It was on a whim I grabbed this little stick while browsing the humidor at my local B&M. I thought the price was a typo at first, just $3.09. The name, Cuban Rejects, also caught my attention. It was an unassuming cigar, no band, just sitting there in a non-descript box. I thought, what the hell, for three bucks I'll give it a shot.
So, tonight I sat outside and fired it up. The color was good and it had a light, tobacco smell with a hint of sweetness. The wrapper wasn't quite as tight as you see on higher end cigars and I suppose this could lend some credence to rumors about the making of this stick.
There's no doubt that it is hand-rolled, but it's not a Cuban and most likely not a reject. A plausible explanation is that it is rolled by an inexperienced roller who is basically practicing. They give them this tobacco and set them to fine-tuning the art of cigar rolling. Instead of tossing them for lack of quality, they box them up without a band, slap a cute name on them, and sell 'em for cheap.
Fine by me. All in all - especially considering the price point - it was a surprisingly good smoke.
On the first light, the initial burn was a little wonky, but straightened itself out in a hurry. The draw was good, a little on the loose side, but no trouble. My first impression on taste was that it was a really mild tobacco flavor, nothing special about it.
The smell was pleasant and it was an easy smoke. My one knock against it was that I seemed to get a lot of errant tobacco flakes in my mouth on each draw. Not a biggie, but that can be annoying at times. (This is likely due to the fact that these use short filler, i.e. the leftover bits of long filler that are then chopped up into tinier pieces and used on these inexpensive cigars)
As I got into the first 10 minutes the flavor profile really didn't change much at all. As you can see by the photo, it had a nice even burn and didn't go too quickly. I estimated I'd get at a least an hour out of it.
As I got into the first 10 minutes the flavor profile really didn't change much at all. As you can see by the photo, it had a nice even burn and didn't go too quickly. I estimated I'd get at a least an hour out of it.
Because the flavor doesn't develop you may be tempted to put this one down after just a few puffs, but I would encourage you to stick with it as you will see shortly.
About half way in, I had smoked it for a good 30 minutes. There wasn't much of a transition from the first third to the second third, but there was a subtle (very subtle) shift to more of a nutty flavor. I got a bit of hay as well, but it wasn't a dry hay taste like you get with some cigars. This flavor was so slight that it was barely perceptible on the draw, but more pronounced through the finish.
At this point, you'll have to excuse my photography here since it started getting dark, but at the 45-minute mark I noticed a much more pronounced shift in the flavor to that nutty taste I was getting in the second third. The last third was definitely more pronounced.
It was a nice change overall and I was happy that there were some transitions to the flavor profile. In a lot of cases, these cheaper cigars are very one-dimensional, but this Cuban Reject surprised me.
Finally, about one hour in I got down to the last little bit of the cigar when it started running hot really quickly. In fact, it seemed like one draw it was fine and literally the next draw it was almost too warm for my tastes. The nut profile and sweet hay stayed with it throughout the second third all the way down to the nub and intensified in flavor as cigars are wont to do.
This cigar was a mild smoke at most. I got absolutely no nicotine buzz at all from it and this is from a guy that general caps out on a medium to medium-full bodied cigar on a good day.
Bottom line, this was a decent cigar at a fantastic price. Is it something I would replace my go-tos with? Not likely, but the Cuban Rejects line is a cigar I could see having with a morning coffee or when you are in the mood for something lighter. And at $3 bucks a pop, it is easily something you could smoke everyday.
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Hobbyist or occasional, there’s almost no way around it - cigars are spendy. Luckily there are some pretty good deals out there. If you’re willing to scoop up a handful of sticks, there are a few 5-packs out there worth noting. We’ll save you the time. Here are some of the best 5-packs out there for the price.
Romeo y Julieta 1875
Masterfully constructed of classic Dominican grown tobaccos, and surrounded by Indonesian wrappers to provide an ever so slight but aromatic hint of sweetness, the 1875 can be counted on for a balanced smoke. Subtle undertones of oak combined with vanilla and coffee bean give a smooth finish to this ever-popular cigar in the Romeo Y Julieta line-up.
Montecristo No. 4 Box Pressed
One of the most widely enjoyed cigars in the world, the Montecristo No. 4 is referred to by some as the "Coca Cola" of the cigar world. The high rate of production is most obvious when you look at consistency. This particular cigar is very consistent in all aspects, and that doesn't even begin to cover all there is to praise about this particular stick.
Casa de Garcia Connecticut
Handmade in the Dominican Republic, the Casa de Garcia Connecticut is a light, mild-bodied cigar offering a smooth blend of premium tobaccos. The affordable smoke is consistently smooth, with a light and creamy flavor that makes this cigar a wonderful every-day smoke. One of the most affordable cigars out there, this particular stick offers a great value.
