Sailing
into
Spring...
"We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth." - John F. Kennedy
As our cigar tasting panel can attest, and as wine and whisky connoisseurs have known for years, the blind tasting is the only tried and true method of receiving an unbiased evaluation of a product - the purest means of measuring the merits of one versus another free of preconceptions. It is the reason that an unknown or inexpensive cigar can receive raves and a well-established, expensive brand will occasionally score on the average to mediocre side. Still, as I carefully remove the bands from the cigars to be sent out to anxious reviewers, I can't help but feel a slight tinge of regret that they won't be getting the full satisfaction of the cigar smoking experience. Because to me, a cigar is naked without its band. I always leave the band on when I smoke, removing it only when the ash comes close to scorching it. In fact, if I remove a cigar from a tight cellophane sleeve and the band comes off with the sleeve, I'll dig the band out and put it back on the cigar. It's not to boastfully show the rest of the room that I can afford an expensive cigar - often, that's not what I'm smoking anyway - but it does make for a conversation starter among the fraternity of cigar enthusiasts. Plus, and more importantly, the band completes the aesthetic appeal of the cigar. A cigar band, after all, is art... and with more and more serious collectors emerging, it seems people are finally acknowledging it as such.
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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 |
The origins of the cigar band are still somewhat obscure, but we know the practice of banding cigars for identification goes back at least as far as 1854, when a tobacco plantation owner named Gustave Bock, appalled upon finding an inferior cigar misplaced among a box of his own, decided to impose a brand mark on his product with individual bands. The Cuban cigar factories quickly caught on to this practical notion, and the distinctly designed cigar band as we know it today was born. Growing more ornate over the years as dictated by artistic trends, marketing concerns, and even politics, this unique and ancient art form has inspired a slew of modem-day enthusiasts, some whose collections number in the tens of thousands and date back to the 19th Century. Some, like Denver-based artist Dennis Crowder, take their appreciation even further, using the cigar band as a component of a larger, original piece of art. (One of his works, "The Sail," adorns this article.)
Cigar rolling, it can be argued, is an art form in its own right. And there are some who feel as strongly about discarding the band before smoking as I do about leaving it on. To each their own; differing opinions is one of the things that makes this hobby so fun and interesting.
So how did those naked, anonymous cigars fare in this Review? Not too shabby at all. Though no single cigar ran away from the pack this time around, and the panelists seemed more conservative overall with their ratings, many good-to-excellent smokes emerged: three received 4.3 scores (the highest in this particular tasting): two big cigars, a Churchill from Cuba (the Partagas Churchill Deluxe) and a double corona from the Dominican Republic (Estavan Cruz Corona Gigante Maduro); along with a spicy robusto from Honduras (Camacho Corojo Monarca). Many others cracked the Excellent barrier, from perennial favorites (Davidoff Millennium Blend Lonsdale, 4.2; Perdomos The Cigar Robusto, 4.2; Padron Palmas, 4.2; and Don Tomas Cameroon Collection Double Corona, 4.2); to relative newcomers (Flor de Los Reyes Torpedo, 4.2; Cacique Martin Family Series Danny, 4.2; the relaunched Ramon Allones Brioso, 4.1). Check out the full Review to see how your favorites fared.
