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Reviewed by Michael Z Amar was created in the aftermath of the March 31, 2025 fire at AJ Fernandez’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, a blaze that destroyed millions of finished cigars. Rather than simply focusing on the loss, AJ Fernandez created Amar as an expression of gratitude to the employees, friends, customers, and members of the cigar community who supported the company following the fire. Even the name carries some meaning. “Amar” means “to love” in Spanish, while the branding also pays tribute to AJ Fernandez’s Lebanese heritage. It’s a cigar born from a difficult moment, but its story is really about gratitude, resilience, and moving forward. Cigar Details Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: San Lotano Factory, Ocotál, Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua Vitola: Toro, 6 x 56 MSRP: $11.00 per cigar / $220 per box of 20 Number of Cigars Smoked for Review: 2 Appearance The Amar has a beautiful milk-chocolate-colored wrapper and feels substantial and well made in the hand. The purple-and-gold main band immediately catches your eye, while the gold foot band adds another nice touch to the presentation. Inside the foot band are the words, “AJ The Gold Standard in Premium Cigars.” The main band carries an even more meaningful message: “Gracias por tu Apoyo con Amor,” which translates to “Thank you for your support with love.” Considering the story behind Amar, I think that small detail adds something special to the cigar before you even light it. Cold Draw The cold draw actually made me question my palate for a second. I was picking up distinct notes of fresh bread and dry hay. They weren't flavors I necessarily expected going into an AJ Fernandez Nicaraguan puro, but those bread notes would become much more important once the cigar got underway. First Third This is where Amar immediately surprised me. During my first cigar, I picked up a pleasant sweetness along with baking spices and some white pepper. On my second cigar, however, one flavor jumped out at me almost immediately: salted pretzel. That pretzel character tied perfectly into the bread notes I experienced on the cold draw. There was a combination of toasted bread, salt, subtle sweetness, baking spice, and just enough white pepper to keep everything lively. It made for an excellent opening third. This cigar starts out like a banger. Second Third During my second cigar, the burn started to get a little wonky, but I resisted touching it up and I'm glad I did. It corrected itself without any help. Flavor-wise, the Amar continued to develop. There was still some of that salted pretzel character hanging around, but now I began picking up sweetness and citrus, giving the cigar a brighter dimension. This was also the point where something became very clear: Amar doesn't smoke like the AJ Fernandez cigar I was expecting. Those looking for an aggressive, pepper-heavy Nicaraguan powerhouse might actually be surprised by this one. Amar is much more refined. The profile is creamy, balanced, and approachable, with enough complexity to keep things interesting without beating up your palate. And that's exactly what I enjoyed about it. Final Third The transition into the final third was easy to recognize. The sweetness began fading into the background as more traditional flavors of earth and leather moved forward. The pepper also changed gears, with black pepper becoming much more noticeable on the retrohale. It gave the cigar a stronger, darker finish than the first two thirds. I didn't mind the change at all. In fact, I thought it worked. The cigar begins with these unexpected bread, pretzel, sweetness, and baking-spice flavors, then finishes with the earth, leather, and pepper you might have expected from an AJ Fernandez Nicaraguan puro in the first place. It closes the experience with some energy. Final Thoughts The biggest compliment I can give Amar is that it wasn't the cigar I expected it to be. And that's exactly why I enjoyed it so much. AJ Fernandez has built a reputation around some bold and unmistakably Nicaraguan cigars, so I went into Amar expecting something considerably heavier. Instead, I found a cigar that was creamy, balanced, flavorful, and surprisingly nuanced. The salted pretzel note in particular separated Amar from a lot of cigars I've smoked recently. Add the sweetness, baking spice, citrus, earth, leather, and evolving pepper, and there was enough movement throughout the cigar to keep me interested from beginning to end. At an $11 MSRP, I also think Amar offers very good value. If you're buying this expecting the typical powerhouse AJ Fernandez experience, you may be caught off guard. My suggestion is to forget those expectations before you light it. Pick up Amar because you want to see a different side of AJ Fernandez. For me, that's what makes this cigar memorable. It doesn't need to overpower you to get your attention. Amar takes a more refined route, gives you a few unexpected flavors along the way, and still manages to finish with enough strength and character to remind you whose cigar you're smoking. After smoking two of them, I'd absolutely reach for another. Final Score Construction: 9.2/10 Burn: 8.8/10 Draw: 9.0/10 Flavor: 9.4/10 Complexity: 9.1/10 Overall Score: 9.1/10 Would I buy this cigar again? Absolutely. At $11, this is one I'd not only smoke again, but I'd be comfortable keeping several in the humidor.

