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Rating the Spring Field (cont.)
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 |  | AVO DOMAINE (50) | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
5 3/4 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This was a wonderful "sit back and contemplate how good life is" smoke. I recommend it highly.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | An enjoyable smoke overall, and one I may purchase. I would let it age for a while to bring out its potential.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Not all the samples were consistent, but for the best ones, I could recommend them as an afternoon smoke.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | The best of the lot. The shape, flavor, and performance made it a cigar worth focusing on while smoking it.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | CABALLEROS Rothschild | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
James Norman Ltd. | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | While I'm not a fan of mild smokes, this has flavor to compete with the big boys. A good breakfast smoke.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | I would readily offer this cigar to new smokers as something short and light and filled with quality.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This one looks and performs great, but it's enjoyed best in the A.M. hours, or by a cigar newcomer.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | One sample paired well with a morning coffee; the other was perfect with a beer on the beach.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 |  | FITTIPALDI GOLD SERIES Toro Maduro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Corporacion Cigar Export | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | The intimidating dark coat hides a very mellow, interesting companion. I could enjoy this at any time of day.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | The samples were all consistent. This cigar makes a fine partner with a strong ale or a morning cappuccino.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | From the wrapper and the size, I expected something more bold, but the cigar nevertheless won me over.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A surprisingly versatile cigar: enough power and complexity for us vets, but approachable for the novice.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 | | DESEO Bliss | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bahia Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
CR/Hon/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I'd bet the store this is one of Tony Borhani's latest masterpieces. A perfect smoke; the best of the bunch.
10 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | A contender in any horse race. This cigar is perfect for some late-night Sinatra and an iced Frangelico.
9.3 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This is a sturdy, well-made smoke, but looks aren't everything. Newbies might like it more than veterans.
7.9 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | I felt a fullness when I finished this one. A great finish to a great steak and a 2001 Chateau Musar.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 | | BOLIVAR Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
? | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | A cut above the rest I sampled, and a fine midday smoke. With some age, these hint at a glorious smoke.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I took a chance on this one with my morning cup of French roast and it was well worth the gamble.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This cigar's long, strong, mostly white ash was the tip of the iceberg. I would invest in some of these.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Recommended to all seious smokers. All the quality and flavor with-out killer strength to overcome.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | C.A.O. CX2 Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
C.A.O. Cigars | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nic/Col | Binder:
Cam | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | A very nice smoke after dinner, with a red wine or Scotch. I'd recommend to a novice or a seasoned smoker.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This heavy smoke is packed with good tobacco, and I would have no problem recommending it to anyone.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A solid, working-class cigar, consistent but unremarkable. A pleasant smoke but not a toe-curler.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I'd rate this a 'must try' cigar among the samples I had. It matched up well with Jack Daniel's.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | EL TIANTE Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
El Tiante Cigars | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Quite pleasant overall. The flavors were just right for the middle of the day. Great after a burger and fries.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This firecracker is a great follow-up to a barbecue lunch. Newbies may want to steer clear, however.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | One sample had an overly tight draw; the others would get my recommendation for a fishing trip.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I'd recommend some humidor time to smooth out the initial harsh burst. Otherwise, a pleasure to savor.
8.6 VERY GOOD |
 |  | GRAYCLIFF CHATEAU GRAND CRU PG | Country:
Bah | Manufacturer:
Graycliff Cigar Co. | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
CR/Nic/Hon | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Costa R. | | Panelist #1 | An excellent early-evening smoke, recommended with coffee or wheat beer. I'll be adding it to my stash!
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | An attractive cigar in all areas, and one worth adding to the humidor. I enjoyed it with a morning coffee.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Each sample was consistent. I feel that some extra aging will make this cigar even more of a delight.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | A robusto that packs the flavor of a Churchill. It complements an after-dinner espresso quite well.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | CUSANO 18 PAIRED MADURO Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Cusano Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 46 | Filler:
DR/Braz | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This incredible toro took me well over an hour to finish, as I sipped in its tasty mouthfuls of smoke.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I'd probably keep a few around to hand out to moochers, but probably not to seasoned smokers.
7.8 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | Like certain styles of wine, this cigar is an acquired taste. Not for everyone, but worth the smoke.
8.1 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This cigar is very easy to enjoy. If moderately priced, I could see this as a great everyday smoke.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 |  | DYNAMITE 560 Corojo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Indianhead Sales | Size:
5 x 60 | Filler:
Hon/Nic/CR/Pan | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Definitely a "man's man's" cigar, ideal for smoking on a quiet evening alongside your favorite single malt.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Fans of the huge ring gauge will be thoroughly delighted with this brute with its cutter-challenging girth.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I love the big ring, so I would've enjoyed this even if it didn't have a solid structure and unique flavor.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Give yourself a good hour and a half to fully appreciate this one. Big ring gauge equals power and complexity.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 Continued on next page...
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