The Cigar Mafia

Recent smokes from the Mafia's stash box.

CAO Brazilia 6x50: Review courtesy of "Top Shelf Mike"

The "Mafia Boss" would like to give a special thanks to "Top Shelf Mike" for his review, thanks for being such a great friend and cigar buddy.....Take Care.

The other day I purchased a CAO Brazilla. Right away I noticed the structure of the cigar. This brought to my attention the nice dark maduro leaves of the wrapper, with well defined veins a classic trademark of sungrown cigars. Already I was thinking this is gonna be a good experience for me. Wrapped nice and tight with a CAO classic green and yellow band. After lighting the stick I noticed that the draw was smooth and smoke was like silk as it drifted away from the end of this little baby. A friend noticed the nice smell that this stick was producing, a sure sign that the CAO Brazilia could speak for itself. At first the taste was mild to medium, then turned medium to bold. The ash held on tight and gave me absolutely no problems, even after cooling off. The burn was straight and even all the way through, just as expected from this CAO brazilian monster. The last few inches were strong and bold with no bite or burn. Finishing off this beautiful experience took about 75-80 minutes. A must have for any cigar pro. Top Shelf Mike rating 7 of 10.

Acid Liquid 5x50: "Let the good times burn"

The Drew Estate always seems to impress the Mafia Boss. The Acid line of cigars is one of our favorites and the Acid Liquid 5x50 proved us right again. This little baby burned great and the smell was very noticable. The Acid line is known for their aroma and the Acid Liquid ranks at the top of "smell good cigars". The construction was excellent and the burn was very even. Taste was very good, but the smell was a bit overpowering at times. The ash held on and was very tight. The smoking experience lasted about 45 minutes, but this is expected because of the lighter roll. If you are looking for an aromatic conversation piece for the cigar lounge, then this is the one for you. Nothing bad to say here and I would recommend trying this stick at least once. Cigar Mafia rating: 8.3 out of 10.

 

Montecristo White Toro 6x54: "Here comes the Big Boss".

Clear out the humidor we've found the one. Well just as you can imagine this was one great smoke. Montecristo is one of the best known cigar makers in the world. They are known for quality, and they certainly deliver. This smoke was mild to medium taste with creamy smoke. Great aroma and smooth finish. I noticed an earthy hint to the taste while smoking, also the finish was strong but not overpowering. Priced at $7-13 a stick depending on the size. I would have to rate this smoke as one of the best we've ever tested. And last but not least, the construction was perfect. Cigar Mafia rating: 9.3 out of 10.

Cohiba: Tubed Toro 6x50.

This is your ticket to the top shelf. This bad boy will run you between $10-13 a stick. But don't be shy, this is well worth the price. The construction is flawless and tight. The draw was smooth and easy, with a slight wood and mint taste. The smoke was creamy and the ash very tight. I liked everything about this smoke except the price. While it was a true smoker's treat, I have found better at a lower price. I would recommend trying one at least once in your lifetime. And maybe save one in the humidor for later. Cigar Mafia rating 9 out of 10.

Punch Champion: Champion 4.50x60

"That's just a great looking smoke." The Mafia Boss said to "Top-Shelf Mike" as they tested this cigar today. The first thing I noticed was the construction of this stick, It was 1st class. The cigar band was stylish and very cool. But the best part was the smoke. The Punch Champion was very smooth and had great taste. The smoke was creamy, and the draw was very effortless. The cigar burned perfectly and lasted for about 65 minutes. I think the construction of this smoke will make it a winner in my book. Clear several spots in the humidor for this one. Priced at about $3-4 a stick. Hell, just writing this review makes me want to smoke another one. Cigar Mafia rating 8.3 out of 10. This Punch was a knock-out.  

Baccarat Rothschild: The Rothschild 5x50.

Wow, we liked the Rothschild. A very strong smoke and not for the timid. The after-taste was a bit much. But the draw was easy and the taste was smooth. Priced at $3-4 single and $2-3 by the box. The Cigar Mafia liked this one, but we wouldn't waste any space in the humidor for this stick. Cigar Mafia rating 6 out of 10.

Arturo Fuente 858: The 858 Fuente 6x47.

This stick pulled a fast one on us. Priced at $5-6 single and $3-4 by the box. This smoke had a very smooth draw and great smoke aroma. The ash hung on to about 1.5 inches. This cigar was had a medium taste and virtually no after-taste. The problem was the burn, this stick came apart about half way through the test smoke. Maybe we just got one that was made on friday afternoon. Cigar Mafia rating 7 out of 10. 

