Betting on the Big Ten... (cont.) 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! CAMACHO SLR Rothschild Maduro Country: Hon Manufacturer: Caribe Imports Size: 4 1/2 x 50 Filler: Hon Binder: Hon Wrapper: Hon Panelist #1 Forget the martini; pour the grappa and tell everyone to leave you alone until you finish this bad boy. 9.1 EXCELLENT Panelist #2 Short enough to enjoy after a spicy lunch, but still "big" enough to follow up dinner, with a glass of port. 9.2 EXCELLENT Panelist #3 A compact power-packed cigar, with a very Cubanesque character. Have one with a top-shelf dark rum. 8.8 VERY GOOD Panelist #4 This one looks pulled from a bundle, but its looks belied its inner beauty. My favorite of the taste test. 8.6 VERY GOOD LA AURORA 100 AŅOS Belicoso Country: DR Manufacturer: La Aurora Cigars Size: 6 1/4 x 52 Filler: DR Binder: DR Wrapper: DR Panelist #1 All in all, a very enjoyable figurado, which would best be enjoyed with a cocktail and your best friends. 9.0 VERY GOOD Panelist #2 The hay notes made it harsh and intense at the end, but I smoked it down to the nub anyway. 7.9 AVERAGE Panelist #3 The flavors in this one stayed consistent after they took a while to kick in. A decent cigar, not a "wow." 8.6 VERY GOOD Panelist #4 I smoked this masterpiece down to the last inch, and it never got bitter. Save it for your most special bottle. 9.7 SUPERIOR SAVINELLI FUERTE Torpedo Country: Nic Manufacturer: Savinelli USA Size: 6 x 52 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 A well-made torpedo with some enjoyable flavor. Some aging in the humidor might make it really sing. 8.6 VERY GOOD Panelist #2 I would try this cigar again. It matched up decently with the 10-year-old single malt I had with it. 7.9 AVERAGE Panelist #3 Good smoke volume, but uneven burn and consistency problems would give me pause on this one. 7.0 AVERAGE Panelist #4 Best after a good meal with red meat and a chocolate dessert, paired with a full-bodied Cabernet. 9.6 SUPERIOR CUBAN STOCK ROYAL SELECTION Belicoso No. 2 Country: DR Manufacturer: Crown David Int'l Size: 6 1/4 x 52 Filler: DR Binder: DR Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 A very relaxing cigar, perfect to have at poolside with a pitcher of margaritas right before a nap. 9.0 VERY GOOD Panelist #2 Not a killer but a good everyday smoke. It starts out flavorful and only gets better. I'd smoke it again. 8.5 GOOD Panelist #3 A very well-made cigar with fairly standard flavors; I would like to try these with a bit more age on 'em. 7.5 AVERAGE Panelist #4 This cigar's tight draw can be overlooked while you enjoy the flavors after finishing 18 holes of golf. 8.1 GOOD COSMO BY TOPPER FBT Country: Hon Manufacturer: Topper Cigar Size: 5 1/2 x 50 Filler: Hon Binder: Hon Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 It was over too soon! Each sample was consistent and a treat. This one's a "winner after dinner!" 9.6 SUPERIOR Panelist #2 Looks like a Ligero, tastes like a Ligero - it must be a Ligero! Thanks, Litto! (Am I right?) 9.5 EXCELLENT Panelist #3 The flavors become bitter by the end, and the draw is just a bit too hard for me to recommend this one. 7.2 AVERAGE Panelist #4 This one has a lot of charm, and hints at an Old West cigar. Enjoy it with a good bottle of wine. 9.6 SUPERIOR FLOR DE OLIVA 10th ANNIVERSARY Torpedo Country: Nic Manufacturer: Oliva Cigar Co. Size: 6 1/2 x 52 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Indo Panelist #1 This cigar went very well with cappuccino after a light meal. I'd go for it just about any time of day. 9.2 EXCELLENT Panelist #2 Matched up with a good book and a glass of your best cognac, this cigar will make your evening. 9.0 VERY GOOD Panelist #3 An aesthetically eye-catching look and a low-key, pleasant flavor. I'd recommend it at the right price. 7.2 AVERAGE Panelist #4 This is a solid cigar for a fan of milder smokes, but also an 'anytime' cigar for just about any smoker. 8.4 GOOD JOYA DE NICARAGUA CELEBRACION Toro Country: Nic Manufacturer: SAG/Matasa Size: 6 x 50 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 After dinner, light this one up with a pour of single malt and a good book and just chill out on the porch. 9.0 VERY GOOD Panelist #2 When all was said and done, I really enjoyed these sticks, and would buy them. Great flavor and construction. 8.2 GOOD Panelist #3 This smoked better than it looked, but still got a bit harsh at the end. Tighter construction would help. 6.3 BELOW AVERAGE Panelist #4 I tasted this cigar with a big California cabernet. What a combo. I hated to see it burn to the end. 10.0 SUPERIOR ELOGIO Torpedo Natural Country: Nic Manufacturer: Elogio Cigars Size: 6 x 54 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 Save this butt-kicker for after a heavy meal. Seasoned lovers of full-bodied smokes will appreciate them. 9.1 EXCELLENT Panelist #2 A little youthful harshness tainted this smoke, but it was tamed by a good cappuccino that I had with it. 7.6 AVERAGE Panelist #3 More full-bodied than it looks, this cigar is suited to following dinner, with a good Kentucky bourbon. 8.2 GOOD Panelist #4 A pleasantly rich smoke, with just enough complexity; perfect with a cup of good Cuban coffee. 8.6 VERY GOOD CUBAN CLASSICS Toro Country: Hon Manufacturer: Reel Smokers Size: 6 x 50 Filler: Nic/Hon Binder: Ecu Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 An outstanding cigar with a super start that progresses to an excellent finish. This is why we smoke! 9.7 SUPERIOR Panelist #2 I daydreamed about more of these when I was done. Flavor stayed consistent and finished with a punch. 9.0 VERY GOOD Panelist #3 The cigar was very pleasant overall, but I noticed some taste and strength variance in the samples. 8.6 VERY GOOD Panelist #4 I saved this cigar for last and it didn't disappoint. A good match for an afternoon cappuccino or espresso. 9.5 EXCELLENT Continued on next page... CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 2005 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.