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Cigar Reviews

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Cigar Reviews by Bob Hritsko

Padron – 1964 Anniversary (10/09/2008)
Bob cites examples of cigar smokers, driven to the fringe of society by the "pleasure police," who have been treated unfairly in pursuit of their favorite vice. But he relaxes with a medium-bodied Padron 1964 Anniversary, a complex and flavorful cigar that he had been saving for almost a year.

H. Upmann – Reserve Maduro (09/05/2008)
Fact or fiction? Cigar lore presents a number of legends and Bob, our sage of smoking, sets the record straight with his Fab Four myths, uncovering some truth to a few of them. He also reviews the brand new H. Upmann Reserve Maduro, a well-made and flavorful cigar that is priced just right.

Padron 2000 & the Flor de Oliva (07/22/2008)
In these trying economic times there are bargains to be had, even for "luxuries" like cigars. Bob offers up two suggestions for inexpensive smokes that just happen to be excellent -- the Padron 2000 and the Flor de Oliva. Both are very tasty and have a tasty price tag under $5.

Romeo y Julieta: Viejo (07/11/2008)
Cigar bars have changed over the last few years, likely in response to anti-smoking laws, Bob opines. He reviews a tasty Romeo y Julieta Viejo, a new product from a venerable cigar maker, and commends its look, feel and taste.

Camacho Havana (06/27/2008)
Florida gets Bob's vote as the most cigar-friendly state in the union, with its long tradition of cigar making and smoking, and wide range of cigar bars. He enjoys a gift from his brother by sampling a Camacho Havana, and marvels at its medium strength, spicy taste and reasonable price.

Le Artesanos de Miami (06/13/2008)
Some of the best cigars on the market today are coming out of Havana. No, not Cuba; "Little Havana" in Miami. Bob sampled the Le Artesanos de Miami during his last trip to Little Havana, a long-lasting "looker" of a cigar with a peppery spice and a rich aroma.

Vieux Carre (05/30/2008)
Everything is smooth and laid back in the Big Easy, where cigar smokers are welcome, Bob reports from his trip to New Orleans. He sampled a hand-rolled Vieux Carre, purchased right on Bourbon Street. It's a smooth and mellow cigar, easy on the palate but a little heavy on the price tag.

Gurkha Symphony '101' Maduro (05/16/2008)
Mark Twain once wrote, "No one can tell me what is a good cigar...for me." Bob suggests that you smoke whatever the hell you want in honor of Mr. Twain before reviewing another selection from one of his favorite boutique cigar makers, the complex and fairly mild Gurkha Symphony '101' Maduro.

CAO Mx2 (05/02/2008)
That whirling sound you hear is Bob's mind as he plots to escape from the wife and find refuge in his hammock with a cigar. He offers tips on how to work just enough to enjoy a good smoke, like the CAO Mx2, a smooth and balanced maduro with a good burn, medium body and bittersweet taste.

La Gloria Cubano – Maduro Figurado (Miami made) (04/04/2008)
Bob follows the advice of fellow writer Mark Twain: "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." He also schools us on the La Gloria Cubano made in Little Havana, a premium smoke with an earthy taste and nicotine kick that looks and feels like a great cigar.

Indian Tabac – Super Fuerte Maduro (03/21/2008)
Learn the difference between a well-aged cigar and a moldy stick of brown leaves, as Bob discusses plume, the evidence of proper aging. He then samples an Indian Tabac Super Fuerte Maduro, a rich smoke that is light on nicotine, but packs in flavor and maintains a steady burn.

Gurkha Symphony (03/06/2008)
Seems the organic trend has spilled over from the food arena and into cigar smoking. Bob Hritsko looks into the oxymoronic "organic cigar," then settles back to enjoy the Gurka Symphony, a traditional smoke from a major player that is mild and nutty, but somewhat inconsistent in build and taste.

Gurkha – Class Regent (02/22/2008)
What could be better than putting top-notch cigar tobacco in the hands of a great manufacturer? Bob put a Gurkha Class Regent to the test, and found it to be strong and complexly flavorful, complementing a good cup o' joe. But watch out for the nicotine content that can stagger even a veteran smoker.

Torano: 1959 Exodus Silver (02/08/2008)
Fine craftsmanship and attention to detail are keys to the enjoyment of a number of man's pleasures: sports cars, wine and cigars, to name a few. Bob, who frequently observes the quality of cigar construction, reviews a 1959 Exodus Silver from the Torano family, the best in the biz.

Saint Luis Rey (01/25/2008)
Anti-smoking laws have made it difficult to find a place to enjoy a good cigar away from home, but Bob finds cigar bars a smoking oasis when he travels. He reviews a tried and true Saint Louis Rey, a strong, woody smoke from a family of independent cigar makers.

Arturo Fuente – Hemingway Short Story (01/11/2008)
Make new friends but keep the old, the saying goes. Each year, the cigar industry rolls out a new batch of smokes, which Bob says is your chance to try something different. But don't forget old friends. Bob visits with the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story, the best short smoke on the market.

