|
This issue's cigar reviews,
kicks off with the excellent news that reaction from our
readers regarding this newly-formatted section (introduced last
issue) has been resoundingly enthusiastic. We are
satisfied that our goal of providing cigar
enthusiasts with the best possible cigar reviews are
being reached, and pleased that our
readers support and applaud our efforts.
| SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
| Rating |
Quality |
| 0-2.0 |
Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 |
Fair |
| 3.0-3.5 |
Good |
| 3.6-4.4 |
Excellent |
| 4.5-5.0 |
Superior |
Even
better news is that the revised format is just the
beginning of the exciting changes we are making to
the SMOKE cigar reviews. In a departure from our
past approach, where we focused on reviewing the
many new cigar brands entering the market, we are
now returning to the basics and concentrating on
the familiar, established brands. As the market
continues to shake out from its saturated
condition and the major manufacturers are better
able to fill their orders, we feel that the
big-name brands are the cigars you will most
likely find in your local smoke shop. And while
you will see plenty of your favorites reviewed in
this issue, we aren't completely ignoring the
newer guys, as evidenced by exciting performances
from MIYARES, a new company operating out of
Caribbean Cigar's former Miami factory, and
EMIGRANTE, a full-bodied, Cuban-style offering
from the Dominican Republic.
| Price
Codes |
| A |
$1.00 to
$2.50 |
| B |
$2.51 to
$3.75 |
| C |
$3.75 to
$5.75 |
| D |
$5.76 to
$7.50 |
| E |
$7.51 to
$10.50 |
| F |
$10.51 to
$14.99 |
| G |
$14.99 and
above | An interesting, new
feature appearing in this issue's cigar reviews is
the Aged Cigar category, in which a few lucky
panelists blind-tasted a box of 15-year-old ROMEO
Y JULIETA CELESTIALES FINOS from Cuba, along with
a box of 2-year-old LA GLORIA CUBANA (MADURO)
CHURCHILLS from El Credito, in Miami. Reviewing
aged cigars is something that has not been done in
any cigar publication to date, and we are proud to
unveil our findings here.
While we are aware that
15-year-old Cuban cigars are not readily available
to most, a few foreign cigar merchants do keep
some aged Cuban stock at their disposal, and these
unique cigars may not be as expensive as you
think. In the case of the La Gloria Cubana,
devotees of this popular brand have long debated
whether "LGCs" are better fresh from the factory
or aged for up to six months, or longer. While we
may not have settled the debate, the strong
performance of the LGC Churchill shows that two
years in the humidor certainly didn't hurt this
cigar. This new category demonstrates that many
age-worthy cigars are available, and if you have
the willpower to keep from smoking them, you too
can experience the smooth taste of a properly aged
cigar.
Aged cigar reviews...
 |
 |
LA GLORIA CUBANA Churchill (Maduro) cigar
reviews |
| Country: U.S.A.
|
Wrapper: Ecuador
|
Binder: Nicaragua
|
| Manufacturer: El Credito
|
Filler: DR/Nicaragua
|
Price: C |
| Panelist #1 |
This is a
major-league cigar in every way. The taste is
amazingly rich and complex and it never ceases
to amaze the palate. SCORE: 4.7
|
| Panelist #2 |
This is a
cigar for the connoisseur. Its rich and
full-bodied style will thrill lovers of Cuban
cigars. I must know what it is. SCORE: 4.5
|
| Panelist #3 |
Generally
a top-notch cigar worthy of anyone's humidor.
It's a quality blend that might need more aging
to round it out. SCORE: 3.6 |
| Panelist #4 |
An
ultra-smooth cigar that offers the perfect
combination of great flavor, strength, and
satisfaction. It's a winner. SCORE: 4.4
|
 |
 |
ROMEO Y JULIETA Celestiales Finos cigar
reviews |
| Country: Cuba |
Wrapper: Cuba |
Binder: Cuba
|
| Manufacturer: Habanos S.A.
|
Filler: Cuba |
Price: G |
| Panelist #1 |
No
question that many will find this cigar too
strong and harsh, but for an iron palate like
mine, this is why I smoke cigars! SCORE: 4.2
|
| Panelist #2 |
This
cigar held me hostage as I was entranced by the
intricate taste nuances woven throughout its
full- bodied flavor. SCORE: 4.9
|
| Panelist #3 |
A few
minutes into this cigar, I locked my door and
ripped the phone out of the wall. I didn't want
a single interruption. SCORE: 4.8
|
| Panelist #4 |
This
cigar has the mellow flavor of very old tobacco.