The 1875 line of Romeo Y Julieta cigars, which originated in Cuba in the year 1875, is a standard-bearer of the long-time brand, and is still produced today in the traditions of the uncompromising tobacconists of yesteryear.
Masterfully constructed of classic Dominican grown tobaccos, and surrounded by Indonesian wrappers to provide an ever so slight but aromatic hint of sweetness, the 1875 can be counted on for a balanced smoke. Subtle undertones of oak combined with vanilla and coffee bean give a smooth finish to this ever-popular cigar in the Romeo Y Julieta line-up.
Though not a particularly lengthy smoke (time will typically range about 20-25 minutes or less), the expert construction results in an easy draw with a consistent burn, and a very manageable white ash.
Although many wealthy and famous have preferred the Romeo Y Julieta 1875 through the years (see Winston Churchill, an avid 1875 smoker), this remains a reasonably priced cigar, a tribute to the quality / value ratio delivered by the folks at RYJ.
Overall, a well-constructed and sensibly priced stick made by people with a time-honored respect for their craft, the 1875 is a medium-bodied smoke that will suit well the tastes of a broad range of enthusiasts of fine cigars.
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One of the tall and premium cigars from a four-nation blend, Punch After Dinner has been made with some of the finest Cuban-seed tobaccos, and it sits somewhere in the medium to full range in terms of flavor. Known for being a legendary Honduran blend, this cigar was crafted in the original and traditional Cuban style. 
If you had to sum up the flavor with a single word, you could say, "Fantastic!" The draw could use some improvement because it's a bit tight, but outside that, this is a great choice. Anyone who loves Punch should check it out. This makes a brilliant choice for after dinner or lunch. This is because after you get done smoking a Punch cigar, you feel like kicking back in your easy chair and letting your cares fall away. You can kick up your feet and relax.
For those who aren't into harsher cigars, this might not be the cigar for you because the flavor does feel slightly harsh. It's a bold flavor, and if you like bold flavors, then this cigar won't disappoint. It's a perfect dinner smoke with a beautifully constructed cigar. You feel pleased with almost every puff. There's a feeling of the tension leaving your body as you puff your cares away.
What some people liked about it was how it's a mild smoke that doesn't leave a bad aftertaste in your mouth. Because of the construction of this cigar, you have a pretty even burn, and it's the type of cigar that you will either love or love to hate. Like plenty of people have said, Punch is a good brand. In fact, a lot of cigar enthusiasts say they have yet to go wrong with a Punch cigar.
Whether you like this cigar or not depends on your personal preferences. For the price, it's a decent cigar, but it'd be nice if there were more flavor and complexity. Still, the overall experience doesn't disappoint. Most cigar enthusiasts, even those who dislike it, aren't going to knock it because they know the other person might like it. However, it's one of the more polarized choices and people will either love it or hate it. The burn is good, and while there's nothing off about it in terms of construction or anything, some people don't like the flavor or the draw.
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One of the most widely enjoyed cigars in the world, the Montecristo No. 4 is referred to by some as the "Coca Cola" of the cigar world. The high rate of production is most obvious when you look at consistency. This particular cigar is very consistent in all aspects, and that doesn't even begin to cover all there is to praise about this particular stick.
Medium body, earthy notes and a slight hint of spice.
Stronger flavors emerge. Nutty notes with a slight hint of graham cracker. The draw loosens a bit. Coffee and cream notes emerge. The spice strengthens, and the earth notes become more intense.
Cedar notes emerge. Chocolate and slight fruit flavors become more noticeable. The spice reaches its peak. The flavors are all well balanced and creamy.
At first glance, you can tell that the No. 4 is a well constructed cigar, it's clearly well packed and firm. Small veins can be seen throughout the silky, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The wrapper is smooth, imparting light, creamy notes to the smoke.
Beneath the Broadleaf, you'll find a rich blend of Cuban tobacco with a smooth, easy to enjoy flavor. While not a complex profile, the medium tobacco taste is accompanied by a lovely blend of espresso, chocolate, and creamy vanilla notes.
Just barely over 4 inches long with a 44 ring gauge, the No. 4 is a short, thin cigar with a rapid burn. It lights up very easily, and while the draw is a bit firm it's not unpleasant. The burn and draw are always consistent. Because of its size, it is a short smoke, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, making it the perfect cigar for a lunch break or brief getaway.
