StogieRate.com logo

StogieRate.com profile for Pudealee

Pudealee profile picture

Member since

2016

Location

Oh, way down South...

Reviews written

158

About me

The first cigar I smoked was a Dutch Masters President - given to me in celebration of the birth of my first nephew in 1977. I was a teen then. It wasn't until the mid-90's that I got into premium cigars.

Diplomaticos (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 2 Torpedo

Number 22 of this box, and most likely my last ever review on Stogie Rate. I've enjoyed the run on here Doc. Well done!

90.0

Avg
Created: 8/25/2023 by Pudealee

Hoyo de Monterrey (Cuba) Regular Production, Epicure No. 2

Thank you Doc for all the years of StogieRate. I have thoroughly enjoyed having your website a place where I can indulge my OCD tendencies. I don't wa...

89.0

Avg
Created: 8/9/2023 by Pudealee

Quintero y Hermano (Cuba) Regular Production, Favoritos

This is the first cigar from this box of Quintero Favoritos. Given today's Cuban market, this is pretty good value for money. In no way is this a spec...

81.7

Avg
Created: 6/22/2023 by Pudealee

Cohiba (Cuba) Siglo Series, Siglo I

Number 18 of this box. I will probably start rationing these a little more, as it is very doubtful I will ever buy another Cuban Cohiba.

90.0

Avg
Created: 5/12/2023 by Pudealee

Undercrown Sun Grown, Gran Toro

This is the first of this box. I have had others in the Undercrown line, but never this one before now. It had a "barnyard" pre-light aroma. It had an...

87.9

Avg
Created: 3/3/2023 by Pudealee

Partagas (Cuba) Regular Production, Presidentes

I received this cigar in trade. What a wonderful experience. This stick had an excellent pre-light aroma. The initial burn was a little wonky (pilot e...

89.9

Avg
Created: 3/3/2023 by Pudealee

Hoyo de Monterrey (Cuba) Regular Production, Epicure No. 2

Number 7 of this box. A well built, excellent burning cigar.

89.0

Avg
Created: 2/1/2023 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Isla del Sol, Gran Corona

Number 11 of this box. I must admit that I do enjoy an occasional infused cigar. A local B&M turned me on to these. While I would prefer a Tabak or Na...

81.0

Avg
Created: 12/9/2022 by Pudealee

Ave Maria Knights Templar, Toro

Number 5 of this box. I have been very impressed with each of the AM line I have had. This is no exception.And, a great value for money. Very good smo...

87.0

Avg
Created: 3/15/2022 by Pudealee

Guantanamera (Cuba) Regular Production, Minutos

This was my first experience with this machine made Habanos. The pre-light aroma was just typical tobacco. There was not a lot of noteworthy aromas. I...

66.1

Avg
Created: 12/7/2021 by Pudealee

Hoyo de Monterrey (Cuba) Regular Production, Epicure No. 2

I had previously had two Hoyo de Monterrey, the petit robusto and the Epicure No. 2, It was in the first bunch of Cuban cigars I had received as a sam...

87.2

Avg
Created: 11/17/2021 by Pudealee

Sancho Panza (Cuba) Regular Production, Belicosos

This is first Sancho Panza Habanos I have had. It's easy to compare it to the Monte #2, the Diplo #2, or the Partagas Serie P #2. Compared to those, t...

91.4

Avg
Created: 11/8/2021 by Pudealee

Ave Maria Knights Templar, Toro

Number 1 of this box. I am a big fan of the Ave Maria brand. This is my first of the Knights Templar line. Like other AMs, this too has fine construct...

84.0

Avg
Created: 9/9/2021 by Pudealee

Hammer + Sickle Tradicion Serie, Toro

Number 2 of this batch. I'm glad I stumbled across these H&S cigars. I have become a fan of these, and with them no longer in production (so I believe...

87.2

Avg
Created: 5/30/2021 by Pudealee

E.P. Carrillo La Historia, Dona Elena (Toro)

First one of this batch. I've had the E-III (Double Corona) of this brand. This particular version was just as good as the literal brother, but in a s...

89.5

Avg
Created: 2/17/2021 by Pudealee

Diplomaticos (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 2 Torpedo

I've reviewed this one before, but it's worth another shout-out. This cigar was number 17 of this box. This cigar (to me) is just as good as a Monte #...

88.5

Avg
Created: 2/4/2021 by Pudealee

Montecristo (Cuba) Open, Regata

First cigar of 2021, and the first of the Cuban Montecristo "Open" line that I have had. I was expecting this to be a "mini-me" of the Monte #2. I ...

87.2

Avg
Created: 1/3/2021 by Pudealee

Vegas Robaina (Cuba) Regular Production, Famosos

This was the first Vegas Robaina that I have had. The presentation of the box, and in the box was very good. Typical Cuban dress box. The pre-light co...

85.5

Avg
Created: 1/3/2021 by Pudealee

Vegueros (Cuba) Centrofinos, Robusto

This is the first of this "Box." Previous versions of Vegueros came in a tin. This particular version came in four boxes of four. I think the Centrofi...

