Nick Melillo was in charge of tobacco for Drew Estate up until a couple years ago, when he left to start his own cigar business named Foundation Cigar Company. The cigar I’m reviewing today is the first one to be made by Nick since his departure from DE. El Gueguense (El-Wa-When-Say) is a Nicaraguan puro that come in five different sizes, all of which I’ve tried at least once. The story of where this hard-to-pronounce […]
Every now and then I look for tasty smokes that I can buy boxes of without emptying my bank account. I’ve smoked cigars that cost me twenty-five cents each, all the way to a single that cost me $300 (which was an absolutely terrible call on my part, but I won’t get into that). I’m all over the board with this passion of mine, but if I’m looking for a stick I can light up […]
In 2015 the first of a series of changes that read like a novella, centered around the Hirochi Robaina brand. The week before the IPCPR show in New Orleans Robaina would leave Cubanacan and move to La Palina. During this turmoil, Cubanacan was said to have no factory and all their cigars were made by Tabacalera Los Charutos, S.A. which is the factory that produces the cigars that carry the Robaina name. Hirochi however would never […]
As we approach the 5th Anniversary (June 11, 2016) of Willy Herrera joining Drew Estate we figured we would take a look at an exclusive cigar to TAA Members. Before joining Drew Estate, Willy Herrera worked for El Titan de Bronze where I met him for the first time when I use to work for Miami Cigar & Company. When asked about the new blend, Willy Herrera stated, “This is my first blend since joining […]
Back in 2008, limited edition cigars began a new era that I personally believe changed the cigar industry. Some might argue it was for the better and some might argue it was for the worse. No matter which side of the aisle you are on there is no denying how the release of the first Monster Series cigar from Tatuaje changed the face (pun intended) of Pete Johnson’s company. Each October the company releases 666 […]
This week saw the EPC Short Run 2016 hit the shelves which we reviewed a couple of weeks ago. However, I decided to reach for a cigar that I long avoided, the INCH. My reason for avoidance was the massive ring gauge which I openly admit I am not a fan of. However as 60 ring gauge cigars continue to grow in market share, its been harder to avoid them. Well, today I cheat a […]
My first taste of the Cromagnon Fomorian was at the DC Tweetup, when then was a box of them up for bid at a silent auction to benefit charity. As it turns out me and the owner of a retail shop were bidding against each other and we decided on a bid where we would split the box. It was at this point that I deemed the Cromagnon the best candela I have ever smoked back […]
A few days ago the Padron family started to share images of a new size in the 1964 Series which is a 4 x 56 called Hermoso. The word translates from Spanish to “Beautiful” and lined up in the boxes they do fit the name. How do they smoke is a question that will be answered in today’s review on The Cigar Authority. Cigar Review: Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Natural Factory: Tabacos Cubanica S.A. Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua […]
50 years ago, the most famous name in cigars was born, Cohiba. At Festival del Habano XVIII during the gala dinner, guests were given a box of 2 cigars. Encased in a felt sleeve, the lacquered boxes denote Cohiba 50 and were designed by Nelson Alfonso who also makes Atabey, Byron and Bandolero. Inside the cedar box are two cigars, one of which David Garofalo gifted to me. This limited edition cigar is not to be confused with […]
Recently our own David Garofalo was at the Habanos Festival where he was able to secure some cigars for review here on The Cigar Authority. The first of two cigars that we plan to review is the Cuaba 20th Anniversary. The Cuaba was officially launched 20 years ago in 1996 at the Claridge Hotel in London, England. To date all of the Cuaba cigars have been part of the perfecto family. The brand was launched […]