Vitola: Toro (6 x 52) Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic Factory: Rojas Cigar Factory, Nicaragua Strength: Mild to Medium ChiTown Cigar Podcast Score: 9.0 / 10 At 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, the Rojas Quiet Morning seemed like the perfect cigar to reach for. The temperature was cool following some overnight rain, the neighborhood was quiet, and about the only thing breaking the silence was the sound of birds chirping. If there was ever a setting built for a cigar called Quiet Morning, this was it. The 6 x 52 Toro is a very attractive cigar with a clean appearance and a comfortable feel in the hand. It features a semi-closed foot, which personally is not something I am a huge fan of, but that is simply a preference and certainly nothing I would hold against the cigar. The cold draw immediately caught my attention. There was a noticeable sweetness that reminded me of cake, giving me an early indication that this might be a little more interesting than the typical Connecticut-wrapped morning cigar. First Third Right from the start, the Quiet Morning was smooth and creamy. That cake sweetness from the cold draw carried directly into the first third, and I would describe it specifically as yellow cake. Along with that sweetness came notes of baking spices, cedar and hay, with a touch of white pepper adding just enough spice without becoming aggressive. I also picked up a light citrus note, which added another layer to the profile and helped keep the cigar interesting. There were some minor burn issues early on, with the cigar beginning to burn unevenly. A quick touch-up corrected the problem and it settled back into a good burn. As the morning continued, this cigar was really starting to impress me. Everything about the flavor profile seemed perfectly suited for that first cigar of the day. Second Third The transition into the second third was noticeable, and that is something I always appreciate in a cigar. Much to my surprise, I began picking up a distinct graham cracker note. The yellow cake sweetness remained, accompanied by the same creamy texture from the first third. Cedar continued in the background while some red pepper slowly began creeping into the profile. One of the things I particularly enjoyed about the Quiet Morning was how clearly it announced its transitions. Some cigars change so gradually that it can be difficult to determine exactly when one third ends and another begins. This cigar seemed to paint a much clearer picture. The flavors shifted enough that you knew you had moved into the next stage of the experience without completely abandoning what made the previous third enjoyable. Final Third Construction remained solid heading into the final third. The cigar was burning well, and the grayish ash held nicely. The creaminess continued to anchor the profile, but the cigar began developing some additional earthiness. Cedar once again remained present, while the red pepper from the second third continued into the final portion of the cigar. Even with the increase in pepper, the retrohale remained smooth and never became harsh. The Quiet Morning maintained its balance all the way through the finish. Final Thoughts The Rojas Quiet Morning was a very enjoyable cigar, and in this case, the name could not have been more appropriate. This is exactly the type of cigar I could see reaching for early in the day with a cup of coffee. It delivers enough sweetness, creaminess and complexity to keep your attention without overwhelming the palate first thing in the morning. The yellow cake, graham cracker, cedar, baking spice and creamy notes made this much more interesting than a traditional mild Connecticut cigar, while the subtle pepper and citrus added enough contrast to keep the profile balanced. I would highly recommend the Rojas Quiet Morning to anyone looking for a mild-to-medium strength cigar that still delivers plenty of flavor. Final Score Construction: 9.2/10 Burn: 8.8/10 Draw: 9.0/10 Flavor: 9.0/10 Complexity: 9.0/10 Overall Score: 9.0 / 10 Would I smoke it again? Absolutely. This feels like a cigar made for the morning, especially alongside a good cup of coffee. It has enough flavor and complexity to satisfy an experienced cigar smoker, but its smooth profile and mild-to-medium strength also make it a very approachable choice for someone newer to premium cigars. It is balanced, easygoing and flavorful without being overwhelming, which makes it the kind of cigar I could see reaching for again whenever I want to start the day on the right note. Reviewed by: Michael Z August 22, 2026 *** All cigars reviewed and scored by ChiTown Cigar Podcast are purchased by us. Cigars provided for promotional purposes or for smoking during live broadcasts are not included in our official reviews.

Reviewed By: Marty C. Date: August 15th, 2026 Cigar Specifications Manufacturer: Oettinger Davidoff AG Factory / Origin: Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A. Vitola / Size: Toro (6" x 50) Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Honduras Filler: Honduras (Jamastrán and Copán regions) MSRP: ~$8.00 Visuals & Construction A silky smooth, oily, natural Ecuadorian wrapper with minimal veins. The band is bright red with the prominent, large script Zino "Z". The cap held up perfectly to a straight cut, and pre-light draw showed zero resistance issues. The Smoking Experience First Third: Creamy smoke upfront with white pepper and bright orange citrus notes reminiscent of an orange cream soda. Second Third: The pepper mellows, replaced by cedar, roasted nuts, damp earth, and warm baking spices that meld smoothly with the lingering creamy citrus. Final Third: A noticeable ramp in strength and depth, bringing forward dark espresso, leather, and rich dark cocoa through the finish. Burn & Construction Overview Burn Line: Razor-sharp and consistent, requiring no touch-ups. Draw & Smoke Output: Smooth with ideal resistance and abundant smoke production. Ash: Solid light-gray ash held on firmly in 1–1.5 inch increments. Total Burn Time: 90 minutes Final Verdict Strength: Medium+ Body: Medium Suggested Beverage Pairing: Cream soda, bourbon barrel-aged stout, or an iced latte. Purchase Recommendation: Fresh Pack (4-Pack) / 5-Pack Summary Orange Creamsicle is always a favorite for me and this cigar had those notes. The underlying sweetness was balanced nicely with the subtle white pepper. I think the Honduran-centric blend—utilizing Jamastrán for punch and mineral earth alongside Copán for sweetness and aromatic cedar—delivered a well-rounded, flavorful profile. The Ecuadorian wrapper did some heavy lifting here, expertly smoothing out the rustic, heavier edges of the core Honduran tobaccos without muting their character. An impressive, accessible everyday smoke at the $8 mark. I recommend enjoying this as a mid-day smoke or as an after-dinner evening dessert. Final Score: 89 / 100

