Short,
Fat,
and Handsom
photos by Jeff Schnorr
"Life is Short. Make fun of it." - Anonymous
Welcome to the SMOKE Spring Cigar Review, celebrating the robusto, and all other things short, fat, and handsome. With the Academy Awards coming up, we're pretty sure that the likes of Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, and other lean, well-chiseled Hollywood stars will bring home the hardware. If we had our druthers, we'd give all the little gold men to Man on the Moon's Danny DeVito, our vertically-challenged, horizontally--endowed, cigar-smoking brethren.
Earning top prize in SMOKE's own awards ceremo-ny this issue is the Cubita 545, with an audacious 4.6. Two reviewers even posted the holiest of scores for this Dominican import, the peerless 5.0. "I'm in awe," gushed one panelist, calling the 545 "smoother than a Cuban" and "the cigar of kings." Coincidentally, the cigar's maker, Manny Quesada of MATASA, is profiled on page 70.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.7 | Good |
| 3.8-4.4 | Excellent |
| 4.5-5.0 | Superior |
Undoubtedly, this is one issue of SMOKE Manny will show his grandkids.
Kudos also to Purus Indios, coming through with a most noteworthy 4.4, and a couple Nicaraguan offerings from Nick's Cigars, the Perdomo2 Rhombus and the La Tradicion Robusto Natural. Both clocked in at 4.3.
Glaring in its inauspicious performance was the current crop of Habanos. Averaging a decidedly ordi-nary 3.5, none of the four reviewed scored as high as 4, making us wonder if, as the cigar intelligentsia often laments, quality control has laxed in Cuba. Or maybe our typically finicky review-ers are just a temperamental lot. Tell ya one thing - next time I sneak some Cubans through customs, I'm not giving them to the panelists, if they don't appreciate them. Let 'em fend for themselves.
One who certainly appreciates a good Cuban is Bo Dietl, our Celebrity Panelist. Built not unlike a robusto at 5' 8", 200 pounds, Bo's exploits on the NYPD are com-memorated in the book and movie entitled One Tough Cop. Currently a private investigator and security force to the stars, Bo enjoys a good Cuban cigar while playing poker with his friends or after a big meal at Rao's, his favorite Italian eatery. We forced him to try some non--Cubans as well, and he offered them a much warmer reception than he ever gave the street rabble of New York.
A warm reception is also due to the trio of winners in our monthly "Become a Reviewer Contest," which you can enter by visiting www.smokernag.com. Winners are Pete Gutzman, of St. Paid, MN, Edward Kraemer, of Fairfield, NJ, and Angel Matos, of Bronx, NY.
So enjoy the Spring review, and remember: good things often come in short, fat packages.
- Michael Malone
Still want more?
Order the Smoke & Ash CD from Enthuse Publishing for a comprehensive database of ALL of SMOKE Magazine's famous cigar reviews! Smoke & Ash features full search capabilities, photos, a custom cigar journal, rating system, and more!
Robustos...
 |  | CAO L'ANNIVERSAIRE Robusto | | Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Nicaragua
| | Manufacturer: CAO International | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: $6.90
| | Panelist #1 | This cigar sported an odd and interesting shape, and looked great on
the shelf. They tasted light, but the
flavor was quite nice. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #2 | This robusto is the whole package.
