Monthly Archives: February 2012

Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series Connoisseur

Posted in: One Timers | February 28, 2012 at 11:06 pm, by jason

Lately, we have become regular followers of the StogieGeeks podcasts. Co-hosts Paul and Tim provide crisp opinions covering a wide range of smokes. Their preferences skew toward aged and high-end sticks, but opinions are presented in a down-to-earth manner experienced smokers and noobs can enjoy. The Geeks frequently praise super-premium Dominican sticks produced by Henke Kelner. This convinced us to devote some humi real estate to Kelner's “Geek-approved” releases including the Paul Garmirian Gourmet Series Connoisseur....

La Reloba Sumatra Robusto

Posted in: Micro Reviews | February 24, 2012 at 8:21 pm, by jason

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After reading all the great reviews (including an appearance in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25) and enjoying many samples from this line's Habano blend, it was decided at HLC World HQ that the time to try a La Reloba Sumatra had arrived.

Results are often surprising when steady praise precedes a first-time tasting. The power of suggestion's positive influence is in conflict with raised expectations that can set the stage for disappointment. These two forces are less likely to balance eachother out than generally complicate the process of assessing a cigar experience. As with many things, the best approach is to try and clear the mind of any/all pre-judgements and trust one's instincts. So we toasted up the foot of our first La Reloba Sumatra with the closest thing to an open mind we could muster...

Torano Single Region Serie Jalapa Robusto

Posted in: Micro Reviews | February 23, 2012 at 9:16 am, by jason

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We've been smoking Torano Single Region Serie Jalapa Robustos since the blend's release last year with generally good results. The latest Single Region sample was enjoyed on the golf course and we're happy to report that it held up to the elements and abuse like a champ. ...

Gurkha Wicked Indie Toro

Posted in: Micro Reviews | February 20, 2012 at 2:44 pm, by jason

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While burning three samples of the Gurkha Wicked Indie Toro we noticed flavors reminiscent of CAO's La Traviata. Both cigars feature a Habano wrapper which is the extent of any shared tobacco lineage we're aware of. Comparisons to big-time releases don't stop there. HalfWheel noticed it's not CAO but Rocky Patel that is seemingly set in the Gurkha Wicked Indie crosshairs. But hey, this is a Micro-Review so we'll save the dissection of marketing hijinks for another time. On with the tasting!...

Diesel Unholy Cocktail

Posted in: Micro Reviews | February 9, 2012 at 10:52 pm, by jason

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A.J.'s impact on the premium cigar market is wide reaching. The San Lotano is a huge hit in the mid-price range and there's an assortment of low-priced, full-bodied sticks like the Unholy Cocktail that provide enthusiasts with great bang-for-the-buck....

Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary Torpedo

Posted in: Micro Reviews | February 9, 2012 at 6:16 pm, by jason

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Here's a quick review posted via iPhone of the Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary Torpedo. This 2010 release landed at #6 in CA's most recent Top 25 list making it the highest appearing RP stick ever....