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 primarily used on blends we have previously assessed. This might be a blend we are re-scoring or in some cases giving a score for the first time. It might be […]
Cigar Review: Joya de Nicaragua Dos Cientos (Gran Toro)
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 88-90, Joya de Nicaragua, Review, Try a Sample
Joya de Nicaragua, is a company that aligns itself with the history and culture of Nicaragua like no other company has done. 2021 marked a significant year for not just the country of Nicaragua, but for many countries in Central America. It would be the 200th anniversary of Central American independence from the Spanish Empire. […]
Cigar Review: Reinado Grand Apex Reserve Robusto Extra
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 88-90, Buy One, Reinado, Review
The Reinado Grand Apex Reserve marked the rebirth of boutique cigar company Reinado Cigars. If you were following the boutique cigar scene from 2010 to 2014, chances are Reinado Cigars was on your radar. Reinado Cigars was founded by Antonio Lam, and his cigar line quickly built a strong following. He partnered with Agros Tabacos […]
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: Crowned Heads Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2021 LC50
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 88-90, Buy One, Crowned Heads, Review
In 2014, Crowned Heads announced a new limited edition line known as Las Calaveras. The name “Las Calaveras” translates to “The Skulls” and it’s a line that pays homage to those who have passed away over the past year. As opposed to being a mournful symbol, it is intended to be a celebration of those […]
Cigar Review: Diesel Disciple 2021 TAA Exclusive
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 2021 TAA Exclusive Series, 88-90, Buy One, Diesel, Forged Cigar Company, Review, Scandinavian Tobacco Group, STG, TAA
Since 2018, the Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) has participated in the annual Tobacconists Association of America (TAA) Exclusive Series of cigars. For the first three years, this cigar came from the CAO brand In 2021. Things would change as the Diesel brand from STG’s newly formed Forged Cigar Company would be given the opportunity to […]
Cigar Review: Southern Draw Fraternal Order Blue Corona
William Cooper Reviews No Comments 85-87, Review, Southern Draw, Try a Sample
Over the years, Southern Draw has built quite an impressive portfolio of brands and brand extensions for its cigars. While many of these are well-known, the one brand that has floated under the radar has been Fraternal Order. Fraternal Order is a line that has been primarily (but not always exclusively) sold through Cigars International. […]
Cigar Review: Rocky Patel A.L.R. Second Edition Toro
William Cooper Reviews 1 Comment 85-87, Review, Rocky Patel, Try a Sample
At the 2019 IPCPR Trade Show, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars introduced the A.L.R. Second Edition line. A.L.R. stands for Aged, Limited & Rare. As the name indicates, second edition refers to the second blend in this series. The concept behind the A.L.R. line is simple – it involves developing a cigar, rolling the cigar, and […]
Cigar Review: Plasencia Cosecha 149 Azacualpa
William Cooper Reviews 3 Comments 88-90, Buy One, Plasencia, Review
At the 2021 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Plasencia Cigars would introduce the second installment of its Cosecha series, the Plasencia Cosecha 149. The word “cosecha” means harvest, and the name Plasencia 149 refers to the 149th harvest of crops from Plasencia’s many farms. The Plasencias are known for their manufacturing and agricultural facilities […]