Vitola: Gordo (6 x 60) Factory: AJ Fernandez Factory — Estelí, Nicaragua Smoke Time: Approximately 100 minutes Cigars Smoked: 2 ChiTown Cigar Podcast Score: 9.5 / 10 First Impressions The Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro is the newest release from Matt Booth, featuring a dark, chocolate-brown wrapper and an eye-catching gold band. The contrast between the band and the dark wrapper gives the cigar a sharp appearance and the artwork is almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Construction was excellent. There were a few visible veins along the wrapper.. Despite smoking the large 6 x 60 Gordo, the cigar never felt overly bulky. It rested comfortably in the hand and had a surprisingly balanced feel. The cold draw was pleasant, offering a subtle hint of cedar before lighting. First Third The opening immediately grabbed my attention with a flavor that reminded me of milk-chocolate-covered peanuts. That combination of creamy chocolate, nuttiness, and sweetness was joined by a pleasant coffee note. Simply put, I loved the way this cigar started. The retrohale had a touch of white pepper, but it was never overpowering. Smoke production was generous, and the cigar produced a white ash that held impressively well, at least until I swatted at a fly and dropped it directly into my lap. That one was on me, not the cigar. Second Third A noticeable transition developed as the cigar moved into its second third. Cedar began to push forward while the sweeter milk chocolate notes shifted toward darker chocolate and espresso. It was an excellent transition that gave the cigar more depth and maintained the enjoyable flavor notes established in the opening third. The burn line remained sharp and even, requiring no touch-ups. The white pepper increased slightly on the retrohale, but it remained balanced and never overwhelmed or burned my senses. Matt Booth described the evolution of Johnny Tobacconaut by saying: “Time brings lessons nothing else can teach—and in time we have evolved our beloved Johnny Tobacconaut into a sensational maduro variant.” With the cigar being produced at the AJ Fernandez factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, the quality of the construction and smoking experience came as no surprise. Final Third Just when it seemed that Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro had already delivered everything I could ask for, the final third introduced another enjoyable transition. A savory, meaty quality developed that reminded me of a well-seared steak. Leather and espresso accompanied it, creating a rich and satisfying finish. The cigar continued to burn evenly without requiring a single touch-up. It also smoked slowly, which is exactly what I want from a cigar providing this much flavor. At approximately 100 minutes, it offered plenty of time to enjoy each transition. Even the “Fun-Sized One” had no complaints about the smoke or aroma, which is always a major plus. Nice job, Matt. Final Thoughts The Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro Gordo delivered an outstanding smoking experience across both cigars sampled. It combined excellent construction and a trouble-free burn with a flavor profile that evolved throughout the smoke. It began with milk chocolate, peanuts, and coffee before transitioning into cedar, dark chocolate, and espresso. The final third brought a savory combination of steak, leather, and espresso that gave the cigar a memorable finish. The playful band may grab your attention first, but the cigar underneath it is what will bring you back. Final Score Construction: 9.8 / 10 Burn: 9.5 / 10 Draw: 9.4 / 10 Flavor: 9.5 / 10 Complexity: 9.3 / 10 Overall Score: 9.5 / 10 Would I Smoke It Again? Absolutely. This was a fantastic cigar and an excellent overall smoking experience. It offered rich flavors, clear transitions, tremendous construction, and nearly 100 minutes of enjoyment. I will definitely be seeking this one out again.

Vitola: Robusto (5 x 50) Factory: My Father Cigars S.A., Estelí, Nicaragua Smoke Time: Approximately 75 minutes Cigars Smoked: 2 ChiTown Cigar Podcast Score: 9.0 / 10 First Impressions Some cigars arrive with so much anticipation that expectations become almost impossible to meet. That was certainly the case with the Crowned Heads Moonflower. My box is still on backorder, so rather than wait, I tracked down a couple of singles for review. Before lighting the first one, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. Several fellow cigar enthusiasts whose opinions I respect had already smoked the Moonflower, and the feedback wasn't particularly glowing. That's exactly why we smoke two cigars for every official ChiTown Cigar Podcast review. The second cigar confirmed what the first had already begun to tell me. Sometimes the cigar speaks louder than the opinions. Construction immediately stood out. The chocolate-brown wrapper had a refined appearance with only a few small veins, and the cigar felt perfectly packed in the hand. The light blue and white band gives the Moonflower an elegant presentation, while the updated Crowned Heads logo immediately catches your eye. Throughout both smoking experiences, I found the Moonflower to be a medium-intensity cigar. It never relied on strength to make an impression. Instead, it allowed balance, construction, and subtle flavor transitions to tell its story. Cold Draw Before lighting, the cold draw offered inviting notes of leather and cocoa with just a touch of natural sweetness. Everything suggested this cigar was going to focus on balance rather than boldness. First Third From the opening draws, the Moonflower exceeded my expectations. Creaminess led the profile, accompanied by delicate floral notes that added a surprising level of elegance. Leather remained a constant throughout the first third while a subtle white pepper lingered quietly in the background without ever becoming overpowering. The retrohale was exceptionally smooth and quickly became one of my favorite parts of the smoking experience. Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jon Huber on the ChiTown Cigar Podcast. During our conversation, he described Moonflower as: "Moonflower is a celebration of partnership, tradition, and holds a deeply personal symbolic meaning to me, as well. We've poured everything into creating something truly special—a cigar that delivers complexity, balance, beauty, and that unmistakable 'wow' factor our supporters expect from Crowned Heads." Based on the opening third, I'd say he accomplished exactly what he set out to create. The burn remained razor sharp, producing thick smoke with no signs of waviness or uneven combustion. Second Third The transition into the second third was effortless. The creaminess and leather continued to define the profile while subtle chocolate notes slowly emerged, adding another layer of richness I had been hoping to find. What impressed me most was how composed the cigar remained. Nothing felt rushed. Nothing became overpowering. The retrohale stayed remarkably smooth with very little pepper, allowing the flavors to remain the focus. Construction continued to be outstanding. The draw remained effortless, smoke production stayed plentiful, and the burn line required absolutely no attention. Final Third The final third stayed true to everything that made the