Boisdale Cigar Reviews
Our Cigar Editor, Ricardo Carioni, chooses the best cigars for a smooth winter smoke

Ricardo Carioni
Arturo Fuente Magnum Rosado No. 52
Provenance: Dominican Republic
Length: 5"
Ring Gauge: 52
Strength: Medium
Few cigars display such poise and refinement as the Magnum Rosado No. 52. From the first draw, I was reminded why Fuente remains the benchmark of Dominican excellence. The Ecuadorian Rosado wrapper, aged for nearly a decade, gives the smoke a beautiful balance — creamy, medium-bodied, and harmonious from start to finish. It’s a cigar that rewards slow appreciation; elegant, dignified, and deeply satisfying.

Aladino 85 Anniversario Reserva Robusto
Provenance: Honduras
Length: 5"
Ring Gauge: 50
Strength: Medium to Full
This cigar is a love letter to the golden age of cigars — and to Julio Eiroa’s remarkable legacy. Smoking the 85 Anniversario, I was struck by how seamlessly it balances strength and smoothness. It’s full of presence, yet never overbearing, with the unmistakable refinement of authentic Corojo. Every puff carries the confidence of a master blender at peace with his craft. A truly memorable Honduran puro.

Mitchellero Robusto
Provenance: Nicaragua
Length: 5"
Ring Gauge: 50
Strength: Medium
I’ve long admired cigars that overdeliver — and the Mitchellero Robusto is precisely that. It’s impeccably constructed, with an even burn and cool draw throughout. Medium-bodied and smooth, it’s a wonderfully honest cigar that asks for nothing but your time. A perfect companion for an afternoon stroll or an unhurried coffee — approachable, flavourful, and unpretentious.

Bolívar Royal Coronas
Provenance: Cuba
Length: 4 7/8"
Ring Gauge: 50
Strength: Full
There’s something profoundly satisfying about a Bolívar, and the Royal Coronas encapsulates it beautifully. Its bold, full-bodied nature is unmistakably Cuban — earthy, powerful, and yet impeccably smooth. Each draw unfolds with commanding presence, and as the smoke builds, so too does its elegant strength. A cigar of substance and tradition; unapologetically classic, and thoroughly rewarding.

Davidoff Winston Churchill Robusto
Provenance: Dominican Republic
Length: 5 1/4"
Ring Gauge: 52
Strength: Medium
The Winston Churchill Robusto has long been a favourite of mine for its effortless sophistication. It carries itself with the same quiet confidence as the man it honours — refined, assured, and wonderfully balanced. The draw is flawless, the body smooth, and the overall impression one of composure and grace. It’s a cigar that pairs as naturally with conversation as it does with an aged Scotch.

Tatuaje 7th Nicaragua Corojo Corona Gorda
Provenance: Nicaragua
Length: 5 5/8"
Ring Gauge: 46
Strength: Medium to Full
I’ve always admired Pete Johnson’s devotion to authenticity, and the 7th Corojo is a testament to that philosophy. This cigar feels alive — expressive and well-built, with a medium-to-full body that carries a beautiful tension between strength and sweetness. It’s lean, elegant, and deeply satisfying. For those who appreciate Nicaraguan character without excess power, this is a gem.

Oliva Serie V Double Robusto
Provenance: Nicaragua
Length: 5"
Ring Gauge: 54
Strength: Full
Each time I light the Serie V Double Robusto, I’m reminded of why it remains one of Nicaragua’s finest achievements. It’s a cigar of power and finesse — bold and full-bodied, yet undeniably smooth and poised. The draw is effortless, the burn consistent, and the smoke deeply satisfying. It’s a masterclass in balance, proving once again that strength and elegance can coexist beautifully.

CLE Connecticut Robusto
Provenance: Honduras
Length: 5"
Ring Gauge: 50
Strength: Mild to Medium
The CLE Connecticut is, to me, a quiet revelation. It’s gentle but never dull — mellow, creamy, and full of subtle nuance. Its construction is impeccable, the smoke refined and steady from start to finish. A cigar to unwind with, not to analyse — the sort of pleasure best enjoyed on a sunlit terrace with a moment to breathe.

Charatan London Claro Half Churchill
Provenance: Nicaragua
Length: 4 1/2"
Ring Gauge: 46
Strength: Mild
I’ve always found charm in cigars that reflect our pace of life, and the Charatan Half Churchill captures that perfectly. It’s a refined, mild smoke that feels distinctly British — understated, polished, and quietly luxurious. Its creamy, smooth draw makes it ideal for a morning indulgence or a short reprieve between engagements. A small cigar with great character.

Macanudo Emissary España Robusto
Provenance: Multi-national Blend
Length: 5"
Ring Gauge: 52
Strength: Medium
Smoking the Emissary España is like a journey through the world’s finest tobacco regions. Its five-country blend achieves a rare harmony — balanced, expressive, and unmistakably refined. Medium-bodied yet complex, it’s a cigar that commands quiet appreciation. With its flawless construction and cosmopolitan elegance, it represents Macanudo’s most sophisticated evolution to date.


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