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Rating the Spring Field (cont.)
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 |  | CASINO GOLD Lonsdale | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Swisher International | Size:
6 x 44 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | Heavy, yet smooth and aromatic, it's a nice surprise in a small package. A midday smoke for all tastes.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | I would find this well-balanced cigar very enjoyable on a quiet patio with a glass of port. Truly relaxing.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A lot of flavors here, and decent construction. With a very favorable price, it might make my short list.
7.6 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | I don't usually reach for a cigar in this shape, but this one has made me think twice. A quality smoke.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 |  | RAMON ALLONES Specially Selected | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
4 7/8 x 50 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This little cigar more than holds its own with the big boys on the flavor scale. It deserves major accolades.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | The only problem I could see with buying a box of these is that 25 cigars wouldn't last me too long!
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I nearly burned my lips smoking this bad boy down to the nub. 45 minutes of pure smoking pleasure.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | If this one's got the right price tag, I'd call it a "must-buy." It followed up a heavy lunch quite nicely.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | OLIVEROS GRAN RESERVA Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | I've never liked torpedos, but this one just changed my mind. A complex blend, great after a late dinner.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This baby is just plain enjoyable any time of day, an uncomplicated smoke you can always reach for.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | One of my favorites in the testing. I recommend it to all seasoned smokers, especially after an evening meal.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Only Nick Perdomo's factory makes 'em like this. Give me this cigar with a Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.
10 SUPERIOR |
 | | J.L. SALAZAR Y HERMANOS Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cuban Crafters | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I found this one to be an excellent cigar, especially paired up with an early evening coffee. High marks.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | It starts better than it finishes, but is an enjoyable smoke after breakfast or lunch. Add it to the inventory.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I'm not ashamed to say that I smoked this one to the nub. A great indulgence after a steak dinner.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Just a darn good cigar. It may even make the regular rotation, provided it's offered at a reasonable price.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 |  | CAMACHO COYOLAR PURO Super Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Camacho Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | For the second sample, I had the pleasure of smoking this on the front porch with a glass of good rum.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This one packed a punch that seemed to parallel its unglamorous appearance. Not for lightweights.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Not just strength, but strength with character. This one needs a stiff glass of booze to match up to it.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Whoever developed this black beauty hit a home run! I can't wait to get my eager hands on a full box.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | LOS BLANCOS PREMIERE SELECTION Sumatra Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Los Blancos Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Indo | | Panelist #1 | A great follow-up to a hearty lunch. If the price is right, I would snap up some of these for my humidor.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A good everyday smoke, not too challenging or too bland. It's a great match with a glass of anejo rum.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This torpedo kept me interested for a good hour. I'd buy some and lay 'em down to smooth out the finish.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A well-blended stick with great balanced flavors. No complaints about the construction. She's a winner!
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 |  | MATASA 30th ANNIVERSARY BY FONSECA Toro Aniversario | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | A good cigar that only gets better as you smoke it. Enjoy it after a steak dinner with a glass of Zinfandel.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A solid, quality smoke with a pleasantly robust flavor. It would appeal to anyone who knows a good cigar.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Put aside some time to enjoy this quality smoke that's easy on the palate, and hopefully on the wallet.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Despite my initial problems with this one, I ended up enjoying it fully, paired up with an Australian port.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 | | CUMBRES DE PURISCAL Silver Toro | Country:
CR | Manufacturer:
Tabacos de Cordillera | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
CR | Binder:
CR | Wrapper:
CR | | Panelist #1 | A cigar that's ideally suited to accompany an early-evening bottle of wine. I'd recommend it to friends.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This cigar in one hand, and a hearty Ferreira tawny port in the other was all I needed at the end of a day.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I would retool this blend with a fuller-flavored leaf to enhance the complexity. It needs an identity.
7.9 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | A nice, meaty smoke to save for a cool evening with friends. Try it with a pint of Bareknuckle Stout.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 | | VICTOR SINCLAIR LEGACY Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Victor Sinclair Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Braz/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | One of my favorite samples. I can't wait to find out what it is; everyone around me wanted to try one!
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I expected to like this style of cigar a bit more than this, but I might give it another try after some aging.
7.6 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | I enjoyed the flavors a great deal; more reliable construction would have made it a winner all around.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | If the price is right, I would buy these. there are good flavors lurking in that thick, tight tobacco roll.
8.7 VERY GOOD |
 |  | BUCANERO Canon Cubano Maduro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bucanero Cigars | Size:
5 1/2 x 60 | Filler:
Nic/Hon/CR/Italy | Binder:
C.R. | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Patience is a virtue and patience will be rewarded with this stick. Despite a rough exterior, it really delivers.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Some age would make this one a truly great smoke. Try it with a coffee or a light-bodied single malt.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Not for the faint of heart. This one's massive girth would scare off most newbies. An absolute man's smoke.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Though I prefer my cigars slimmer, this one would become a staple in my humidor. It has great depth.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
SMOKE - Spring, 2006
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