cigar enjoyable from the beginning. Creaminess and leather remained the foundation while a pleasant nuttiness developed later in the smoke. White pepper became slightly more noticeable on the retrohale, adding just enough spice to keep the finish interesting without disrupting the cigar's overall balance. Across both cigars, there were no touch-ups, no relights, and no burn issues whatsoever. Sometimes the best compliment you can give a cigar is that it simply lets you enjoy the experience without demanding your attention. The Moonflower did exactly that. Final Thoughts The Crowned Heads Moonflower surprised me in all the right ways. After hearing mixed opinions beforehand, I expected a good cigar. What I found was a cigar that consistently delivered excellent construction, flawless performance, and a flavor profile built around balance rather than intensity. Its creamy texture, leather, subtle chocolate, floral character, and gentle spice made it an easy cigar to sit back and enjoy from first light to the final draw. One thing we've learned after reviewing dozens of cigars is that one smoking experience shouldn't always determine your opinion. What you've eaten, what you're drinking, the environment you're smoking in—even your mood—can all influence what you experience. That's one reason every official ChiTown Cigar Podcast review is based on cigars we've purchased ourselves, and whenever possible, we smoke multiple samples before reaching our conclusion. If your first Moonflower didn't quite live up to the hype, I'd encourage you to give it another chance. I did. And I'm glad I did. Final Score Construction: 9.5 / 10 Burn: 9.5 / 10 Draw: 9.2 / 10 Flavor: 9.0 / 10 Complexity: 9.0 / 10 Overall Score: 9.0 / 10 Would I Smoke It Again? Absolutely. The Crowned Heads Moonflower delivers exactly what many premium cigar smokers look for: exceptional construction, flawless performance, and a balanced flavor profile that remains enjoyable from beginning to end. Rather than relying on strength alone, it succeeds through consistency, smooth transitions, and refined complexity. It may not be the boldest cigar in the Crowned Heads portfolio, but that's precisely what makes it so approachable. It's a cigar I can easily see myself reaching for when I'm looking for a relaxing, well-balanced smoke. The Moonflower earns a 9.0 / 10 and is unquestionably box worthy.

Vitola: Gran Robusto (5½ x 52) Factory: Nicaragua Smoke Time: Approximately 70 minutes Cigars Smoked: 2 ChiTown Cigar Podcast Score: 9.1 / 10 First Impressions Some cigars deserve a second chance—not because the first one was disappointing, but because it was so good you want to make sure it wasn't just a great day or perfect conditions. That's exactly what happened with the Powstanie Sumatra Gran Robusto. After smoking the first one, I immediately knew I needed another. The second cigar confirmed everything I experienced the first time. Construction was excellent right out of the gate. The wrapper was smooth with a refined appearance, and the cigar had a solid feel in the hand. Before lighting, the cold draw offered light earthy notes that hinted at what was to come. Throughout both smoking experiences, I found this to be a medium-intensity cigar. It delivered plenty of flavor and complexity without becoming overpowering. The strength stayed balanced from beginning to end, allowing the transitions and nuanced flavors to take center stage rather than being overshadowed by nicotine or heavy pepper. First Third Both cigars received my usual straight cut, producing an effortless draw from the very first puff. Almost immediately, I was surprised by a flavor profile that reminded me of a warm apple crumble pie. Sweetness led the way, accompanied by distinct notes of cinnamon and nutmeg that gave the cigar a comforting, dessert-like quality without ever becoming overly sweet. Supporting those baking spice flavors were subtle hints of leather that added depth and balance. The retrohale was exceptionally smooth, delivering flavor without any harshness. Smoke production was outstanding, creating thick, satisfying clouds, while the aroma was pleasant enough that even my wife had no complaints sitting nearby. The burn line stayed razor sharp and perfectly even throughout the first third. Second Third As I entered the middle portion, the ash finally gave way after holding on impressively well. While I never judge a cigar solely by how long the ash stays attached, it certainly spoke to the quality of the construction. The transition into the second third was seamless. The nutmeg remained a prominent note while a gentle white pepper spice slowly entered the profile, adding just enough contrast without overpowering the cigar's natural sweetness. The second cigar was smoked outdoors during a typical Chicagoland summer day. Even with changing conditions, the Powstanie never required a touch-up or relight—another testament to its excellent construction. Final Third The final third delivered something I wasn't expecting. Instead of becoming heavier or simply increasing in pepper, the cigar developed noticeable stone fruit flavors. That's a profile I typically associate with the opening third of a cigar, not the finish, which made this transition both surprising and enjoyable. The retrohale picked up just a touch of black pepper, enough to remind you the cigar still had plenty of character, but it never overshadowed the fruit and spice that had carried the experience from the beginning. It was one of those rare moments where I found myself stopping between puffs just to think about what I was tasting. Final Thoughts The Powstanie Sumatra Gran Robusto was simply an outstanding cigar. It checked every box I look for: exceptional construction, flawless burn, excellent smoke production, and perhaps most importantly, a flavor profile that kept evolving from beginning to end. The baking spices in the first half and the unexpected stone fruit notes in the final third made this a memorable smoking experience. What impressed me most was how balanced the cigar remained. Its medium intensity allowed every transition to shine—from the warm baking spices to the unexpected stone fruit finish—without ever becoming overpowering. It's a cigar that's approachable enough for newer premium cigar smokers while offering enough complexity to keep experienced smokers engaged. In fact, I caught myself smoking it a little faster than I normally would—not because it was burning quickly, but because I was enjoying it so much. When I finish a cigar wishing there was another inch left, I know it has done something right. If you come across the Powstanie Sumatra Gran Robusto, don't hesitate to pick one up. Better yet, grab two. I did—and I'm glad I did. Final Score Construction: 9.5/10 Burn: 9.5/10 Draw: 9.3/10 Flavor: 9.0/10 Complexity: 9.0/10 Overall Score: 9.1 / 10 Would I smoke it again? Absolutely. This is the kind of cigar that reminds you why Powstanie has earned such a loyal following. It delivers complexity without demanding your attention, remains balanced throughout, and leaves you wishing the experience lasted just a little longer.

