I hope everyone rang in the New Year safely and not too hung over! We got an interesting question a couple days ago from Jeff who wanted to know if we ever thought about revisiting a cigar that we reviewed two or three years ago? For those of you who have been with us for awhile will recall that we’ve done this (although nothing recently) before or have one of us give a “second opinion” of a cigar. Typically we try not to review the same cigar within six months of an original review. In the past its never been very popular with you guys for us to revisit a cigar or even give a second opinion. I guess you can read other blogs to do that? Since its the start of the new year and year to year our audience always grows and that means our audience changes too, so I’m wondering, does anyone else feel like Jeff and would like for us to go back and re-review cigars whose original review are two, three or more years old? Let us know in the comment section.

Guillermo Leon Signature – Like I said in Episode 203 of Your Questions, My Answers; the Guillermo Leon Signature really has grown on me. I wasn’t a fan of them when they were first released but now, when I’m looking for a complex cigar with nuances galore, I turn to a Guillermo Leon. I typically prefer the corona size but honestly you can’t go wrong with any of the sizes. This also brings back memories of being a guest of Guillermo Leon and visiting the La Aurora factory during a blogger trip. Good times.

Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Dark Corojo – The #7 cigar from my Top 10 Cigars in 2010. The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Dark Corojo has kept my attention and a spot in my humidor since I first reviewed it in the beginning of 2010. With its balanced combination of awesome flavors and full bodied power, the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Dark Corojo is a gem of a smoke. These from my original box purchase have mellowed out a bit over time but still delivers on all fronts.

Reinado – Its been awhile since I’ve smoked a Reinado. Luckily its owner, Antonio Liam, reached out to me a few weeks ago asking for me to try the new petite corona size of the Reinado that he mentioned to Brian Hewitt during our IPCPR coverage. The Torpedo size received a 91 in one of the cigar publications out there and it wouldn’t surprise me if this petite corona overtook the Torpedo. Nicely done…look for a full review soon.

La Aurora 100 Años – This La Aurora 100 Años came with a couple others that I’m hoarding courtesy of Steve Valle from Half Wheel (formerly Smoking Stogie and The Cigar Feed). In a previous edition of Week In Smoke I mentioned that the Lancero version was one of, if not the best tasting Lancero. I’m starting to find out that no matter what size you smoke the La Aurora 100 Años, the blend does not disappoint. Better yet, I’m posting a tweet from Jose Blanco (before he moved to Joya de Nicaragua) who surprised me when he tweeted:

Why did Jose’s tweet surprise me? Think about how long Jose Blanco has been in the industry and represent La Aurora? Out of all the cigars over the years, the 100 Años is one of his two all time favorites. Thats one ringing endorsement in my opinion.

Room 101 702 (11/18) – The original release and I know I’m in the minority when I say its my favorite of all the Room 101 releases to date. Its not that I don’t like the others or I don’t think the others are good cigars; I just like the original the best. Maybe its the unique 11/18 size that the Conjura or the Namakubi doesn’t have that makes me enjoy the original more. I don’t know. Aging this 702 has had little affect…neither good nor bad. Its just as I remembered them with its woodsy profile. I sure hope he wasn’t serious when we spoke with him at IPCPR about discontinuing the original. I know I’ll miss them.

La Flor Dominicana DL-660 Maduro – Its not very often I venture outside the Cameroon Cabinet line when it comes to La Flor Dominicana. Occasionally I’ll have an Air Bender but for the most part, its the Cameroon Cabinet. When I think of cigars that would describe my type of cigar the Double Ligero line isn’t a cigar that usually comes to mind. Full bodied and full flavored to match. Lots of sweet peppery woodsy notes that builds throughout and despite its 60 RG, doesn’t feel uncomfortable to smoke. I’ll have to throw the DL series into the mix more often.

My Father Limited Edition 2011 – I’m always shy when it comes to buying a cigar in that $20 range even when it’s from the trusted stables of My Father Cigars. I didn’t smoke the 2010 release that some say is better than the 2011 release. Its hard to believe that though. The 2011 edition isn’t for the faint of heart. Its definitely made for those who enjoy full flavor and full power. Lots of peppery and spicy notes from beginning to end. Lots of sweet and woodsy notes to keeps things balanced and smooth. This is only my second time smoking the LE 2011 and I’m still not sure I have pegged all the nuances in the smoke. At $20+ it’ll probably be around the time the 2012 edition is out that I get to a full review of the 2011.