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Kicking Back
The great outdoors
remains the last bastion of smoking freedom-at least for the vast majority of the nation where complete insanity hasn't managed to settle in-so thank heavens for summer and the chance to kick back and unwind... wherever you may find yourself (do check carefully for banned activities before firing up).
Speaking of imagination, this latest edition of SMOKE's cigar review once again challenged our panelists to find all the right words to describe their smoking experience; it's not the easiest task, putting into words the sensations one experiences when enjoying any one of the huge variety of fine cigars out there.
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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 |
Among our highest rated cigars in this issue are the Romeo by Romeo y Julieta (Piramides, 93), the latest blending twist that "modernizes" a familiar tast profile for palates seeking a heartier, spicier range of flavors.
The Timeless Collection from Nat Sherman (Churchill, 92) is a rare new entry from New York City's "Tobacconist to the World" that's rolled by the Quesada family (of Fonseca cigars fame) in the Dominican Republic.
Tabacalera Perdomo's new Grand Cru (Sun Grown Grand Churchill, 93) taps the best leaves from the company's well-aged 2006 crop tobacco. Meanwhile, Undercrown by Drew Estate (Corona Viva, 92) was created by the factory's rollers after they were told to cut back on smoking Liga Privadas meant for sale; their own blend shares many of the same Liga Privada tobaccos, so it's no wonder reviewers took a liking. Happy smoking!
-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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 |  | DONA FLOR Gran Coronas | Country:
Brazil | Manufacturer:
Menendez Amerino Cia Ltd. | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
Brazil | Binder:
Brazil | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | Good cigar, medium, complex, balanced, with nice flavor profile consistent with Connecticut-wrapped cigars.
88 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Medium color, medium flavor, medium strength; average in every way. Some imperfections in the wrapper.
88 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | Ring size was impressive. Flavor was bland and lacked complexity. At least six more months of aging desired.
87 Very Good |
 |  | AKA HYBRID DNA | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
AKA Cigars | Size:
5 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
Honduras | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Honduras | | Panelist #1 | A tasty little spice bomb with complexity and balance. Spice was a bit overpowering, but otherwise enjoyable.
89 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Good smoke. Typical of the curse of blind tastings...must wait to figure out who makes it so I can buy a box.
92 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Favorable smoke, even for an experienced smoker. Would smoke again. Pairs well with a single malt whisky.
87 Very Good |
 |  | SUBLIMES Grande | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Sublime Cigars | Size:
6 3/4 x 56 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
USA | | Panelist #1 | A complex stick that did not disappoint. Be sure to set aside ample time to enjoy this cigar.
92 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | Samples consistent in flavor. The ash burn was a bit erratic. I would smoke it again with some friends after a BBQ.
93 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Unusually dry cigar, even with water. Not in my wheelhouse, but some might appreciate this type of stick.
85 Good |
 |  | DON CERVANTES PRESIDENTE Toro | Country:
Ecuador | Manufacturer:
Achievement Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | A good cigar with complexity and balance. My kind of flavor profile. I would definitely buy this cigar.
90 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Flavors rarely experienced in a cigar. Paired second stick with Armangnac. Recommend combining with brandy.
92 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Thoroughly enjoyed this and would definitely buy them. A great cigar! Pairs well with cognac or bourbon.
92 Excellent |
 |  | WICKED INDIE Toro | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
East India Trading Company | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Nicaragua | | Panelist #1 | Wanted to enjoy this cigar but the tarry taste took away from the other flavors in this complex and balanced cigar.
82 Good | | Panelist #2 | This cigar started strong, then became progressively more mellow and picked up fruity notes. Most interesting cigar.
87 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | Overall enjoyable smoking experience and would recommend this cigar. Pairs well with a ruby port.
87 Very Good |
 | | LA PALINA EL DIARIO Kill Bill | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
La Palina Cigar Company | Size:
4 1/4 x 40 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Honduras | | Panelist #1 | Not a cigar for me. The flavor profile was off, balance was off, and the finish had a lingering mineral taste.
86 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Not a stick to be taken lightly. If you like a strong, spicy, bitter smoke, this is definitely a stick for you.
90 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | An enjoyable cigar with good balance and complexity. I would smoke it again. Pairs well with cappuccino.
93 Excellent |
 | | BIDWELL BLEND CAFE COROJO Torpedo | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
Bidwell Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Nicaragua | | Panelist #1 | Excellent tasting cigar, great complexity and balance. Recommended after a substantial meal. I would buy this.
87 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Good cigar to smoke in a park on a warm summer evening. Not overly complex, but it didn't need to be.
89 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | Wow! Smoking cigars 50 years and this is in the Top 5. Would recommend to all. Ready to buy a box now.
94 Excellent |
 | | HAMMER + SICKLE BERLIN WALL Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Klin Tobacco Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Hon, DR, Nic | Binder:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Honduras | | Panelist #1 | Terrific little cigar with abundant, complex flavors and great balance. Very flavorful. Best enjoyed after a meal.
90 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Enjoyable cigar, but not dynamic. A good smoke for sitting outside in summer with a beer.
87 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | Enjoyable cigar that pairs well with a whisky highball. I would recommend the cigar and definitely smoke again.
91 Excellent |
 | | OLIVEROS SUN GROWN RESERVE Majico No. 2 | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba-Oliveros Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Nicaragua | | Panelist #1 | Loved this stick, finest I've reviewed in some time. Pair with a dry Hanger One or Bombay Sapphire martini.
95 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | Samples consistent. Slightly milder than my everyday smoke. Would like to keep some in the humidor.
88 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | The packaging of this cigar had me hopeful, but from the first light to the final draw, it was disappointing.
80 Good |
 | | MUTINEER CIGARS Corona Gorda Box Press | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Father & Son Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Indonesia | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | I enjoyed this cigar with a cup of coffee and the pairing was excellent.
90 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | Solid 91 rating. Samples were consistent. No touch-ups or relights. I would keep this cigar in my rotation.
91 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Terrific cigar. Satisfying, delicious. Would pair with Irish whiskey or a single malt.
90 Very Good |
 |  | NAT SHERMAN TIMELESS COLLECTION Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Nat Sherman | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
DR, Nicaragua | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Honduras | | Panelist #1 | This would be a decent cigar to work around the house with; nothing fancy but a decent smoke.
90 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Paired well with bourbon. Great overall aroma. Would keep it in my rotation. Should get even better with age.
91 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Enjoyable after a fine dinner, but would suit any time of day. Paired well with 15-year-old Dalwhinnie.
94 Excellent |
 | | SAN CRISTOBAL DE LA HABANA Mercaderes | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
6 5/8 x 48 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | Very relaxing cigar that offers an interesting progression of tastes throughout the smoke.
91 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | Very aromatic, amazing cigar. If it weren't for the draw issue, it would be everything a good cigar should be!
90 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | Mild- to medium bodied; a bit mild for my taste but so creamy and tasty that I found myself loving it regardless.
95 Excellent |
 Continued on next page...
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