It offers, and delivers, a great smoke
with a lot of flavor, but is not too
strong. Big thumbs-up. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #3 | A very nice change-of-pace cigar,
ideally suited for the afternoon. I
would recommend this for fans of
smooth, light cigars. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #4 | This cigar has tons of assets, but
needs to solve some construction problems. A loose draw, but
delightful flavor. SCORE: 3.9 |
 |  | LA LUNA Maduro Fuerte | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Costa Rica | Binder: Honduras
| | Manufacturer: Tabacalera La Luna | Filler: Hon/Nic/CR | Price: $3.50
| | Panelist #1 | What a nice treat for after a big
meal! I got tons of satisfaction from
this beauty. I'd give this out to
friends in a second. SCORE: 4.1 | | Panelist #2 | It looks like a Padron, but I think it
has more flavor than the last Anniversary series. Or a Perdomo? Well-balanced and superb. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #3 | In all, a very pleasing and enjoyable
cigar. Very good, but I think the box-press hinders the burn. But I'd gladly
enjoy one with an ale. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #4 | These were excellent cigars. The
change in flavor from sweet to
toasty was most intriguing. An
overall pleasant cigar.SCORE: 4.3 |
 | | FELIPE GREGORIO Robusto | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Nicaragua
| | Manufacturer: Felipe Gregorio | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: $6.90
| | Panelist #1 | What these lacked in consistency
and appearance, they more than
made up for in flavor. A great flavorful smoke, lots of zing. SCORE: 4.4 | | Panelist #2 | The spiciness and boldness of this
cigar makes it a good choice for
after dinner, maybe with port. I'd
really recommend it. SCORE: 4.2 | | Panelist #3 | Perhaps some time in the humidor
will help the flavor come through. I'd
like to give it that chance, because I
think it can be great. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #4 | A pleasant enough, mild, consistent cigar that is hindered by its construction. It's perfect for outdoor activities. SCORE: 3.6 |
 |  | GRAYCLIFF Robusto | | Country: Bahamas | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Indonesia
| | Manufacturer: Graycliff | Filler: Braz/DR/Nic | Price: $18.00
| | Panelist #1 | This one left me thinking it should
have been a better cigar. Great tobacco, but the draw was tough, and
that made it burn hot.SCORE: 3.0 | | Panelist #2 | A very good-looking cigar that falls
short in the flavor department. Pair
it with a sweet drink. If only it sustained its initial flavor. SCORE: 3.1 | | Panelist #3 | This baby just didn't cut it. It's a
pleasure to look at and a dream to
smoke, but the flavor never materialized. Disappointing. SCORE: 3.3 | | Panelist #4 | While I enjoyed this without a
drink, I'd guess it would go well
with a bourbon. But even on its
own, it's really tasty. SCORE: 4.2 |
 |  | ASTRAL Besos | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: UST | Filler: DR/Nic | Price: $4.80
| | Panelist #1 | After a nervous start, this cigar
presented well. I enjoyed it with a
beer over a game of pool. Could use
a bit more tobacco. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #2 | This was a very enjoyable cigar that
was nutty, with a spicy kick. Great
for after dessert, especially in public,
with the rock-hard ash.SCORE: 4.1 | | Panelist #3 | This didn't have much zest. With the
glut of good cigars on the market,
this one doesn't stand out. Sure is
good looking, though. SCORE: 3.6 | | Panelist #4 | I was disappointed in this cigar.
Its maker needs to take more
time and do it right. Until then,
look elsewhere. SCORE: 3.3 |
 |  | COHIBA Robusto | | Country: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba
| | Manufacturer: Habanos SA | Filler: Cuba | Price: $15+
| | Panelist #1 | Not much to say about this one.
They didn't look like they were
made with care. Same with the
taste. SCORE: 3.1 | | Panelist #2 | The wrapper burns in a jagged
fashion and the taste is not so
great. Sorry to say it, but be
forewarned. SCORE: 3.1 | | Panelist #3 | This is not a good looking cigar, but
it's a good smoke. Would be good in
the morning with a cup of coffee.
Simple and pleasant. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #4 | Not for the faint of heart! Has a
definite Cuban-like characteristic.
