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SPRING SMOKES (cont.)
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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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 |  | LA AURORA SUN-GROWN Robusto Maduro | Country: DR | Manufacturer: La Aurora | Size: 5 x 50 | Filler: DR/Braz/Cam | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Braz | | Panelist #1 | A wonderful cigar with a sweet after dinner drink. The excellent quality throughout makes this one special. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar flies under the radar. It's easygoing and inoffensive, without much depth. A nice "go-to" smoke. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Personally, these are not my style, but maybe there's more to be discovered beneath that hard draw. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | This robusto is not a beauty at first sight, but it's packed with flavor. I would take these on a fishing trip. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | TRILOGY OVATION Camerron Baron | Country: Hon | Manufacturer: Alec Bradley | Size: 5 1/2 x 54 | Filler: CR/Mex/Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Hon | | Panelist #1 | I smoked this cigar after a dinner of steak tips, with a dark lager, and it matched up perfectly. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would age these a bit for more consistency, but I'd keep a few around for lunchtime and golf. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A pleasant cigar that I would reach for as an everyday smoke; perfect for afternoon and the great outdoors. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A flavor-packed little charmer. I'm anxious to find out what this is, and hopefully try it in a larger size, too. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GRAYCLIFF EMERALD PG | Country: Bah | Manufacturer: Graycliff Cigar Co. | Size: 5 1/4 x 50 | Filler: Br/Hon/Greece | Binder: Indo | Wrapper: Braz | | Panelist #1 | This would work as a morning or midday smoke; also would go well with a beer or top-shelf tequila. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A good cigar to share with the non-experienced smoker, or to savor in the morning. Mild and flavorful. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar had great construction, but lacked strength. If you like a milder cigar, you may well like this. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar burned well and tasted great. I believe that after four months of age, it will be even better. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | VEGAS ROBAINA Famoso | Country: Cuba | Manufacturer: Habanos, S.A. | Size: 5 X 50 | Filler: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | | Panelist #1 | Give this little firecracker time to kick in, and it won't be disappoint. Match it up with a good bourbon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar is a slow-burning pleasure for a seasoned cigar enthusiast. It goes well with a strong coffee drink. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Excellent looks, quality construction, and great taste. I'm looking forward to trying more of these cigars. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Despite the burn problem, this was one of the best cigars I've tasted, and it should even improve with age. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CUBAN STOCK CLASSIC Torpedo | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Crown David Int'l | Size: 6 x 52 | Filler: DR | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Hon | | Panelist #1 | A first-class cigar that never went flat despite its overall mildness. Tasty and exceptionally constructed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would hand these out to novice friends seeking a quality stick, or perhaps smoke one with a coffee. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A mild-bodied cigar that won't satisfy the fan of strong smokes, but might impress the newcomers. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar is a versatile choice for any time of day; it's especially good with a cappuccino or a dark rum. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |

 |  | CUBAN CRAFTERS Chairman | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Cuban Crafters Inc. | Size: 6 x 60 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | A mammoth of a smoke, perfect for any die-hard maduro smoker. I spent two hours in paradise with this one! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | If a steak dinner were a cigar, this is the one it would be. A long-lasting treat for the veteran herfer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar is neither as strong nor as complex as its looks promised. Still, it's well-made and pleasurable. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A big, complex cigar, it deserves to be matched up with a similar drink. Time to break out the aged cognac. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | VEGA TALANGA COROJO SERIES Azul | Country: Hon | Manufacturer: U.S. Cigar Sales | Size: 6 x 54 | Filler: Nic/Hon | Binder: Hon | Wrapper: Hon | | Panelist #1 | An excellent, relaxing, after-dinner cigar. My buddy smoked one and said it went well with a good book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | "Wow" is all I have to say. Close your next big deal with this one. Even the ladies will like it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This would best be enjoyed after a classy meal with a fine port. I would pass these cigars out to friends. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar was reminiscent of the last box of Cubans I picked up in Nassau. It's a real "keeper." HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CUESTA-REY CENTENARIO Belicoso No. 11 | Country: DR | Manufacturer: J.C. Newman | Size: 4 7/8 x 50 | Filler: DR | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | I was quite impressed, especially as I'm not usually a fan of mild cigars. This one went well with a Shiraz. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This little figurado brought an appealing mix of flavor and strength. I look forward to the next one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Like a date with your sister, you can have a good time with this one, but no passion. Fine for a beginner. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar would be excellent for a midday puff or a "quickie" before bedtime. Don't share them! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | FONSECA RESERVA ESPECIAL 2003 Figurado | Country: DR | Manufacturer: MATASA | Size: 7 x 52 | Filler: Nic/DR | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | Best of the bunch! Full-bodied, spicy, and flavorful with an aroma that makes me drool! I gotta have more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This was a decent, flavorful cigar; if the harsh finish could be mellowed with age, we have a contender. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A big glass of Guinness proved an excellent companion to this cigar; a solid smoke, not meant for novices. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | An excellent evening cigar, worthy of your devoted attention. It's medium-bodied and hearty to the end. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |

SMOKE - Spring, 2004
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