Category: Cigar Reviews

Today, we review the Umbagog Bronzeback Robusto by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. Bronzeback is an extension of the Umbagog line. The story with Umbagog goes back to the production of Mi Querida. During the quality control process, Master Ligador Steve Saka felt that some of the Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers he used were not aesthetically up to Mi Querida’s standards. While the wrapper wasn’t as pretty as Saka would like, the

This week on Smoke Night LIVE, we welcome Fouad Kashouty, the founder of Hiram & Solomon Cigars. What began as a fundraising idea within the Freemason community has grown into an internationally distributed cigar brand with a focus on fellowship, tradition, and charitable giving. We’ll talk with Fouad about the origins of Hiram & Solomon, the company’s journey over the past decade, and what the future holds for the brand.

Prime Time Jukebox Episode 189 highlights Music for the Fourth of July. For this year, it is special as it is the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Dave and Coop present songs where each has a them tied in with America or the United States from a historical or cultural standpoint. Dave smokes the Drew Estate Kentucky Fire Cured Chunky while Coop smokes the United Firecracker Maduro. Tune in

Sarzedas Toro by J.C. Newman Cigar Company Today, we are reviewing the Toro-sized Sarzedas from J.C. Newman Cigar Company. J.C. Newman takes great pride in its history, which includes several brands developed over the years. One of these brands is Sarzedas. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Sarzedas dates back to 1900, when it was originally marketed as The Aromatic Cigar. Although the brand eventually became dormant, J.C.

On Prime Time Special Edition 192, we are honored to welcome the one and only Rocky Patel – making his first appearance on a Cigar Coop show. This promises to be an entertaining show. Rocky has over three decades in this business and to compress it one show will be difficult, but there is plenty to talk about with Rocky past and present. Plus we will have our Artesano de

Following its introduction at the 2026 PCA Trade Show, El Mago Cigars has begun shipping The James Avenue, a new addition to the company’s regular production lineup. The James Avenue is offered in four blends, each produced in a 6″ x 54 box-pressed toro format. Smokers can choose from Connecticut, Habano, Maduro, and Sumatra versions, with each blend featuring Nicaraguan filler tobacco. The Connecticut and Habano use Nicaraguan binders, while

La Flor Dominicana Suave Grand Maduro No 5 Today, we review the La Flor Dominicana Suave Grand Maduro No 5 (Toro size). Back in 1994, when Litto and Ines Gomez entered the cigar business, they introduced a Dominican cigar with a Connecticut Shade wrapper called Premium. That line would eventually be renamed Suave, a core line in the LFD portfolio. The Suave line would also be extended to include a

Plasencia Cigars has announced that Rodrigo Mendina Mendieta will be its first global ambassador. His role will be to work closely with retailers, distributors, media, and consumers worldwide, helping to further elevate awareness of the Plasencia story. Mendina was raised in Nicaragua and has worked with Plasencia for some time, playing a key role in its international growth, helping to strengthen the brand’s presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and other

Plasencia Cigars has announced the appointment of Rodrigo Medina Mendieta as the company’s first Global Brand Ambassador, a newly created position following nearly 11 years with the brand. According to the company, Medina Mendieta has been involved in expanding Plasencia’s presence in international markets, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In the new role, he will represent the brand globally while working with retailers, distributors, media, and consumers. A