Welcome to the
inaugural edition of The Cheap Cigar. This column is a new monthly
feature here at CigarLife. Each month I will review 5 or more hand
rolled or machine made cigars that I have sampled. The cigars sampled here
are in the US$2.50 and under range of cigars. I will do my best to avoid
the ambiguous and vague wording found in most of the other reviews of cigars.
The Cigars Tested This Month.
The Machine Made Cigars:
Garcia y Vega (GyV): 100 Crystals
Dutch Masters: Grand Corona
Antonio y Cleopatra (AyC): Presidente
The Hand Rolled Cigars:
The Repeater #200
Cheve’re Port Antonio
Rosa Cuba: Ortiz y Laboy
The Machine Made Cigars.
Garcia y Vega (GyV): 100 Crystals
Size: 6.375x34
Wrapper: Natural
Cost: Box 15/ US$13.00
The construction of these cigars was what you expect from a machine made
cigar. The wrappers all had a couple small folds or wrinkles in them. The
wrappers themselves each had a couple rather large veins in them. Overall
the construction was consistently mediocre. The smoke from these cigars
was very mild but flavorful, a kind of sweet taste that lingered on the
lips and tongue. These are a great anytime of the day smoke, light enough
for an empty stomach and sweetness that goes good with a cup of coffee
after a meal. The only gripe I have about these is the packaging. The cost/value
rating of this cigar is good. It had better flavor and overall higher enjoyment
potential than some hand rolled cigars I've smoked. Recommended for anyone,
highly recommended to new smokers or anyone who prefers a light cigar.
Dutch Masters: Corona Deluxe
Size: 5.5x40
Wrapper: Maduro
Price: US$.49ea/$1.96 for a four pack.
The construction of these cigars had the consistency you expect from a
machine made cigar. All were of equal quality, perhaps a bit more aesthetic
appeal than its peers. This cigar had a beautiful Maduro wrapper. Unfortunately
it burned uneven. The aroma wasn't particularly pleasing. I found it lacking
in the flavor department as well. The cost/value rating on this cigar is
fair. At less than $.50 a cigar it is an acceptable cigar. I could recommend
this cigar to those who prefer an extremely mild cigar with a clear conscience.
Antonio y Cleopatra (AyC): Presidente
Size: 5.5x40
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Natural
Cost: Box of 20/ US$9.00
The construction of these cigars was fair across the entire sample group.
There were no significant construction defects, though all of the wrappers
were very veiny and each had at least one fold in them. These cigars burned
a bit unevenly, which I'm beginning to think is a common trait among short
filler cigars. These cigars produced a tight ash for a short filler machine
made. It easily produced a 1" ash with no hint of dropping off. The smoke
was slightly harsh on the tongue, but not overly unpleasant. This is a
medium-strong flavored cigar that didn't have a lot of complexity but was
consistent. The cost/value rating of this cigar is good. So far this cigar
tops my "Ultra Cheap List". Think about it. For the price of 1 "ultra premium"
hand made you can smoke one a day for an entire month.
The Hand Made Smokes.
The Repeater: #200
Size: 6x43
Origin: Nicaragua
Cost: US$1.65ea.
Construction on these smokes was average. I had one plugged and a couple
that burned unevenly out of the sample group. The flavor of these cigars
was rather spicy with a medium to high strength. It is a little harsh on
the tongue but that might improve with a bit of age. Ill be throwing a
bunch of these into the cooler-a-dor and revisit this cigar in about six
months. The volume of smoke from these guys was incredible. Half way through
this cigar I had "fogged" in the lower level of my apartment. I don't think
I'd recommend this cigar to a new smoker, but someone who likes a more
powerful smoke would probably enjoy it. The cost/value rating of this cigar
is good. It is one of the cheapest hand rolled cigars I've found. If your
one of those who turn your nose up at anything mass produced you should
give it a try. Recommended for anyone who likes a spicy or strong smoke,
especially those of you looking for an inexpensive everyday cigar
Cheve’re: Port Antonio
Size: 5.5x42
Origin: Jamaica
Wrapper: Natural
Cost: US$1.00
Construction of these cigars was consistently good. Nice looking wrapper,
no hard spots or holes and for once a decent cap on an inexpensive handmade
cigar. The flavor was excellent. Sort of a smooth woody flavor on the tongue
that was very pleasant. It finished a little bitter but that is probably
because I smoked them all until my fingers blistered. It didn't bother
me a bit. I like a spicy finish to a cigar. The taste seems to stick with
me longer. It was of medium strength and produced a nice volume of wonderful
smoke. The aroma of these was excellent, my wife even comment on this.
The cost/value rating on this is high. It costs a bit more than I would
like to spend on an everyday cigar but boy is it worth it. Definitely the
best value of the month. Highly recommended for any cigar smoker. I would
call this the Low Rent Macanudo.
Rosa Cuba: Ortiz y Laboy
Size: 6.5x52
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Natural
Cost: US$1.50ea
Construction of these is on the inconsistent side, approximately 20% plug
rate. The flavor is in the medium-mild range for strength. The flavor of
the smoke is really quite nice for a cigar in this price range. A bit simple
and mellow for my tastes, but certainly is a winner for a relaxing smoke
after work when the entire goal is to sit in a dimly lit room and blow
smoke rings for an hour or so. These cigars burned well for the most part.
One or two of them had an uneven burn but that may have been operator error
from lighting or clipping a bit carelessly. The cost/value rating on this
cigar is good. These are bundles of seconds so expect some lemons. You
can afford the lemons at this price (by the way, you can find them under
a dollar by the bundle by mail order). I recommend this one for anybody
looking for an inexpensive mild-medium strength everyday cigar who won't
be too upset by the lemon rate.
