Spring Cigars
““It is only the modern that ever becomes old-fashioned.” - Oscar Wilde
"Renaissance” is defined by Webster’s as “a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity; a rebirth or revival.” The term was coined to describe the revival of classical influence in the arts and literature in 14th century Italy, a movement which spread throughout Europe, lasting into the 17th century, and providing a bridge between medieval and modern times. In French, the word means, almost literally, “rebirth,” and thus has come to describe any cultural phenomenon of years past that is enjoying a modern resurgence in significance or popularity. It’s been applied to everything from swing music to independent filmmaking to the sport of golf; from Seattle, Austin, and Atlanta to the post-Pulp Fiction, pre-Battlefield Earth career of John Travolta. And, at the risk of further stretching an arguably overutilized term, we at SMOKE believe that a substantial case can be made for the figurado, as well.
Figurados, or shaped cigars, (which, like most innovations in cigarmaking, originated in the fabled rolling rooms of Cuba before the turn of the previous century) were actually far more widespread and popular among smokers up until the 1930s, when the more familiar, straight-sided parejos came into fashion. In recent years, however, as the premium cigar market has become more and more dynamic to accomodate the demanding tastes of today’s enthusiast, there’s been a virtual explosion - yes, I daresay, a renaissance - of shaped cigars hitting the market, and being lapped up enthusiastically by a growing crop of cigar mavens. Some manufacturers have even introduced entire lines consisting solely of figurados, like Partagas’s Serie S, which placed well with its Perfecto (4.1). So perhaps there’s no more appropriate way to celebrate the coming of Spring - the season of rebirth - than to dedicate this review to tasting and rating over 50 pyramids, torpedos, and perfectos of all sizes.
Top honors, not surprisingly, were visited upon Tabacalera Perdomo’s Estate Seleccion Prestigio (a pyramid) and Cuba’s H. Upmann Monarch (not technically a figurado, but when it comes to the coveted Havanas, we’ll take what we can get!), both garnering a lofty 4.6. Interestingly, after last issue’s strong showing by the big boys, several smaller cigars grabbed a few of the top scores this time around, most notably Estavan Cruz’s lilliputian Short Cruz Maduro, with a 4.5, La Luna’s African Fuerte No. 4 (4.4), Macanudo’s Diplomat Cafe (4.2), La Flor del Caney’s Bouquet (4.2) and the Red Lion Figurado Maduro (4.2), an impressive newcomer from Heavenly Cigar Company.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.9 | Good |
| 4.0-4.5 | Excellent |
| 4.6-5.0 | Superior |
C.A.O., much to the pleasure of our panel, sent us both the maduro and Cameroon versions of their L’Anniversaire torpedo, which managed to tie each other at a respectable 4.4. Tony Borhani’s Bahia Trinidad Belicoso and the Avo Maduro Piramide placed in the upper echelon with a 4.3, as did the elegant and mild-bodied Gran Reserva Perfecto from Oliveros, proving that a cigar doesn’t have to knock you off your feet to receive accolades from SMOKE’s distinguished panelists. The full results of our springtime session unfold on the following pages.
Special thanks go out this month to first-time panelists Steve Galli and Matt Sullivan, both winners of - you guessed it - SMOKE Online’s “Become a Reviewer” contest, which can be entered by visiting our Contest Page.
Enjoy the review, enjoy the spring, and enjoy this modern-day renaissance of the ancient cigarmaker’s art. - Mark Bernardo
- Mark Bernardo
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 |  | NAT SHERMAN Gotham No. 629 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Nat Sherman | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | If you miss out on this one, it's your loss. Don't make that mistake; give this topnotch stick a try. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I like this cigar. It has good mechanics and an attractive appearance. It smokes well before or after a meal. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Had the wrappers stayed intact, this would have been a better smoke. Perhaps the samples were dry? MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Overall, a pleasant cigar with great construction. I'd have this with a latte or a non-hoppy lager. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | BAHIA TRINIDAD Belicoso | Country:
Costa R | Manufacturer:
Bahia by Tony Borhani | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | The inviting look of this one didn't lie. The construction was beautiful, and the taste was a rare treat. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Construction held up decently, but the flavor was fantastic. I would be willing to go on this ride again. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | An interesting and versatile cigar. It should feel at home with either an espresso or a peaty single malt. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This is a luxurious cigar. It calls out for a leather chair, a snifter of brandy, and good conversation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | FITTIPALDI Petit Belicoso | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Alliance Cigar Co. | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This here is a perfect little smoke when you're under the gun and time is of the essence. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | An attractive cigar that had a lot of promise, but I found the flavor to be too bitter and grassy overall. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This one is for the mild cigar enthusiast only. A good one to start a five-cigar smoking binge. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | I wish these were longer, and I wish I had more of them. I'd be interested to try these in a bigger size. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | AVO Maduro Piramide | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
7 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Excellent in construction and appearance. It left me with a full-on nicotine buzz! Eat before smoking! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one gets a round of applause from me. I enjoyed each sample. This cigar is not to be missed. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This maduro paired nicely with a Bailey's on the rocks before bedtime. A gentle giant, indeed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Don't laugh, but this cigar is the perfect complement to a bottle of Yoo-hoo. This is a must-try. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | MONTECRISTO No. 2 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Altadis USA | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I would smoke this after a light meal or in the morning. The enjoyable taste doesn't overpower. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This was overall a great mild smoke, perfect for afternoon or when you're not looking to get steamrolled. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Like that prom queen, I didn't want my time with this one to end! I fully intend to call her back, though! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Not a bad smoke if your taste runs toward Dominicans. It goes well with a midday cup of coffee. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | FLAMENCO LAS PALMAS Gloria Dominicana | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Santa Clara Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | An early-evening smoke, perhaps with a hoppy ale. Good for a novice working his way up to the big boys. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Needs more oomph! While this cigar smoked pretty well, I'd still recommend some humidor time for it. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | In spite of decent mechanics, this cigar proved a disappointment to me. I see nothing to recommend. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | This is an anytime smoke, so that means there's no excuse for not trying it! A fine cigar, not to be missed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LICENCIADOS Figurado | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Mike's Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 56 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This unobtrusive cigar would feel right in place with a single malt Scotch on the deck of a ship. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Most of my cigar-loving friends would smoke this bumpkin, but I don't know if they'd buy one. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | Although well-made, these cigars lack taste and complexity. I couldn't recommend this one. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | This cigar had only minor complexity, with intermittent sparks of flavor. Maybe good with afternoon tea. MAY RECOMMEND |