It's a fabu- lous experience, to be relished and
appreciated. SCORE: 4.0
|
| SMOKE Cigar
Ratings |
| Rating |
Quality |
| |
|
| 0-2.0 |
Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 |
Fair |
| 3.0-3.5 |
Good |
| 3.6-4.4 |
Excellent |
| 4.5-5.0 |
Superior |
| Price
Codes |
| A |
$1.00 to
$2.50 |
| B |
$2.51 to
$3.75 |
| C |
$3.75 to
$5.75 |
| D |
$5.76 to
$7.50 |
| E |
$7.51 to
$10.50 |
| F |
$10.51 to
$14.99 |
| G |
$14.99 and
above |
Season
of Smoke - Coronas
Coronas cigar
reviews...
 |
 |
HINDS BROS. HONDURAN
Corona cigar
reviews |
| Country: Honduras
|
Wrapper: Ecuador
|
Binder: Honduras
|
| Manufacturer: Hinds
Brothers, Ltd. |
Filler: Honduras
|
Price: B |
| Panelist #1 |
A good
afternoon cigar that is mild throughout. Perfect
for a day on the golf course or other outdoor
activity. SCORE: 3.9 |
| Panelist #2 |
This cigar
offers a pleasant and light smoking experience
that is right for anytime of the day. It's a
meal in itself. SCORE: 3.6 |
| Panelist #3 |
This is a
very straightforward cigar that offers good
flavor in a well- made package, but doesn't
really stand out in a crowd. SCORE: 3.5
|
| Panelist #4 |
This is a
good, everyday type of cigar. It's not
spectacular, but it has a hearty flavor that
will sat- isfy most palates. SCORE: 3.5
|
 |
 |
LA FLOR DOMINICANA
Insurrectos cigar reviews |
| Country: Dominican Republic
|
Wrapper: Connecticut
|
Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: La Flor
Dominicana |
Filler: Dominican Republic
|
Price: C |
| Panelist #1 |
This cigar
improves as you smoke it, but it never becomes
anything to wake the neighbors about. Aging
might improve it. SCORE: 3.0 |
| Panelist #2 |
A decent
cigar, but the tobacco might be under-fermented
and in need of additional aging. Try again in
six months. SCORE: 2.4 |
| Panelist #3 |
This is
your basic good Dominican cigar that every
humidor should not be without. This is a bargain
if under $4. SCORE: 3.3 |
| Panelist #4 |
I think I
would like this light cigar better in a torpedo
or robusto size, in order to get more smoke.
It's OK, but mild. SCORE: 2.9
|
 |
|
MIYARES Corona (Maduro)
cigar reviews |
| Country: U.S.A. |
Wrapper: Connecticut
|
Binder: Indonesian
|
| Manufacturer: Miyares Cigar
Co. |
Filler: DR/Indonesia
|
Price: C |
| Panelist #1 |
This is an
excellent cigar that goes very well with a glass
of red wine. It is an elegant smoke, to be
savored. SCORE: 4.3 |
| Panelist #2 |
A
good-looking cigar with fabulous construction.
The flavor is great, and will hold up well after
a big meal. SCORE: 4.0 |
| Panelist #3 |
Put this
one in the win column! A great cigar for anyone
seeking a rich maduro experience. It went
perfectly with a dark beer. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #4 |
My advice
is to buy this cigar immediately. Complex
flavors abound, they look good, and smoke
wonderfully. SCORE: 4.4
|
 |
 |
CONDAL No. 4 cigar
reviews |
| Country: Canary Islands
|
Wrapper: Connecticut
|
Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: CITA Tabacos
|
Filler: DR/Brazil
|
Price: C |
| Panelist #1 |
This is
not what I would call an outstanding cigar, but
certainly nothing to complain about. It's a bit
mild for me. SCORE: 3.0 |
| Panelist #2 |
This is a
quick-burning cigar that I would smoke during
the day due to its light taste. A good choice
for beginners. SCORE: 3.3 |
| Panelist #3 |
While not
what you would call a "kick ass" cigar, this is
a very en- joyable smoke with many virtues. I
would buy it. SCORE: 4.3 |
| Panelist #4 |
This cigar
is enjoyable, but it does not live up to the
expectations its good looks promise. Still, it's
a fine, mild smoke. SCORE: 3.5
|
 |
 |
BERING Plaza cigar
reviews |
| Country: Honduras
|
Wrapper: Honduras
|
Binder: Honduras
|
| Manufacturer: Swisher
International |
Filler: Hon/Mex/DR/Nic
|
Price: A |
| Panelist #1 |
This is an
acceptable everyday cigar that is on the strong
side. If you don't expect too much from it, it
won't let you down. SCORE: 3.1 |
| Panelist #2 |
This cigar
is a feisty little monster. While it starts mild
it turns into the Tazmanian Devil. A real
punishing smoke. SCORE: 2.2 |
| Panelist #3 |
Not the
best looking cigar, but it is well-made. The
taste suffers from a dry, tart finish. An OK
cigar if it is priced low. SCORE: 2.8
|
| Panelist #4 |
This is a
friendly cigar that will appeal to a large
audience. It's not overly special, but nothing
bad either. SCORE: 3.1
|
 |
 |
EMIGRANTE Corona cigar
reviews |
| Country: Dominican Republic
|
Wrapper: Indonesia
|
Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Santiago Cigar
Company |
Filler: Dominican Republic
|