By Mike | ChiTown Cigar Podcast La Lealtad translates to "loyalty" or "allegiance," and longtime My Father fans should have no trouble staying loyal after smoking this cigar. Produced at the new My Father Cigars Honduras factory in El Paraíso, Honduras, La Lealtad represents another important step for the García family as they continue expanding beyond their legendary Estelí operation. This is only the second regular-production cigar to come out of the Honduran factory, following the release of My Father Blue. Appearance From the moment I picked it up, this looked and felt like a My Father cigar. The construction was excellent with a smooth, attractive wrapper and a well-shaped torpedo cap. It had a solid feel in the hand, giving off the quality you'd expect from the García family. The presentation is also impressive. The maroon primary band with the classic My Father logo stands out nicely, while the secondary band featuring "La Lealtad" in gold adds a classy touch. Of course, it also comes with a foot band. While I've never been a huge fan of foot bands, it's hardly enough to count as a negative. Cold Draw After my usual straight cut, the cold draw immediately reminded me of a rich cup of dark espresso. It was smooth and inviting, and it definitely raised my anticipation before lighting up. First Third After a thorough torching, the first few draws greeted me with one word: pepper. There is a significant amount of black pepper right out of the gate. If you're sensitive to pepper-heavy cigars, don't give up too quickly. Be patient. Alongside the pepper were notes of earth and the same espresso flavors I picked up on the cold draw. The retrohale carried much of that pepper intensity as well, creating a bold opening that demanded attention. Second Third As the cigar moved into the second third, it began to settle down nicely. The black pepper was still present but no longer dominated the experience. A pleasant creaminess emerged, accompanied by notes of roasted peanuts that added depth and balance. The burn became slightly uneven at this point, requiring a minor touch-up, but nothing that distracted from the overall smoking experience. Final Third This is where the cigar really won me over. The espresso notes returned and became more prominent, while maintaining excellent balance with the rest of the profile. The pepper took a back seat but never completely disappeared, remaining in the background to provide structure and complexity. I also picked up some earthy and mineral characteristics that complemented the coffee notes well. By this point, I found myself wishing the cigar would last a little longer. I smoked it down as far as I possibly could before finally letting it go. Overall Thoughts La Lealtad delivered exactly what I look for in a premium cigar: solid construction, noticeable flavor transitions, and an engaging smoking experience from start to finish. The cigar felt great in the hand and provided a pleasant mouthfeel throughout the smoke. I don't typically gravitate toward torpedoes, but it was the only vitola available at the lounge, making my decision easy. In the end, I'm glad it did. The construction was excellent, producing a clean white ash and requiring only one minor burn correction, which may have had more to do with my smoking pace than the cigar itself. For me, the highlight was the way the cigar evolved. It started bold and pepper-forward, gradually introduced creamy and nutty notes, and ultimately finished with balanced espresso, earth, and mineral flavors. Those transitions kept me engaged from beginning to end. If you're a fan of My Father's blending style and want to experience what the García family is producing from their new Honduran factory, La Lealtad is absolutely worth your time. Vitola : 6 ⅛ x 52 Time to Smoke : 105 minutes Overall score 91/100

When I heard that El Titan de Bronze was releasing its first cigar produced outside of Miami in the company's 31-year history, I was immediately intrigued. For decades, Sandy Cobas and her team have built a reputation for producing premium cigars in their Little Havana factory, so seeing the brand take a step into Nicaragua was a significant moment. The new El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua is being produced at Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A. (NACSA) in Estelí, Nicaragua. According to Cobas, the move represents both the company's heritage and its future, allowing the brand to expand while maintaining the quality standards that have defined El Titan de Bronze for more than three decades. For this review, I smoked the Toro, a 6 x 52 vitola featuring a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over a Mexican binder and all-Nicaraguan filler tobacco. Pre-Light The cigar immediately made a strong first impression. