New promotion: Robusto sampler packs

Hello Cigar smokers,
I notice that many online cigar services will offer assorted sampler packs, so I've decided to do the same for customers that want to try new cigars as well as get a good deal. Every week or two I will assemble a new sampler, with a new theme for each one. My goal here is to help you as a smoker find your new favorite cigar. The theme for my first sampler pack is Robustos, I've put together 4 different Robustos of different origins and strengths as listed below, they're pictured right to left:
1 Montecristo Classic Robusto, these cigars are easy going and light. The name doesn't lie these are a definite classic.
1 H Upmann Vintage Cameroon, these are my favorite H Upmann, featuring a Cameroon African grown wrapper, which is also one of my favorite wrapper leafs.
1 Illusione Rothschilds, these are a more robust Nicaraguan puro that feature a stout, earthy flavor.
1 Regius Black Label Robusto, these cigars are strong, yet smooth. Another Nicaraguan Puro from a lesser known brand that delivers high quality without the high price tag.

I balanced this sampler with 2 Nicaraguan cigars and 2 Dominican cigars. These cigars range from 2's to 4's on our strength ranking system. The cigars I've assembled in this sampler pack range from more mass produced cigars to some "boutique" cigars that are made in smaller numbers and not distributed as widely. If this promotion interests you, come to Discount Cigarettes and Cigars on 801 Woodside Road in Redwood City, CA on Saturdays and Sundays and ask for JT's latest sampler pack. I'll make a new post each time I introduce a new sampler, each one is a limited time deal. For further questions please email at jtcigarsofwoodside@gmail.com

Cigar Review: Regius Blue Label Oscuro Fat Perfecto

Hello Cigar Smokers,
Today I'm reviewing an excellent cigar from an excellent company, Regius' newest cigar, the Blue Label Oscuro. This cigar is rolled into an interesting perfecto shape, very similar to the Drew Estate Flying Pig. The cigar is wrapped in a thick and oily San Andres Maduro wrapper and fillers and a binder from Nicaragua. These cigars come packed in a striking blue box to match the primary band, with the familiar "Exclusivo USA" secondary band like the other Regius exclusive blends. The exact dimensions of this cigar is 5 3/4 x 54 x60, so it is a 60 ring at the fattest point and tapers to a 54 near the head of the cigar.

From the initial light up this cigar greets you with the familiar richness that San Andres wrappers are known for. The difference I would say is in the fillers, the all Nicaraguan fillers give this cigar more "punch" than similar cigars on the market. I would say this cigar has more of a peppery quality than other San Andres Maduro cigars. The flavor starts out with earth tones and a slight woody flavor, and it develops those pepper notes a little bit into the cigar. What I notice most on this cigar is the richness, it is reminiscent of the Padron 1964 to me. This cigar isn't the same at all as the Padron 1964, but it gives similar impressions on the palate and they're definitely comparable to me. These perfectos are well constructed, the thick wrapper is not prone to cracking, even with this tricky size. I do notice that I need to take extra care in lighting this cigar to ensure an even burn from the start. Most perfectos behave like that in my experience, I toast the foot of the cigar then puff on it slightly and it's off! If you roast it correctly from the beginning you will get a reliable burn.

It's no mystery that San Andres Maduro is my favorite wrapper, and with it being a popular wrapper now there are always new choices to try out on the market. I am a fan of Regius cigars, and the Blue Label Oscuro is by far my favorite. I'm excited to try each vitola of this cigar over time. I recommend this cigar to anybody who likes Nicaraguan maduro cigars, fans of San Andres wrappers, or anybody who wants to explore some of the more interesting sizes on the market. Smoking perfectos is a much different experience than regular rounded cigars, the difference mainly being in the draw. I would describe it as a more open, airy draw. Some people prefer them, some people can't stand them, but the only way to find out is to try for yourself! Happy smoking
JT

Cigar review: La Gloria Cubana R Serie no 5

Hello Cigar Smokers,
Today I'm reviewing a very reliable cigar that's been on the market for a while now, the La Gloria Cubana R Serie. This cigar is produced by General Cigar Company in the Dominican Republic. La Gloria Cubana was started by Ernesto Perez Carillo, a very well known and highly renowned cigar maker. This cigar is wrapped in an Ecuadorian grown Sumatra wrapper, with a Nicaraguan binder and fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The No 5 measures 5.5 inches by a 54 ring gauge. This cigar is very robust, especially for a Sumatra wrapper, I rank this cigar a 4/5 on our strength ranking system.

The first thing I notice about this cigar is how rich and oily the wrapper is, as well as how well constructed it is. This cigar is bunched well, not too tight and not too loose. This ensures an even burn throughout and the 54 ring gauge gives it a nice, open draw without being sloppy. There are some veins present in the wrapper leaves, but this doesn't really hurt the quality of the smoke in my experiences. Sometimes having veins on the wrapper will make it burn unevenly or hurt the overall flavor of the cigar, but the fillers being bunched well negates this. To describe the flavor I would say this cigar has a strong, earthy core. From the initial light up you are greeted with a strong leather like quality to the smoke that does not let up throughout. Sumatra wrappers aren't terribly strong, so it doesn't overwhelm you with that earthy quality, which mostly comes from the fillers. Around the core flavor of the cigar I notice some spicy notes that come and go around halfway through the cigar. The flavor is strong and reliable, the La Gloria R Serie is dependable in that it gives a consistent flavor box to box.

This cigar comes highly recommended by me, I recommend this cigar to anybody who enjoys fuller bodied cigars. I also recommend this cigar to anybody interested in trying Sumatra wrappers, there aren't that many quality Sumatra wrappers prevalent on the market compared to the other choices in wrapper leaf. This cigar, with it's leather and earthy qualities pair well with a scotch specifically or a lamb or steak meal. I say this cigar is a good choice to enjoy with some good drinks and good barbecue on this holiday weekend. Happy smoking!
JT