Quintero y Hermano Favoritos Tubos - 15 cigars (pack of 3)

Reviews

Uncovered: A Hidden Gem , 2/14/2023
By Mark J

The Chinese pandemic certainly wreaked havoc on the global cigar industry, (like all industries) but with greater damage to Cuban distributors. Most quality tobaccos in the cigars exported from Cuba must be first aged for years - to properly serve their market. Emptying the pipeline was therefore most devastating to all those dedicated to every facet of Cuban cigar production.

My favs at the time (when things “dried up”) were: the Partagas Series D, Hoyo De Monterrey Epicure De Luxe LCDH, Ramon Allone Special Selects, and a few others. That tells you my tastes.

Like everyone else who prefers Cuban tobacco over others - I was desperate to find a “gap filler” to smoke - until the shortages of popular name brand cigars finally started to revive, hoping that the depleted stock main brands would come back to trusted online sellers, OF WHICH Cigar Terminal proved to be the apex of “trusted” Cuban Cigar distributors.

SO - as no stock was available - and no hope of normal sales was yet to be realized, like many others, I began trying those cigars remaining in stock - of lesser popularity. I had already bought some “formerly acceptable” smokes (Padron Serie 1926, Don Carlos #2) but unfortunately - I experienced severe regret. (They remain in my humi in hopes that seasoning may help).

But despite the gradual known degradation in Cuban tobacco quality over the past years - IMO - the Cuban tobacco still reigns supreme.

I found three “fairly good” cigar types, still in stock at Cigar Terminal. A certain Montecristo, a particular Trinidad, and then….this one Quintero Y - that I am about to describe for you in this very special review, (the “Quintero Y Hermano Favoritos”). I never tried ANY of them before. But noticing the robusto type size - and reasonable pricing (available in tubes and a box of 25 at the time) - made me order a few to try. Well the results surprised - and perhaps even “shocked” me.

I was even skeptical with my expectations.
I knew they could not be long filler rolled masterpieces of choice aged tobaccos, or contain specially selected Sumatra wrapper leaves…. I had little faith in them actually & bought them after desperately scrounging for “anything” Cuban! Then - Here is what happened:

At first - I thought they were too soft - or over humidified. Cutting the cap on the first one and putting it in my mouth for lighting - left me with a few bits of tobacco in my mouth. Hmmm. So I honestly paid little attention to the first cigar. I went for my daily walk and just “smoked it”.

But after putting those of that entire order in my humidor for a couple weeks - and smoking the other two brands which I mentioned “in turn”, I eventually got back around to another “Quint”.

This time - The cigar impressed me with something I only get once and a while. After lighting, the wrapper tobacco left a definite taste of sweetness on my lips - as I was gripping it in my mouth - as only Cuban tobacco can do. It made me stop and take note. That sweetness you might expect from Cohiba - since they treat some of their cigar wrappers with Cocoa powder (for hooking up newbies). Now before you get mad - obviously Cohiba has MUCH more going on in their favor than that - and I am NOT comparing this cigar to a Behike, (I don’t mean to bash Cohiba)!

But this cigar has flavor in its smoke AND its wrapper! It also burned well - It held on to its flavor throughout the entire stick, and although its flavor profile is not extremely complex - it is flavorful and a nice experience of about 50 minutes or so, apiece.

My point is that the cigar has a price on it that makes it a great deal for what it is, as sort of a hidden gem. I actually held off writing a review a bit selfishly. I didn’t want to prompt a rush on buying them up - since Cubans are STILL MIA - on most shelves around the globe.

But I wanted to be guilt-free in writing an honest review for others on the hunt. Besides - I ordered over 60 more since my first order from CT - (in both available formats, tubos or boxes).

Seriously - I don’t mean that they are as good as my previously mentioned favs…. Or the fantastic & perhaps “unaffordable” of Cohiba. But in these times of shortages - these are a great smoke at a good price.

BTW- If/when mainline Cuban cigars are able to return to their former glory - I will still be proud to pull one of these out of my box and enjoy it with confidence.