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper was dark, rich, and oily with very few visible veins. It looked every bit like a premium cigar should. As I brought it to my nose, I picked up notes of fresh hay along with a subtle natural sweetness. After giving it my usual straight cut, the cold draw revealed even more complexity. The hay notes remained present, but I also found touches of cinnamon and chocolate that hinted at what was to come once the cigar was lit. First Third From the first few draws, the cigar delivered a smooth and balanced profile. The hay note carried over from the cold draw, accompanied by creamy milk chocolate and a pleasant sweetness that lingered on the palate. Construction was excellent right out of the gate. The burn line remained straight, and the ash held firm with a bright white appearance. Through the retrohale, I found a smooth black pepper note that added just enough spice without overpowering the flavor profile. Second Third As the cigar entered the middle portion, the profile began to evolve. A nice nuttiness emerged alongside earthy undertones, giving the cigar additional depth. One flavor that stood out was a distinct bread-like note that added a comforting richness to the overall experience. The retrohale continued to impress. The black pepper remained present but stayed smooth and refined rather than aggressive. While the burn line became slightly uneven at one point, it never required any touch-ups and quickly corrected itself. Final Third The final third was where the cigar really turned up the intensity. The pepper on the retrohale moved to the forefront, creating a bolder experience while still maintaining balance. Rich coffee notes began to develop and paired beautifully with the earthy foundation that had been building throughout the smoke. The combination of coffee, earth, and spice created a satisfying finish that kept me engaged right down to the nub. By this point, I found myself wishing the cigar would last a little longer. Final Thoughts The El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua Toro was an excellent smoking experience from start to finish. It delivered a medium-to-full-bodied profile with plenty of complexity while maintaining exceptional construction throughout the entire smoke. What impressed me most was how well the flavors worked together. The transitions from sweet chocolate and hay to nuttiness, bread, coffee, earth, and pepper felt natural and deliberate. Nothing seemed forced or out of place. Beyond the blend itself, there is also the historical significance of this release. Being the first El Titan de Bronze cigar produced outside of Miami, expectations were high. In my opinion, this cigar lives up to those expectations and represents a successful new chapter for the brand. After an hour and twenty minutes of enjoyment, I finally had to put it down—and honestly, I didn't want it to end. Score: 94/100 Reviewed by Mike

We’re back with cigar reviews for 2026, and this time I’m smoking through the Drew Estate Undercrown El Tigre Dominicano—a release that immediately stood out to me for how it repositions the Undercrown line into a Dominican direction while still keeping that familiar Drew Estate DNA. This one first came onto my radar as one of the “Early Access” mystery cigars teased ahead of PCA 2026, and after lighting it up myself, I can say it’s not just marketing hype. There’s something intentional going on here. If you caught Episode 75 of the podcast with Javier Largaespada, you’ll know he actually had the honor of naming this cigar. Here’s that conversation for reference: Episode 75 Interview with Javier Largaespada First Third – Light Up & First Impressions The cold draw had me stumped, as I noted some sweetness and earthiness. Right after I toasted the El Tigre Dominicano, the first thing I noticed was the construction. It has that soft box-press feel that sits comfortably in the hand, and the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper looks great—slightly oily with a clean, well-rolled appearance. On the first few puffs, I’m getting an immediate hit of leather, the sweetness detected earlier and white pepper, backed by a warm spice note. It’s balanced right out of the gate, not sharp or overwhelming, just steady and dialed in. There is even a backend note of espresso. The draw is right where you want it—easy but controlled—and the burn line is already behaving. Second Third – Where It Opens Up As I move into the second third, the cigar really starts to show its personality. The espresso note is the anchor, but now I’m picking up more sweet tones and a deeper earthy core. There’s also a slight woodiness that starts to build in the background. What I like here is how composed it stays. Nothing feels like it’s fighting for attention. The strength is sitting comfortably in that medium range, and it’s building slowly without pushing the limits of the palate. The ash is holding firm, and I haven’t needed to correct the burn once, which says a lot about the roll quality. Final Third – Subtle Shift & Finish Into the final third, I start noticing a floral sweetness creeping in, which is a nice contrast to the darker espresso and earth notes that have been dominant up to this point. It smooths everything out just enough to keep the cigar from feeling heavy. The strength edges up slightly here, but it never crosses into harsh territory. It stays balanced all the way down to the nub, which makes it an easy cigar to actually finish without fatigue. Pairing I paired this smoke with Diet Coke, and honestly, it worked better than expected. The carbonation cuts through the espresso and spice in a way that keeps the palate refreshed. That said, if I’m being honest, this cigar feels built for coffee. A strong morning espresso or dark roast would line up perfectly with those roasted coffee and pepper notes. It feels like a cigar that naturally belongs in that first smoke of the day slot. Final Thoughts Smoking through the Undercrown El Tigre Dominicano, I keep coming back to how controlled everything feels. This is a cigar that doesn’t try to do too much—it just executes cleanly from start to finish. Drew Estate clearly knew what they were doing here: solid construction, a familiar but refined Undercrown structure, and a flavor profile that evolves just enough to stay interesting without losing balance. Final Rating: 9.2 / 10 This is an easy one to keep in the humidor—especially if you enjoy medium-bodied cigars with espresso, pepper, and earthy complexity that stays smooth all the way through. Reviewed by : Mike

