SMOKE Spring, 2010 - Cigar Reviews

Cigar Smoking Springs into Season

Spring is often associated with a new beginning. It harkens back to man’s agricultural roots when spring represented a rebirth, not just of nature, but of his very survival. If we didn’t have a good growing season, the rest of the year would be very difficult indeed. Today, spring is less a matter of life-and-death than it is a time of transition, both endings and beginnings. Winter fades away into summer. Shorts trade places with khakis. Workers enter retirement to make room for all the new graduates. The NHL and NBA make way for MLB and NASCAR. We cross the threshold from one half of the calendar year to the other.

SMOKE Cigar Ratings

Rating Quality

96-100 Superior

91-95 Excellent

86-90 Very Good

80-85 Good

70-79 Average

60-69 Fair

Under 59 Poor

But for those of us living in areas with indoor smoking prohibitions (a list that grows every year), spring has become the beginning of the smoking season - be it on the golf course, out on the lake, or enjoying the evening on the back patio. Finally, the weather has stopped with all that wind and snow nonsense and cleared the way for our passion. And Smoke has all the new cigars you should know about to get all the joy out this season that weather and writ of law will allow.

As always, our reviews aren’t handed down from editors in a smoky back room and tainted (either subconsciously or otherwise) from outside influence. Rather, our reviews are penned from fellow smokers and cigar shop owners - real smokers who enjoy real cigars. And with so many choices available out there (at ever-increasing prices), we know you don’t want to waste any time with any duds. Nicaragua had a good showing in this review, including the Clasico from Berger & Argenti (92) and two puros - one from Padrón (94) and a Lot 23 shortie from Perdomo (93). El Rey Del Mundo from Habanos scored a solid grade (93), as did some great smokes from the Dominican Republic: Ashton’s ESG 20 Year Salute (92), Nestor Miranda Collection Dominicana (92), and the Cuvée No. 151 (93) among them. So get out there and take in all this season of Smoke has to offer!

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!

	CAMACHO 10TH Anniversary Torpedo
	Country: Honduras	Manufacturer: Camacho Cigars	Size: 6 1/8 x 54
	Filler: Honduras	Binder: Honduras	Wrapper: Honduras
Panelist #1	All samples had a consistent burn with an ash that held firm. This cigar would make a good evening cigar. *92 Excellent*
Panelist #2	Very well-balanced and straight forward, this cigar has an old fashioned feel to it while remaining new at the same time. *92 Excellent*
Panelist #3	A very mild cigar, something you can smoke anytime of the day. Not what I usually smoke, but I would buy these. *89 Very Good*

DAVIDOFF Robusto Maduro

Country:
DR Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva Size:
5 x 52
Filler:
DR Binder:
DR Wrapper:
Nicaragua
Panelist #1 This smoke went extremely well with the single malt Fiddich that I enjoyed it with. Would definitely recommend it.
90 Very Good
Panelist #2 Had great flavor and was easy to smoke. I would buy these any time. A nice smooth, spicy taste.
90 Very Good
Panelist #3 A solid smoke that I would purchase again. Easily enjoyable with water, beer, and red wine. Consistent and pleasing.
89 Very Good

SAVINELLI SPECIAL SELECTION 2005 Triple Magnum

Country:
Nicaragua Manufacturer:
Savinelli USA Size:
6 x 60
Filler:
Nicaragua Binder:
Nicaragua Wrapper:
Ecuador
Panelist #1 This cigar is a great smoke for the seasoned cigar smoker who looks for a fuller bodied, more complex smoke.
90 Very Good
Panelist #2 The finish of the cigar really works well with a nice cup of joe and I enjoyed this on the deck with just that.
93 Excellent
Panelist #3 I plan to smoke this one again. To the manufacturer: nice job, guys. This one will be a hit on the market.
88 Very Good

HC SERIES HABANO COLORADO Lonsdale

Country:
Honduras Manufacturer:
Xikar, Inc. Size:
6 x 46
Filler:
CR, Hon Binder:
Nicaragua Wrapper:
Nicaragua
Panelist #1 If you're looking for a full body peppery cigar with a small RG, there are better ones that fit this size and profile.
86 Very Good
Panelist #2 All samples were flavorful and consistent. I would buy this one; you should buy this one, it's just plain-ass good.
89 Very Good
Panelist #3 A delicious cigar that left me salivating for more. I can't wait to find out what this was so I can buy some for my own.
94 Excellent

