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It's about Time
This issue's
cigar review panelists, in their unyielding efforts to disperse the mystery surrounding the myriad of cigar choices that populate the corner cigar shop's daunting walk-in humidor, were treated to some familiar faces as well as intriguing newcomers. They live up to the task admirably, bringing passion and a critical eye and palate to the latest edition of the world-famous Smoke Cigar Review. Of equal interest to our reader are the back stories; herewith are two...
Ventura Cigar Company, a recently established California-based firm that’s partnered with Central American cigar maker Nestor Plasencia to launch several premium brands within the past year, makes its second appearance in our review with its Honduran-made Estilo Cubano, which was sampled in the 5 3/4 x 54 Toraso size. Panelists took a liking to its rich Honduran maduro wrapper, rabo de cochino (pigtail) cap, and three-nation filler blend, bestowing it a final score of 94. “Very much a smoker’s cigar - complex, no candy,” said one panelist. “This was a big, bold cigar that might not fare well with the newbies, but seasoned smokers will love it,” said another.
It doesn't seem all that long ago that Nick Perdomo was the scrappy young new-comer in the world of premium cigars, so it almost seems inconceivable to note that he's been working hard to constantly improve and perfect his craft in Estel¡, Nicaragua for 20 years now. Where the heck does the time go? Perdomo Exhibici¢n is one of his newer lines, having debuted in 2011, but it follows firmly in his philosophy of using well-aged tobaccos without charging exorbitant prices. In other words, no cutting corners in order to avoid sticker shock. Having steadily expanded the control of his cigar making from merely rolling well into farming, fermenting, and aging, Perdomo's inner perfectionist now delights in his fully vertical operations, and the brand has become a solid and dependable favorite among cigar smokers.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 96-100 | Superior |
| 91-95 | Excellent |
| 86-90 | Very Good |
| 80-85 | Good |
| 70-79 | Average |
| 60-69 | Fair |
| Under 59 | Poor |
Cigars from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras dominate U.S. store shelves with 99 percent of the premium cigars offered. What about the rest? Brazilian tobaccos-Mata Fina, Mata Norte, and others-are prized among blenders worldwide for their unique tastes. So it's been disappointing that perhaps the best-known Brazilian brand, Dona Flor, has been absent from the U.S. market in recent years. That's all changed with their triumphant return, and our reviewers had the opportunity to fully immerse themselves with the Dona Flor Selecao, a Brazilian puro that fully showcases South American tobaccos.
The great outdoor beckons, so grab a smoke, kick off the shoes, stake out a shady corner with a cool drink, and escape the rat race on a lazy summer afternoon with some quality down time and a relaxing cigar. It doesn't get any better than this! -E.E.H.
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Want more? For the full details of each review, including all the panelists views on aesthetics, construction, flavor, and more, subscribe now - or pick up a copy of SMOKE Magazine at a Tobacconist near you!
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 |  | H. UPMANN SUN GROWN Magnum | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
Altadis U.S.A. | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nic, Hon | Binder:
USA | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | This was a bit more on the mild- to medium-bodied side, which I usually don't smoke, but I liked this one.
93 excellent | | Panelist #2 | This was a good cigar that I would smoke again if not too expensive (as I imagine to be the case). Solid B-plus.
90 very good | | Panelist #3 | I enjoyed this at the end of the first real warm day of the season. I paired it with a Maker's Mark on the rocks. Perfect.
91 excellent |
 |  | HAWK 1968 MADURO 54 x 5 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Chess Cigars | Size:
5 x 54 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | I'm sure somebody would enjoy this, but a seasoned aficionado, would probably not enjoy this cigar.
84 very good | | Panelist #2 | This stick was very dry. Turned out to be a nice smoke. Medium in strength, earthy tobacco. A good all-around smoke.
93 excellent | | Panelist #3 | This cigar had me very nervous, but ended up smoking and tasting a lot better than I was expecting.
87 very good |
 | | MUTINEER CIGARS Corona Gorda | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Father & Son Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Indonesia | Wrapper:
Habano Maduro | | Panelist #1 | The overall construction is a winner. Nothing else was too memorable. I'd smoke this while mowing the lawn.
90 very good | | Panelist #2 | Was not terribly impressed. The draw had issues, as did the flavor profile which had a bitter, mineraly taste.
86 very good | | Panelist #3 | Well constructed, lacked real flavor. Kept waiting for it to build. Those looking for a mild cigar will find this to their liking.
