"Overall, this was an okay cigar for me. I’m not sure if I’d reach for a second given the issues I had with the burn, wavy and prone to going out, and draw, a bit tight but not unsmokable. The first third was the best with tasty oak, vanilla, and leather notes; however, it was a downward slope from there as the body & strength kicked up a few times throughout this session. Ultimately, this cigar ended with a muddled profile of sweetness and black pepper and eventually went out no matter how much it was stoked. " -John A. (Bostoneo)
"With the single exception of the first few puffs being ever so slightly harsh, I haven't a negative remark to make about this cigar as it truly blew me away in just about every regard. Not only were the flavors incredibly robust, the mix was well-balanced and was suited almost perfectly for my palate. A perfect draw, flawless burn, and impeccable construction checked off the remaining boxes for me which rounded out an immensely enjoyable smoking experience from start to finish. I imagine this cigar would pair well with just about anything which is also a high mark in and of itself. Assuming the price point isn't outrageous, this stick has already landed in my regular rotation. If it is then I will gladly splurge for a special occasion as I am quite certain that a stick this would never disappoint. " -Noah S. (Noah
"This was one of the easiest cigars I’ve ever smoked. It was perfectly constructed, had a perfect draw, and had no burn issues! Mild in profile for the most part, wonderful notes of leather, cream, honey, and cashew spotlighted the main flavors given by this fine stick. Burning on the faster side, this cigar gave off brilliant white ash and huge clouds of smoke when sampled. While it did burn on the fast side, this would be an easy cigar to recommend for a stable flavor profile that was enjoyable and relaxing without the worry of a poorly built stick; smoke it slowly though!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
"I am always looking for short smokes that provide a fully satisfying experience, and this hit that nail right on the head. While it was very consistent from start to finish, the flavor profile really grabbed me. I’d easily recommend giving these a shot for those times when you need something quick. I’ll definitely try to snag some for my winter smoke selection." -Chris M. (Chris)
"Flavors and construction were all good throughout. However, the format is on the larger size and the smoke time being as long as it was with a profile this linear has me a little bored by the end. This would be a great smoke with morning coffee, but I’d prefer it in a smaller size. " -Bill C. (Bill)
STG has announced the return of one of their more popular releases in recent years, the CAO Arcana Mortal Coil. That cigar got a 95 in our blind tasting during it's first release. The blend is a limited-edition cigar that features "Andullo" tobacco, which uses one of the oldest tobacco fermentation methods of the Dominican Republic.
"Even though the draw was tighter than ideal for the first third and the lineup of flavors doesn't match what I typically reach for when choosing what to smoke, this cigar was immensely enjoyable! I am quite fond of this particular vitola as the change in ring gauge and proportions of binder, filler, and wrapper all but guarantees an interesting progression or transition of flavors that I tend to think of as a story the blender is telling through the leaves. Not only did the profile of flavors build upon one another from start to finish but so did the strength which is always a plus in my book. After a bit of a slow start, this cigar truly shined in the latter two-thirds when the flavors were most balanced, complex, and robust. The smoke was incredibly smooth throughout and the flavors were clearly defined which always makes for a nice experience as I don't have to think too much about what I am smoking. This is exactly the kind of smoke I like when I am deep in a great conversation amongst great friends." -Noah S. (Noah)
"When it comes to short cigars, I really never expect there to be a ton of complexity, and this one is no different, but it definitely did not lack in flavor, with a constant barrage of cayenne and unsweetened cocoa. This really hit the spot as a post dinner cigar for me and would work well with a bit of time constraint necessary." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
La Gloria Cubana Serie S was the first La Gloria Cubana blend to use a Mexican wrapper. Now this blend is getting a new regular production Maduro-wrapped version this summer.
"This was an excellent cigar that I wished I smoked and paired with coffee. It is a very nice mild smoke with plenty of cream, cedar, and nut flavors up until the final FINAL third then more wood and earth notes took flight. I am curious to see what this is and would pick up at least a fiver. " -Mickey T. (irratebass)
