No one disputes that Rocky Patel is one of the few Titans of the Premium Cigar Industry. Over 20 years ago as he began his quest to get a foothold in the marketplace he actually got in his car and traveled the country visiting high volume Tobacconists unannounced! When he wound up in my store to sell his first entry, I hesitantly took a chance on him. Actually, he was such a nice and appreciative person I couldn’t resist! The rest is cigar history! One of the keys to Rocky’s success over the years is the number of choices he continues to create for all of us to enjoy.
When this edition launched in 2010, shortly after it was awarded the #6 Best Cigar of 2011. Then in 2018 it garnered another top 25 placement. All along the way getting 90+ ratings year after year. This still amazing medium-full bodied stick is jammed packed with tobacco yielding a slow, smooth burn that increases in intensity as you move along. If you’re a fan of Rocky’s stuff you’ve tried it. If you’re not, you will be after trying it! Enough said!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
Nick Perdomo and his Dad are well renowned cigar makers. I’ve watched them grow to one of the world’s powerhouse teams producing a wide array of highly rated premiums. In fact, over 20 years ago I remember Nick personally traveling around the country and winding up in my Long Island store soliciting for business! Many years later when I went to the last big Cigar Show trying to see him was like trying to see a rock start! His success is well earned.
When the 20th Anniversary line was launched all editions were highly rated first class sticks. This Sun Grown Nicaraguan puro edition is a Cuban style, full flavored stick. It’s strong, robust taste increases in intensity along the way. Buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Sun Grown
This 92 rated cedar wrapped edition was appropriately named paying homage to Oliva’s founder. Encasing this stick with an Ecuadorian grown Connecticut seed wrapper over the Nicaraguan long fillers and Ecuadorian binder produces a much mellower overall flavored taste than its original red labeled counterpart. This well made cigar yields a pleasant combination of sweetness and slight spice that’s smooth and creamy.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Habano
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Connecticut
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Connecticut
My Father El Centurion is just one of the amazing cigars this iconic company produces.
With attention to detail, the Sancti Spiritus filler leaf is a very special tobacco leaf proving to be the star of this blend. When you add in Criollo and Corojo Habano and encase it with a rustic Nicaraguan Criollo 98 wrapper, you know you’re in for something good. The results speak for themselves.
Noted reviewer KATMAN says “This is a highly complex flavorful cigar.”
Cigar Coop rates the Centurion a very respectable 93. They describe it perfectly.
“It has an excellent flavor profile and it is supplemented by excellent construction. I’d probably still steer this cigar to a more experienced cigar enthusiast because it does have some strength to it.”
Cigar Score scores it their highest 5 out of 5. Their words are spot on. “From the first puff, the My Father El Centurion is impressive. The flavors are mild but rich, the aroma is on point, and the draw is consistent and smooth. The El Centurion burned evenly the entire time and held the ash until I knocked it off.”
If you’re a fan of My Father, these should be in your humidor for sure!
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Criollo 98
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan (Criollo, Corojo Habano, Sancti Spiritus)
Want to see more My Father cigars available on the Cigar Thief? Click HERE
I like to call this 92 rated masterpiece, “The Ribeye Steak” of cigars. When I look into the top it seems as though the leaves appeared marbled. This dark and oily , medium to full bodied stick is perfectly made and starts out almost on a sweet note. As you move along it increases in strength at a very slow pace and remains uncommonly smooth uniquely balanced .
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan-Peruvian
Binder – Dominican-Corojo
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Habano
The crafting that went into making this edition in 2012 produced one of Kristoff’s best cigars ever. The four country blend of this 93 rated stick yields a most tasty and interesting smoking experience. From its pig tailed cap to its uncut foot, this dark knight is a medium to full bodied banquet of flavors that gain intensity and sweetness as you move along. Enjoy this one, BIG TIME!
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Honduran
Wrapper Type – Brazilian
When Kristoff launched this beauty in 2012 it became one of Cigar Aficionado’s top 25 cigars of the year garnering a 93 rating. The Cuban seed tobaccos used in the cigar have been slowly fermented over a long period of time giving way to a medium bodied super smooth taste with a Cuban style character.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Filler – Dominican-Nicaraguan
Binder – Coming Soon!
Wrapper Type – Corojo
If you’re looking at the Punch line….no pun intended, you’re obviously a fan of Cuban Style solid tasting medium to full bodied smokes. You’re my Hero!
When the Diablo came to market is was awarded a 93 rating upon entry. The four country blend of dark tobaccos were aged from four to six years yielding an over the top taste. Powerful yet smooth and undeniably Punch. Try a five pack of any size and buckle up!
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Ecuador Sumatra-Oscuro
You definitely know the name. The Punch brand has been around forever and continues to create offerings appealing to a wider array of smokers tastes. This Chateau series contains a proprietary four country blend requiring a big commitment of time to enjoy it. These complex medium to full bodied sticks gain noticeable strength and intensity from beginning to end. It seems like they goes on forever with the Maduro edition being at the top of the scale.
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Dominican-Honduran-Nicaraguan
Binder – Connecticut Broadleaf
Wrapper Type – Connecticut Broadleaf
La Gloria Cubana Serie R Esteli Natural is one of this company’s greatest values considering how amazing they are.
With attention to detail, Serie R Esteli uses tobacco growing in the mountains of Jalapa, Nicaragua. Dubbed Jalapa Sol. The wrapper of the cigar is Nicaraguan from Jalapa, while the binder is Honduran Jamastran and the fillers contain Jamastran and Honduran La Entrada. It’s important to note that the select ligero and viso leaves coming from multiple locations complete this complex blend. No doubt, the goal here is to create a gentler version of the famed Serie R Original. The results are as expected!
Noted reviewer KATMAN simply states this cigar is “ Rich and balanced with a lot of character” Cigar Dojo says, “The strength settles in at a very comfortable medium body” Leaf Enthusiast rates it a solid 90. Their description says it all. “I can say that I am very pleased with this latest iteration of the venerable La Gloria Cubana brand. It does present a very nice medium-bodied flavor profile that has plenty of complexity, with sweeter notes offsetting earthiness and coffee notes on a regular basis. One of the best “bargain-priced” cigars to hit the market in the last couple years.”
Together with its affordability, this LGC is another winner for all of us.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa Sol
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
See all the La Gloria Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
La Gloria Cubana Serie R Esteli Maduro is the dark cloaked edition to this brand’s Natural counterpart.
Serie R Esteli Maduro uses the same Nicaraguan forward blend as its Natural counterpart. The big difference here is the Grade A dark and oily Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. This addition is pivotal in tempering its strength while allowing flavors to surface with a deep sweetness.
Leaf Enthusiast feels this is a worthwhile smoke. Their advice….”Definitely a good addition to the LGC lineup and a good choice for Maduro fans on a budget who want a big, long-lasting cigar.” Developing Palates says this Maduro is a cool and slow burning cigar. Along with its medium body, Halfwheel claims it has a bunch of flavor notes. Think leather, gritty earth, grass, coffee and hazelnuts. Cigar Aficionado think the 60 ring gauge offering is definitely worth a try. Their take….”A monstrous cigar that’s very solid. It smokes well, and has cherry notes and hints of toast and sweet wood. Medium to full bodied.”
Enjoy this high quality and affordable Maduro to the max!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
See all the La Gloria Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
