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Spring
Sluggers
What do
Pepin Garcia, Rocky Patel, Jonathan Drew, and Henry “Kiki” Burger all have in common? Each hit a home run with a top-rated, medium- to full- bodied cigar in our newest Spring 2008 Cigar Review, conducted as always by an ever-changing panel of 20 tasters who sample cigars at their leisure in a blind tasting and in return provide us objective and honest assessments of the cigars they smoked.
Remember the boom-era boutique brand Cupido? Well, its back, once again being made by its original producer, Tabacalera Esteli’s Kiki Berger, who also has the honor of owning the brand this time around. He devilishly threw our Spring reviewers a curve ball with the striking figurado shape of his new Cupido Criollo Corto (9.3), but proved he could indeed follow through with fine execution, as panelists sat aside their trepidation and thoroughly enjoyed this Nicaraguan puro, which taps tobaccos grown right in the fields outside Kiki’s factory.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 0-5.9 | Poor |
| 6.0-6.9 | Fair |
| 7.0-7.9 | Average |
| 8.0-8.5 | Good |
| 8.6-9.0 | Very Good |
| 9.1-9.5 | Excellent |
| 9.6-10.0 | Superior |
Rocky Patel’s formidable Honduran-made RP Sun Grown Sixty (9.3) was described as a “tree trunk of a cigar,” which in this case is a good thing, referring to the hefty 6 x 60 toro shape that afforded smokers plenty of time to savor this rich, medium-bodied cigar with a dark Ecuadorian wrapper.
When Drew Estate’s founder and master blender Jonathan Drew brought former CigarNexus.com creator and J.R. Cigar scribe Steve Saka onboard as the company president, one of Saka’s first directives was a challenge to the counter-culture crew in Estelí: create a rich, full-bodied cigar that would appeal to his own personal tastes. The result was the Liga Privada No. 9 (literally, private leaf) which quickly became a Saka favorite and is now available in limited quantities for purchase. Our panelists were equally enamored with this traditional-style smoke full of pungent flavors.
Pepin Garcia can seem to do no wrong with every appearance at bat, and his very own Don Pepin Garcia Serie JJ Selectos (9.2), made at his original Miami factory, continues his ever-expanding winning streak with this spicy offering.
Other panelist favorites included the CAO Gold Perfecto, Bolivar Gigante, Habana Gold Dominican Selection Robusto, and Carlos Toraño Signature Collection Toro.
So bid the cabin fever farewell once and for all, embrace once again the wide open spaces of the great outdoors—even if it’s just the back yard—and explore some new smokes in your leisure time.
— E.E.H.
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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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 |  | EXQUISITO LIMITADO E5 Short Perfecto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Crown David International Cigar Co. | Size:
4 1/2 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | Great with a cup of coffee. Consistent. Recommended for anyone. Overall, a relaxing cigar.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This cigar was very inconsistent in all aspects…burn, taste, construction, but most were good.
8.5 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This little stick rocks. Smooth and satisfying from start to finish. Grab the X.O. and sit back.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Experience was marred by need to keep re-lighting, but when smoked, it was smooth.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 |  | BOLIVAR Gigante | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | Can stand up to a good scotch. There is room in my humidor for more of these. A keeper.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This cigar has an attractive appearance and will appeal to the larger ring gauge cigar smoker.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Looks like a brute, but is well on the mild side of medium. Great smoke for a few games of darts.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | A great stick for a late afternoon to evening smoke, goes great with a good pinot noir. Yum!
