Cigar Aficionado

A slim smoke with a veiny wrapper and tight pigtail cap. It draws well, though the burn is a bit uneven. Initial flintiness dissipates to show notes of nutmeg, ground pepper and a saccharine sweetness.

Long and slim with a tight draw. The smoke begins light with sweet tea and a bit of gingersnap before chewier notes of molasses and cinnamon emerge.

A lightly wrapped lancer with a pigtailed cap and firm draw. Floral, perfumey notes settle down to show black tea flavors and a hint of coffee.

Nearly perfect in appearance, this slim cigar has some resistance to the draw but burns evenly. Earthy and peppery flavors layer the palate before a dried cherry sweetness and a subtle spice.

Long and thin with a pigtail cap. The draw is a bit firm, but this lancero shows lots of coffee bean character balanced by touches of spice and earth.

A panetela with a near-perfect pigtail. The draw and burn are fine. The smoke is cedary and a bit harsh at times, a good performer without much intensity of flavor. A smoke that might come back alive with a few months' age.

Well made, with an oily wrapper and a pig-tail. It's leathery and peppery, with a rich aroma. At the time, this cigar was sold for 46 Canadian dollars.