Torpedo

Personal Cigar Review: Montecristo Classic No. 2

The Montecristo Classic No. 2 had a nice flavor profile through the first two thirds, focused around toasted cedar and earth, but the supporting notes all did a good job of balancing the profile. It took a step down in the final third as the balance went off a bit due to the earth, leather and strength. This is a nice Connecticut shade offering that offers a lower strength profile. It's fairly expensive, but if you are OK with this price range and enjoy this profile, it's well worth a try and isn't just a cigar playing off the Cuban name.

Aaron Loomis, October 2, 2026

Personal Cigar Review: CAO America Monument

The CAO America Monument had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the earth and toasted cedar. The bitter construction paper wasn't the greatest addition, but the pepper and creaminess helped to balance it out a bit. Overall, not a cigar that really speaks to me and not something I'd see myself really coming back to.

Aaron Loomis, September 18, 2026

Team Cigar Review: Apostate The Liahona

The Apostate The Liahona delivered a profile built around sweet tobacco, musty wood and restrained earth, with very good balance from the outset. The first third was the most complex portion of the experience, showcasing a pleasant combination of sweetness and musty wood that closely mirrored the aromas from the pre-light inspection. While the profile was enjoyable, it never developed much beyond those core flavors.

John McTavish, September 11, 2026

Team Cigar Review: Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Sangre de Toro Raging Bull

This Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Sangre de Toro Raging Bull was nothing special. A cigar showing good fuller body but with too much dryness and flavors that didn't really pop. It tasted like the vast majority of Mexican San Andres in the market where it's just that dirty, gritty, earthy rawness that just isn't my jam. As such, easy pass for me.

Jiunn Liu, May 20, 2026

Personal Cigar Review: Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente Pyramid

The Arturo Fuente Chateau Fuente Pyramid had a nice flavor profile through the first two thirds as the combination of flavors was well balanced. It took a step down in the final third as the toast level became pretty heavy and the earth increased. This is a well done Connecticut shade offering. The creaminess really helps in these profiles to keep dryness and/or bitterness at bay. This is a nice, long standing line that has a good price point. An easy return for me.

Aaron Loomis, February 27, 2026

Team Cigar Review: Montecristo 90th Anniversary No. 2

I enjoyed the Montecristo 90th Anniversary No. 2. It smoked like a Montecristo and Plasencia, and that is not a bad thing overall. I thought the blend lacked some transitioning, but it has a nice overall complexity and depth. The strength and body paired well with the cigar, and the construction was flawless. Nice flavors of toasted nuts, leather, earth, cream and tobacco. I would love to come back to this cigar, but I struggle with the pricing for the profile.

Seth Geise, December 31, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Macanudo Gold Label 2025 Torpedo

The Macanudo Gold Label 2025 Torpedo had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around toasted cedar and earth. The construction paper didn't help or hurt the profile. Overall, just an average offering. It smokes smooth and has strength below medium, so a cigar that anyone could enjoy, it just isn't something that I'd be eager to come back to.

Aaron Loomis, September 26, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original Torpedo

The Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original Torpedo had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the toasted cedar and earth, with black pepper being the primary supporting note. This is a fairly typical Connecticut shade offering and doesn't really stand out from the pack. The price is attractive, but it's not high on my list to revisit.

Aaron Loomis, June 13, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024

I thought the initial third of the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 provided some good flavors and engaging combinations. The second third was flat and linear and some more interesting notes returned for the last third. Ignoring the price point of the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024, I think the overall flavor delivery was lacking for a limited release. I can't see myself smoking another one of the 2024 release, although I'm sure I will try the 2025 release to see how it compares.

John McTavish, April 4, 2025

Team Cigar Review: E.P. Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary

The E.P. Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary delivered rich, interesting and engaging flavor combinations through the first third. By the second third, the cigar had become unbalanced with the flavor components not delivering a balanced and engaging profile. That continued for the remainder of the review. Unfortunately, the cigar wasn't able to deliver beyond the first third, and with a $20 price tag, this one is an easy pass for me.

John McTavish, March 19, 2025