Last year, Rocky Patel released his 15th Anniversary cigar. However, did you know that Rocky Patel had previously released two 10th Anniversary cigars? You have probably heard about the Rocky Patel Decade, but Rocky's first cigar brand was named Indian Tabac. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of his first brand of cigars, the ITC 10th Anniversary cigar was created. To find out more, read my Review of ITC 10th Anniversary Cigars.

Antano cigars by Joya de Nicaragua are available in several sizes, each having somewhat interesting names. Dr. Mitch Fadem smoked and reviewed a "nightmare", and says that it will put hair on your chest. To find out more about this particular cigar, read his Review of Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo Cigars.

Franco is an inexpensive brand of cigars made with Dominican fillers and Connecticut wrappers, and are available online at Mike's Cigars. I smoked a Franco Condados measuring 6˝ inches in length with a 44 ring gauge. The cigar was easy to light, and had a great draw and even burn. The flavor at the start was bitter spice, but the taste improved a bit after about 10 minutes. This was a mild-to-medium bodied stick that took me about half an hour to smoke down to 2" remaining. No relights or touch-ups were required.

There's not a whole lot more to say about the Franco, other than they are priced at about $2 per stick when purchased by the box or 5-pack, and $3 as a single. I rate them 2 stars. If you're looking for a cheap mild-to-medium cigar in this price range, I recommend the Flor de Oliva Gold.

^{Photo 2011 © Gary Manelski Licensed to About.com, Inc.}

In the days and weeks before, during and after the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers' Annual Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, from July 17-21, 2011, cigar and accessory makers will be announcing a slew of new products that will soon be available to cigar smokers in the United States and elsewhere. We will strive to keep you abreast of the most important announcements via this website, as they become available. Read More...