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Sailing Into Spring...
 |  | CACIQUE MARTIN FAMILY SERIES Danny | Origin: DR | Manufacturer: Tropical Tobacco | Size: 6 1/4 x 52 | Filler: DR/Nic | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Cam | | Panelist #1 | I smoked this while savoring a dark beer and the tastes went together perfectly. I would buy these. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Exactly what a cigar should be! Have this one after dinner, and make sure to hide it from moochers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The flavor didn’t hold up to the superb construction. I would guess some aging would help these out. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This cigar packs a punch. It’s not for the faint of heart. If you like ‘em strong, with a big aroma, try it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | RED LION Toro Maduro | Origin: DR | Manufacturer: Heavenly Cigar Co. | Size: 6 x 60 | Filler: DR | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Braz | | Panelist #1 | This is a great cigar (reminds me of CAO Brazilia), and is an excellent complement to a glass of ruby port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | An overall great smoke, with only an uneven burn as a drawback. Correct that and I’ll be first in line to buy. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The cigar finishes clean, but that doesn’t make up for this big boy’s general lack of character. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | This cigar just kept getting better and better! I was pleasantly surprised by its flavor and construction. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CAMACHO COROJO Monarca | Origin: Hon | Manufacturer: Caribe Imports | Size: 5 x 50 | Filler: Hon | Binder: Hon | Wrapper: Hon | | Panelist #1 | This cigar rocks! I broke out the 18-year-old Macallan for it. Definitely not a cigar for an empty stomach. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | All the samples delivered the same satisfaction. This is a cigar well-suited to just sittin’ and smokin’. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Consistently good across the samples. This cigar goes very well with a good amber ale. I’d buy these. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This strong cigar is a perfect match for an espresso (no sugar) at night after a late, hearty meal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | FONSECA SUN GROWN CEDAR No. 2 | Origin: DR | Manufacturer: SAG/Matasa | Size: 6 1/4 x 52 | Filler: DR/Nic/Peru | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | Three words: Go buy these! These awesome cigars stack up favorably with some of the best Cubans. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The harshness makes this unsuited to my experienced palate. It may be OK paired with a sweet liquor. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | I always enjoy a good torpedo, and this one was excellent. It’s perfect after dinner, or at the poker game. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A less than perfect appearance did not detract from this cigar’s wonderful flavors. Good any time of day. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CASAMONTEZ Torpedo | Origin: Nic | Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo | Size: 6 x 54 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Cam | | Panelist #1 | Only one sample didn’t hold up. The rest were great. The flavors in this torpedo were a pleasant surprise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Flavor and aroma were solid, but these sticks could use some aging to get rid of a little moisture. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Nothing for me to get really excited about. I would smoke it if there were no favorites in my humidor. MAY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Here’s a cigar to top off a buffet with. Pair it up with your favorite single malt, or even a martini. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |

 |  | KATERI Robusto Maduro | Origin: U.S. | Manufacturer: Cigar Connection | Size: 5 x 50 | Filler: DR | Binder: Nic/Mex | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar is ideal for an early morning smoke break. It’s well-suited to back up that first cup of coffee. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The bland aroma and uninteresting flavor left me little to recommend. I just didn’t find this to my taste. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | At the right price tag, I could see this being an OK “everyday” smoke; just not one for special occasions. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Not for a beginner! This is a great end-of-the-day cigar with a big juicy steak and a pint of stout. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | BOLIVAR Royal Corona | Origin: Cuba | Manufacturer: Habanos, SA | Size: 4 7/8 x 50 | Filler: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This cigar was equally suited to a late afternoon brew or an after-dinner aperitif. Give me more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Not bad, just not overly exciting. I’d lay them down in the humidor for a month and see what develops. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This cigar matched up decently with a Glenmorangie. Age and improved construction would make it better. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | The cigar didn’t look as tough as it actually was. I’d look forward to going a few more rounds with it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PUROS INDIOS MAXIMA RESERVA Toro No. 54 | Origin: Hon | Manufacturer: Puros Indios Cigar Co. | Size: 6 x 52 | Filler: DR/Br/Nic | Binder: Ecu | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Despite a few youthful qualities, this cigar has potential for greatness. The longer I smoke, the more I like! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This pleasant, well-made cigar had a very unique taste that I enjoyed fully. It’s a good “anytime” smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Beauty is only skin deep! Ignore the looks and buy these. Leave a few in the box and you’ll have some gems. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | With the dry, woodsy character of these cigars, I’d definitely suggest having them with your favorite drink. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PADRON Palmas Maduro | Origin: Nic | Manufacturer: Padron | Size: 6 1/2 x 42 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | This cigar made a fine companion to a late espresso, and would be equally at home with a single malt. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The lonsdale isn’t my favorite size, but this one performed well. I’d like to try this in a toro or Churchill... RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This is a good cigar to sit down with in front of the fireplace, with a tall glass of your favorite dark beer. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | All the samples were consistently satisfying. I intend to buy me a box of these as soon as I identify ‘em! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ZINO Mouton Cadet No. 6 | Origin: Hon | Manufacturer: Davidoff | Size: 5 x 50 | Filler: Hon | Binder: Hon | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A fine cigar, suited to whiling away a leisurely afternoon. And even non-smokers will appreciate the aroma! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Not much to get excited about, but a fairly decent smoke that I’d have no problem handing out to friends. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This is a very consistent cigar that feels right at home with a glass of full-bodied Cabernet or Shiraz. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Imperfect construction be damned! This was a fine, flavorful smoke, and a perfect partner to a beefy port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PARTAGAS BLACK LABEL Clasico | Origin: DR | Manufacturer: General Cigar Co. | Size: 5 1/4 x 54 | Filler: Nic | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | A very nice 45 minutes was spent with this cigar. This would be a great one for a fishing or camping trip. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This is an outdoor cigar. If you’re indoors, make sure you’re among people who like cigar smoke! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This is a cigar ideally suited to following up a charbroiled porterhouse, and pairing with a pint of stout. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | For a stubby little guy, this one has the boldness of a stogie twice its size. A veritable feast of a cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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SMOKE - Spring, 2002
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