81.2

Avg
Created: 10/12/2020 by Pudealee

PDR 1878 Natural Roast Cafe, Robusto

Number 7 of this box. This is not a bad cigar. The infusion is somewhat mild, which is a good thing. Good value for money when bought on an auction si...

83.2

Avg
Created: 9/17/2020 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Kentucky Fire Cured, Chunky

Number 19 of this batch. Can't say that I ever got to the point where the smokiness of this cigar caught on. Doubtful that I'll buy any more of these....

78.7

Avg
Created: 9/17/2020 by Pudealee

Diplomaticos (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 2 Torpedo

Number 15 of this box. I am down to 10 left. It was so hard to find these, that as soon as I found another box I snagged it. Such a good cigar. Very s...

89.5

Avg
Created: 6/24/2020 by Pudealee

Cohiba (Cuba) Siglo Series, Siglo I

This is my first ever of the Cohiba Siglo line. This is the smallest of them all, the Siglo I. I was impressed with the box presentation. The pre-ligh...

87.5

Avg
Created: 6/13/2020 by Pudealee

PDR 1878 Natural Roast Cafe, Robusto

First cigar of this box. A good change from the Java and Isla del Sol coffee infused cigars. The tip is not as sweet as either of those two. A good de...

82.0

Avg
Created: 6/10/2020 by Pudealee

Ave Maria Immaculata, Robusto

First cigar of this batch. I have had several of the Ave Maria line before. Only one of the line has left me unimpressed. This cigar is not in that sa...

84.8

Avg
Created: 4/30/2020 by Pudealee

My Father Flor de las Antillas, Robusto

This is the first cigar from this box. I have been impressed with the other "My Father" cigars that I have had, and this one doesn't does not disappoi...

88.5

Avg
Created: 4/30/2020 by Pudealee

Acid by Drew Estate Acid Red, Liquid (Robusto)

I've had several versions of ACID cigars, from the mild Opulence 3 to the waaaay out there Kuba Kuba. This version falls somewhere in the middle of th...

81.4

Avg
Created: 4/9/2020 by Pudealee

San Cristobal de la Habana (Cuba) Regular Production, La Fuerza

This was the first ever Cuban San Cristobal that I have smoked. I got this box about a month and a half ago. It's been sitting undisturbed in the humi...

83.5

Avg
Created: 3/6/2020 by Pudealee

Cohiba Puro Dominicana, Churchill

This was the first of this box. Great presentation and smoke production. Good flavors as well. Smoke time was long for me (for a Churchill). Very enjo...

85.0

Avg
Created: 11/22/2019 by Pudealee

Juan Lopez (Cuba) Regular Production, Seleccion No. 1

This was my first Juan Lopez, and the first cigar from this box.The box date of these sticks was May, 2018, so they are barely a year old. The SLB box...

85.0

Avg
Created: 7/20/2019 by Pudealee

Quai D Orsay (Cuba) Regular Production, Coronas Claro

This is the first cigar of this box. And, this was my first Quay D'Orsay of any kind. I was really looking forward to trying this cigar. The presentat...

88.8

Avg
Created: 7/10/2019 by Pudealee

Ave Maria Reconquista, Torpedo

This is the first cigar from this box. I have to admit, the presentation of these cigars is over the top. Each of the 12 cigars comes in it's own coff...

90.2

Avg
Created: 6/13/2019 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Isla del Sol Maduro, Toro

Number 3 of this box. I am continually impressed with this cheap infused stick. Like all Islas, this was a good pleasant smoke. The infusion of flavor...

83.1

Avg
Created: 4/22/2019 by Pudealee

La Aurora Erin Go Bragh Irish Whisky, Toro

I am very pleased with this cigar. I was expecting a strange smoke flavor, given the faint smell of pesticide on the pre-light aroma. Maybe the smell ...

83.9

Avg
Created: 3/30/2019 by Pudealee

CAO Consigliere, Associate

Having always wanted to smoke one of CAO's "Sopranos" cigars, I figured I had missed the boat on that. I was glad to come across the CAO Consigliere. ...

84.7

Avg
Created: 3/30/2019 by Pudealee

Hammer + Sickle Berlin Wall Series, Toro

This is the first cigar I have had of the Berlin Wall variation of Hammer & Sickle. Elegant looking stick with a paper backed metallic band. Like the ...

85.8

Avg
Created: 2/4/2019 by Pudealee

Arturo Fuente Fuente Fuente Opus X, Perfecxion X (Toro)

I've always wanted to try an Opus X. While this wan't one of the primo versions, it was more than I would normally pay for a cigar. After cutting, a c...

90.9

Avg
Created: 2/2/2019 by Pudealee

Trinidad (Cuba) Regular Production, Reyes

This is the first cigar from this box, and my first Trinidad. It's a fairly new box, and deserves more time in the humidor, but I couldn't wait to try...

