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Betting on the Big Ten... (cont.)
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 |  | SAN CRISTOBAL El Morro | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos SA | Size:
7 1/8 x 49 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | A complex cigar that never became unpleasant, it's suited to a long, after-dinner session, with cognac.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A good smoke, slow and luxurious. The draw could improve, and I'd age them for some more complexity.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A cigar obviously made of high-quality ingredients that weren't given proper respect by the roller.
7.5 AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | A classic full-bodied cigar that stands up to the strongest whiskies. I'd buy these regardless of price.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | FELIPE GREGORIO Dos Capas | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Felipe Gregorio Inc. | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu/CT | | Panelist #1 | I'd not taken this type of cigar seriously in the past, but I must admit that this one was quite enjoyable.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This cigar proved to be a perfect smoke to sit down with a glass of brandy and an engrossing novel.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This one burned well and tasted good, albeit not too challenging for the palate. A good afternoon puff.
8.1 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I don't like to draw attention with my smoke, so I'll be happy to enjoy this one at home, with a good drink.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | THE GRIFFIN'S Maduro Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Not being a maduro man, I feel like a convert! A great evening smoke that I savored after a grilled duck.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | All in all, this cigar smoked as smooth as butter on a baby's butt. Enjoy one with a good beer.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | It smokes a little hot at the end, but this is a wonderfully well-built cigar reminiscent of a Punch or Hoyo.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A thoroughbred among mules! This excellent, consistent cigar would be outstanding with a good tawny port.
9.6 SUPERIOR |
 |  | PERFECCION PLATINO Torpedo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Last Great American Cigar | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Indo | | Panelist #1 | It's a very consistent cigar, best enjoyed in the evening after a meal, matched with your favorite cognac.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This one would be OK for handing out at the golf course, but it's not terribly impressive overall.
7.0 AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | I'm dying to find out what this cigar is. It was a welcome companion to my night on the porch with a book.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This cigar was a great complement to a Far Niente Cabernet. Share some with friends, but age the rest!
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 |  | CUBAN CRAFTERS CAMEROON Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cuban Crafters | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This cigar jumps off the match and grabs attention from the first draw. I'll be surprised if it's under $9.00.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Not as powerful nor as complex as I expected, but definitely a tasty treat for the golf course or after lunch.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I enjoyed the consistency of the samples and their unique flavor. Overall, a smoke worth trying.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This one took me an hour and a half to smoke down. I would hunker down with this cigar in a hurricane.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 | | BOLIVAR Tubo No. 2 | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos SA | Size:
5 x 42 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | More flavor than expected from a cigar this size. It matches well with a bourbon or an India pale ale.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A larger ring gauge would do this blend more justice. If you can get a decent draw, you'll love the flavors
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This cigar was the perfect size and strength to smoke on the beach with a rum drink. Thoroughly enjoyable.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Fix yourself a little Kentucky bourbon on the rocks, light this up, and smoke it down to the nub.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | DON LINO AFRICA Kifaro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Miami Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/4 x 52 | Filler:
Cam/DR/Mx/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Similar in taste to a Padron 1964, this paired equally well with coffee, wine, and bourbon. A must-have!
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Enjoy this one with a glass of strong spirit after dinner; it'll spin your head around earlier in the day.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This might be a good everyday cigar, or one suited for poker night with the boys. The aroma won't offend.
7.1 AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | I found this to be a cigar well-suited to an early-evening smoke while sitting on the porch watching a sunset.
8.3 GOOD |
 |  | HABANA LEON Serie F No. 2000 | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Cigar King | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Give me more! This is the kind of cigar I would embrace and not let go. A smoke you'll want 24/7.
9.6 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | Smoke this smoothie with a nice porter; there's no harsh aftertaste, and it's cool from start to finish.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Under a very attractive exterior lurks a cigar that I would probably give to my mother-in-law, if she smoked.
7.0 AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | Put on a hot pot of tea for this excellent evening smoke; great for quiet time in front of the fireplace.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 |  | EXCALIBUR ROYAL STERLING Fortis | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
7 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Hon | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | This cigar is a winner, one I would happily give to friends, and would confidently fill up my humidor with.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A beautiful example of the torcedor's art. I just wish more were going on in the flavor department.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A consistently decent smoke, especially good with coffee. Hand these out at your next bachelor party.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This is a great afternoon cigar to kill a couple hours before dinner but don't want to be overwhelmed.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
SMOKE - Spring, 2005
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