Now that we have all those lists out of the way lets get back to your usual fan favorite episode of Week in Smoke. A pretty interesting episode this week including a vertical tasting of the La Aroma de Cuba brand along with a few new things and some ole faithful stuff too. Life is good…smoke well America.

Master by Toraño Family Cigars – The Master and Single Region were announced and released at the same time. Based on literature alone, I was more attracted to the Single Region. Now I’m not saying I don’t care for the Single Region…well actually I am. The Master by Toraño is by far a greater cigar that has more lasting power than the Single Region. I’d be surprised if the sales numbers say differently. Even in the massive 6×60 (a size I’m not crazy about) The Master still has what it takes to engage and challenge. With a name like “Master” you’d think there would be a lancero version of it.

Ortega Serie “D” – If there was one cigar the humidor at W.Curtis Draper is currently missing it is the Ortega Serie D. Flavor and refinement that you find in a Padron Anniversary at fraction of the price. I typically don’t “nub” my cigars but I make the exception for the Serie D. Lots of dark, sweet tobacco flavors, a sprinkling of woodsy notes in all the right places. Decadent long finish that leaves you wanting more. If I could order by the truck load, I would.

La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial – I keep getting the EE and the Elegancia by San Cristobal mixed up and telling people that I don’t like the EE when in fact it is the Elegancia that I’m not a fan of. The La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial is a great mid-morning cigar. Creamy, earthy with a slight sweetness to compliment that second espresso.

La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor – The number two rated cigar by that lifestyle magazine. I wasn’t a fan of the Mi Amor when it was first released. For whatever reason I thought it didn’t have the bones to make it standout. Boy was I wrong. The La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor was just ahead of it’s time with it’s Mexican maduro wrapper. Great soft, rich flavors that stay with you all day. Great dark, semi-sweet chocolate notes laced with a great natural tobacco flavor. Winner of a cigar.

La Aroma de Cuba – Typically I’m a fan of Connecticut Broadleaf but for whatever reason the La Aroma de Cuba didn’t do it for me. The whole time I was thinking about the Mi Amor. I saved the La Aroma de Cuba for last as I thought it had a stronger profile but it was lost as the remnants of the Mi Amore kept overpowering the La Aroma de Cuba.

Serie SA by Room101 Cigars – I’m not going reinvent the wheel here. Our own Brian Hewitt said it best in his review: “Mr. Booth conspired to make a good San Andres cigar and great price and he succeeded. The words “rich” and “decadent” kept coming to mind as I smoked it and my enjoyment effectively negated any ill will generated by the burn problems. I have no doubt I’ll be smoking more of them in the future, and I would imagine this cigar will go over well with anyone who enjoys Mexican San Andres tobacco. And at six bucks, it’s worth finding out if you aren’t sure. My recommendation is skip dessert and smoke a Room 101 San Andres 305 instead. It’s just as good, and has none of the calories.”

Seleccion No. 5 by Four Kicks – Just when you think they couldn’t get any better. I’m not sure if it is an aging thing but the most recent shipments of Four Kicks, including the new Seleccion No. 5 size have been hitting on all cylinders for me. Even the sublime size (that I had issues with in the initial release) are burning like magic. Standing applauds to The Crowned Heads and Ernesto Perez Carrillo for always pushing our palates to want and expect more from our cigars.

Davidoff Special R Tubos – You didn’t think you could escape an episode of Week in Smoke without a Special R appearance did you? After spending time in Nicaragua what cigar did I reach for upon returning? The smooth, crisp, comforting smoke of a Special R. If I was a cigar, I’d want to be Special R.