It’s not often that a casual stop on a drive back from a northern adventure leads to a cigar experience that impresses profoundly. That was exactly my experience when I stumbled upon Casa del Humidor after a memorable weekend in Northern Ontario. The recommendation from the knowledgeable folks there. The Alec Bradley Magic Toast Cigar—a suggestion that would linger in my humidor until its recent, unforgettable lighting. Unwrapping the Magic The Magic Toast cigar is beautifully crafted with a Honduran cover leaf, a double binder from Nicaragua and Honduras, and fillers also sourced from these rich tobacco regions. I opted for the Robusto size, which presented a notably oily appearance, prominent veins, and tight seams topped with a well-applied cap. It felt extremely firm, hinting at a densely packed interior. Before lighting, the cigar exuded aromas reminiscent of a bakery in the early morning—notes of light mocha, malt, and cedar wafting through, setting the stage for the experience a...

 I recently came across the Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut 2023 while tuning into a Cigars Daily episode on YouTube. Tim's pun that this cigar was "out of this world" instantly piqued my interest, coupled with a chuckle at the clever wordplay. Intrigued, I decided it was time to experience it firsthand. First Impressions The Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut catches the eye with its unique branding. The label features an astronaut, shovel in hand and tobacco leaves protruding from his backpack—implying a cosmic adventure. This imaginative design sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting smoking journey. Composition This cigar boasts an Ecuadorian Connecticut seed shade-grown wrapper, a Mexican binder, and Nicaraguan fillers—an intriguing blend promising complexity and finesse. Upon first smell, the wrapper delights with aromas of caramel, milk chocolate, and creamy vanilla. The pre-light draw was great, heightening my anticipation. Flavor Profile The initial puffs are bol...

 Canadian winters are notoriously harsh, creating quite the conundrum for cigar aficionados who struggle to find a cozy corner for a smoke. Those fleeting moments in a warm car amidst the slow crawl of Toronto traffic often become a quick escape for a puff. Understanding this plight, I've found a splendid solution recommended by the experts at Smoke Masters Cigar, who seem to never miss a mark with their suggestions. Let me introduce you to the La Espada Chico—a superb choice for those chilly days. A Quick Look at La Espada Chico Size: 4x30 This isn't your average purito; it’s a tad larger, providing a full cigar experience without the hefty price tag. Retailing for about $5, the La Espada Chico offers the luxury of a premium cigar that’s both accessible and brief—perfect for those short windows of relaxation. Composition and Quality La Espada Chico is hand-rolled, featuring a long filler and boasting a mild to medium-bodied profile. It’s enveloped in an Ecuador Habano wrapper,...

La Casa Connecticut Churchill: A Premium Experience Without the Premium Price When my friend got married, it was the perfect occasion to celebrate with a great cigar. On the recommendation of a friend, we stopped by La Casa De Fuma , where we were welcomed by one of the nicest gentlemen in the business. He pointed us toward the La Casa Connecticut Churchill , a premium hand-rolled Nicaraguan cigar. We grabbed a few for the groomsmen; let me tell you, they were the highlight of the day’s celebrations. So much so that I returned to pick up more for myself. What Makes the La Casa Connecticut Churchill Special? The La Casa Connecticut Churchill is crafted with Nicaraguan filler and binder , wrapped in an elegant Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper . At first glance, this cigar radiates sophistication. The band is sleek and polished, and the addition of a gold ribbon gives it an elevated touch. What really caught my eye was the wrapper. At this price point, you might expect imperfections—stretc...

 Recently, while browsing Cigars Daily , I stumbled upon the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne Robusto . The price caught my eye—it seemed like a steal compared to what’s offered locally here in Toronto. Unfortunately, in my eagerness, I overlooked the hefty duties that inevitably came my way. What I thought was a great deal turned out to be nearly the same price as buying locally, around $25 a stick. Lesson learned! Still, the allure of trying a 10th-anniversary cigar and indulging in a Connecticut wrapper had me excited. I assumed it might be a limited-run item (another rookie mistake). After finally lighting up one of the four cigars I ordered, I was left with a mix of admiration and disappointment. First Impressions When pulling the cigar from its champagne-hued cellophane, I was struck by its visual elegance. The band is nothing short of stunning, exuding luxury and refinement. Its sparkling yellow-gold design, accented with pearlescent tones and contrasted by a bold black s...