It’s that time again. Teddy, Marty, and Mike sat down, puffed through stacks of new releases, and argued like only true Chi-Town brothers can. Our criteria? Simple and real: 2025 regular production new releases only , no limited-edition hype chasers. These had to be sticks we actually bought with our own cash—no samples, no freebies—just what hit the shelves and our humidors hard. 2025 delivered some heavy hitters: fresh legacies, anniversary nods, and bold new lines which earned their spot through flavor, construction, and pure smoke time. Here's our countdown, mob-approved. #10: Perdomo Legacy Connecticut Robusto (5x54) Nicholas Perdomo III's tribute to his dad's 60th—bourbon barrel-aged Nicaraguan core under Ecuadorian Connecticut. Creamy cedar, subtle spice, and honey sweetness. Mild-medium perfection for anytime. photo from: cigar coop #9: Crowned Heads Broadway Toro (6x54) Nashville's lower Broadway meets Connecticut Broadleaf madness. Medium-full with dessert sweetness, earth, and pepper. New branding, old-school attitude. photo from: Cigar Afficiando #8: Perdomo Legacy Maduro Epicure (6x54) The maduro side of the Legacy family—dark, oily Nicaraguan maduro with chocolate, spice, and depth. Balanced medium-full that builds beautifully. photo from: cigar authority.com #7: West Tampa Tobacco Circle of Life Toro (6x54) Rick Rodriguez reunites with EPC for this Ecuador Habano Oscuro beast. Savory, spicy, with Nicaraguan and Dominican power. Full-flavored muscle. #6: Tatuaje 7th Corojo Corona Gorda (5.625x46) Pete Johnson's classic Brown Label gets the Corojo treatment. Nicaraguan puro spice, earth, and sweetness in that perfect lonsdale-ish size. photo from: halfwheel.com #5: JFR 20th Anniversary Super Toro (6.5x52) Aganorsa's value king celebrates 20 years with San Andrés maduro over their best leaf. Rich, affordable, and validated excellence. photo from: aganorsaleaf.com #4: Oz Family Cigars Karatoba Toro (6.5x50) Tim Ozgener's darkest yet—Sumatra wrapper, full-bodied stewed meat, spice, and volcanic power. Bold and unforgettable. #3: My Father Blue Toro (6x54) The Garcias go Honduras—Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado over pure Honduran tobacco. Earthy spice, cocoa, espresso. New era, classic strength. #2: AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Toro (6.5x54) 10 years of New World celebrated with Mexican wrapper and Nicaraguan-Honduran guts. Bold pepper, caramel, maple—AJ at his peak. photo from: cigaraficionado.com #1: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Sobremesa Solita Red Lonsdale (6.25x46) Steve Saka's bolder take on his debut blend. Rich, intricate, spicy depth in that elegant lonsdale. The one we reached for most—pure sophistication with attitude. photo from: halfwheel.com That's our 2025 list, Chi-Town—no politics, no payola, just the sticks we smoked and loved. Grab 'em while they're hot, light slow, and puff like you own the lounge. Stay smoky in 2026. Validated by Aganorsa Leaf. 🚬

CTCP DEPT. INCIDENT: CIGAR REVIEW CASE NUMBER: CCR2025-11-09 DATE/TIME OF INCIDENT: 2025-11-09, 19:30 CST LOCATION OF INCIDENT: Cedar Room REPORTED BY: Marty C -I. INCIDENT TYPE: Product Assessment - Cigar –II. PRODUCT INFORMATION: PRODUCT NAME:  Red Meat Lovers Fritanga BRAND:  Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust VITOLA:  Toro 6x52 Prensado MANUFACTURING ORIGIN:  Nicaragua a t Nicaragua American Cigars S.A COMPONENTS: WRAPPER:  Connecticut Broadleaf BINDER:  Mexican San Andreas FILLER:  Nicaragua and Pennsylvania PRICE:  $16.25 USD —III. NARRATIVE OF ASSESSMENT: On the aforementioned date, this reviewer conducted an assessment of a cigar identified as the "Red Meat Lovers Fritanga" by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. The assessment spanned approximately 101  minutes. A. SENSORY EVALUATION (TASTE): FIRST THIRD:  Opens with savory espresso  with a little bit of spice and a background molasses sweetness. Some nice saltiness plays well against the sweetness. SECOND THIRD:  The sweetness ramps up. Its a rich robust molasses, with hints of dark caramel, earthy and mildly bitter. Definitely enjoyable and not something I find often in a cigar. Coffee hangs in the background. FINAL THIRD:  Spice increases slightly. Sweetness turns to a salted dark chocolate with a french roast coffee in the background. COMPLEXITY:  I find this very complex. I had to smoke a few of these to nail down exactly what I was tasting. STRENGTH:  Medium-full RESIDUAL FLAVOR:  A mild spice and saltiness stays on the tongue. Retrohale is smooth. B. PHYSICAL EVALUATION (CONSTRUCTION): QUALITY:  Wrapper is dark brown. Mostly smooth with a bit of toothiness typical of a broadleaf wrapper. TACTILE SENSORY: There is a slight give to the touch typical of a soft box press  PREPARATION:  Cap maintains its integrity after a straight cut C. FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION (DRAW): RESISTANCE:  Draw is perfect. SMOKE PRODUCTION:  Cigar produces a normal amount of smoke CONSISTENCY:  Draw remains perfect throughout D. VISUAL EVALUATION (APPEARANCE): AESTHETICS:  Cigar has a nice pigtail on the cap. MARKINGS/BAND:  Band is red with a diamond like shape. It is red like the rest of the Red Meat Lovers line but the lettering is in gold. OVERALL PRESENTATION:  A nice clean presentation.  