La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve – Cameroon (12/07/2007)
Light up a victory smoke! President Bush recently vetoed a bill that would have raised taxes on hand-rolled cigars. To celebrate, Bob reviews a La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve – Cameroon, a premium cigar that is balanced, medium-bodied and peppery with a good, even burn.

Dunhill Signed Range (08/28/2007)
The dog days of summer can make sick puppies of your cigars. Bob offers tips on how to keep the temperature and humidity of your humidor in a safe range. He also comments on the Dunhill Signed Range, an exquisite smoke whose balanced and diverse taste is well worth the price.

Partagas Black (08/01/2007)
Bob reports on a proposed federal tax on premium hand-rolled cigars, tucked into a bill on medical care for poor children, that could shoot the cost of smoking to unaffordable levels. He reviews the Partagas Black, a strong spicy smoke that would go well with a glass of port after a steak dinner.

La Vieja Habana (07/25/2007)
Bob muses that while baseball is still an enjoyable pastime, it would be even better if fans could smoke in the stadiums. The Sultan of Cigars reviews the La Vieja Habana Leather Patch, a smoke that gained in quality after it sat on the bench (okay, in the humidor) for a few months.

Flor de Oliva (07/18/2007)
Independence Day has come and gone, but that won't stop Bob from paying tribute to the men and women who serve to defend his right to ignite both cigars and fireworks. He reviews the Flor de Oliva, a good tasting smoke with a nice even burn, the better to light a Roman candle.

Carlos Torano: Signature Series (07/04/2007)
Women are making up a larger portion of the cigar world -- buying, smoking and even selling smokes. Bob welcomes the fair gender to the society of the leaf, while enjoying a Carlos Torano Signature Series, a rich and sweet smoke with hints of espresso and cocoa.

La Aroma de Cuba (06/26/2007)
While sand and water offer a relaxing summer environment, they can be hell on cigar smokers. Bob offers some tips for traveling to the beach with your smokes, and enjoys a poolside La Aroma de Cuba, a peppery but elegant cigar that offers hints from the island of cigar Nirvana.

Perdomo Reserve Champagne (06/19/2007)
For some people, it takes a kick in the pants – or the humidor – to get them to realize that foreign politics can affect commerce in America. Bob gives his take on world affairs and Cigar Aficionado magazine while enjoying a smooth and tasty Perdomo Reserve Champagne cigar.

Pueblo Dominicano II (06/13/2007)
Hurry up and wait! Hurry up and wait! It's enough to drive a man to...smoke. Bob vents his frustration about the DMV and a slowpoke tire dealer, but realizes that a smooth and tasty Pueblo Dominicano II can balm his wounded soul. It's not a Cuban, but it's very good and made only 100 miles across the ocean.

La Gloria Cubana Serie R (Maduro) (05/29/2007)
Bugs can get in your stick, lay eggs and make a real mess. We are, of course, talking about cigars. Bob explains how to identify and eliminate cigar beetles before sampling a bug-free La Gloria Cubana Serie R (Maduro), a smooth, medium-bodied smoke in the Cuban tradition.

Arturo Fuente Curly Head (05/22/2007)
Bob takes a trip down memory lane as he reviews an Arturo Fuente Curly Head, a cigar he first sampled in his early smoking years. Although the price is nice and the pedigree refined, the Curly Head proves to be a harsh smoke with little to recommend it to the accomplished smoker.

Lauro's Corona Especial (05/15/2007)
Bob continues his dissertation on the anatomy of taste and the taste profiles of tobaccos grown in different countries. He also ventures into the little-known world of Mexican cigars and samples Lauro's Corona Especial, a medium bodied flavorful smoke.

Playboy by Don Diego (05/08/2007)
Science and savor meet when Bob discusses how taste buds can decipher millions of combinations using only four basic taste sensations. Along with his lesson on human anatomy and cigar leaf flavors, Bob dissects the Playboy by Don Diego, a smooth but complex smoke.

Felipe Gregorio Dominicana (05/01/2007)
Boutique cigars are made with care in small batches and offer unique quality smokes. Bob describes the experience of smoking the Felipe Gregorio Dominicana, a slightly sweet, earthy and nutty cigar with lots of smoke. Bob suggests sampling boutique brands like this to enjoy the good life.

Gurkha Expedition (04/24/2007)
Winston Churchill may be the most recognized cigar smoker in history, lending his name to a cigar size: large and in charge, just like the man. Bob samples a Gurkha Expedition, a boutique-brand smoke that has a balance of flavors featuring cedar, spice and some nuttiness.

Padron #3000 Maduro (04/17/2007)
Miami and its environs – Miami Beach and Little Havana – are excellent examples of the good life and cultural diversity, and the home of premium cigars. Bob recalls a recent visit to this cigar haven, a trip that introduced him to the rich and smooth Padron #3000 Maduro.

Camacho Coyolar Puro (04/10/2007)
The "puro" cigar refers to one made from a single type of tobacco, allowing the smoker to judge the qualities and attributes of a regional tobacco. However, Bob finds that the Camacho Coyolar Puro is a bit too strong and powerful and could knock even an experienced smoker on his ass.