Price: C |
| Panelist #1 |
A very
pleasant cigar that is not overly complex. It is
medium to strong, with a distinct and full-
flavored style. SCORE: 3.8 |
| Panelist #2 |
A fine
cigar that is powerful yet graceful. Despite the
tight roll, I found this to be a perfect after-
dinner cigar. SCORE: 4.1 |
| Panelist #3 |
This cigar
tastes and smells great, although it is a little
dry on the finish. It's a hearty, early-evening
treat. SCORE: 3.9 |
| Panelist #4 |
This cigar
has a Cuban style. It's spicy, earthy, and
smooth, and gets stronger as you smoke it. Good
job! SCORE: 4.4
|
 |
|
CUESTA REY DOMINICAN No. 5
cigar reviews |
| Country: Dominican Republic
|
Wrapper: Connecticut
|
Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: J.C. Newman
|
Filler: Dominican Republic
|
Price: C |
| Panelist #1 |
These
samples are very consistent. If I knew what they
were, I would buy some right now. Flavorful and
medium-bodied. SCORE: 3.9 |
| Panelist #2 |
You can't
go wrong with this smoke, especially if you like
mild-bodied treats. It is very consistent from
sample to sample. SCORE: 3.8 |
| Panelist #3 |
This is a
good little cigar that did well in all
categories. It looks good, smokes effortlessly,
and tastes good. Easy to enjoy. SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #4 |
This cigar
gives an awesome presentation, but total
enjoyment is thwarted by a fairly mundane
flavor. SCORE: 3.0
|
 |
 |
LA UNICA No. 500 (Natural)
cigar reviews |
| Country: Dominican Republic
|
Wrapper: Connecticut
|
Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: J.C. Newman
|
Filler: Dominican Republic
|
Price: C |
| Panelist #1 |
A nice
effort here. This cigar is well- made and has a
clean and pretty flavor. Best for afternoon,
given its lightweight status. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #2 |
A
flavorful smoke that burns well and satisfies.
Goes well after dinner with a good scotch. I
would smoke these again. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #3 |
As much as
I tried, I just couldn't enjoy this cigar. The
mild flavors were overcome by a strong ammonia
taste. SCORE: 2.5 |
| Panelist #4 |
This is a
cigar with some unique flavor characteristics
that make it better as an occasional smoke than
for everyday. SCORE: 3.5
|
 |
|
NEXT GENERATION Corona cigar
reviews |
| Country: Dominican Republic
|
Wrapper: Indonesia
|
Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Quality Cigar
Partners |
Filler: Dominican Republic
|
Price: C |
| Panelist #1 |
This is a
mild- to medium-bodied cigar that I would
consider as an everyday pre-lunch smoke. It kept
my attention. SCORE: 3.2 |
| Panelist #2 |
This
cigar's taste and aroma re- minds me of baking
with dark chocolate. Save this treat for after
dinner. SCORE: 3.6 |
| Panelist #3 |
This cigar
is inoffensive and has its pleasant moments, but
loses points for the uneven burn and bland,
ordinary flavor. SCORE: 2.5 |
| Panelist #4 |
This cigar
is a flat-out gamer. I anticipate a trip to
Canada to buy these, but I sure hope I am wrong.
SCORE: 4.7 |
 |
|
BURT REYNOLDS Corona cigar
reviews |
| Country: Dominican Republic
|
Wrapper: Indonesia (Java)
|
Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Tabacalera Don
Rafael |
Filler: Dominican Republic
|
Price: D |
| Panelist #1 |
This cigar
has great construction and a perfectly balanced
flavor that makes it suitable as a morning or
evening smoke. SCORE: 4.3 |
| Panelist #2 |
This cigar
has a rough look, but makes up for it with some
truly ass-kicking, robust flavor. It's a very
enjoyable smoke. SCORE: 4.1 |
| Panelist #3 |
This cigar
wants to be strong, but is unable to deliver,
due to a bitterness that undercuts the good
flavor it does have. SCORE: 2.6
|
| Panelist #4 |
This horse
started quick, gave ground in the middle, and
faded late, but it's good enough to try again.
SCORE: 3.3 |
 |
|
AZ Corona cigar reviews
cigar reviews |
| Country: Mexico |
Wrapper: Mexico |
Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: Herdman
Distributors |
Filler: Mexico |
Price: B |
| Panelist #1 |
Some
cigars just taste good, and this is one of them.
This is a very enjoyable way to spend an hour.
SCORE: 4.2 |
| Panelist #2 |
This is
not a cigar for me. While others may like its
direct style, it didn't have enough to win my
attention. SCORE: 2.9 |
| Panelist #3 |
This cigar
is deserving of a space in anybody's humidor. It
is a refreshing pleasure, just like a crisp
February afternoon. SCORE: 4.0 |
| Panelist #4 |
Lovers of
strong cigars may go for this, but my palate had
trouble dealing with this stogie's pure
strength. SCORE: 3.2
|
|