 |  | LA PERLA HABANA Perfecto Maduro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Perla Habana | Size:
5 x 51 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | One of the best I've had in years. It would go great with a pint of Guiness or a good, peppery tequila. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Fans of a full-bodied little cigar: try 'em. This might be the smoke you've been waiting for your whole life. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I liked this cigar. Consistent and full-bodied, it's good when you're short on time, or to complement lunch. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This is a great, short smoke, with pep! Definitely keep these on hand when you want a quickie. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | THE GRIFFIN'S Piramide | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This cigar, simply, is a champ. Get off the couch and go get some of these to smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Smoke this one in the morning to better appreciate its light flavors. A high-quality, mild cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Wish they were all made like this. This cigar's superb construction was complemented by a medium body. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Pleasant, tasty, and very intriguing, this is a cigar I want to smoke again and again. Highly recommended. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PUROS INDIOS Victoria | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios | Size:
7 1/4 x 60 | Filler:
DR/Br/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | For those who love an extra-large smoke, this is probably the best (and biggest) one out there. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #2 | For such a mean-looking cigar, it never quite got off the ground. I had much higher hopes for this one. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | The unique shape isn't worth the trouble. I would, however, like to try this blend in a regular parejo size. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | A big, bad-ass figurado that takes you on a taste adventure that lasts a good hour-and-a-half! RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GRANDE DE ESPANA Picadore | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Atlantic Cigar Co. | Size:
7 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Consistent in look and feel, this smoke places now, but could be a winner with a little time and age. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A good philosopher's cigar: like life, you'll basically enjoy it, but it'll keep letting you down in small ways. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | What can I say? This is an all-around topnotch smoke that I would be happy to purchase. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Not bad at all, for some reason, I find this to be a very Christmas-like - holiday cigar for celebrations. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PERDOMO ESTATE SELECCION Prestigio | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera Perdomo | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | High marks all around. This paired up perfectly with a good bourbon. One of the best I've had in years. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | My guess would be well-aged Nicaraguan blend. The aroma leaves no doubt you had a big-time cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar's taste stays with you for awhile. It's not for the weak of heart, or the mild of palate. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | If this isn't a Cuban, it's damn close. These heavy, complex flavors should be sampled by every serious smoker. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | CABANAS Habano Maduro No. 2 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Altadis USA | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Br/Conn | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This one came on like a champ, but ended up falling short. I would offer it up to lightweights, however. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #2 | If you're willing to put in a lot of work on the draw, you just may find yourself enjoying these. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I think someone stole this cigar's filler and replaced it with newspaper. Maybe a stiff drink would help it. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | This is a fine cigar, but not outstanding. I suspect it would go well after a heavy meal in the evening. RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA FLOR DEL CANEY Bouquet | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Mike's Cigar Co. | Size:
4 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | I loved this cigar! The samples were consistently great. A perfect short smoke for late afternoon or dinner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I didn't expect much from this one's initial appearance, but it turned out to be one of my favorites! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This was a fantastic smoke, with some beautiful flavors. I would give this to a relative to enjoy RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | An entertaining smoke in an odd, pudgy package. I have to admit, if I was a cigar, I'd probably be this one! RECOMMENDED |
 | | SIGLO 21 No. 6 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Swisher International | Size:
6 3/4 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | My tastes run toward stronger, but I recommend this cigar to anyone who likes his cigars mild but flavorful. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This was an absolute effort for me to finish. I kept trying to identify flavors but I just got staleness. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | Even a newbie who wants an extra-mild cigar would need a little more kick than this milquetoast delivers. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | I would hand these out to buddies as a good afternoon or after-lunch smoke. It doesn't overpower you. RECOMMENDED |
 | | OLIVEROS Gran Reserva Perfecto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Habanos Distributors | Size:
6 1/4 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Some cigars are what I refer to as beer cigars.This one, however, is definitely a Champagne cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would smoke this cigar with breakfast or a light lunch. The flavor's OK, but lacks complexity. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Even we he-men have to stop and smell the flowers once in a while. A box of these is a lovely bouquet. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I will buy this one! It smoked great all the way through. Just a solid cigar from start to finish. RECOMMENDED |
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