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Roadmap to the Good Life (cont.)
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 |  | TRILOGY Exotic Maduro Robusto | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Alec Bradley | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Hon/Col | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | A great cigar after a steak dinner, some jazz music playing, and a snifter of cognac at your disposal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I particularly enjoyed this cigar with a cheeseburger and a good glass of Chianti. A good lounge smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A definite evening cigar, this went nicely with a good whiskey. If it drew better, this would be a great cigar. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This is the true meaning of “meat and potatoes” smoke. Deep, dark, and gratifyingly delicious. I’d buy it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | THE GRIFFIN’S FUERTE Short Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
4 x 43 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | The perfect cigar for someone who likes a quick smoke, or to pair with an appetizer and wine before dinner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This lighter cigar would pair nicely with a lighter beer, like a Hefeweizen or other wheat beer. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Fans of petit coronas know that good things come in small packages, and this cigar lives up to that saying. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A wonderful cigar for those just starting, but a little too light in flavor for maduro fans. Very consistent. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PUROS INDIOS VIEJO Nacional | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios | Size:
6 1/2 x 43 | Filler:
DR/Jamaica | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar is the perfect companion to a dark ale and the evening paper. Settle in and set this one to flame. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | It started out strong and complex, but kinda ran out of steam. Still a worthy choice for the golf course. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Any cigar veteran would find lots to like about this one. It goes down well after a steak with a scotch. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Don’t judge it by the cover; everything about this one’s flavor reminded me of Cuba’s finest. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | HELIX X550 Maduro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar Sales | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Mex/Braz | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Superb, full flavors. Grab the closest aged beverage and sit back and enjoy. A true pocket-rocket. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This slightly woodsy maduro. Went well with a lager...anything stronger might drown out the medium taste. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | The poor construction made this cigar difficult to enjoy. Better rollers would make this a decent maduro. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | Maduro lovers, don’t let the ugly wrapper scare you off. This one has enough flavor to keep it interesting. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | OLIVEROS GRAN RESERVA Cameroon Churchill | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba | Size:
7 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | I’d go outside into sub-zero temperatures to smoke this cigar. From aesthetics to flavor, it’s a premium. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The samples were inconsistent but I still might buy one of these....but I would look for something else first. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This cigar paired well with a soda. My friend was offended only by the fact that he didn’t get one. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Watching the billowy blue smoke rise, I was reminded of the muscled and herbed “Nicaraguan Tastes.” RECOMMENDED |
 | | BOHEMIAN REVOLUTION SIDEWINDER Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Victor Sinclair | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | A decent smoke. Would go nicely with a strong porter beer on the back deck. I might buy these. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | These samples were consistent. Once you got it going, this cigar offers a very bold flavor experience. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | A hunting or fishing cigar. Its tough draw makes it too much work for a relaxing smoke; a bit too bitter. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | I think I’ve found the perfect companion for my single-barrel bourbon. A remarkably consistent smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ROMEO Y JULIETA LIMITED EDITION Maduro Robusto | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos SA | Size:
5 3/4 x 48 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | For a small cigar, this took a long time to smoke, and that’s fine with me. Lots of flavor packed in here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The cigars were consistent in flavor and body; I expected a little more “oomph” but this one wasn’t bad. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I’m a maduro fan, and it’s hard to find one this smooth and well-balanced. Have it with a pint of stout. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I smoked this baby with a good cognac, and they made a perfect match. A very good evening smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PUROS INDIOS MAXIMA RESERVA Robusto No. 50 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Braz | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | These just got better and better with each puff. Complemented cognac nicely, but water would work. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Stout beer would complement this cigar quiet nicely, as its roasted flavors match well with this smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Definitely an evening smoke after a hearty meal. Nice with a good port. I hope these are legal, I want some. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This smoke goes nice with a cognac and water. I would recommend these to just about everybody I know. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | C.A.O. CRIOLLO Mancha | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
C.A.O. International | Size:
5 5/8 x 46 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This smoke plus a 12-year-old Highland malt equals a match made in heaven. Where can I get a box? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Very few flaws to be found here. This is definitely post-prime rib cigar. The classic flavor stays with you awhile. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Depending on price, I could see myself acquiring a box of these. I’d set a few aside to age, as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | The flavor left on my palate was reminiscent of Cuba’s finest. Enjoy this with a dark rum or cognac. RECOMMENDED |
 | | CUSANO KILLER CAMAROON Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Dom Rey Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This is the cigar equivalent of a plate of barbecue wings. Anyone who likes ‘em strong should love it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This powerful cigar needs an equally powerful drink to stand up to it, like an aged single-barrel bourbon. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A big firecracker, though to me, the strength overwhelmed most of the flavor. Maybe aging will mellow ‘em. MAY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Have a good tequila with this cigar and you’ll be doing yourself a favor. A full stomach won’t hurt either. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | BUCANERO Catalina | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bucanero Cigars | Size:
5 1/2 x 42 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A good choice for an early tee time. This one has a classic, no-nonsense cigar flavor that all should enjoy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A pretty good cigar, on the mild “no-frills” side. I’d have it with a cup of coffee or a late-night cognac. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Given some time to age, these should overcome construction glitches and bring out more great flavor. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | A very solid cigar; ideal for pairing up with a relaxing glass of bourbon or good rum. Consistent all the way. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
SMOKE - Spring, 2003
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