Month: March 2021

The Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (VSG) was released at the tail end of the cigar boom in 1999. Ever since it has received and maintained a good reputation amongst all types of consumers. It has proven its worth as a super-premium cigar with a 94-point rating.

The wrapper is a Sumatra seed grown in a private estate of Ecuador where it is very cloudy. These clouds provide shade and allow only gentle exposure to the sunlight. Once the wrapper is grown, it is fermented by the Fuente family in the Dominican Republic to yield oils and a dark sheen.

Then it is adhered to Dominican binder and filler tobaccos that have been aged 4-5 years. This sort of care and execution of aged tobaccos can only be achieved by the Fuentes. The Sorcerer is one of the 3 sizes carried by LM Cigars which measures 7 x 49. It is a longer cigar but a very good representation of the blend. Construction is a no-brainer since it is made at Tabacalera A. Fuente it is flawless. You can expect every one of the 25 cigars in the box to be consistent and perfect.

The flavor is unique and refined. A rich sweetness encases hints of espresso bean, earth, leather, and a milder spice. The entire 1 ½ hour of smoke time was extremely pleasurable. I found both strength and flavor to be medium to full-bodied.  If you are looking for a super-premium luxury cigar that has loads of natural sweetness and flavor, you have found the one! The Ashton VSG Sorcerer a great cigar to keep stashed in the humidor for when you’re feeling special or celebrating an occasion.

Ever since 1884 Cuesta-Rey Cigars have maintained a pristine reputation as premium cigars.

Started by Angel Cuesta and Peregrino Rey eventually the quality of their cigars gave them the title of the official tobacco purveyor for the Spanish king and court. Rarely do brands this old keep their traction in an ever-changing market. Cuesta-Rey is timeless; the box of the Centenario line still pictures Sally just as they did over 100 years ago. The no.7 Maduro is a 4½ x 50 robusto with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. These rich and flavorful cigars are available in boxes of ten for just over $60. This makes it a very affordable box purchase with a great presentation.

The cigars themselves are sturdy, the Broadleaf wrapper is thick and has a rough feel. When given a squeeze they have only a little give, resulting in a perfect draw. Notes of barnyard, hay, leather, earth, and pepper are delivered in a medium-bodied package throughout the entirety of the cigar. On average, burn time was between 30-35 minutes. The biggest compliment I can give these cigars is consistency.

Every one I smoked has the same draw, flavor, and construction. For a cigar under $8, this is outstanding. I can see this cigar fitting into any part of your day. It is not too strong to smoke in the morning and it has enough flavor to pair with a variety of beverages in the evening. The brand permeates rich history from its conception in 1884 and is still going strong. I hope Cuesta-Rey by J.C. Newman can celebrate another 137 years in your humidor and ashtray.

If you are looking for a good, sweet-tipped cigar, Baccarat is a safe bet. Baccarat Havana the Game is a brand of sweet-tipped cigars produced by Oettinger Davidoff AG at Diadema Cigars de Honduras SA, the Davidoff factory in Honduras. The cigar is produced in a number of sizes, but one of the most appealing is the Baccarat Churchill (7”x50). At $94.25 for a box of twenty-five, it is difficult to beat the value per stick. The Baccarat Churchill is a quality sweet-tipped cigar that offers a long smoke and good time.

The Baccarat Churchill is your typical Parejo Churchill-sized cigar (7”x50) with an attractive Connecticut Shade wrapper, Mexican binder, and Honduran filler. Besides the golden glow of the flawless Connecticut Shade wrapper, the cigar possesses an inviting aroma emanating from the foot. The cold draw is decidedly sweet from the sweet tip, but the wholesome and nutty flavors of the Connecticut Shade also pierce the absolute threshold of the palate. The cigar lights smoothly after a good toasting of the foot. When smoking, the cigar tastes of vanilla and white sugar from the sweet tip as well as cinnamon, coriander, peanuts, and toasted wheat from the tobacco. The cigar burns evenly with a dark gray ash.

The Baccarat Churchill burned for an hour and a half, a good fishing or golfing cigar. The value of the cigar is certainly there in terms of flavor, smoking experience, and smoking duration. Another selling point on the Baccarat is the wooden chest for the cigars. The Baccarat Churchill is a very good, sweet-tipped cigar and frequently rates as a favorite of sweet-tipped cigar smokers. Its quality comes as no surprise and anyone who enjoys sweet-tipped cigars is encouraged to purchase a box. Light up a Baccarat and let the good times roll!