A Cuban classic, this cigar is the standard many in its size range are compared to. It ages very well, its construction is wonderful, and it has a rich, balanced flavor profile. Notes of coffee and chocolate mix with cream and light notes of cedar, while an earthy spice cuts through towards the end of the smoke. The simple, enjoyable profile is popular among new smokers and experienced aficionados alike, and it pairs well with nearly anything.
Coffee is a common pairing for the No. 4, its flavor so perfectly complementing it, and a shot of amaretto added to the joe can take you from your first morning drag to your last smoke before bed.
A well-crafted cigar, the Montecristo No. 4 is a favorite of many, myself included. It's smooth, rich, and flavorful. While it lacks the complex profile of many great smokes, the simplicity of its flavors makes the No. 4 a wonderful place for beginners to start, and for long-time cigar aficionados to kick back and relax.
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It’s no mistake that before he agreed to sign an embargo against Cuba, John F. Kennedy wanted to make sure he’d stockpiled a thousand of these beauties. H. Uppman cigars are that good. Once you draw on your first stick of an H. Uppman The Banker Annuity Habano, you’ll see why JFK was willing to wait. The H. Uppman 6-inch, 52-gauge Toro is a classic old-world cigar, a loving recreation of the luxurious original Cuban blend. Ringed by a triple band including a full-length sleeve of money green and gold deliberately reminiscent of a thousand-dollar bill, The Banker’s tight-seamed wrapper of dark Ecuadorian Habano has the feel of Moroccan leather under your fingers, oily and smooth, with hardly any veins.
Even before you light it, you’ll love that draw of creamy chocolate. From the first moment you light those long-filler Cuban-seed leaves from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, you’ll be struck by the richness and complexity of this medium-bodied stick. Earthy and complex, the flavors of the H. Uppman The Banker pour over your palate at first draw, smooth as oak-aged whiskey with a whisper of spice.
Through the first half, The Banker’s roots are firmly planted in that bouquet of lush soil and nutty chocolate coffee, still with that mild wisp of spice like a murmur in the background. By the halfway point the flavor profile deepens, becomes spicier, and stays consistent until the end. Surprisingly soft, the stick itself stays cool and produces a beautiful white to dark gray ash and a solid, consistent burn with no tunneling.
With its currency-green band and history, a handsome presentation box of fifteen, H. Uppman The Banker Annuity Habano cigars would make a perfect gift for an investment banker, your stockbroker, or any true aficionado -- if you can bear to give these sticks away, of course.
Consider The Banker an investment: At around a hundred dollars for a box, these sticks are worth every penny. Originally, the blend of this cigar was originally so valuable it was kept -- appropriately for The Banker -- in a secured vault. For JFK, acquiring a presidential stockpile of H. Uppmans was worth putting a major international power-move on hold. Shouldn’t you see why for yourself?
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Blended by Ernesto Perez Carillo and handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, the Charlemagne from La Gloria Cubana is a rich, robust blend of premium tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The medium-bodied cigar is smooth, flavorful, and highly consistent for a handcrafted cigar.
Starting from the outside, the Charlemagne is covered in a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The Ecuadorian broadleaf is a dark, chocolate color, and the flavors of the wrapper blend wonderfully with the filler. The light, creamy texture of the leaf provides a smooth, steady draw that rarely needs touch-ups.
Moving inward, the filler is a flavorful blend of extra-aged long fillers from both Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, which pair to create a smooth, medium bodied smoke. The combination of the two tobaccos provides a complex blend of spice, leather, and espresso.
Coming in at 7.25 inches long with a 54 ring size, the Charlemagne is a large stick that can be enjoyed for quite a long time. Smoked slowly it lasts upwards of an hour and a half.
The big, dark cigar is not as strong or overpowering as the color may suggest. Instead the cigar has a mild to medium body and a pleasant taste. Noted for its smooth, complex flavors, the Charlemagne has a robust, espresso-like profile with hints of peppery spice and chocolate. The flavor pairs well with a nice Shiraz, or a mug of strong Cuban coffee.
For such an affordable cigar, the Charlemagne delivers a balanced and unmistakable flavor. Because of its full, complex flavor and consistency, the Charlemagne is a favorite among many cigar enthusiasts.
One such aficionado has been smoking cigars since the 1970's. His taste, refined by the years, is partial to old style Cuban Cigars. And while traveling to Cuba may not be in the cards for many, the Charlemagne is his personal favorite cigar and is the closest thing to the style he smoked in the 70's.
Overall a fantastic cigar, the Charlemagne is a robust, affordable cigar with a smooth draw and complex flavor that is sure to be a favorite of many.
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“There are only three sports,” Ernest Hemingway once observed. “Bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering. The rest are just games.” After you taste a La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull, you’ll realize the other cigars are just games too. This one means business.