81.9

Avg
Created: 1/7/2019 by Pudealee

Cohiba Blue, Rothschild

Number 11 of this box. OK, I must admit that I had this cigar after finishing a off a small Cuaba. Thinking that the two cigars would make for a "larg...

82.4

Avg
Created: 12/29/2018 by Pudealee

Cuaba (Cuba) Regular Production, Divinos

Number 7 of this box. A funky little cigar good for a quick smoke. These have been camping out in my humidor for over two years. The figurado tip, and...

80.0

Avg
Created: 12/29/2018 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Java Mint, Corona

I think this was number 8 of this batch. Still not a fan. This one didn't have nearly as bad a "menthol" flavor as the previous ones. Still, Java has ...

73.5

Avg
Created: 9/20/2018 by Pudealee

Acid by Drew Estate Acid Gold, Earthiness (Petit Corona)

A new ACID for me. The closed foot didn't make a lot of sense to me. This cigar looked well built, and had the normal, hard to describe, ACID pre-ligh...

82.0

Avg
Created: 9/5/2018 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Java Latte, Toro

This is the first cigar of this box. I've reviewed the Java Latte before in Robusto. The Toro here is just like it, but bigger. Sweet on the lip, mild...

85.2

Avg
Created: 8/19/2018 by Pudealee

Cohiba Blue, Rothschild

Number 9 of this box. This is the first of this box for which I have been disappointed. The draw was tight. I used my draw poker to work that out. The...

79.7

Avg
Created: 8/3/2018 by Pudealee

Punch (Cuba) Regular Production, Punch Punch

This was my first Cuban Punch. I suppose I should have let it set a while longer in the humidor, but I couldn't wait. It had a distinctive Cuban pre-l...

84.0

Avg
Created: 5/8/2018 by Pudealee

Cuaba (Cuba) Regular Production, Divinos

This is the first Cuaba I have smoked. Off the bat, I'd say that I should have gone for a larger size. This was a flavorful cigar. It just ended too e...

83.6

Avg
Created: 5/2/2018 by Pudealee

Hammer + Sickle Trademark Maduro, Toro

This is the first Hammer & Sickle Trademark Maduro. The look was very dark and oily. The pre-light aroma was somewhat like wet hay. The cigar produced...

88.5

Avg
Created: 4/16/2018 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Java Mint, Corona

This was my first Mint Java in quite a long time. The mouth feel was sweet, but didn't really get a lot of "mint" from the smoke. It was flavored, but...

82.1

Avg
Created: 4/5/2018 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Java Red, Toro

I tried my first Java Red today. Pre-light aroma was typical Java in fashion. It was sweet smelling, but not overpowering like an Acid Kuba Kuba. The ...

84.6

Avg
Created: 3/23/2018 by Pudealee

Jose L. Piedra (Cuba) Regular Production, Cazadores

This was the fourth stick of this batch. So far, time in the humidor hasn't changed things. It isn't a bad smoke, it's just not too memorable. Not bad...

71.0

Avg
Created: 3/1/2018 by Pudealee

Tabak Especial Ltd Red Eye, Robusto

This is the first of this variety of Tabak that I have tried. I found that it was a lot like the others, but not nearly as sweet on the initial draw.

83.1

Avg
Created: 2/13/2018 by Pudealee

Hammer + Sickle Hermitage No. 1, Toro

Very elegant looking stick. Nice band, as is the case with other Hammer & Sickle sticks I have smoked. The pre-light aroma was not spicy at all. Very ...

84.2

Avg
Created: 2/7/2018 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Natural, Root

I like a mildly infused cigar every now and again. I have had the Natural brand before, but never the "Root" version. This version of the line didn't ...

81.9

Avg
Created: 2/2/2018 by Pudealee

Cohiba Blue, Rothschild

This is my second Cohiba Blue. The first single was a Robusto. This stick is from a new box of Rothschilds that I picked up a few weeks ago. The pre-l...

84.4

Avg
Created: 1/30/2018 by Pudealee

Rafael Gonzalez (Cuba) Regular Production, Perlas

My first experience with a Rafael Gonzalez was this very Perlas cigar. It had a pleasant pre-light aroma. There wasn't any specific aromas I could det...

78.8

Avg
Created: 11/19/2017 by Pudealee

Jose L. Piedra (Cuba) Regular Production, Cazadores

This was my second short filler Cuban (first was Quintero). The appearance was a little lumpy, as might be expected by a short filler. Pre-light aroma...

71.8

Avg
Created: 11/19/2017 by Pudealee

Man O'War, Toro

This is my first venture with a Man 'O War. The pre-light aroma was very strong. It reminded me of tobacco curing in a barn. The wrapper was dark and ...

80.3

Avg
Created: 9/18/2017 by Pudealee

Oliva Cigar Company Serie V Melanio, Churchill

This was my first Serie V Melanio. The presentation was excellent, with a slight box press. The good smooth wrapper seemed tight. Great smoke producti...