89 very good |
 | | C.A.O. LA TRAVIATA MADURO Robusto | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic, DR | Binder:
Cameroon | Wrapper:
USA | | Panelist #1 | Looser, more consistent draw would be nice, but regardless I'd buy and smoke these very tasty medium-bodied cigars.
90 very good | | Panelist #2 | A flavor-bomb without going overboard with the dreaded dizzying nicotine hit. This is a keeper for my humidor.
92 excellent | | Panelist #3 | Big flavor, few subtleties here, and that's a good thing: a well balanced, full-bodied, firecracker of flavors.
92 excellent |
 | | AVO HERITAGE Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Overall good smoke. It went well with a Winter Lager. I would recommend keeping a few in your humidor.
92 excellent | | Panelist #2 | I did not enjoy this, some elements took away from the enjoyment of the otherwise complex and balanced cigar.
82 good | | Panelist #3 | A tasty and enjoyable cigar, goes well with a glass of VSOP Cognac. Good choice for a newcomer trying new cigars.
89 very good |
 |  | WE THE PEOPLE Coronabusto | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Bidwell Cigar Co. | Size:
4 1/2 x 44 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Ecuador | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | A good early day smoke enjoyed with a cup of jo. Flavors were smooth and creamy. Wish the draw opened up more.
85 very good | | Panelist #2 | A tasty little spice bomb with decent complexity and balance. The spice was a bit overpowering at times.
89 very good | | Panelist #3 | This cigar goes nicely with an afternoon cup of coffee. It needs about six more months of proper aging.
87 very good |
 | | LA LIBERTAD Grand Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Villiger Stokkebye | Size:
5 x 56 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Peru | Wrapper:
Peru | | Panelist #1 | This cigar had a pleasing taste that did not overpower. Left no heavy flavors on the palate. Need more of this cigar.
87 very good | | Panelist #2 | An enjoyable and tasty cigar. The combination of spice and sweet cream made for a nice smoking experience.
88 very good | | Panelist #3 | This cigar goes well with a glass of ruby port. It is perfectly aged. I would recommend this to my cigar club.
87 very good |
 |  | FONSECA CUBANO LIMITADO Toro Gordo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Matasa / SAG Imports | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic, DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Honduras | | Panelist #1 | I liked this smoke, it had complexity and depth. Lots of smoke. I would keep a stash of these sticks in my collection.
89 very good | | Panelist #2 | A good cigar with plenty of complexity and good balance. My kind of flavor profile. I would definitely buy this cigar.
90 very good | | Panelist #3 | This is most surely a cigar of the very highest order. Goes well with a single malt Scotch. Another one for the cigar club.
91 excellent |
 | | ROOM101 CONNECTICUT 305c | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
Room101 Cigars | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR, Hon | Binder:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Honduras | | Panelist #1 | I enjoyed this cigar with my morning coffee. I would recommend this to others and would buy it for the right price.
91 excellent | | Panelist #2 | Overall a good cigar with plenty of complexity and good balance. A nice flavor profile that is consistent.
88 very good | | Panelist #3 | The cigar blends well with a Tawny Port. This is most surely a cigar of the highest order.
93 excellent |
 | | C&C COROJO Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
C&C Cigars | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Not a cigar for me, flavor profile was off, balance was off and the finish had a lingering mineral taste.
95 excellent | | Panelist #2 | Smoked with a glass of merlot in the afternoon. Overall, a smokable cigar that is probably for beginners.
86 very good | | Panelist #3 | The cigar's pre-light flavors changed immensely once fire was applied. It had depth and great flavors.
84 good |
 |  | LA SIRENA Sea Sprite | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Miami Cigar and Company | Size:
5 1/2 x 42 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
USA | | Panelist #1 | This stick was great, it was filled with lots of flavors. Smooth finish. You should get some of these smokes!
91 excellent | | Panelist #2 | An excellent tasting cigar with great complexity and balance. Definitely a cigar to follow a substantial meal.
87 very good | | Panelist #3 | I enjoyed this cigar most when paired with a Bourbon whiskey. It is a great cigar with plenty of taste.
90 very good |
 | | BOLIVAR Coronas Gigantes | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
7 x 47 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | Don't smoke this on an empty stomach! A definite after-dinner, full-bodied treat that deserves your full attention.
90 excellent | | Panelist #2 | Unassuming looking, but pre-light aroma hinted at something special to come, and this one delivered.
88 very good | | Panelist #3 | Can't help but describe this as "sophisticated"-not your run-of-the- mill cigar. This one's something special.
92 excellent |
 Continued on next page...
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