive reviews. They are only used on blends we have previously assessed. This might be a blend we are re-scoring or giving a score for the first time. It might be a blend we […]
Cigar Review: VegaFina 1998 Vintage 1 VF42L
William Cooper Reviews 2 Comments 85-87, Not Recommended, Review, Tabacalera SLU, VegaFina
In 2021, there was a special limited offshoot of the VegaFina 1998 line known as the VegaFina 1998 Vintage 1. The VegaFina 1998 was first released in 1999 to the European market. It was a cigar that paid homage to the year the VegaFina brand was launched. A year later the VegaFina 1998 would be […]
Cigar Review: Southern Draw Firethorn Augusta (Belicoso Fino)
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 85-87, Not Recommended, Review, Southern Draw
If there is one portfolio that has been one of the more interesting evolutions that have been seen over the years, it has to be that of Southern Draw. Over the years, the portfolio has grown to become a series of excellent cigars where there truly is something for everyone. Perhaps the most interesting thing […]
Cigar Review: Southern Draw Manzanita Toro
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 85-87, Not Recommended, Review, Southern Draw
Late in 2020, Southern Draw Cigars launched a new regular production line known as Manzanita. The name Manzanita means “little apple.” Southern Draw Cigars is known to name its cigars for flowers and plants. Not only do apples grow on trees, but Manzanita also refers shrubs and small trees that often have a reddish bark. […]
Cigar Review: La Gloria Cubana Spirit of the Lady Toro
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 82-84, Forged Cigar Company, La Gloria Cubana, Not Recommended, Review, Scandinavian Tobacco Group, STG
Early in 2021, Scandinavian Tobacco Group announced it was splitting the brands of General Cigar into two entities. Several brands that were previously in the General Cigar Company portfolio were moved into a new entity known as Forged Cigar Company. Forged Cigar Company would essentially become its own distribution company complete with its own sales […]