CA Report: Top New Cigars (Mar 30 2020)
March showers bring…I don’t think that’s how it goes. All I know is, every day from here on is just another step closer to summer BBQs, sandy beaches, and a seemingly endless stream of new cigars. We can help you get a jump on the latter. That’s because this week, we’ve got four fresh cigars that just made their way into the Famous warehouse.
I always stress the importance of trying new smokes because cigars are all about discovery. Blends you once loved will get old, the same way your favorite food would if it were all you ate.
In this edition, I’m spotlighting the acclaimed Punch Chop Suey in a video review, and we have new cigarillos from Punch, Hoyo de Monterrey, and Cohiba, too. Additionally, check out our summary video at the end of the article for a quick look at all of these delicious sticks!
As always, pop into the comments and sound off about the new cigars you’ve been smoking. We want to hear from you!
CIGAR SPOTLIGHT: OUR MUST-SMOKE CIGAR OF THE WEEK
Punch Chop Suey
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua and Dominican Republic
Pass the chop sticks…Chop Suey is out for delivery! The follow up to Punch’s Egg Roll, these cigars have kept the tradition of ornate takeout-themed packaging as well as an exposed binder at the foot. This feature gives a unique complexity in flavor with medium-plus hints of soy sauce (likely through the power of suggestion), nuts, zesty spices, and a tangy-sweet finish. In similar fashion to its predecessor, Chop Suey is a limited-edition run. Let the lessons of the long-gone Egg Roll be your barometer – Chop Suey will likely sell out fast!
Punch Diablo Diabolito
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra Oscuro
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua
Though it’s getting warmer, there’s still plenty of good reasons to grab some small cigars. After all, your day is busy, and these new, bite-sized devils from Punch will bring the goods when time is short. Cedar, pepper, and espresso are the focal points of its flavor, but you’ll likely get a small kick in the pants from its hefty buzz. So, when all you’ve got to spare is 15-20 minutes, consider picking up a tin or two of these. We’d rather have a small cigar than no cigar, and Punch Diablo Diabolitos hit well above their weight class and price.
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Black Shorts
Wrapper: Brazil Maduro
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Brazil, Indonesia & Dominican Republic
I got a tin of these about a month ago to smoke ahead of their release. And though I keep a short stock of cigarillos to smoke when time is limited, I keep reaching for these. Hoyo Black Shorts are potent in their flavor and stand up to a full-sized cigar in smoking time if you puff on it slowly. They’ve got an array of flavors like earth, fruit, oak, cocoa, and savory-sweet finish. If most cigarillos leave you wanting for something more, Black Shorts are the only solution you need. Definitely worth the try, just don’t blame me when you get hooked…I warned ya!
Cohiba Blue Pequenos
Wrapper: Honduras Olancho San Agustin
Binder: Honduras Olancho San Agustin
Filler: Honduras Jamastran, Nicaragua Ometepe, & Dominican Piloto Cubano
March is a notoriously wet month (good thing it’s almost over!) and all that rain means your outside cigar time is limited. For Cohiba Blue fans, that might actually be good news, because these new Pequenos have arrived! They’re short, earthy, sweet, and exude notes of spice, cocoa, and caramel with a pleasant aroma. Their quick-smoking size means you’ll get out of the monsoon faster, so you won’t need to hang your socks by the radiator.