Well, ladies and germs, summer’s merely a week old. Time to skim the skeeters out of the pool, chuck a few steaks on the coals, and dig in for a few stogies under the sun. Question is…which ones are worth smoking? I’ve gone ahead and done all the heavy lifting, reviewing every new cigar (I know, poor me, right?!) that comes through the Famous warehouse doors. And I’ve found three sticks that are worth your while.
Check out these quick reviews on fresh smokes from Macanudo, Don Lino, and Black Works Studio. I’ll be talking about their flavor and strength to help you decide whether any (or all of them) deserve a nook in your humidor.
As always, let me know which new cigars you’ve been smoking in the comments below!
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano & Mexico
Macanudo Gold’s annual limited-edition size has arrived, and it’s perfect for warm Sunday mornings spent on the porch. The new Gran Pyramid is an inch longer and slightly thinner in ring gauge than previous Pyramid entries to the Gold series, a change that gives the cigar a boost in both smoking time and flavor. You’ll still find all the naturally sweet tobacco flavors you’ve come to love, along with mellow notes of toast, peanuts, and cedar. Pair it with an iced coffee and beat the heat.
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Dominican Republic Olor
Filler: Dominican Criollo & Olor, Nicaragua, and U.S. PA Broadleaf
When the cult cigar hit, Don Lino Africa, triumphantly returned to the cigar scene two years ago, we had no idea they’d be unleashing a bevy of affordably priced blends to give it company. A perfect lunchtime smoke, Don Lino Connecticut offers a sweet-n-spicy aroma, familiar notes of cedar and cream, and just enough pepper to keep things interesting. Light up this medium-bodied burner for a healthy dose of flavor and let me know what you think about it!
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Every great smoking day needs a nightcap, and Black Works Studio’s latest blend, Hyena, checks all the right boxes. The blend is wrapped in an African Cameroon leaf over an all-Nicaraguan core to provide zesty flavors of earth, sweet wood, and an array of spicy peppers. It’s listed as a medium-bodied cigar, but to my taste buds, it smokes closer to full—perfect for summer evenings well after the sun has gone down. Give it a try and see why this boutique company has been turning heads with every new release!
Features Editor, Jared Gulick, is a Certified Tobacconist, nerd of all things science, musician and serial abuser of the Oxford comma. He made his way to the Famous Smoke Shop retail store in 2018 and joined the Advisors when it was discovered that he could locate the shift key. Prior to his work in the cigar industry, he was a recording studio engineer, songwriter, and a journalism major at Northampton Community College.
Show all Jared Gulick's Articles
Reading Time: 3 minutes Want a fresh cigar that impresses? Look no further! This week on Top New Cigars, we’re reviewing the latest from Espinosa, Warped, and Black Label Trading Company. From Cuban tradition to 10-year anniversaries, it’s all covered inside!
Reading Time: 3 minutes Boutique enthusiasts, rejoice! Crowned Heads, Warped, and Nestor Miranda have released three stunners you need to smoke to believe. From rich and full-bodied, to smooth and mellow, there’s something for tobacco fans of every experience level. Read on to discover our top picks.
Reading Time: 4 minutes The latest addition to Caldwell cigars royal themed lineup, Long Live the Queen sports a lively 4-country blend and promises to deliver a lavish experience. How does it compare to the other royalty—watch the review to find out!