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | HABANA GOLD DOMINICAN SELECTION Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
House of Oxford | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Good cigar for beginners or for those looking for a mild morning cigar. A fine stick.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This cigar is a definite buy provided that the price reflects some of the aesthetic issues.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Good early day smoke. Very mild, but not long on the flavor. A fine, but not unique cigar.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I can't say any tastes really stood out for me. If you like your cigars mild, this is for you.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | ARGANESE NICARAGUAN PRESIDENTE Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Arganese Cigars | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Nic, Conn. | | Panelist #1 | Fantastic medium cigar. Defines relaxation. I'd buy boxes of these. It should impress all smokers.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This cigar would fool you with its appearance. A good looking cigar with a mediocre taste.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Spice, spice, and more spice. If that's your thing, jump in, the water’s fine.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Save this cigar for an evening smoke, and drink an espresso to smooth the rough edges.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | CARLOS TORAÑO SIGNATURE COLLECTION Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Conn. | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | This can stand up to a heavily bodied beer or scotch. One of the best that I have smoked.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I would buy this cigar as it had a pleasing taste and performed very well. Excellent medium smoke.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Looks like it will kick out the back of your throat, but is mild and cool. Very smooth, flavorful.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Because of the dark wrapper I expected more strength, but this was great with a morning coffee.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 |  | ROMEO Y JULIETA Cedros de Luxe No. 2 | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
5 5/8 x 42 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | I loved this cigar. I'm rarely impressed with this small a ring gauge, but this was great!
9.6 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | Tasted good, but flavors were just short of substantive. I favor fuller-bodied cigars for this reason.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | The flavor was a big disappointment. I’ll smoke mild cigars occasionally, but this one was lacking.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Mild and not overpowering. A very soft touch, just right for after dinner banter.
8.6 VERY GOOD |
 |  | BLACK PEARL MORADO Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
La Perla Habana | Size:
4 3/4 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | Flavors kept it interesting for a mild smoke. Went well with a lager. Recommended to all!
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Upon first glance, I expected this to be a good smoke. Interesting, but not a buy for me.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Grab a high-end tequila like Patron or better. Sip and draw, sip and draw. Sounds like a plan.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Nice, consistent smoke with a pleasant aroma. An enjoyable smoke on a Sunday afternoon.
9.1 VERY GOOD |
 | | VILLA DOMINICANA Petite Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Villiger Stokkebye International | Size:
4 x 50 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Quite tasty for being a light shade cigar. I'll add this to my Sunday morning cigars!
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Try a coffee-based liquor or a coffee drink with this truly wonderful cigar. Not for the novice.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Complex, tasty cigar that goes well with rum and sunsets. Great substance,and not overwhelming.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Would go well with a lot of beverages: coffee, port. A pretty good cigar. A solid smoke.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 | | LA CAYA BRASIL Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Caya | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Although too tight in the beginning, all in all, a good stick. Matched well with a deep red wine.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A cigar I would gladly recommend to associates and keep a secret stash for special occasions.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | All in all, a solid stick with complex flavor that was enjoyable from start to finish.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Well made. A pleasure to smoke with coffee after a nice dinner. Recommend it in a heart beat.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | CUESTA-REY CENTRO FINO Cortéz | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
J.C. Newmnan | Size:
5 1/2 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Without a doubt in my mind, an excellent cigar! One hell of a mocha delight from end to end!
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A solid performer with style, taste and most certainly class. This stick can stand up to any pairing.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Went well with a nice heavy port. The small soft spots don't detract from an excellent smoke.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Though this was an interesting experience, I’m partial to lighter sticks. Fun, but not for me.
8.6 VERY GOOD |
 |  | DON PEPÍN GARCÍA SERIE JJ Selectos | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
El Rey de los Habanos | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Consistent and fine. What you light is what you get. Not a bad cigar to smoke nightly.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A straightforward stick with a body and taste that excellently complimented the good looks.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | A very enjoyable robusto that went well with a nice sweet rum. All together, very pleasant.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | All around great performer. Goes well with a good dark rum to compliment the spice.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | EXILE Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cuban Imports | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Will recommend to friends and if offered again will most likely smoke an a Saturday night.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Wonderful, rich taste, and dense, chewy smoke. I'd like to purchase a few boxes of these!
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | A nice maduro that went well with a good añejo. Just short of being the perfect stick.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I had no complaints. I imagined this cigar would go with any coffee, even red wine.
8.6 VERY GOOD |
 Continued on next page...
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