A real ass-kicker; stay away from
heavy machinery! SCORE: 4.1 |
 | | MACBETH Banquo | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Mexico
| | Manufacturer: Swisher | Filler: DR/Mexico | Price: $4.65
| | Panelist #1 | This was a sleeper smoke … I
thought I'd be disappointed, but it
scored high marks. Even near the
end, it stayed spicy. SCORE: 3.6 | | Panelist #2 | I wasn't expecting a great smoke,
but I found one! A delicious, medium-bodied cigar that would satiate
anyone's cravings. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #3 | Despite the tight draw, this cigar
developed into a tasty stick. It starts
out mild, but really kicked in. It's a
well-rolled cigar. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #4 | A good, solid cigar, recommended
for everyone from the beginner to
the connoisseur. Try it for yourself,
you'll be pleased. SCORE: 4.0 |
 | | BRETON COROJO VINTAGE Robusto | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Dominican Republic | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Gran Reserve | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $6.50
| | Panelist #1 | I'm really looking forward to finding
out what this baby is. I'd recommend it to those who like flavor but
not monster strength. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #2 | I wanted to hold this cigar up and
shout, "Do something!" I can't get
either mad or excited about this
one, it's so polite. SCORE: 3.3 | | Panelist #3 | These cigars look, feel, and smell
great, but they don't taste quite as
good. Extra firm packing makes
these hard to smoke. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #4 | A little too bland to make my
short list, but there was a complexity to it that I liked. Did some
things well. SCORE: 3.9 |
 | | DON LEO Robusto | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Puros de Villa Gonzalez | Filler: ..... Dominican Republic | Price: $6.00
| | Panelist #1 | Light wrappers generally turn me
off, but I was enormously surprised
by this one. It was a real pleasure
to smoke. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #2 | Appearance, construction, and con-
sistency all get high marks, but the
taste is not as good. I didn't appreciate the odd aftertaste. SCORE: 3.7 | | Panelist #3 | Nothing special here. A good-looking
cigar that's mild, mild, mild. Cranked
out lots of smoke, but very little
of the spicy flavor. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #4 | I've never been a fan of light cigars, and this didn't change my mind. Maybe for the Macanudo
set, but not for me.SCORE: 3.6 |
 |  | DAVIDOFF SPECIAL [R] Tubos | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Davidoff | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $11.75
| | Panelist #1 | While the strength was light to
medium, this cigar should prove to
be a pleasure for all, even the
smoker of big cigars. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #2 | Consistency abounds with this cigar,
and all backed up their aesthetic
promise. Held up well with draught
beer and stew. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #3 | This is a very complex smoke, with
many good qualities. Looks as good
as it tastes. Great any time. Music
for the mouth. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #4 | This one had loads of potential,
but didn't quite pull it off. The
hint of spiciness was great, but it
got a bit bitter too. SCORE: 3.9 |
 | | PERFECTO GARCIA Waldorf | | Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua
| | Manufacturer: Lane Limited | Filler: DR/Hon/Nic | Price: $1.85
| | Panelist #1 | This cigar looked OK and tasted
good, but it's guilty of being somewhat one-dimensional. It smoked a
bit soft and warm. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #2 | Don't judge a book by its cover.
There were some construction red
flags, but the proof was in the flavor.
Tangy and powerful. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #3 | To its credit, there's a real consistency to this cigar. But there are too
many good cigars out there to invest
in this one. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #4 | There were some construction
problems that did not let this
cigar flourish. The tobacco is good,
but problems persist.SCORE: 3.7 |
 | | EL REY DEL MUNDO Choix Supreme | | Country: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba
| | Manufacturer: Habanos SA | Filler: Cuba | Price: $15+
| | Panelist #1 | Either I got the duds of the box, or
it's back to the drawing board, boys.
Maybe six months in the humidor
would fix these. SCORE: 2.5 | | Panelist #2 | I expected a more mild cigar than I
got. It's an excellent choice to go
alongside an after-dinner drink, from
moonshine to cognac. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #3 | Normally I like a beverage with my
cigars, but this one stands alone. I
think it's illegal, but I didn't buy this
one! It was a gift! SCORE: 4.7 | | Panelist #4 | A very even, very consistent cigar.
No surprises here … what you get
at the beginning is what you get
at end. Competent SCORE: 3.7 |
 | | SUPER FUERTE Robusto | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Habana2000 | Binder: Nicaragua
| | Manufacturer: Indian Tabac | Filler: CR/Nic/Hon | Price: $6.00
| | Panelist #1 | This was a truly enjoyable smoke
that I will put in my humidor if it's
not there already. A most tasty Nic.
A Padron, perhaps? SCORE: 4.4 | | Panelist #2 | Except for its dark shade, this stick
seems of Cuban pedigree in every
way. For the avid cigar smoker who
craves deep flavor. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #3 | These cigars are a thing of beauty,
but beauty is only skin … or wrapper … deep. Didn't taste as good as
they looked. SCORE: 3.0 | | Panelist #4 | I expected more from this good-looking box-press. A beginner
might go for it, but it's not for a
seasoned vet. SCORE: 3.1 |
 Continued on next page...
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