90.7

Avg
Created: 9/13/2017 by Pudealee

Quintero y Hermano (Cuba) Regular Production, Londres Extra

This sort of sounds like a confession...it's been almost 10 months since my first Quintero review. My first in this batch was in early November 2016. ...

79.5

Avg
Created: 8/29/2017 by Pudealee

Oliva Cigar Company Serie O, Robusto

I received a batch of these cigars along with a box of Serie V Melanio Churchills. I think I made a good choice to try this one first, because I bet t...

81.6

Avg
Created: 8/28/2017 by Pudealee

ACID Opulence 3, Torpedo

In typical ACID form this stick packed a pungent aroma, both pre-light and foot-smoke after lighting. I really couldn't distinguish the flavors of thi...

80.0

Avg
Created: 8/24/2017 by Pudealee

Cohiba Blue, Robusto

Stumbled across this stick by accident. I'd seen it advertised in CA, and a few cigar catalogs, but never saw one in a B&M. The cigar looked really...

82.5

Avg
Created: 6/25/2017 by Pudealee

Ave Maria Reconquista, Double Corona

First off, don't let the "price per stick" amount of $2.33 below fool you. I use "cost basis" to value my cigars, and this batch was part of a major c...

84.3

Avg
Created: 6/7/2017 by Pudealee

E.P. Carrillo La Historia, E-III (Double Corona)

I was impressed by the high ratings that this cigar has received. I was able to secure a box of these at a pretty good price due to CI's February ship...

91.3

Avg
Created: 6/1/2017 by Pudealee

Hammer + Sickle Tradicion Serie, Churchill

I've bought cigars before because I like the label (Ave Maria). Now, I've bought some because of the box. You have to give Hammer & Sickle kudos on th...

81.7

Avg
Created: 4/28/2017 by Pudealee

Ave Maria Divinia, Toro

I was very impressed by the box pressing on this stick. The shape proved to be wider than tall. The pre-light aroma was very strong - spicy with good ...

85.2

Avg
Created: 4/11/2017 by Pudealee

Gurkha Symphony, Double Perfecto

I'm not sure I see the point of a double perfecto. More on that later. This stick had a fine feel and good pre-light aroma. That aroma didn't really c...

77.9

Avg
Created: 4/4/2017 by Pudealee

My Father Cigars Le Bijou 1922, Petit Robusto (Short Robusto)

Excellent presentation in the box. The pre-light aroma was strong with pepper, spice, and rich tobacco. Burn was marvelous, with ash dropping only twi...

91.4

Avg
Created: 4/2/2017 by Pudealee

Tabak Especial Ltd Cafe con Leche, Belicoso

I've always been fond of Tabak sticks. This one started off mild and flavorful. The smoke production was good all the way through. On the last third, ...

84.0

Avg
Created: 3/27/2017 by Pudealee

CAO Colombia, Tinto (Robusto)

I got these sticks as part of a freebie offer. I really had no expectations on how good or bad this cigar would be. I must admit that I was presently ...

82.2

Avg
Created: 3/23/2017 by Pudealee

H. Upmann (Cuba) Regular Production, Magnum 50

This was a fine looking cigar. Everything about this cigar gave the impression of fine construction. It had a firm pack, and a very dense feel. The dr...

82.4

Avg
Created: 3/15/2017 by Pudealee

Ave Maria Argentum Morning Star, Perfecto

First perfecto in a long time. This cigar had a very strong pre-light aroma. Overall look was good - nice oily sheen, but an obvious imperfection on t...

82.7

Avg
Created: 3/15/2017 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Natural, Dirt Torpedo

These Natural cigars are always a pleasant diversion from regular sticks. As with a previous Big Juicy review, this Dirt Torpedo garnered most of its ...

83.7

Avg
Created: 3/15/2017 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Kentucky Fire Cured, Chunky

This is a smaller version of the KFCs I've previously had. Like the others, there is a distinct smoke aroma pre-light. This particular stick had a ver...

83.5

Avg
Created: 3/10/2017 by Pudealee

Cohiba (Cuba) Maduro 5, Secretos

My first Cuban Cohiba Maduro. For such a small package, this stick packed a wallop. Right off the bat the flavors were very strong. This lasted well i...

90.4

Avg
Created: 3/9/2017 by Pudealee

Asylum Insidious Habanos, Robusto

This stick was not nearly as good as an Asylum Insidious (non Habanos) that I had earlier. The initial few draws were quite harsh. The pungent flavor ...

80.4

Avg
Created: 2/25/2017 by Pudealee

Oliva Cigar Company Serie G, Toro (tube avaliable)

For the most part this was a decent cigar. Flavors were remarkably average. There was a knot or something at the start of the last third, and the ciga...

80.8

Avg
Created: 2/20/2017 by Pudealee

Nat Sherman Metropolitan Maduro, University

I had my first Nat Sherman a few weeks ago - the Connecticut. I was at my local B&M and picked up a maduro this time. I was pleasantly surprised. Thes...

