Rocky Patel 1961 January 20th, 2011 Keith 85 In 2010, Rocky Patel cut the ribbon on his very first factory. Wait, I can hear some of you saying....hasn’t Rocky Patel been selling cigars for years? Indeed. But until this point his production had been contracted out. Rocky would work to create new blends, and then farm out the work to various well-established factories across Central America. Now he’s begun shifting to his own … Read More
Blue Label's B2 Cuban Wheels August 19th, 2010 Keith 88 Blue Label - the original Blue Label - is simply delicious. Frankly it does not get the attention it deserves. Medium to full-bodied, rich in flavor, handcrafted by Gran Habano in Danli, Honduras. The cigar equivalent of nymphomaniac centerfold model with a trust fund. You get the idea. Smokes like a gem, priced like an economy cigar....in all, a winning set of attributes. But now there's … Read More
Bahia Maduro April 21st, 2010 Keith 90 The current cigar deal threat level is red. Red as in Bahia Maduro and its bright red bands, that is. She’s a beauty that Bahia Maduro, bringing brains, brawn, and good looks: quality construction, generous ring gauges, smooth, rich flavor…. to top it off she’s a cheap date. To be sure, for $2 to $2.25 per stick it’s in the running for top handmade value. Bahia Maduro begins with an aged blend of … Read More
Reposado '96 Maduro March 17th, 2010 Keith 91 “Wow” was the first thing that came to mind after lighting my first Reposado ’96 Maduro. Not because it’s an all long-filler 7.1” Salomon that retails for $2.50 (which is outrageously cheap). But because the onslaught of flavors that greet you right from the start is so astounding. If you’ve browsed through the (brilliant!) archives of my past reviews, you … Read More
La Estrella Cubana Oscuro December 2nd, 2009 Keith 90 La Estrella Cubana's new Oscuro blend is an interesting handmade hailing from Nicaragua. What's extra interesting is that it's a quality handmade maduro costing you 2 bucks a stick (and under). That's a true rarity in these post-SCHIP days. In fact it could easily sell for $4 or $5. La Estrella Cubana - “the star of Cuba” - is eerily reminiscent of Gurkha Doble Maduro, from … Read More