Arturo Fuente Breva Royal: The Breva Royal 5x42.

This smoke was very impressive for the price. Priced at $2.50 a stick if bought as singles and even cheaper by the box. Smooth taste, great even burn and smooth easy finish. Average smoke time about 30 minutes. Mild to Medium taste. The Cigar Mafia carries one of these right beside the pistol holster. A true in-expensive heavy hitter. Cigar Mafia rating 8 out of 10.

This smoke was well worth the price. It had creamy smoke and a bold taste. The price range is $5-6 per single and $3-5 if purchased by the box. It is a 94 rated cigar and once you light it up you'll know why. Average smoke time was about 60 minutes. The last 2 inches were strong but enjoyable. Leave the band on while smoking these helped maintain the structure. Definately a spot in the humidor for this one. Cigar Mafia rating 9 out of 10.

Onyx Reserve 1997: The Onyx 1997 reserve "The Black Prince" 6x48.

Priced at $4-6 single and $2-3 by the box. This is the older brother to the Onyx Reserve listed above. But don't be fooled. The 11 year old stick that we tested was a good smoke at best. The taste was smooth, but the draw was very hard. And the cigar band was very cheap looking. If you're looking at the Onyx line, then go with the stronger and smoother Onxy reserve listed above. Great starter stick, but be sure to move on quickly. Cigar Mafia rating 6.2 out of 10.

Gurka Regent: The Gurkha Regent Toro 6x50.

At about $10 a stick is top shelf, but worth it. This smoke was every bit worth the price. Creamy smooth smoke with absolutely no after-taste. Making a truely blissfull experience lasting about 90 minutes. The ash was tight and held on forever. The construction was flawless and the burn very even. Smooth and enjoyable draw. With a hint of black cherry. I can not say anything bad about this. The only thing that would make it better is if they were wrapped in gold. A real knuckle burner. Highly recommend. And by the way, very stylish band. Cigar Mafia rating 9.3 out of 10.

Montecristo Afrique: The Montecristo Afrique 6x50 Jambo Jambo.

This smoke is just as expected, one of the best. Priced at $8-10 a stick or $4-6 by the box. This smoke is one of the best sticks we've ever tested. Smooth easy draw with great coffee-like taste. The ash was tight and gray. The construction of this stick was tight with excellent craftsmanship. Average smoke time was about 60 minutes. I found nothing wrong with this cigar and highly recommend buying one. Cigar Mafia rating 9.2 out of 10.

Genuine Counterfeit Cubans: The Churchill 7.00x52 Genuine cuban conterfeit.

This will be short. It was like smoking a pepper shaker from Mcdonalds. And it lasted almost 90 minutes. No way I won't do this one again. I would rate rolled newspaper higher than this cigar. But since "Top-Shelf Mike" gave some good feedback about his test with this stick, I will be nice with the rating. Cigar Mafia rating 5.2 out of 10.

Genuine Pre-Embargo Counterfeit Cubans: 1958 Corona Major 5.62x45 pre-embargo.

Priced at $4 a stick if bought single. This stick was very surprising, I expected the typical peppery bite that comes with cubans. But this cigar was very mild and pleasing. The smoke was creamy and aromatic. The taste was smooth and easy. Good clean draw and near perfect burn. I would recommend making a spot in the humidor for this one. Cigar Mafia rating 8.1 out of 10.

Acid 1400cc: The Acid 1400cc 5x50.

This Drew Estate creation housed in a glass tube and packed with spice soaked tobacco. The presentation of this cigar was first class. The band and tube were very impressive. The smoke was enjoyable with hints of spices, and the aroma filled the room with a spice scent. The draw was smooth and easy. And the ash held on forever. The smoke time was around 45 minutes. I really liked this stick and everything from presentation to aroma made the experience great. The smoke time was a liitle short at 45 minutes, this is because of the light roll. Priced around $7-8 a stick $5-6 per box. Cigar Mafia rating 7.8 out of 10.

Miami Suites: Nice cheap stick.

Pack of 6 for about $4. Comes in different flavors. Not bad for a 20 minute smoke. Hint, unwrap them and let them moisten up in the humidor for about a week. I don't make a habit of smoking cheap flavored cigars, but this one was not bad. Cigar Mafia rating 4.4 out of 10.