Roadmap
to the
Good Life
"There is a time for departure even when there's no certain place to go." - Tennessee Williams
For those of us who try to both understand the cigar business as well as explain it to the layman, comparisons to other industries are inevitable. From a pure commercial product standpoint, the easiest and closest association is with cigarettes; both are rolled, placed in the mouth, ignited at one end, and smoked.
Others (like myself) who place cigars on a slightly higher level as a luxury product, see more similarity with wines: both are at least partially handmade, using very old techniques; both benefit from aging and proper storage; both have become symbols of wealth, success, and refinement; both have come to be evaluated by connoisseurs who are well-educated in the product, its ingredients, and what goes into producing it.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.9 | Good |
| 4.0-4.5 | Excellent |
| 4.6-5.0 | Superior |
But perhaps the most interesting metaphor is that likening the cigar biz to the automotive industry. "You can't sell an automobile if you have only one style. You've got to have them all: two-doors, four-doors, and SUVs," I recall Retail Tobacco Dealers of America president Bill Fader saying when I interviewed him a few years ago about the importance of new cigar brands being available in different shapes and sizes. More recently, I was asking former Chicago Bear coach and cigar lounge entrepreneur Mike Ditka to chime in on the current state of the cigar business and he responded, “It’s... like the automobile industry today, where you're forced to make a better product or you're not gonna get business." The parallels are becoming more clear these days, as the makers of both cars and cigars have responded to a demand in the market for bigger, stronger, and more meticulously constructed product.
Sometimes the two worlds cross quite blatantly: Aston Martin, the icon of high-performance sports cars, has lent its name to a line of luxury items, including cigar-smoking accessories. The Macanudo Tour Bus, a mobile cigar lounge already well-known to cigar retailers and their customers nationwide, continues its extremely popular promotional tour. The most recent addition to the fleet is the Heavenly Hummer, a 2003 H2 customized by the "Angels" of Heavenly Cigar Company to promote their flavored cigar brands. Needless to say, the "high" of a great, all-American road-trip provides a sense of pleasure not unlike an uninterrupted hour with a truly good cigar.
Much like serious car enthusiasts, cigar devotees me a diverse lot who know what they like, and one's favorite type of smoke will differ widely from another's. Hence the diversity among the top-rated cigars in this Review. Interestingly, nothing cracked the "Superior" barrier (4.5 and above) in this particular tasting, but most scored in the "Very Good" to "Excellent" range, indicating that a uniformly high level of quality control seems to be prevalent in many, if not most, of today's cigar factories.
Alone at the top this time around was the Puros Indios Maxima Reserva Robusto No. 50, a compact little Volkswagen of a cigar, which our panelists awarded the only 4.4 score. Keeping pace with this limited-run, multi-nation blend Honduran, however, were a number of contenders that were awarded a coveted 4.3 by our judges: the very exclusive Zino Platinum Double Corona from Davidoff (at 7 1/2 x 50 and about $30 per stick, the stretch limo of the group); the Cacique Martin Family Series Don Pedro Gordo, a hefty, box-pressed 6 x 58 mega-toro with the big, rugged character of a Jeep Cherokee; La Aurora's Edicion 1903 Preferido No. 2, an elegant figurado that pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of the venerable Dominican brand, as vehicles like the Mini Cooper and PT Cruiser celebrate the retro-style roadsters of yesteryear; and the Cuban Heirloom, another boutique product from the high-quality assembly line of Nick Perdomo in Nicaragua.
Cuba is known for the 1950s and '60s era classic American cars that fill its streets as well as for its legendary cigars. And while the highways of Havana seem almost frozen in time, Cuba's oldest cigar brands are most definitely looking toward the future: one of their new Limited Edition Maduros, a robusto by Romeo y Julieta, scored an impressive 4.2.
A tip of the cap to all of our panelists, which included SMOKE "Become a Reviewer" Online contest winners Steven Lugo of Phoenix and Rob Herning of Pittsburgh. Click here for a chance to become a part of this elite fraternity.
Enjoy your favorite cigars this spring, whether it's in the drivers seat of your convertible with the top down and the breeze rushing by, or settled comfortably into a leather passenger seat on the way to an evening out. And don't be afraid to kick the tires. Remember, they're built pretty sturdy these days.