83.1

Avg
Created: 2/16/2017 by Pudealee

Por Larranaga (Cuba) Regular Production, Short Panetelas

Second review on this stick. Flavors improved over the initial review. I suppose the additional month or so in the humidor helped. I took a little mor...

77.6

Avg
Created: 2/15/2017 by Pudealee

Perdomo Lot 23 Maduro, Toro

This stick was stuffed in the back of my humidor. I had forgotten about it. It had a good pre-light aroma, and a nice firm feel to it. The flavors wer...

78.3

Avg
Created: 2/14/2017 by Pudealee

Nat Sherman Metropolitan Connecticut, Gordo

Never had a Nat Sherman before today. Overall it was a good experience, not outstanding, but good. The pre-light aroma was unique - sort of a sour sme...

80.5

Avg
Created: 2/5/2017 by Pudealee

La Gloria Cubana (Cuba) Regular Production, Medaille D Or No. 4

One has to love the presentation of this cigar - long sleek shape, nice varnished box. I'm not normally a big fan of skinny cigars, but this stick was...

87.9

Avg
Created: 2/2/2017 by Pudealee

Asylum Insidious, Toro

This cigar was a first for me. The pre-light aroma was almost sweet. I thought for a moment that it might have been infused, but it wasn't. It had a v...

85.2

Avg
Created: 1/31/2017 by Pudealee

Partagas (Cuba) Regular Production, Serie P No. 2

This "No. 2" pyramid is very similar in looks to the Montecristo & Diplolmaticos. The flavors are just as good. The pre-light aroma of this cigar was ...

90.2

Avg
Created: 1/31/2017 by Pudealee

Bolivar (Cuba) Regular Production, Royal Corona (Tubos)

I bought a box of these in tubos on the recommendation of of a fella down at the local B&M. I got the tubos as they were in boxes of 10, and I didn't ...

92.9

Avg
Created: 1/29/2017 by Pudealee

Diesel Unlimited, d.7 (Double Corona)

I was expecting this big-arse stick to knock me back on my big arse, but it was not as intimidating as it looked. The pre-light aroma had a hint of pe...

84.5

Avg
Created: 1/24/2017 by Pudealee

Saint Luis Rey (Cuba) Regular Production, Regios

I was really looking forward to this stick, and it did not disappoint. The cigar had a good earthy/spicy pre-light aroma. It produced tons of flavorfu...

85.9

Avg
Created: 1/21/2017 by Pudealee

Gurkha Hudson Bay, Churchill

I'm not too fond of Churchills as they tend to overpower me before I finish. This one, however, did not. It was very easygoing all the way through. Go...

84.0

Avg
Created: 1/16/2017 by Pudealee

Fonseca (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 1 Lonsdale

This was a fine looking cigar. The box presentation is wonderful. The pre-light aroma was medium bodied and very pleasant. Upon lighting, a vein burne...

81.3

Avg
Created: 1/15/2017 by Pudealee

La Perla Habana Black Pearl Morado, Torpedo

I had high hopes for this stick. The pre-light aroma of this cigar was spicy with lots of pepper. The first 5-10 minutes had superb flavor...then the ...

65.0

Avg
Created: 1/14/2017 by Pudealee

Por Larranaga (Cuba) Regular Production, Short Panetelas

Good value for money if one is looking for a a decent short smoke. Flavors are just average - nothing outstanding. These have a box date of April 2016...

75.9

Avg
Created: 1/9/2017 by Pudealee

Drew Estate MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured, Just A Friend

This is the second review of this stick. If one is a scotch fan, then you'll like this stick. If one is a Johnnie Walker Double Black fan, or any fan ...

85.6

Avg
Created: 12/14/2016 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Isla del Sol, Robusto

I've settled on the Robusto size on the Isla del Sol. The longer stick of this type seem to get funky toward the end. This stick had a perfect burn fr...

83.2

Avg
Created: 12/13/2016 by Pudealee

Vegueros (Cuba) Tapados, Corona Extra

To be honest, I wasn't expecting a big "Wow" from this stick. I was pleasantly surprised. The construction of this cigar was very good. The pre-light ...

81.5

Avg
Created: 12/12/2016 by Pudealee

Ave Maria Crusader, Robusto

Sometimes I think that cigars with elaborate bands are trying to overcompensate for mediocre flavor and performance. I must admit that I bought this s...

84.0

Avg
Created: 12/1/2016 by Pudealee

Tabak Especial by Drew Estate Dulce, Robusto

The Tabak sticks never seem to disappoint. Unlike some of Drew Estate's other infused cigars, this one wasn't overpowering on the pre-light aroma, nor...

89.1

Avg
Created: 11/28/2016 by Pudealee

Ramon Allones (Cuba) Regular Production, Specially Selected

I was really excited to try my first Ramon Allones Specially Selected. This stick looked wonderfully made. It had a nice oily texture and a firm feel....

90.5

Avg
Created: 11/19/2016 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Java Maduro, Short Robusto

As with all cigars in the Java line, this one too had a very sweet pre-light aroma. The sugary tip wore off rather quickly. Unlike a previous stick in...

