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Springing into Action
With
its strange juxtapositions and multiple personalities, springtime can find cabin-fever-crazed individuals grabbing the last gasps of snow on the ski slopes one day, and scrubbing down the back patio the next... bursting open the windows one sunny afternoon, yet tossing another blanket back on the bed that night. It’s a give-and-take ritual as winter reluctantly releases its last icy grip while spring teases with its promises of warm sunshine and a return to all things outdoors. Amid the chilly rains, spring will eventually win out, but along the way, every warm, enjoyable moment will be embraced as if it again were the very first.
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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 |
Breaking out a cigar in the park and basking in the warming glow of abundant sunshine - minus the need to puff quickly lest one’s nose and fingers grow numb - marks the seminal turning point in spring’s progression.
And, as with all things new, spring brings a fresh crop of cigars in Smoke’s cigar review, and this issue’s top scorers hail from all over: the Dominican Republic (TTT Trinidad Havana Reserve Short Churchill, 9.3; Dunhill Signed Range Tubed Churchill, 9.3; Macanudo 1968 Churchill, 9.5), Nicaragua (Liga Privada No. 9 Robusto Oscuro, 9.3; Esencia Robusto, 9.3), and Cuba (Cohiba Edicion Limitada 2006 Piramides Maduro, 9.3). But unlike the young and timid season at hand, this issue’s top-scoring cigars are anything but subtle - all are at the very least medium bodied, and many are downright bold and rich, trending towards the medium-full to full-bodied. Read on to see why our panelists were impressed - or underwhelmed - and why our spring review roars in like a lion.
- E.E.H. III
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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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 |  | Joya de Nicaragua Celebracion Consul | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacos Puros de Nicaragua | Size:
4 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This is the kind of cigar that I wish I had when I'd just bought my first house. Delicious.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This was one powerful stick. Though a good smoke, I think it's too strong for me to really like.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A strong cigar that kicked ass and paired well will a hearty lager. This is not for beginners at all.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This is a nice and relaxing smoke after a heavy dinner of chili. It goes well with Beefeater over ice.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 |  | Cuban Aristocrat Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Indianhead | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Col/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | This is definitely for the mild cigar smoker or the guys and gals just getting into the cigar lifestyle.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | The flavors and aroma are great anytime, but really complement a good smoky single malt.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Good any time, anywhere, with anyone, this stick can pair well with anything from water to beer.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This is a good cigar that catches your attention early. Not over powering and surely interesting.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | Fonseca Cubano Viso Fuerte Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Matasa | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | This cigar deserves to be paired with a glass of your finest single malt, or even a vintage port!
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This is not necessarily a cigar for everyone - unless you like a full, rich, and very enjoyable cigar!
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This would be a great cigar to take out for a game of golf with a cold tequila-and-tonic cocktail.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I'd recommend this cigar to smokers who are looking to step up to stronger and fuller cigars.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | Davidoff Double "R" | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
7 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This cigar really took off near the end with hints of leather, cinnamon, and citrus highlights.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A wonderful surprise! Mild cigars are my thing, and this filled the bill - and was challenging too!
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This is a fine smoke that can be had at any time of day. It goes great with your favorite stout.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This is a good cigar, and I have no doubt that it will only improve if it's aged for a few months.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 |  | Coronado by La Flor Dominicana Double Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Flor Dominicana | Size:
7 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | A little on the bitter side. Wouldn't buy these cigars, but wouldn't pass up if offered for free.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This would go great with a nice Scotch on a summer night. Would definitely smoke these again.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This cigar kept the surprises coming. Would go well after a weekend brunch. Good golf course smoke.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I'd recommend this cigar to friends and would love to have them in my humidor.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | Dunhill Signed Range Tubed Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Dunhill Cigars | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Cameroon | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This cigar hits all the notes: looks, taste, burn, and finish. Buy them now and enjoy at anytime.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I would recommend these most highly to an experienced smoker. They can really appreciate this.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This cigar is a good one to keep on hand. One that you can be sure to enjoy anytime of the day.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I would add this to my humidor as one of my "go to smokes." A good changeup in a world of fastballs.
9.1 VERY GOOD |
 | | Déa Double Maduro Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
MD Cigars | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
CR/Hon/NIC | Binder:
Ecuador | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Sit down, strap in, and hang on... this is a full bodied smoke that both has class and taste.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A great friend on a lazy afternoon with a good book. I'd definitely recommend these to my friends.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I'd suggest you remain seated with your tray table down and your glass topped with scotch.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | A wonderful smoke that I'd love to revisit with another year of aging on it! Solid, solid, solid!
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
5 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a mellow, mild-to medium-bodied, but not flat, cigar.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A real high-quality cigar that would go well with a smokey whiskey or a good stout.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | A very good, well-balanced smoke with a range of flavors, from leather to coffee.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Good aroma, lots of flavor for a mild-medium bodied smoke. Aging might make it even better.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | TTT Trinidad Habana Reserve Short Churchill | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Altadis U.S.A. Inc. | Size:
4 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Ecuador | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Sign me up, this cigar is at its best when paired with a well-made, strong Hendricks martini.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | One of the most interesting cigars I've ever smoked in the course of my many years as a cigar smoker.
9.6 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #3 | This is a great cigar after lunch. It won't knock you over, and the plethora of flavors are solid.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | The perfect cigar to smoke while you're doing something else - not dominant, surprisingly pleasing.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 | | Old School Stixx Super Stixx | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Old School Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x 56 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | A novel approach is applied to the construction of this cigar, but I don't think the flavors are for me.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Lighting this one up will turn some heads. It's a serious and enjoyable smoke. Great with black coffee.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Almost hitting the sweet-spot between nuance and power, this is an enjoyable cigar all the way.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A great stick with the morning paper and a cup of rich, bold coffee. I'd grab these up right quick.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | Pinar Del Rio Clásico Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Pinar del Rio | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I'd recommend this cigar to the novice smoker, as it is nice, simple, clean, and very easy going.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This is one good and innocent mild cigar. A perfect gift when you don't know someones taste.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A fine, simple, and uncomplicated cigar that went perfectly with a cup of decaf after a quick lunch.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | These are excellent cigars. Great before you get to the job in the morning and before lights-out.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | Cubao No. 7 | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Espinosa y Ortega | Size:
6 x 42 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | I'd pick these up in a heartbeat. The kind of stick that I'd offer the President if he came over.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A solid cigar, but I think this is more aimed at the mild to medium-bodied cigar smoker, not me.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | An enjoyable medium-bodied cigar, this one goes rather well with a coffee or an amber ale.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | A decent and consistent smoke that is made to be enjoyed outdoors after a heavy lunch.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 Continued on next page...
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