- Mark Bernardo
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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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 |  | NATURAL BY DREW ESTATE Medusa | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Drew Estate | Size:
6 x 42 | Filler:
various | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Mex | | Panelist #1 | This one will win over fans of flavored pipe tobacco. All the samples were consistent and enjoyable. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I prefer roller coasters to merry-go-rounds, so I’ll have to pass on this one. If you like fruity, this is for you. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | For those who prefer a walk on the wild side, or Star Wars groupies, I would suggest you give these a try. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar is an attention getter and complements coffee quite well. A bit mild but a fun smoke regardless. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | EL GRECO Toro | Country:
Can Isl | Manufacturer:
Canary Islands Cigar Co. | Size:
6x50 | Filler:
Braz/DR | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Enjoyed most after a light meal of a soup and sandwich. I wanted to smoke another one right after. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A wonderful Sunday-morning, pre-brunch smoke. If you like milder cigars, pick some of these guys up. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Might work as the first cigar of the day with a mild drink. If you want some punch, look elsewhere. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | If you don’t like surprises, this is a nice cigar to have in your stash. First puff is the same as the last. RECOMMENDED |
 | | HOYO DE MONTEREY DARK SUMATRA Noche | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Hon | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Strong enough to satisfy a Cuban fan, this cigar could also be enjoyed by middle-of-the-roaders. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Had to keep touching it up because all the puffing made it run. The flavor never kicked in. Lost interest. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This powerhouse is not for the faint of heart. Enjoy this after a big porterhouse, with aged Cuban rum. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This one will dispel the myth that maduros are too strong. A maduro with these qualities is hard to find. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | BATTLEGROUND Alabama Raider | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Connecticut Valley Tobacconist | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Only for those who like a really strong smoke. Use plenty of mouthwash before kissing the wife. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | What it lacks in complexity and kick, it makes up for in looks and smokeability. Perfect with coffee. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar proved you can’t judge a book by its cover. Though well rolled, it could use some blending changes. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Spicy and woodsy, this cigar reached my ideal strength perfectly. I hope they make it in a smaller size. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ZINO PLATINUM Double Grande | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
7 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Peru | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Despite this one’s size and ever-building strength, it never got harsh. Truly a special occasion smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one would put a novice under the table, but a seasoned smoker would do well to experience this. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Definitely an after-dinner indulgence, ideal with a big red wine. At the right price, I’d gobble ‘em up. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A nearly flawless cigar for the discerning smoker. Absolutely perfect paired with a smoky Islay scotch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CAMACHO COROJO 11/18 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Caribe Imports | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | When this baby rounds the center, buckle up because you’re in for one hell of ride. BBQ or black-tie smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Reminds me of Camacho with their luscious Corojo wrappers. Warning: don’t smoke on an empty stomach. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | We’d have a home run here, if not for the self-destructing wrapper...so we’ll settle for a stand-up double. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This was a real treat to smoke and is the type of cigar that all kinds of cigar smokers would enjoy. Perfect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | SAVINELLI ELR Corona Extra | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Savinelli USA | Size:
6 5/8 x 46 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | It took an hour to burn, but it was time well spent. Exceptionally smooth. Enjoy this with cognac. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Unfortunately this cigar failed to relax me, which is what I’m always looking for. Needs humidor time. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | The samples were consistent and enjoyable. Not for heavyweights, but I wouldn’t turn one down. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar’s flavor is subtle, but unnoticeable. It would go well with a light beer on the golf course. RECOMMENDED |
 | | CARLOS TORAÑO EXODUS 1959 Silver Edition Robusto Corto | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
6 1/8 x 46 | Filler:
Hon/Mex/CR | Binder:
CR | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | I need to buy a box of these! The first impression did not lead me astray. It is as good as it looks. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Just okay, with a mild flavor. You’d probably enjoy this one with a salad of bean sprouts and alfalfa. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Great construction, aroma, and woody, leathery taste make this stick a real pleasure to smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Thoroughly enjoyable, I hung on to every last breath. With its sexy blue smoke, this is definitely a keeper! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | MACANUDO GOLD LABEL Shakespeare | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/2 x 45 | Filler:
DR/Mex | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Not recommended for the novice, or for smoking in the middle of the day. Savor this one after a hearty meal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Though easy to smoke, both novices and mature smokers will like this because of the variety of flavors. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Suffered from draw problems, but certainly worthy of your attention. If you like ‘em mild, this is your thing. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | If you like ‘em smooth and rich, this is the cigar for you. Enjoy it with a mild drink that won’t cover it up. RECOMMENDED |
 | | CACIQUE MARTIN FAMILY SERIES Don Pedro Gordo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Tropical Tobacco | Size:
6 x 58 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | Don’t let this cigar’s size intimidate you. A complex but smooth cigar with great variation in flavors. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Enjoy this one by the pool with a good cognac. Pleasant smoke. Make sure to tell your friends about it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A good looking, large gauge maduro that will be an excellent smoke with a little time in the humidor. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Kept me guessing with its intriguing mix of spicy flavors. Stimulated my taste buds and intellect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | REYES DRG Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
CTI Tobacco | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | The old adage, “looks can be deceiving,” applied here. Good construction and looks, and that’s about it. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Great cigar if you feel like working your cheek muscles. Might go well with a shot of Robitussin. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | An in-your-face cigar with full flavor, but major construction issues. First sample exploded half-way through. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Recipe for a leisurely hour: this cigar, a generous snifter of vintage port, and a roaring fire. A fine smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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