84.0

Avg
Created: 11/17/2016 by Pudealee

Diplomaticos (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 2 Torpedo

Alison Krauss has a song called "New Favorite." I may have a new cigar that is also my new favorite. Comparable in all ways to a Monte #2, the Diplima...

90.6

Avg
Created: 11/14/2016 by Pudealee

CAO Flavours Cherrybomb, Corona

Not sure why they call this a "Cherrybomb." Other than the pre-light aroma, there wasn't much non-tobacco flavor to it. A very average infused cigar. ...

69.5

Avg
Created: 11/13/2016 by Pudealee

Carlos Torano Noventa, Santiago (Robusto)

This stick had a very good pre-light aroma. It smelled of rich tobacco and pepper. Upon lighting the cigar produced a lot of good smoke. The flavors w...

81.3

Avg
Created: 11/10/2016 by Pudealee

Tatiana Coffee Break Cafe Con Leche, Robusto

This stick was suggested to me by the local B&M store. I think he was trying to get rid of them because they stink. The pre-light aroma smelled of sta...

64.0

Avg
Created: 11/7/2016 by Pudealee

5 Vegas Limitada 2016, Belicoso

This stick started out very good, but went downhill very fast after about half-way through. The pre-light aroma of this stick was very pleasant. It ha...

76.3

Avg
Created: 11/7/2016 by Pudealee

Romeo y Julieta 1875, Bully Belicoso

This was a good looking stick. Smoke production was good throughout, with a consistent burn through to the end. Good average tobacco flavors. Nothing ...

83.1

Avg
Created: 11/7/2016 by Pudealee

Quintero y Hermano (Cuba) Regular Production, Londres Extra

Another cheap Cuban review. This stick is very similar to the La Flor de Cano petit corona. Unlike the former's flowery note, this stick had a pre-lig...

77.7

Avg
Created: 11/4/2016 by Pudealee

Acid by Drew Estate Acid Blue, Blondie Belicoso

I sort of working my way through the Acid Blue cigars. Like the Kuba Kuba and the Robusto, the pre-light aroma was very strong; as if getting hit with...

84.0

Avg
Created: 11/3/2016 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Broadleaf, Robusto

This stick had a nice dark oily looking wrapper. The pre-light aroma was rich and peppery. From the onset the draw was rather tight, and did not produ...

83.5

Avg
Created: 11/1/2016 by Pudealee

La Flor de Cano (Cuba) Regular Production, Petit Corona

Right off the bat, this stick had a distinct flower note. I've never noticed that in a non-infused cigar before. There was good smoke production throu...

78.8

Avg
Created: 10/26/2016 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Natural, English

These Drew Estate Naturals are always a nice pleasant change from my regular cigars. This stick, unlike the Big Juicy I had a few months ago, didn't s...

89.2

Avg
Created: 10/24/2016 by Pudealee

Ramon Bueso Olancho Vintage, Torpedo

I'm doing a live real-time review. Right off the bat, it started off tasting like the stick had a hint of kerosene. Not too tasty. After seven minutes...

77.7

Avg
Created: 10/22/2016 by Pudealee

Acid by Drew Estate Acid Blue, Kuba Kuba (Robusto)

Thank goodness for having an "infused" humidor. I've had this ACID in there for a good while. I always forget how pungent they are. The pre-light arom...

84.6

Avg
Created: 10/18/2016 by Pudealee

Gurkha Cellar Reserve Platinum, Hedonism (Perfecto)

I haven't had a perfecto in quite a while. I didn't cut any of the foot end, and lit it with the small opening as-is. The burn was just fine. In fact,...

86.1

Avg
Created: 10/17/2016 by Pudealee

Montecristo (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 4

The last time I had one of these I reported that it had a very tight draw all the way to the end. This was not the case this time around. Perhaps the ...

88.8

Avg
Created: 10/15/2016 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Isla del Sol, Toro

The last time a reviewed this cigar I wrote "the cigar started to get mushy to the touch. By the end, it was as if I was smoking one of my long-gone u...

81.9

Avg
Created: 10/14/2016 by Pudealee

Leaf by Oscar Sumatra, Toro

I keep my trimmings when I cut my cigars to enjoy in my pipes. When you buy a Leaf by Oscar, you're getting pretty much a whole leaf as a wrapper inst...

78.7

Avg
Created: 10/12/2016 by Pudealee

Hoyo de Monterrey (Cuba) Regular Production, Epicure No. 2

This is the second from this same batch. I normally don't post duplicate reviews on the same stick unless there is a distinct change (good or bad). I ...

90.9

Avg
Created: 10/12/2016 by Pudealee

Tabak Especial by Drew Estate Cafe Con Leche, Belecoso

I like the Tabak sticks. For an infused, there not as off the wall as an Acid. This one was a good mild cigar. The burn was good and produced a lot of...

