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SPRING
SMOKES
Return to the Great Outdoors
Whether you’re relaxing on the patio or playing hooky on the golf course, Smoke’s Spring Cigar Review tasting results will point to a number of worthy selections in several sizes.
Spring has finally emerged - and the seasonal joy of lighting up a relaxing cigar outdoors has become, in many places, less a treat than a necessity. All the more reason to try out some new smokes and celebrate the passing of a long, cold winter in most parts of the country.
Churchills
Hands down, the winner in this category was the big, dark El Rico Habano (4.4) from El Credito Cigars, the same Dominican Republic factory that brought us the La Gloria Cubana Serie R. The Carlos Toraño 1916 Cameroon Churchill scored a 4.3, as did one of our two Cuban entrants, the El Rey del Mundo Taino.
Robustos
Our other Cuban candidate took top honors in this area, namely the Vegas Robaina Famoso (4.4), a relatively young brand produced by (and named after) the farm of legendary Cuban tobacco grower Alejandro Robaina. Other notable robustos included the Graycliff Emerald (4.2), a green-wrapper cigar constructed at Graycliff’s small factory in the Bahamas, which tasters found to be surprisingly rich and complex for a candela; and Bucanero’s tribute to legendary cigarmaker Douglas Pueringer, the Don Douglas Cabinet Selection (4.0).
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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 |
Corona Gordas/Toros
Once again, this popular size yielded the top scorer in the Review, namely the Bahia Blu L600, an all-Nicaraguan puro which was summed up by one panelist as “high-powered… but in a pleasant way.” A newcomer on the scene, the all-Brazilian Caravelas Corona Gorda, made an impressive debut at 4.3, and the Honduran powerhouse Camacho Corojo Toro impressed tasters across the board, coming in at 4.4.
Figurados
Honduras produced the top-scoring shaped cigar this time around also. The Vega Talanga Corojo Series Azul from U.S. Cigar notched an impressive 4.4, moving one panelist to urge readers to “close your next big deal with this one.” J.C. Newman’s Cuesta-Rey brand made its return to the Review, with the diminutive Cuesta-Rey Centenario Belicoso No. 11 scoring a 4.1. Another first-timer, the Cuban Stock Classic, made a respectable debut (4.2).
Lonsdales
This issue, our first-time panelists included Kris Noteboom of Texas, Chris Duff of Washington, and Dave Hasan of California, all chosen in Smoke’s online Become a Reviewer contest, which you can also enter by clicking here. From large sizes to small, from mild to strong, there are truly choices to warm up the spring for every lover of the leaf. - 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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 |  | EL RICO HABANO Gran Habanero Deluxe | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
7 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Not for the newbie. For a seasoned vet, it's an hour of pleasure. Have it after a meal with a quality port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Only smoke this if you have time to enjoy it! I can see why Winston was such a fan of this size. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Time is needed to smoke this dark beauty. Enjoy it after a steak dinner with your favorite single malt. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Not for the meek. This cigar's complex flavors would best be enjoyed late in the day, with a bold red wine. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | THE GRIFFIN'S Prestige | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
7 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This cigar's mellow character was very appealing. It would make for a very nice lunchtime smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Too mild for most regular smokers. I'd recommend it for anyone seeking a very long, well-made, mild cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | It won't challenge you, but it won't offend. Cool, pleasant flavor made it a good compliment to a pale ale. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I'd hand these out to my friends who like mild smokes. It paired nicely with a Cabernet, and will age well. RECOMMENDED |
 | | FELIPE GREGORIO Suntuoso | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Felipe Gregorio | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A pleasing, complex smoke. Those who enjoy lots of flavor should get ready for a head-spinning adventure. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A steady performer; I smoked one in the morning with coffee and at night with a Guinness. Good golf cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | While this cigar did not stand out, it should appeal to most everyone, especially as one for the golf course. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I enjoyed this cigar immensely with some pale ale and some old-school reggae on a Sunday afternoon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CIGAR KING WORLD BLEND RESERVE Churchill | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cigar King | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This is a great choice for anyone who likes serious strength in their smoke. Definitely not for amateurs. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Know what you're getting into. It's not for the casual smoker, and needs to be paired with a strong drink. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A straightforward well-constructed cigar with a pleasant medium body. This shouldn't disappoint many. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A great smoke to watch the sun go down with a glass of Port. But you better have time on your hands. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CARLOS TORAÑO CAMEROON 1916 Churchill | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | Its taste is far superior to its looks; not too heavy or light, and indescribably creamy from start to finish. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This robust smoke paired well with a local ESB and would also compliment a smooth, refined single malt. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Big and well-balanced in flavor, this is an ideal Òsunset cigar,Ó preferably with a glass of Maker's Mark. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | All samples were consistently excellent. A great after-dinner smoke with good friends and good cordials. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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 | | OLIVEROS CLASSIC COLLECTION Maduro Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba | Size:
6 1/4 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This one's looks were deceiving. I enjoyed this big boy to the end, and would definitely buy some more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This level of complexity might be best enjoyed best in a robusto size. Might be good with morning coffee. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I went into this cigar with an open mind, but it just didn't catch my attention. Not for my humidor yet. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | Either I cherry-picked a ringer, or this is one consistently great cigar. A very satisfying full-bodied smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | LA TRADICION PERDOMO RESERVE R | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera Perdomo | Size:
5 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I loved the knock-out aroma, and felt the flavor needed more complexity. Overall, a good-quality cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This slow-burning stick offered an hour of pleasure. Try it alongside a stout or a full-bodied single malt. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | If you're looking for depth, look elsewhere; if you want a strong, spicy firecracker, you're right at home. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Lots of flavor in a compact package. This cigar delivers more power than many Churchills I've smoked. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | EL REY DEL MUNDO Taino | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos, S.A. | Size:
7 X 47 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | A satisfying smoke for any time of day. If you're looking for nuances over strength, this one's for you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Perfect for a beginner's first Churchill. Also a worthwhile experience for the experienced smoker. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This delicately flavored cigar is perfect for afternoon or anytime you need a break from heavy smokes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This one was rolled and blended by a master. Subtle flavors and good balance in a well-built package. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | CAMACHO COROJO Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Caribe Imports | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A delicious powerhouse, suited to evening and a strong drink. Reminds me of some of Havana's finest. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | After a T-bone steak supper, you can't go wrong lighting this up, especially with a vintage Macallan. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | It's strong, but I was hoping for more depth. Lovers of big, robust spice-bombs will appreciate it. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Sit down with this cigar, a snifter of well-aged whiskey, and watch your troubles melt away for the evening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | PUROS INDIOS Bronco | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios Cigars | Size:
6 x 56 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Braz | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This gentle giant makes a fine evening companion, matched up with a scotch or Spanish brandy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This is a good-sized, well-made, good-burning smoke; I can only hope some age will mature the flavor. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A leisurely smoke; not too complex but tasty. The strong aroma behooves you to enjoy it outdoors. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Here is a perfect weekend cigar to kick back with for an hour, with your favorite whiskey or coffee beverage. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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