PADRÓN FAMILY RESERVE No. 45

Country:
Nicaragua Manufacturer:
Padrón Cigars Size:
6 x 52
Filler:
Nicaragua Binder:
Nicaragua Wrapper:
Nicaragua
Panelist #1 An enjoyable complex smoke, beautiful construction. Depending on the price, I would definitely smoke these again.
92 Excellent
Panelist #2 An outstanding cigar. Complex, yet balanced. Not for the newbie. Will definitely get your attention.
94 Excellent
Panelist #3 A solid construction leads to a solid smoking experience all the way through. I would absolutely smoke this again!
96 Superior

	CUVÉE NO. 151 Robusto
	Country: DR	Manufacturer: Dom Rey Cigar, Inc.	Size: 5 x 50
	Filler: DR	Binder: DR	Wrapper: Brazil
Panelist #1	I'd recommend this to any maduro lover. It's a medium-body smoke that's good till the last puff. *91 Excellent*
Panelist #2	With a cigar as tasty as this who needs desert, just bring me a cup of espresso, stat! Would certainly smoke again. *94 Excellent*
Panelist #3	This was a short tasty cigar. I enjoyed the flavor and the ease of which they smoked. I would buy this one. *93 Excellent*

LA TRAVIATA Divino

Country:
Nicaragua Manufacturer:
C.A.O. International Size:
5 x 50
Filler:
DR, Nic Binder:
Cameroon Wrapper:
Ecuador
Panelist #1 For the seasoned smoker who likes a full-bodied smoke with cream and spice,this is a cigar you should try.
91 Excellent
Panelist #2 A good after-lunch smoke. One of the better cigars I have smoked this year and I can't wait to light up more of them!
94 Excellent
Panelist #3 These were easy to smoke and the flavor was mild. I like this one and would share it with friends.
86 Very Good

LIGA PRIVADA No. 9

Country:
Nic Manufacturer:
Drew Estate Size:
6 x 52
Filler:
DR, Hon Binder:
Brazil Wrapper:
USA
Panelist #1 This is a great mid-afternoon or evening cigar. Lots of flavor. I would not recommend this to a novice.
90 Very Good
Panelist #2 Great relaxing stick for a newbie who wants a real nice smoke and also to impress his friends with.
92 Excellent
Panelist #3 Just the type of cigar I like. Easy to light, easy to draw, very flavorful. You can see and taste the quality in this one.
95 Excellent

PRENSADO Churchill

Country:
Honduras Manufacturer:
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. Size:
7 x 48
Filler:
Nic, Hon Binder:
Nicaragua Wrapper:
Honduras
Panelist #1 This was a really great cigar! A magnificent smoke. I fear that it may be out of my price range, but I hope not.
93 Excellent
Panelist #2 Smoke this only if you've got the time. It's a solid, steady smoke that makes for a relaxing evening.
89 Very Good
Panelist #3 Because of construction problems, I had to knock off a few points. It started off strong, but left me wanting more.
85 Good

SAINT LUIS REY SERIE G Short Robusto

Country:
Honduras Manufacturer:
Altadis U.S.A. Size:
4 1/4 x 54
Filler:
Hon, Nic Binder:
Nicaragua Wrapper:
Nicaragua
Panelist #1 A good, unassuming, mild cigar. I'd recommended this to the novice or those in need of an early morning smoke.
88 Very Good
Panelist #2 A good first smoke of the day or for new smokers. If you like medium- to full-bodied, this may leave you wanting.
88 Very Good
Panelist #3 If you like them mild, this will fit the bill. Not complex, but relaxing with a cup of coffee.
88 Very Good

	CUPIDO TUXEDO Churchill
	Country: DR	Manufacturer: Cuban Crafters	Size: 7 x 48
	Filler: DR, Nic	Binder: DR	Wrapper: DR
Panelist #1	Great construction. With a little more age, the flavors will come around and work in harmony with the great construction. *92 Excellent*
Panelist #2	Overall, an okay cigar. Certainly a cigar for later in the day. I think it is worth a try and if you try again depends on the price. *90 Very Good*
Panelist #3	This was an enjoyable enough smoke, but I think some aging might smooth it out and bring all the tastes together. *87 Very Good*

CUBAO MADURO Belicoso

Country:
Nic Manufacturer:
Espinosa y Ortego Size:
5 1/2 x 52
Filler:
Nicaragua Binder:
Nicaragua Wrapper:
Ecuador
Panelist #1 I truly enjoyed the salty, dry flavors. If the construction can catch up to the taste, then we might have something special.
88 Very Good
Panelist #2 A good late-day day cigar that could make its way into any part of the day. I would smoke these again.
89 Very Good
Panelist #3 This was a consistent and enjoyable smoke. Pair it with a good scotch and a gorgeous evening.
90 Very Good

Continued on next page...

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