82.6

Avg
Created: 10/12/2016 by Pudealee

H. Upmann Legacy, Toro

Graded the "look & feel" and "burn & construction" low due to a wonky wrapper. Almost immediately after lighting, both ends of the stick started to un...

79.3

Avg
Created: 10/10/2016 by Pudealee

Partagas (Cuba) Regular Production, Serie D No. 4

This stick had great construction and feel. The pre-light aroma was spicy with a touch of wood. The cigar produced a great amount of smoke. Good tobac...

91.0

Avg
Created: 10/5/2016 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Java Latte, Toro

I've never had a bad tasting Java...until this one. I've always been pleased with these sticks, and was expecting this one to be the same. My sist...

86.0

Avg
Created: 10/4/2016 by Pudealee

La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero, Chisel (Torpedo)

I've always loved this double ligero chisel stick. This smoke started off very strong and dwindled toward the middle. At the end it picked back up aga...

87.7

Avg
Created: 10/3/2016 by Pudealee

Oliva Cigar Company Serie O, Torpedo

Very nice afternoon smoke. No real outstanding flavors to report. Taste and strength were both on the mild side. It produced a lot of good smoke.

84.3

Avg
Created: 9/28/2016 by Pudealee

Romeo y Julieta (Cuba) Regular Production, Churchills (Red/White Tubo)

For the first time in a long time, a Churchill that I did not get tired of before the end. I was given this sick by a friend, and it sat in my humidor...

90.7

Avg
Created: 9/26/2016 by Pudealee

Jose L. Piedra (Cuba) Regular Production, Brevas

This time around Jose did not disappoint. The overall flavor and experience of this second attempt at a Jose L. Piedra Brevas was better than the firs...

82.6

Avg
Created: 9/26/2016 by Pudealee

Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 50 Years, Robusto

This was my first Torano in quite a long time. This stick had a very good look and feel. Pre-light aroma was wonderful. At first light I picked up a s...

87.1

Avg
Created: 9/23/2016 by Pudealee

Romeo y Julieta (Cuba) Regular Production, Petit Coronas

This was a nice looking stick. The post-light foot smell was wonderful. The start was a nice pepper flavor. The only downside to this, hence the low b...

82.1

Avg
Created: 9/21/2016 by Pudealee

Sancho Panza Natural, Glorioso (Toro)

Look and feel knocked down a bit due to some peeling of the wrapper toward the foot. Burn and construction was good. Flavor was average, but pleasant....

81.8

Avg
Created: 9/15/2016 by Pudealee

Tabak Especial by Drew Estate Negra, Toro

As will all Tabaks I've smoked, this one too had a very sweet pre-light aroma. At first light, the foot smoke had almost a "rope" smell. This faded qu...

80.0

Avg
Created: 9/14/2016 by Pudealee

H. Upmann Reserve, Sir Winston (Churchill)

Right off the bat this cigar was very spicy. My lips started to feel a little heat at the start. This subsided after about ten minutes. Good medium fl...

85.8

Avg
Created: 9/10/2016 by Pudealee

Montecristo Classic, Churchill

I hadn't had a Churchill in quite a while. The foot of this stick was a little frayed, but did not hamper the initial burn. Also, a bit of the wrapper...

83.5

Avg
Created: 9/8/2016 by Pudealee

Montecristo (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 4

Very tight draw from the beginning through to the end. I was surprised at this. It did produce a lot of good smoke regardless. Great tobacco flavor, w...

88.9

Avg
Created: 9/4/2016 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Decade, Robusto

At first light the draw was so loose that I assumed that the wrapper had a hole in it somewhere. It was producing great smoke, so I guess it was just ...

85.0

Avg
Created: 9/3/2016 by Pudealee

Montecristo (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 2

This Monte #2 was of the same batch that I previously reviewed three months ago. I was hoping that those three months sitting in my humidor had allowe...

94.5

Avg
Created: 8/29/2016 by Pudealee

CAO Cameroon, Robusto

This was a nice looking cigar, with a very tight pack. In fact, I think the pack was too tight, as it may have contributed to the extremely tight draw...

78.5

Avg
Created: 8/29/2016 by Pudealee

Juan Lopez (Cuba) Regular Production, Seleccion No. 1

This cigar had a lumpy pack, and was a little soft to the touch. Not too may outstanding flavors to report. Rated low on burn & construction as it req...

79.5

Avg
Created: 8/27/2016 by Pudealee

Cohiba Classic, Robusto

This stick started off with a strong pepper flavor, then died down to just a strong tobacco flavor. I was surprised that this somewhat short cigar pac...

87.7

Avg
Created: 8/26/2016 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Natural, Big Jucy

I thought I'd try this one with morning coffee. It worked well. The pig-tail cap really did nothing for me, especially since it come off when cutting....

89.0

Avg
Created: 8/23/2016 by Pudealee

Gurkha Royal Challenge, Churchill

I hadn't had this version of Gurkha since 2013. Good burning cigar with average flavor. Good construction - ash drops were in almost 30 minute segment...