Based on a vintage cigar mold, the shape of the 6” La Flor Andalusian Bull is rustic, distinctive, and rugged. A dark chocolate wrapper of Ecuadorian Corojo flares out from a bellicoso tip to a 64-gauge foot, a bold and heavy bull’s horn to hold in your hand. With its emerald-green band decorated with a font based on Picasso’s handwriting and scrollwork like a bullfighter’s elaborate traje de luces, the Andalusian Bull cannot be mistaken for anything else.
The dark wrapper encases a heady mixture of Dominican Criollo and Pelo D’Oro tobaccos, and even before lighting, the aromas are subtle, earthy, like sunlight on hay. For the first third of the Andalusian Bull, the flavor is delicately spicy, a black cherry wrapped in hickory with an almost nutty-sweet richness of caramel. The draw is good, although the distinctive shape of the Andalusian Bull might require fine-tuning to make the draw absolutely optimal.
Throughout the middle of the Andalusian Bull, the flavors take on a spicy Spanish complexity reminiscent of saffron, cumin, and the tang of Valencia oranges. The medium flavors here become richer, meatier, with a touch of salt and natural creamy sweetness and stay very consistent throughout to the end. In the final third, the pepper notes here become more dominant and earthy near the end, with a durable ash and consistent slow burn.
At approximately fifteen dollars per cigar, or around $140-150 for a box of ten, the price may make you hesitate, but don’t. The La Flor Andalusian Bull is a cigar that burns like slow revenge, taking its good time to get to the end. The distinctive look alone is worth the experience, as is this work made with true love of the craft.
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The handcrafted LaAroma de Cuba cigar is modeled after Jose Pepin Garcia's design. This cigar is the re-incarnation of the 19th century Cuban classic and was said to be favored by none other than Winston Churchill. La Aroma de Cuba is a medium to full bodied cigar that features premium Nicaraguan fillers and an oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Each puff of this cigar walks you through the staples of Nicaragua. At first, your palate is embraced by hints of spice and cocoa. Next, warm, savory, peanuts are introduced followed by a silky espresso flavor that rounds out the taste profile nicely. The sophisticated blend of the finest, rich flavored Nicaraguan tobaccos is wrapped in the chocolaty broadleaf is best when paired with scotch and bourbon.
This narrow cigar measures 5x50 and comes in a gorgeous 20 count box. You can also buy these cigars in packs of 5, but like most things, the more you buy the better the deal. The La Aroma de Cuba is extremely affordable for the level of quality of this cigar. The quality of this classic cigar is so good that you can smoke it down to the last 1.5cm and still avoid the nasty adhesive taste that we all hate. The colorful artwork on the band of the cigar is appealing to the eye and does nothing but add to the authenticity of this cigar. The La Aroma de Cuba is one of the most consistently excellent cigars of its class, boasting gorgeous aroma, and classic taste. It is hard to believe how affordable this cigar is for the quality this cigar is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of all levels.
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The lost cities of myth -- Cibola, Atlantis, Aztlan -- beckoned to explorers bold enough to find them, luring the bold and courageous to part the leaves that lay before the ancient walls. The Arturo Fuente Fuente Opus X Lost City brings back that thrill of discovery, the golden prize of a long-concealed treasure worth waiting for.
Let’s start with the rare tobacco. Wrapped in a slightly veiny, dark Dominican wrapper, the tobaccos of the Opus X Lost City are grown on the Chateau de la Fuente and aged gracefully over five years in ultra-small batches of only 500 boxes a year. If you find a box of these sticks, you’ll feel like Indiana Jones holding the golden idol -- and you’d be right. With tight-packed, invisible seams and incredibly well-done construction, these are sticks you’ll treasure.
Heavy in the hand, the Opus X Lost City Double Robusto initially presents dominant hints of cedar, a light and gentle woodiness, and a rich cloud of full-bodied smoke and firm, white ash. The subtle sweetness continues throughout the first third of the smoke with flavors like summer sun tea laced with honey.
The woody notes intensify through the middle and gradually deepen from cedar into oak with darker notes of coffee and the delicate zing of white pepper. Through the end, the burn slows down and the floral notes promised by the cedar and wood dominate here, fragrant and full and mellow as molasses, with a long, sweet finish.
The burn throughout the Opus X Lost City is scalpel-even, a solid sheath of ash with weighty, rich smoke. At nearly thirty dollars per stick, this is no casual experience, but like Mark Twain argued, it is wise to smoke in moderation: only one cigar at a time.
The Fuente Fuente Opus X Lost City would make a truly unforgettable acquisition for the discerning aficionados who know true gold when they see it. Each box comes with its own individual serial number and certificate of authenticity.
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