  In the world of cigars, some moments carve a special place in our hearts, and for me, one such moment was rediscovering the Partagas Serie P No.2 —a gem that solidified my love for Cuban craftsmanship. Back in 2014, just when my curiosity about cigars began to blossom, my mother planned a trip to Cuba. Armed with a recommendation to visit La Casa del Habano in Havana, she returned with a box of these exquisite cigars. The price tag of $450 USD, yes, you read the correctly. Last night, years after my first encounter, I revisited this old favourite and fell in love all over again. The Partagas Serie P No.2 is not just a cigar; it's an embodiment of elegance and a benchmark of quality. Design and Construction The torpedo shape of the Partagas Serie P No.2 is flawlessly crafted. It features a semi-oily wrapper that’s smooth and firm under your fingers, with a rich, reddish-brown hue that invites you in. The iconic red and gold band around the cigar speaks volumes about its pedigree...

  As someone with a deep connection to Brazil—my father was born there—I've always been drawn to things that reflect its vibrant culture and spirit. My discovery of the CAO Brazilia Gol cigar was no exception. Walking into a cigar shop, the striking band of the CAO Brazilia Gol immediately caught my eye, exuding an unmistakable allure that screamed, "This is something special!" A Brazilian Touch with Nicaraguan Craftsmanship The CAO Brazilia Gol is not your typical cigar. It sports a gorgeous Brazilian wrapper, oily and dark, with a muscular presence fitting its 56 ring gauge. This maduro wrapper, reminiscent of being dipped in 5W-30 motor oil, gives the cigar a slower burn and a rich, flavorful smoke. The Build The craftsmanship is evident from head to foot—firm, consistent, and beautifully constructed. While it’s common for such an oily wrapper to cause uneven burning due to the oil build-up, a little attention during the smoke ensures a spectacular experience. Rotating...

  Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Review: A Nostalgic Journey in Every Draw Sometimes, a cigar isn’t just about flavor—it’s about the story behind it. For me, the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Robusto holds a special significance as I was born in 1990. Choosing it felt like a natural tribute to that milestone, and thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. First Impressions The first thing you notice is the elegant presentation. Wrapped in a dark, oily Honduran Maduro leaf, the cigar feels luxurious yet inviting. The double band—a hallmark of Rocky Patel’s Vintage series—adds a touch of class without being overly ostentatious. Bringing it to my nose, the aroma of dry tobacco leaves is subtle and grounding, hinting at the sophistication within. Lighting Up: A Flavorful Start The initial draws immediately caught me off guard in the best way possible. Unexpected yet delightful, notes of mint and licorice danced across my palate—a refreshing and unusual opening for a cigar. As I continued, the flavors dee...

  La Espada Toro: A Smoke to Remember When the gents at Smoke Master Cigars recommended La Espada—Spanish for "The Sword"—I was immediately intrigued. The name itself evokes a sense of elegance and precision, and this premium, hand-rolled cigar lives up to its title. Promising a mild to medium-bodied experience, it comes wrapped in a flawlessly even Ecuador Habano leaf, a medium-brown beauty that’s as inviting as it is impressive. First Impressions: Aroma and Cold Draw The aroma at the foot is unique, to say the least. It has an unexpected yet familiar scent that brought to mind the pre-baked dough of Cheerios. Comforting and slightly nostalgic, it set the tone for the experience to come. The cold draw was equally impressive, striking a perfect balance—neither too tight nor overly loose. Initially, there was a slightly oily texture that soon gave way to a diverse array of flavors, setting the stage for an intriguing journey. The Smoking Experience La Espada’s complexity is wh...