Don Diego {Greek Mike}

Brand: Don Diego

Line: Torpedo

Length x Ring Gauge: 6 x 50

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Filler: Dominican Republic; Binder: Indonesia; Wrapper: USA/Connecticut Shade)

Strength: Medium

Date: May, 2002

If Padron (one of my favorite cigars) is the Chimay of medium bodied cigars, and Philly Blunt is the Schlitz of cigars then the Don Diego would be considered the Pabst Blue Ribbon. I write this with all sincerity as a Pabst Blue Ribbon fan (thank you Blue Velvet). If you are not too big on taste, but you want a nicotine fix then this cigar is for you. I consider this to be a step above a cigarette. Its a rather ho-hum cigar that doesn't really stand out. I do not harbor any ill content with this cigar.... I would smoke Don Diegos while recapping the events of a week among friends in a pool hall that could potentially be the setting of another Coen Brother's film.

Overall, as medium bodied cigars would go, I give this a 5/10

Onyx Reserve toro {Greek Mike}

Brand: Onyx

Line: Onyx Reserve

Length x Ring Gauge: 6 x 50 (toro)

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Peru; Binder: Dominican Republic; Wrapper: USA/ Connecticut Broadleaf)

Strength: Full Bodied

Date: December, 2002 (first time); January 2011 (latest)

Much like the group Onyx, this cigar is dark (maduro wrap), full bodied and packs a punch (SLAM). This full bodied cigar is an ideal winter cigar and (according to my palate), can go great with beer. This is my staple winter cigar in New York City. I recall smoking this brand in pool halls (when we were allowed), cigar bars and huddled around heating lamps. From this cigar brand, I prefer either the toro or the belicoso. The robusto version kinda heats up a little too quickly making the smoke uncomfortable.

Combining the best fillers from three countries with the extra rich Connecticut Broadleaf (giving it is characteristic maduro appearance), it packs a bit of a punch. It is consistent in flavor, taste and aroma. It is safe to say (after smoking these every winter for the past 9 years), that about 1 in 10 would be either too loose or too tight. Aside from the 1 in 10 miss in construction, it is a fine cigar.

As a full bodied cigar that is near and dear to my heart, I would rate this as an 8/10