"This cigar had many of the things I enjoy... great construction, draw, and burn with a wonderful medium-full bodied profile. The complexity of this cigar was fairly decent as well, ranging in flavors from leather, black pepper, cream, peanut butter, and malt made for a fantastic combination. All these fine attributes made for a smoke I'd pick up again, and so should you!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
General Cigar is adding a new line, and its first limited edition, to the El Rey del Mundo brand El Rey del Mundo by AJ. The new addition comes in just one size, a box-pressed 6 x 52 toro and will start shipping later this month. The blend is created by AJ Fernandez, frequent collaborator with General Cigar. He is also responsible for blending cigars in their Diesel, Ramon Allones, and Hoyo brands.
"This is a story of the individual parts of this cigar. Initially, I wasn’t convinced I would enjoy the smoke because it really blasted my sinuses on the retro. Each portion, however, changed so significantly that I almost felt like I was smoking a totally new cigar after the transition. Because of the transitions, I was fully engaged with the smoke and really enjoyed it. I would gladly smoke another!" -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
"This is an extremely full-bodied cigar with core flavors of earth and wood. When the initial pepper spice was joined by some mineral early on things calmed down a bit, I only wish that the addition of coffee and orange zest that appeared in the final third had arrived earlier in the smoking experience as they added some complexity and balance to the cigar that I felt was needed. As far as pairings are concerned, I highly recommend a bourbon that has a natural touch of sweetness to it." -Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)
I was a bit hesitant as the larger cigars are just not my “go-to” smokes. The cigar was a delight for me to smoke and I would gladly do so again. This stick is full enough to provide a nice array of flavors but not powerful enough to make me want it done before actually reaching the end. For me, this would be a great “Christmas” smoke when in the vicinity of the kitchen with all the Holiday baking going on. " -Diana (ArmyRN)
"This was a very nice cigar. The size was a bit intimidating to me since I prefer smaller ring gauge and in more of a corona or Corona Gorda size, but this cigar was dare I say.......epic in its performance? This cigar gave me an array of flavors of chocolate, cherry, wood/oak, and let's not forget the cream. I am curious to find out what this was. " -Mickey T. (irratebass)
Altadis U.S.A. has announced a new size in the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua line. The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Espeso will measure 5 1/2 x 60 and ship this Spring. “Espeso,” the Spanish word for “thick,” and describes the fatter ring gauge of this vitola.
"From beginning to end this cigar performed like a rock star. The transitions in flavors from section to section kept my interest and the flavors were exactly what I look for in a cigar. Cocoa, baking spices, leather, and salted nuts all worked in unison to create a truly enjoyable experience. I would definitely recommend this cigar to anyone. Thanks for the chance to smoke it!" -Kevin J. (maninblack77)
Diesel is launching a third blend in the Sunday Gravy line - Rosamarino. Diesel Sunday Gravy Rosamarino is a Nicaraguan puro that follows the two previous Sunday Gravy blends, San Marzano and Pecorino. Diesel Sunday Gravy launched in August 2021 as a full-time line of seasonally-released, Nicaraguan-forward smokes, blended and handcrafted through the partnership of AJ Fernandez and Justin Andrews. Blends will be released quarterly, sold until their limited supply is deleted and offered at an MSRP of less than $5.00 per cigar.
Altadis U.S.A. has announced a new cigar in the H. Upmann brand for 2022, H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage. Frequent Altadis collaborator AJ Fernandez blended this new cigar and it will be shown off at the upcoming Tobacco Plus Expo January 26-28 in Las Vegas.