Cusano M1

Purchased: Robusto (5 X 50) 16-ct.
Shop: Famous Smoke Shop
Price Paid: $17.95 (on a special) / Normally $54.99/20 ct.
Buy again? Fuckin-A

I keep on forgetting that this has to be one of my favorite smokes! I’m going to have to keep these stocked because they are definitely sticks that punch above their weight! Their construction and taste are on par with some super-premiums I’ve smoked – no lie! It’s like the Squier Classic Vibe Tele: It punches way above its weight!

For me, this stick epitomizes the classic DR mild smoke. So many folks are into much headier, full-bodied smoke nowadays. Me? I like mild DR smokes to Pinot Noir. There’s beauty – and complexity – in the mildness. My old boss, Shahin would love something like AJ’s Fallen Angel and look down on the lowly, mild M1. Well… more for me.

But I think people like him who snub mild cigars miss the point. Mild doesn’t necessarily mean weak or cheap. Tell that to the RyJ, Montecristo, or Upmann brands who are known for their mild smokes.

And though Cusano is not known nearly as well as those venerable brands, that’s a good thing. Their prices are low in comparison. In this respect, cigars are very much like trying to find a great burgundy that won’t break the bank. And there are lots of great producers that make incredible wines at an affordable price. Those are always the ones I look for. The same thing goes for cigars for me.

While I have my fair share of super premium cigars, I usually seek out the smaller lesser known producers. Yes, there can be some really bad stuff out there, but so far I have been lucky. All the cheap cigars I’ve purchased have been truly excellent. And the Cusano M1 is one of those sleepers!

Look at that ash, and more importantly, look at the burn line! This is not something I’d expect from a sub-$3.00 cigar. And on a special, I got mine for just over a buck a cigar! But bundles of 20 can be had for $45 from cigars.com!

Now here’s the kicker… I finally did some research on Cusano cigars. They don’t have a website as far as I can tell. But what I did find out is that they essentially are the budget line for Davidoff! No wonder they’re made so well! That’s it. I’m gonna be buying this brand regularly!