Name: Adventura The Navigator Cabral
Country: Dominican Republic
Shape: Parejo
Size: Toro (6 inches x 54)
Strength: Medium

Branding: It’s a cigar with a very basic look. I can’t explain it, but I usually don’t like a cigar band that has a lot of white in it. Besides, compared to The King’s Gold band, this one is bland — weak. The King’s Gold, for instance, gives the vibe of being the adventurer’s stick. But The Navigator doesn’t look like a navigator’s go-to cigar.

Construction: Great. Solid. No weak spots.

Pre-light: Promising draw. The smell of freshly baked brownies and the leather jacket of a woman you’re willing to be lured by.

Cut: Straight cut.

Burn: It burned well and at a nice pace.

Duration: 75 minutes.

Draw: Excellent draw.

Smoke: Great smoke.

Ash: Good.

Flavor: Cocoa, leather, cashew, pink peppercorn, cappuccino.

Name: Adventura The Royal Return King’s Gold Toro
Country: Dominican Republic
Shape: Parejo
Size: Toro (6 inches x 54)
Strength: Medium to Full

I paired this excellent stick with excellent wines while enjoying good music and good company. It went best with the second bottle we opened, the cabernet-sauvignon.

Branding: Manly. Adventurous. The band reminded me of gold coins stored in the treasure chests. I liked the feel of it. And for some reason, Indiana Jones movies came to mind.

Construction: Good. No complaints.

Pre-light: Cocoa filled in rum barrels. Grilled green peppers. Marshmallows in a rainforest. Love in the backseat of an SUV.

Cut: Straight cut.

Burn: It burned nicely and evenly. I only had to adjust it once.

Duration: 90 minutes. The cigar burned at medium speed.

Draw: Near-perfect draw.

Smoke: Generous smoke. But not as thick as steam locomotive smoke.

Ash: Average.

Flavor: Cocoa, earth, wood, capsicum.

Name: Arturo Fuente Opus X Destino al Siglo Maduro Toro
Country: Dominican Republic
Shape: Parejo
Size: Toro (6 1/4 inches x 49)
Strength: Medium to Full

I smoked this cigar last night, celebrating my birthday. I smoked it at the cigar lounge surrounded by friends who were there to see me age another year. I paired it with Bulleit Rye. It was good. Actually, it was great…

However, I’d like to add that, compared to other cigars, the Opus X is overpriced. There are much cheaper cigars out there that taste great. But it’s a good birthday cigar, nonetheless.

It’s possible that the name of this cigar is “Arturo Fuente Opus X OXO Oro Oscuro Perfecxion X.” But after a few Google searches this morning, I decided to give up. I forgot what was written on the box when I picked it up. I think the name had “Maduro” in it, but I have a hangover that I need to take care of right now, and my short-term memory seems to be on a holiday. I could, of course, ask the cigar lounge. But I won’t be visiting them again this week, and I really want to get this post up before my wife and I go to this getaway, where we plan to enjoy my birthday weekend. Besides, the color of the cigar wrapper is Maduro to me…

So, what’s the verdict?

It’s an excellent cigar. It’s smooth and sweet, has a great draw, and comes with a harmony of notes. However, for the same price, you can purchase three excellent cigars instead of just one. (But if it’s your birthday, you are allowed to pamper yourself.)