A round of applause to our panelists, new and returning, for their usual fine job, with a special shout-out to our SMOKE Online Become a Reviewer Contest winners, Robert Allan, Jim Holzer, and Rudy Noll. You, too, can become a part of our rotating panel by filling out the contest form. If you're a leave-the-band-on guy like yours truly, the blind tasting makes for a fine walk on the slightly wilder side. And what is art, after all, without a little mystery? - Mark Bernardo
 |  | CIELO Eros | Origin:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Corona Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/2 x 44 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This medium-bodied smoke was flavorful, but lacked depth. A good afternoon smoke at the right price. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #2 | I usually don’t smoke ‘em this small, but I enjoyed this one’s flavor. It’s a shame the ash was so objectionable. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | Here’s the perfect cigar to have when time is short, but you still feel like smoking a little firecracker. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This size is never my first choice, but this cigar is suitable for lounging around the pool and bikini watching. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | LOS REYES UNIDOS Churchill | Origin:
DR | Manufacturer:
CTI Tobacco | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Br/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | This smokes milder than it looks, which is fine by me. Especially satisfying paired with single malt Scotch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one neither rang my bell or made me run for the hills. I’d call it a good “anytime” cigar. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | With some humidor time, these smokes could be dynamite! Still, a good golfing or fishing cigar. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | All the samples were consistently very good. The size is a little long for my liking, but still a tasty smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMEND |
 |  | RAMON ALLONES Brioso | Origin:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 45 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | An excellent medium-body smoke, reminiscent of a Davidoff, it complements a glass of Fladgate nicely. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A hard-puffin’, truck-drivin’ cigar, robust and substantial. I’d definitely smoke it again, if the price is right. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | My samples were all across the board from great to terrible. Some age could bring them consistency. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | I burned my fingers trying to get the last puff in. Espresso and this cigar makes a great finish for any day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | ASTRAL TALANGA VALLEY SELECTION Churchill | Origin:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 45 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Not as rich as I expected, but still a well-balanced cigar. Good for golfing, as it would probably last nine holes. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A good “kick off the evening” cigar. This complemented my Guinness very well. I’d smoke it again. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | For me, not enough distinct flavors came through. Fine if you’re looking for a quality run-of-the-mill smoke. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | I smoked these all the way down. This is definitely a “sit down and take your time” kind of cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | C.A.O. BRAZILIA Samba | Origin:
Hon | Manufacturer:
C.A.O. | Size:
6 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | This cigar smokes you, rather than the other way around. Incredible taste. This one’s a keeper. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Flavor was good - when the cigar burned well. A little humidor time should take the edge off these. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This was a well-made cigar, best enjoyed during the evening hours. And It will only get better with age. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar commands your attention and makes you contemplate its qualities while you smoke it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | NAT SHERMAN Landmark Algonquin | Origin:
DR | Manufacturer:
Nat Sherman | Size:
6 3/4 x 43 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | Overall, a decent late-afternoon cigar, with complex spiciness that an experienced smoker would enjoy. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The undistinguished flavor gave me some trouble. But at least the good construction was consistent. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | With its non-aggressive character, this is a good cigar for a fan of smokes that don’t knock you down. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I could imagine this cigar being smoked by a riverboat gambler. I’d smoke one from time to time, also. RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA PERLA HABANA BLOND Torpedo | Origin:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Perla Habana | Size:
6 1/4 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Braz | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This cigar would close the deal with your client. It’s best after a light dinner that won’t overpower its flavor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A torpedo usually makes a more forceful, assertive statement, but this is still a good quality, mild cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar is a sleeper! It’s especially nice with a clean white rum or a white wine with some body. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A perfectly rolled cigar, it’s better for early in the day, as its mild flavors got lost after a big dinner. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ALAMEDA Toro | Origin:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Braz | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This guy would go great with morning coffee and a newspaper; or with a tart white wine and a novel. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The samples were all consistent, but the haylike taste and questionable construction makes it not for me. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | I usually opt for a more full-bodied smoke, but this could well accompany my next after-dinner port. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This one confused me by burning hot, but then made nice with a good flavor and pleasant aroma. MAY RECOMMEND |
 | | COHIBA EXTRA VIGOROSO X•V 645 | Origin:
DR | Manufacturer:
General | Size:
6 X 45 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Con | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A very nice “rainy day” cigar, ideal for TV sports watching. One sample disappointed; the rest were just fine. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This was a very flavorful smoke, not too overbearing, and very consistent. I had one in midday, after lunch. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Consistent across the board. This is a cigar you could pass to a friend and know that it would be enjoyed. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | If this baby isn’t a Cuban, then it does a great imitation. My humidor will definitely be welcoming these! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | XXO Epicure Maduro | Origin:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Hoja Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | It had some flaws, but they were too minor to matter. A great overall cigar, consistent and enjoyable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Excellent! This one hit a home run and touched all the bases. By far the best cigar in the tasting. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Great form, but little substance. My sweet tooth would go for this cigar again if the burn was improved. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | An extraordinary smoke. The cigar released its flavors in stages and picked up character as it got shorter. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | THE GRIFFIN’S Robusto Maduro | Origin:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This paired well with port, but would do equally well with a large mug of dark coffee or a double espresso. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar tried very hard to overcome its problems. Let ‘em age a few months and try again, perhaps? MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This cigar is a home run, Triple Crown champ, and any other superlatives I may have forgotten! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A complex cigar with a rare balance of flavor and strength. Definitely worth a try if the price is right. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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