THE TRIUNFANTE BY EL MAGO

Alright, let’s lay it all out for the Triunfante from El Mago. You crack open that box, and right away, you know you’re not dealing with some run-of-the-mill stick. We’re talking Nicaraguan guts bound up in Corojo, and wrapped in Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade. Good composition, mild strength, 6×52 – perfection.

Once lit, with that first third, you’re hit with what I can only describe as the perfect coffee pairing cigar. This is not one of those just “goes with coffee”; this is coffee’s best friend. The smoke? Thick and creamy, like a well-pulled espresso with a dollop of fresh cream. Then, a whisper of cinnamon and spice rolls in, just enough to wake up your palate, not punch it. And that sweetness – it’s there, but it’s so subtle, so understated, you almost have to hunt for it, and then it just lingers, a perfect counterpoint to the richer notes. It’s a fantastic introduction, setting a high bar from the very first puff.

Moving into that second third, here’s the kicker: it was much of the same. And when I say much of the same, I mean that in the best possible way. No wild left turns, no sudden bursts of unexpected flavors that throw you off track. It held its ground, delivering that consistent, enjoyable profile. It’s like a good hunting dog – it sticks to the scent, unwavering in its pursuit of flavor. You get that same creamy smoke, that delightful cinnamon whisper, and that elusive sweetness, all holding true.

And then, you roll into the final third, and guess what? Even more of it. This isn’t a cigar that falls apart on you at the end, getting harsh or losing its charm. It just doubles down on what it does best, reinforcing every positive impression from the previous thirds. That, my friends, is the mark of a truly great, consistent cigar. It burns clean, draws true, and finishes strong, leaving you entirely satisfied.

So, who is this cigar for? It’s simple. This is your go-to for that first cigar of the day with your coffee – the perfect wake-up call that doesn’t punch you in the face. If you’re looking to introduce someone to the cigar world, this Triunfante from El Mago is an absolute winner. It’s mild, approachable, and flavorful without being overwhelming, easing them into the experience. And for you seasoned smokers out there who aren’t looking for a heavy hitter, something that demands your full attention like a grizzly bear, this is your play. It’s a reliable, flavorful stick that just delivers.

El Mago? They’re clearly a company on the rise, doing some truly great things in the cigar world. They’re putting out quality, consistent smokes like this Triunfante, demonstrating a clear understanding of what makes a truly enjoyable cigar. And believe me, I’m looking forward to getting my hands on more of their stuff and telling you all about it. This is a good one, folks. A real good one.

MIL DIAS HABANO BY CROWNED HEADS

You know the type of stick I’m talking about. Not some fancy, delicate thing you have to baby. This is a cigar built for the long haul, for those moments when you’ve put in the effort and you’re ready to just sit back and take it all in. We’re talking about the Mil Días Habano from Crowned Heads, a substantial 6 x 54 that feels right at home whether you’re unwinding after a day on the job or just watching the sun dip below the horizon.

This one registers as a medium-full strength, meaning it’s got some real character without being overpowering. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano, a leaf known for bringing a rich, complex profile to the table. Beneath that, you’ve got a Nicaraguan binder, and the filler is a blend of Costa Rican, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian tobaccos. It’s all masterfully crafted in Nicaragua, a region that consistently produces some of the finest cigars in the world. And it’s worth noting, this particular line has a track record of earning high marks, often in the 90s, which speaks to its consistent quality.

Now, let’s get down to the experience. The first third of this Mil Días presents a distinct combination of flavors. There’s a clear note of orange zest, bright and fresh, mingled with the earthy scent of dry hay and rich soil. A hint of cedar comes through, reminiscent of fresh-cut wood. And then, a subtle peppery kick emerges, particularly noticeable on the retrohale – a clean, sharp spice that adds an interesting edge.

As you move into the second third, the orange notes become more pronounced, beautifully complemented by a semi-sweet dark chocolate. It’s the kind of dark chocolate that’s satisfyingly rich without being cloying. The earth and cedar notes recede somewhat, taking a backseat, but that pepper? It holds its ground, ensuring the profile remains engaging.

By the last third, the flavor profile remains largely consistent, though that cedar note intensifies slightly, coming back to the forefront with a bit more vigor. It’s a robust and satisfying finish.

Having sampled a few from the Crowned Heads Mil Días line, I can confirm that while each offers a unique experience, they consistently deliver. The construction on this Habano was impeccable, holding together flawlessly from start to finish. And the draw? Smooth and effortless, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable smoke.

So, for anyone seeking a cigar that can cap off a demanding day or simply provide a moment of quiet reflection, the Mil Días Habano is a strong contender. It’s a reliable, flavorful smoke that delivers on its promise.

PADILLA ARTEFACTO MADURO REVIEW

The Padilla Artefacto Maduro Torpedo (6×52) is a cigar that merits attention for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted smoking experience. Encased in a dark Nicaragua Artefacto Corojo wrapper, its appearance alone suggests depth and character.

From the initial moments, the construction of this toro stands out. The draw is excellent, remarkably clean, and the overall composition is impressive, providing a consistent and effortless burn from start to finish. This foundational quality allows the smoker to fully focus on the evolving flavors.

The first half of the Artefacto Maduro introduces dominant notes of dark coffee and rich chocolate, forming a deep, satisfying core. This is complemented by a subtle hint of spice, which adds a lively counterpoint without ever becoming overpowering. It’s a bold yet balanced beginning, setting a high expectation for what’s to come.

As the smoke progresses into the second half, the flavor profile gracefully transitions. The intensity of the coffee mellows, transforming into a smoother, more approachable coffee with cream, while the chocolate notes deepen and become more pronounced. This shift creates a richer, almost velvety texture on the palate, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Reaching the last third, the cigar continues to deliver on its promise. The established notes of coffee and chocolate persist, providing a consistent and satisfying conclusion. However, a delicate addition emerges in these final moments: just a whisper of leather. This subtle nuance adds a layer of complexity and a refined finish to an already impressive cigar.

The Padilla Artefacto Maduro Toro is a thoughtfully constructed cigar that offers a compelling and evolving flavor journey. Its exceptional build quality ensures a trouble-free smoking experience, making it a highly recommendable selection for those who appreciate a full-bodied Nicaraguan maduro with a harmonious blend of coffee, chocolate, spice, and a nuanced hint of leather. It’s the kind of cigar that invites you to slow down and truly savor the moment.