Rocky Patel Vintage 92 (04/03/2007)
A lawyer turned cigar maker, Rocky Patel offers a line of distinguished cigars and a model for how to sustain a business started in a cultural boom. Bob profiles the man and one of his best smokes, the rich, luxurious and full-bodied Vintage 92.

Rocky Patel Vintage 90 (03/20/2007)
In the second part of his report on humidors, Bob explains that proper preparation is essential when setting up your new cigar storage system. Hritsko details how you can create a good home for cigars like the Rocky Patel Vintage 90, a long, mild smoke from an up- and-coming cigar maker.

Puros Indios Viejo (03/13/2007)
Bob explains why it’s important to store your cigars in the correct atmosphere, in the first of a two-part report on humidors. Hritsko adds that “old” isn’t a bad word and length matters, reviewing the 7+ inches of the Puros Indios Viejo, a complex and pleasing smoke. 

Peterson Gran Reserva (03/07/2007)
The laws of economics, sometimes as rigid as the laws of physics, don't always apply to cigars: Great quality and big taste do not necessarily result in a smoke with a great big price tag. Bob reveals evidence to support that theory in his review of the Peterson Gran Reserva.

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Maduro (02/27/2007)
March Madness is nearly here again, and Bob can think of no better way to celebrate than lighting up a good cigar. The smooth, mild and diverse Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Maduro is an excellent smoke for the dollar and, Bob says, would make for a good celebratory cigar come tourney time.

Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real (02/20/2007)
A "man room" isn't a bathroom or caveman's lair, but a comfortable place in the house where a man can hang out, light up a good cigar and maybe catch a football game. Bob finds the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real to be a good all-around smoke for both newbies and seasoned smokers.

Punch Double Maduro (02/13/2007)
Cold and snow in the winter months shouldn't deter a dedicated cigar smoker who follows Bob Hritsko's tips for cold- weather smoking. If you can't find a warm inside environment, he suggests enjoying a "short smoke" outside and recommends the Punch Double Maduro.

5 Vegas Gold: A good, mild smoke (02/06/2007)
Public smoking bans make the old saying "smoke 'em if you got 'em" a lot easier said than done, but that won't stop Bob from enjoying the 5 Vegas Gold cigar from Honduras. It's mild enough for the inexperienced but complex enough to appeal to the seasoned smoker.

El Rey del Mundo: It's not all about Cuba (01/30/2007)
It's commonly believed that Cuban cigars reign supreme over the more… um, legal and readily available variety, but is that fact or fiction? Bob admits that most of the Cubans he's had have been good, but the El Rey del Mundo proves that there are high quality cigars coming from other regions too.

H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon: One nice smoke! (01/19/2007)
While H. Upmann is known for its consistency, their varities nonetheless tend to vary in terms of taste and strength. Bob reviews H. Upmann's Vintage Cameroon, a blend from multiple countries.

Introducing the reviewer (01/19/2007)
Bob Hritsko introduces his views and goals for his new cigar content. One such goal is to provide some regular insight, guidance and a little knowledge into this vice, er ... “hobby."

Cigar Web Guide

Cigar-Review.com
A site devoted to all epicurean delights: eating, drinking, smoking and, of course, women. With news, polls, jokes, merchandise and their Smokin' Babes, Cigar-Review.com is all about having fun and enjoying life to the fullest.

Cigar Aficionado
The online version of the print magazine for the serious cigar smoker. Contains extremely comprehensive and reliable cigar ratings. Also contains celebrity profiles, timely articles (e.g., A Guide to Smoking in Major League Ballparks) and a listing of cigar and cigar-accessory retailers. 

The Cigar Smoker's FAQ
Not fancy but a great quick reference for everything you need to know about cigars. If you have a question about cigars, you'll likely find the answer here. Easy to follow question-and-answer format allows quick access to answers. Very thorough compilation. Also contains links to sources and information. Don't expect a lot of fluff and don't worry, they won't bore you with a lot of questions about tongue and throat cancer. 

CigarFriendly.com
This site is a little cumbersome but it has some redeeming features. Its best feature is its cigar listings/reviews. It also lists upcoming cigar industry events and has a cigar-friendly directory of resorts, restaurants and lounges (e.g., The Cuesta-Rey Cigar Bar at Tropicana Field in St. Pete, Florida). Its Ask Dr. Smoke column answers frequently asked questions about cigars, including such topics as the best way to store cigars and how to revive a cigar gone bad. 

Smoke Magazine
Another online magazine, but this is geared toward the younger, hipper crowd as opposed to the Cigar Aficionado, which is geared toward the more seasoned cigar smoker. 

Cigar.com
Your one-stop shop for all your cigar-related needs. This site allows you to purchase not only cigars and cigar-related accessories, but also cigar art prints and cigar-related books (through Amazon.com). You can also track stocks of, and read stories relating to, publicly traded cigar companies.