90.2

Avg
Created: 8/20/2016 by Pudealee

Drew Estate Isla del Sol, Toro

Sweet to the tongue as always. The first half the stick held up pretty well. After that the cigar started to get mushy to the touch. By the end, it wa...

79.8

Avg
Created: 8/17/2016 by Pudealee

Romeo y Julieta (Cuba) Regular Production, Coronitas en Cedro

First off, this stick had a very short cap. It was so short that even a very shallow snip caused the wrapper to start to come loose. It wasn't that bi...

88.3

Avg
Created: 8/16/2016 by Pudealee

Drew Estate MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured, Just A Friend

I was looking forward to this one. The pre-light aroma was unique. Very smokey, as the name might indicate. The flavors did not disappoint. Good smoke...

93.5

Avg
Created: 8/15/2016 by Pudealee

Partagas (Cuba) Regular Production, Serie P No. 2

Great aroma before lighting. There was a strong pepper flavor at the onset, but diminished with time. Overall great smoke production and good burn.

91.6

Avg
Created: 8/14/2016 by Pudealee

Hoyo de Monterrey (Cuba) Regular Production, Short Robustos

Not a lot of flavors to really report on this Hoyo. It started out with a little pepper, then migrated to a typical tobacco flavor. I'm still not into...

91.4

Avg
Created: 8/10/2016 by Pudealee

Padron Series Maduro, 4000 Toro

Lumpy look and feel. There was sort of a hay aroma pre-light. Nice milk chocolate colored wrapper, with one big vein extending about 3/4 the way to th...

79.5

Avg
Created: 7/30/2016 by Pudealee

Jose L. Piedra (Cuba) Regular Production, Brevas

The wrapper on this stick had one rather large vein that sort of took away from the overall look and feel of this small cigar. At the onset the draw w...

80.7

Avg
Created: 7/29/2016 by Pudealee

Acid by Drew Estate Acid Blue, Kuba Maduro, Rubusto

I hadn't had an Acid in a long time. Mercy! The flavors were very strong for the first ten minutes or so. They either died down, or I just got used to...

89.0

Avg
Created: 7/29/2016 by Pudealee

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur (Natural), No. 1

Flavor started out really strong, with a lot of pepper. Toward the middle that died down significantly. There was decent smoke production. First three...

85.7

Avg
Created: 7/29/2016 by Pudealee

Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real, Churchill

This cigar has been one of my all time favorites. This specific stick didn't disappoint. Overall flavor was good, good smoke production, good flavor.

86.0

Avg
Created: 7/20/2016 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Java Latte, Toro

Hadn't had a Java in a long while. After the sugar tip wore off the cigar seemed to lose some of the infused flavor. The flavor picked back up after t...

90.7

Avg
Created: 7/18/2016 by Pudealee

Xikar HC Series Habano Colorado, Robusto

Good smoke production, although the stick had to have two touch-ups. Fairly quick smoke. Started out spicy, but moved to more average flavors after ab...

82.2

Avg
Created: 7/7/2016 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel Vintage 1990, Robusto Tubos

Overall good smoke production. Ash fell in two nice sized chunks. I was surprised at how long this cigar lasted. There were no outstanding flavors to ...

84.4

Avg
Created: 7/3/2016 by Pudealee

Arturo Fuente Magnum R Series, R 54 (Toro Grande)

Well constructed cigar. Burn was consistent all the way through. I had to do a few touch ups, but nothing major. Great smoke production, Strength seem...

89.2

Avg
Created: 7/2/2016 by Pudealee

Hoyo de Monterrey (Cuba) Regular Production, Epicure No. 2

My first Cuban Hoyo. This stick had a good spicy aroma before lighting up. The draw was a little tight at the start, but cleared up after about ten mi...

89.5

Avg
Created: 7/1/2016 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel The Edge Maduro, Toro

You know "they say" that one's taste bud effectiveness diminishes with age. I'm not an old fogie just yet (in my 50s), but I'm not having good luck on...

82.5

Avg
Created: 6/25/2016 by Pudealee

Perdomo Factory Tour Blend Connecticut, Churchill

This stick had an excellent draw, but the ash seemed to drop earlier than I had anticipated. No real phenomenal flavors seemed present in this cigar. ...

84.2

Avg
Created: 6/22/2016 by Pudealee

Rocky Patel The Edge Lite, Toro

Good, but nothing spectacular. Not a lot of flavors.

88.1

Avg
Created: 6/12/2016 by Pudealee

Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva Natural, Flor Fina 8-5-8 (Grand Corona)

This cigar produced a lot of smoke. It started off peppery, and never really changed along the way. Overall, it was good, but nothing special. Still l...

88.3

Avg
Created: 5/30/2016 by Pudealee

Montecristo (Cuba) Regular Production, No. 2

This was my first Habanos. It was a legit stick, I have no doubt. I tried my best to keep my expectations in check for this momentous occasion. There...

93.6

Avg
Created: 5/28/2016 by Pudealee