Where do I begin with this review? J.C. Newman is an incredible company, with a rich history, and they're full of great people. Bobby, Drew, Eric, and the employees (shout-out Gene), really pour their passion into this business, and give back to the communities they work in, in extraordinary ways.
The cigars in this collection speak volumes to perfected craft the Newman's and workers in El Reloj are practicing. My favorite cigar in the collection, The American, is 100% American made, from the tobaccos being fired in PA, CT, and FL, to the boxes, bands, and cellophane, it's all made right here in the states. When you light this cigar, you're going to be greeted with notes of chocolate, caramel, leather, cedar, and black pepper; it's like smoking a milky way with the perfect hint of black pepper on a well seasoned steak on the finish.
The Angel Cuesta Shade is a beast of its own, it's a very flavorful, medium bodied Nicaraguan Shade wrapped cigar. If you have ever smoked an Atabey (my previous favorite shade), Bandolero Premium, or Joya Antano CT, this cigar blows them all out of the water. The cold draw is perfectly balanced with cream, hay and floral notes, which translates right into a creamy smoke which leaves a really nice oil slick feeling on the tongue, allowing those flavors to linger in between puffs. This is hands down one of the best cigars I have ever smoked. This is a must try!
The Angel Cuesta Rosado was a great smoke as well, medium bodied, creamy, a little white pepper, strawberry fig and cedar dominated my plate as well while smoking.
The Tampa Smoker pays home age to Tampa rich connection to baseball. I have only smoked one out of the 2, and my experience with the first one wasn't how I expected it to go. The one I smoked from my collection was packed densely in the middle which led to a tight draw, and my wrapper was cracked under the bands, eventually causing it to unravel when my burn line got to the split. I did not enjoy the flavor, but, I was having to take long hard draws, hearing the tobacco, so I believe it's unfair to judge it until I smoke the second one.
I have not gotten to the Leroy Neiman yet, however the blend is the same, the vitola changes every year, so I have high hopes that this years vitola will be just as good if not better than previous years releases. It's very well constructed, and the art on the bands is beautiful.
The construction on all cigars have been phenomenal, with the exception of the one Tampa Smoker. The ones I've smoked and enjoyed have had the perfect draw, perfect burn, perfect everything. Even the presentation of this specific "America 250th" is beautiful. You can't go wrong with this collection, try all of the offerings from El Reloj premium rolling floor, I promise you you'll find one you like.
Great selection of the finest cigars and an exceptional environment to smoke and converse with other individuals that enjoy relaxing conversation.
Invited a friend over to experience our first Pledge Purple together. I chose to v-cut my stick and he punched his. Upon lighting we knew we were in for something special. Lots of smoke, as the draw was fairly loose, but full of flavor. I like to retrohale, and the aromatics for this blend are incredible. That said, my stick almost immediately started to run on one side. Shortly thereafter, my friend experienced the same thing. Both sticks required several corrections in the first third. However, by the second third, the stick resembled with I've come to appreciate about Casa Carrillo (EPC) cigars. I've since bought a box of these and will let them sit in the hopes that time will make a difference.
What a treat! I look forward to this cigar each year. Incredibly rich flavor. Worthy of the Adventura name!
My go to daily smoke. Rich, complex smoke that can be an all-day, any-time-of-the-day smoke
This is one of the best cigars to come out recently. Complex, flavorful, absolute gem of a cigar.
This cigar has become a favorite. It's a very smooth box press with an even burn better than any other cigar I'm smoked, even in wind. If you're looking for something to smoke that is excellent quality but that doesn't leave you with that "afterburner taste and feeling" this is a cigar worth you trying. One caveat... it's a very delicate cigar with a very thin wrapper. They have to be handled carefully and kept at 68% - 70% humidity (at least that's my experience). I've found the lower the humidity the easier it is to see the wrapper tear or peel away from the binder. I have had to have one box returned but that was after 4-5 maybe more boxes.
Creaminess carries through consistently, making it forgiving and enjoyable without overwhelming spice, pepper, or harshness that can turn off newcomers. It still though has some heft and depth that is appreciated by more veteran cigar enthusiasts.
I am one that has not gotten to a strong cigar. I find these with a medium strength and a bold flavor. Just perfect for an evening smoke or for a nice drive in the country.
If you don’t have time to smoke a Churchill, the Hush Money cigar gives a lot of pleasure for an attractive price. Medium strength and good construction and burns well, giving 20 to 30 minutes of pleasure and relaxation!
If you’re new to cigars, the Padrón Thousand Series Maduro is a very approachable place to start. Padrón has a reputation for consistency, and this cigar shows why. It lights easily, burns evenly, and has a smooth draw, which makes the overall experience pretty relaxed. The flavor profile leans toward leather, nuts, and a mild earthy sweetness without being overwhelming. The ring gauge is on the larger side, which some beginners may actually enjoy because the smoke tends to feel cooler and slower. While experienced smokers may prefer smaller sizes for stronger flavor, this cigar is an easygoing, well-made introduction to the Padrón line
Really good cigar. The perfect strength for any time of the day. The price point is awesome. Smoke away!
Awesome smoke that starts with a savory cream/coffee/nuts profile, transitions sneakily to forest aromas of cedar and fall leaves, then RETURNS to cafe latte with peanuts by the nub. Amazing. Perfectly balanced with faint spice/pepper. Can tell a lot of work and love went into this!
Renegade has outdone themselves again with another great cigar! Benjamin back at his birthplace!
Fantastic flavor. Unbelievable value. Worth 4X the price.
Outstanding smoke. Longtime favorite. Medium+ strength, good complexity of flavors. Definite standard bearer in my rotation.
My favorite cigar. Always in stock great staff. My spot to go chill with me, myself & I. And also habe good conversation with good people..
Padron never disappoints. This is a great cigar and wholeheartedly recommend. Great flavor.
I've been a Davidoff fan for years, and Davidoff was all I smoked. Recently, a friend of mine recommended that I try the Oliva Serie V Melanio. I was blown away. The construction is amazing. No runs even in mild wind, even burn, and extremely smooth. I'm not swearing off my Davidoff's but if I'm in the mood for a smooth smoke the Oliva is my choice. I smoke the 6" and I believe it would be considered a torpedo box press. My only wish is that it smoked longer. I don't know if there is a longer (length) version.
Bold Maduro flavor with solid construction. I always go to this one for long, smoke-filled reflection.
An excellent mild/medium cigar. Has more flavor than the Davidoff 2000, but the 2000 has a better draw.
Excellent short smoke (25 minute) mild cigar. The draw, burn, and construction was perfect.