E. COMBUSTION EVALUATION (BURN): CONSISTENCY:  Burn stays good throughout RESIDUE (ASH):  A mostly white ash, but its a little flakey. Ash holds in one inch chunks. INTERRUPTIONS:  A few touchups required to maintain a straight burn line. DURATION:  101 minutes —-IV. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: The Red Meat Lovers Fritanga Toro by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is a complex, medium-full Nicaraguan cigar featuring a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and delivering evolving flavors of espresso, molasses, salted dark chocolate, and spice across three distinct thirds. Its flawless draw, consistent burn complement a dark, toothy appearance with a pigtail cap. —--V. RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:  This would pair well with a nice bourbon or a glass of Cabernet wine. RE-ASSESSMENT PROBABILITY:  A box worth production TOTAL SCORE:  90100 FINAL OBSERVATIONS:  A fritanga is a beloved staple of Latin American street food culture in Nicaragua, where it refers to both a casual eatery (often a roadside stall or small restaurant) and the hearty platter of fried or grilled foods served there. Derived from the Spanish word frito (meaning "fried"), the term evokes smoky grills, sizzling oils, and communal feasts. The Fritanga cigar is described as bolder expression of the regular Red Meat Lovers cigar line. For me it is the molasses sweetness that sets it apart. Its not something I find often in a cigar and it took a few times with the cigar to nail down what it reminded me of (its a tough job I know, but somebody has got to do it). I really liked this cigar and look forward to many more sessions with this excellent offering. —---END

CTCP DEPT. INCIDENT: CIGAR REVIEW CASE NUMBER: CCR2025-10-26 DATE/TIME OF INCIDENT: 2025-10-26, 17:20 CDT LOCATION OF INCIDENT: Cedar Room REPORTED BY: Marty C -I. INCIDENT TYPE: Product Assessment - Cigar –II. PRODUCT INFORMATION: PRODUCT NAME:   My Father Blue BRAND:  My Fathers Cigars VITOLA:  Toro 5x54 MANUFACTURING ORIGIN:  Honduras a t My Father Cigars Honduras, El Paraiso COMPONENTS: WRAPPER:  Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado BINDER:  Honduran FILLER:  Honduran PRICE:  $12.00 USD —III. NARRATIVE OF ASSESSMENT: On the aforementioned date, this reviewer conducted an assessment of a cigar identified as the "My Father Blue" by My Fathers Cigars. The assessment spanned approximately 100 minutes. A. SENSORY EVALUATION (TASTE): FIRST THIRD:  Cigar opens with a sourdough bread flavor with background notes of cedar and a mild leather SECOND THIRD:  Breadiness continues joined by a mild pepper and with a background sweetness FINAL THIRD:  A cola flavored sweetness begins to dominate as the cigar draws to a close COMPLEXITY:  Not overly complex but enjoyable throughout STRENGTH:  Medium-Full RESIDUAL FLAVOR:  Retrohale was an enjoyable tobacco sweetness B. PHYSICAL EVALUATION (CONSTRUCTION): QUALITY:  Wrapper is high quality with minimal veins.  TACTILE SENSORY:  Soft box press yields slightly to the touch PREPARATION:  cap integrity held up nicely to  a straight cut C. FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION (DRAW): RESISTANCE:  Draw was perfect. SMOKE PRODUCTION:  Moderate CONSISTENCY:  No change to the draw. D. VISUAL EVALUATION (APPEARANCE): AESTHETICS:  Cigar wrapper is a medium chocolate brown MARKINGS/BAND:  2 bands with light blue foot ribbon. Top band is the classic My Father Logo with a light blue background. Second band says Blue along with MMXXV which is 2025 in Roman Numerals. OVERALL PRESENTATION:  My Father makes some beautiful boxes and this one might be the most gorgeous of the bunch. The sky blue color is just out of this world and carries over nicely to the artwork on the bands. My favorite presentation of the year. E. COMBUSTION EVALUATION (BURN): CONSISTENCY:  Burn line stayed mostly steady and no problems keeping it lit. RESIDUE (ASH):  A white ash stayed on in over 1 inch chunks INTERRUPTIONS:  A single touch-up was required to catch up one side of the cigar. DURATION:  100 minutes —-IV. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: The My Father Blue Toro (5x54) crafted in Honduras with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Honduran binder and filler, delivers a medium-full strength smoke lasting about 100 minutes, and retails at $12.00 USD. Flavor-wise, it starts with bread, cedar, and mild leather notes in the first third, transitions to breadiness with pepper and subtle sweetness in the second, and finishes with a dominant cola-like sweetness, offering enjoyable tobacco sweetness on the retrohale. Construction is impeccable, featuring a soft box press, perfect draw, and a steady burn with a white ash that required only one touch-up, while its medium chocolate brown wrapper and striking sky-blue banded presentation make it a visual standout. —--V. RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:  This would go well with a nice wheated bourbon, coffee or, as always, rootbeer. RE-ASSESSMENT PROBABILITY:  Absolutely, this is a box worthy gem TOTAL SCORE:  91/100 FINAL OBSERVATIONS:  This is the first cigar out of the new My Father Cigars Honduras factory in El Paraiso. The Honduran tobaccos were grown at the relatively new Finca La Opulencia Garcia Family farm and they started out with a banger! From the Sky Blue color presentation to the smooth well balanced blend this is a standout cigar for 2025. I can't wait to see what they come out with from this factory in the future. At $12.00, this Honduran gem offers exceptional value and is sure to become a humidor staple. —---END