Size: 5 inches x 52 ring gauge (Robusto)

Most of the time, I initially learn of a new cigar online, in the journals or in the catalogs – well ahead of actually finding it at my local tobacconist. This was not the case with the Hex line of cigars. I actually found them in my local liquor store humidor not long after I had first heard of them. I was surprised to say the least. How did something like this new Hex wind up next to the Punch and Partagas? As it turns out, the makers of Hex are a group of veteran industry folk and retail insiders with chops. Distribution is not a problem for them. Neither, apparently, is their ability to make a good cigar.

Size: 6½ inches x 53 ring gauge (Torpedo)

Many of us are familiar with the Gurkha line of cigars. Depending of which one of the thousand or so varieties we are speaking of, the cigar in question could either be ‘eh’ or ‘holy smokes’! It might be a $2 bargain bundle special or one of their 95+ rated, excellent, high-end offerings. In fact, there are so many Gurkhas (and associated lines) that one practically needs a program just to keep track of all of them.

Several cigar dealers are making a grand fuss about Ramon Bueso and his history with the Villazon factory. They claim that Bueso was, as a close confidant and partner of both Estello Padron and Frank Llaneza, instrumental in the manufacture of some of the free world’s oldest, most influential cigars - and arguably some of the finest. In this day of new, wonderful cigar brands and line extensions being created on a weekly basis (as well as, admittedly, a slew of losers), thousands of consumers still choose to purchase Punch, Hoyo de Monterrey, El Rey del Mundo and other well established marques.

I bought the Ramon Bueso Genesis on a gamble, having little idea what to expect other than a decent amount of Connecticut broadleaf character melded with Honduran flavors. I wasn’t disappointed, and got exactly what I was expecting. That said, and despite its pedigree, this cigar does not, in my view, represent serious competition for a Punch or any of the other Villazon products.

Size: 6.5 inches x 53 ring gauge (Figurado)

When you're walking the dog or doing yard work, you smoke cheap cigars – the bargain bundle kind – and swig a cold beer. 

But when you want to unwind after a grueling week of work or celebrate a special occasion, you treat yourself to something better. That is, you choose a really special cigar, and pair it with your very favorite adult beverage. The Tempus Magistri is clearly one of the cigars you might choose.

I’ve been a big fan of Nestor Miranda ever since I purchased a few of his 'special' maduros from Cigars International some seven years ago. I first tried the Connecticut version, which was awesome in its own right. Most of the ones I bought were smoked in fairly short order or gifted away. I think a few may still lie deep within one of the coolers I collectively refer to as my humidor.

More recently (a year or so ago), I grabbed a few of these down at Cigar World in Marietta, Georgia, and recalled enjoying them very much. Then, as I was rummaging through the humidor at Maxwell’s Cigar bar a few weeks back, I saw a fresh box of the robusto sitting on the shelf, and grabbed a few cigars from it. 

Size: 6 inches x 54 ring gauge (Toro)

I don’t live on the leading edge of cigar culture. Oftentimes, the latest and hottest cigars don't make it to my area for a long, long time, if at all. Some of you likely have the same problem. You hear all the hype about a new release, but can't get your hands on it. Such was the case for me with this offering. 

The Small Batch M356 was the darling of the year-end ratings back in 2012, but it took me well into 2014 to find any. And Aging Room has had two more successful product launches since then – the Quattro F55 and the Haveo.

Editors Note: CW member, resident webhost and twitter-master BigJohn was gifted this cigar by Nish Patel at a cigar event August 20, 2014 in Woodstock, Georgia. The call was posted in our forums - forums.cigarweekly.com - for a volunteer to smoke and review the stick, since the words Super and Ligero in the same sentence scared the life out of BigJohn (medium to mild strength preference). CW member Jeff (GRTRX on the forums) Lackman rose to the challenge. One USPS flat-rate box and 48 hours later, the cigar was in his hands. Sorry for the lack of photos - it appears BigJohn forgot to take one, and Jeff just jumped right into the smoking of it. What transpired appears below.

Pre-light

The label, which was a simple one (obviously not a production label), stated "super ligero". The cigar was attractive as the cellophane was removed. It measured low to mid 40s in ring gauge and maybe 5 inches in length -- parejo. The wrapper leaf was dark, but not maduro -- perhaps a colorado. It appeared well veined, with quite fine veins actually. The cigar's aroma was simply wonderful, with deep, dark scents -- rather organic I would say, as in a deep, dark summer forest. The cigar felt firm, with no soft spots at all. It was unblemished and quite lovely.

Size reviewed: Toro – 6" x 52 ring gauge

Some years ago, I read a book entitled The River of Doubt, by Candice Millard (2006). Millard described Theodore Roosevelt and his son Kermit going on a dangerous yet adventure-filled expedition to the Amazon River in 1913-14. In doing so, Theodore and Kermit survived terrible extremes and discovered a new river, which to this day is named for the famous former U.S. President.

My experience with the CAO Brazilia line has also, at times, been 'dangerous' – but always an adventure. This particular cigar (the Amazon Basin Toro) is no exception, and it reminds me of that line because of the Brazilian tobacco used.

Last week I was able to attend an E.P. Carrillo event and picked a sampling of vitolas covering about half of their current line. The EPC rep was very nice and informative, eager to answer any questions thrown his way.