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Firing Up Flavor
"Mouthwatering."
"Creamy smoke factory." "Blast of chocolate." "Hearty flavor punch." "Blast of pepper." These are just a few of the favorable impressions that our latest panel of amateur cigar smokers and professional tobacconists detected while evaluating blind samples of cigars for this latest installment Smoke's Cigar Review. Among the highest-scoring cigars in this review are newcomers and veterans alike. Here are some highlights of this issue's top-ranking cigars:
Paul Stulac, a well-established cigar retailer from Halifax, Nova Scotia, made a great impression among panelists with his self-named debut line of cigars, which are rolled in Estel¡, Nicaragua by Kiki Berger - the quiet, creative force behind a number of intriguing boutique offerings over the years. Stulac and Berger seem to be onto something exciting with this new collaboration, as revealed by the Paul Stulac Angel's score of 93.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 96-100 | Superior |
| 91-95 | Excellent |
| 86-90 | Very Good |
| 80-85 | Good |
| 70-79 | Average |
| 60-69 | Fair |
| Under 59 | Poor |
J.C. Newman, the oldest continuously operating family-owned cigar maker in America, has proven it has what it takes to keep up with the nimble boutique brands by creating its own contemporary blends like the powerful El Baton Belicoso, a Nicaraguan puro made at Fabrica de Tabacos San Rafael S.A. in Estel¡ and clocking in with an impressive 94.
William Paley, continues to expand his La Palina line, his family's brand which he resurrected in 2010 after several decades on hiatus. The newest line, La Palina El Diario, is made at the Raices Cubana factory in Honduras and is a collaboration with Alec Bradley's founder and president, Alan Rubin. Spanish for "the daily," El Diario boasts more affordable prices than the original Bahaman-made La Palina Family Series, but with the El Diario Gordo 93.
Also hailing from Honduras, but in this case Ranchos Jamastran near Danl¡ (the home of Camacho cigars), is the J. Grotto Reserve Series from Ocean State Cigars. This follow-up blend to last year's original J. Grotto Series tames the spice yet delivers rich flavors. Panelists took a shining to the Gran Corona size that was sampled, awarding it a score of 94.
Finally, We the People, rolled at the El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami for Bidwell Cigar, earned a 93 for its Belicoso, with panelists noting its creamy, smooth blend. Bidwell founder and President Marcus Daniel releases small batch shipments of this limited production blend - grab one if you find them.
There are plenty more details and plenty more cigars reviewed on the pages that follow, with styles and strengths to match every taste. Happy smoking! - 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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 |  | AVO HERITAGE Short Torpedo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
4.5 x 52 | Filler:
DR, Peru | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | That old saying "good things come in small packages" was meant for this cigar. Exceeded all of my expectations.
91 excellent | | Panelist #2 | Overall, this cigar was a great smoke. It was flavorful throughout. I would call it a good late night smoke.
93 excellent | | Panelist #3 | An enjoyable cigar whose only drawbacks were the sour taste and crooked burn. Nice complexity and balance.
86 very good |
 |  | CANIMAO Robustos | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Canimao | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu, Indon | | Panelist #1 | I think this cigar is great for beginners who appreciate a short medium-body cigar. Great for lunch breaks.
92 excellent | | Panelist #2 | This was a very welcome cigar that went down easy. It paired specifically well with a hazelnut flavored coffee.
90 very good | | Panelist #3 | An easy-going cigar that didn't have any harshness. It would pair well with either a hot espresso or cold Scotch.
91 excellent |
 | | GURKHA GRAND RESERVE MADUROS Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Gurkha Cigars | Size:
7 1/4 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
USA | | Panelist #1 | I wouldn't recommend this cigar for beginners. It is not anything amazing but would be a good daily smoke.
90 very good | | Panelist #2 | A perfect cigar after a heavy dinner. Paired well with some brandy, Cognac, or a nice Port. I would smoke again.
91 excellent | | Panelist #3 | A nice dessert cigar. It would go well after a big steak dinner along with a digestif. I would recommend these to others.
93 excellent |
 |  | XIKAR HC SERIES CONNECTICUT Grande | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Tabacos, S.A. | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
CR, Mex, Nic | Binder:
Indonesia | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Magnificent smoke. Can't find anything but great things to say about this one. It goes well with Scotch whiskey. Wow!
94 excellent | | Panelist #2 | An afternoon cigar, good while strolling in the park. A welcome cigar in my collection. Could use some aging.
88 very good | | Panelist #3 | This was a definite keeper that would be a nice addition to anyone's humidor. A good end-of-day cigar.
93 excellent |
 | | WARLOCK Toro | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Altadis U.S.A. | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Amazing for relaxing on a nice evening with a single malt whiskey or glass of Merlot to compliment earthy flavors.
94 excellent | | Panelist #2 | This cigar was a definite welcome compliment to a cold iced coffee along with a nice book to get lost in.
89 very good | | Panelist #3 | I'd recommend this cigar for newbies, but I think experienced smokers who appreciate delicate flavors will enjoy it as well.
89 very good |
 |  | PAUL STULAC Angel | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Paul Stulac | Size:
5 x 58 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | I enjoyed this cigar a lot. I would definitely add it into my rotation if it wasn't too expensive and recommend it.
91 excellent | | Panelist #2 | I feel like most cigars pair well with a good peaty Scotch, but in this case it seems especially true. Loved it.
93 excellent | | Panelist #3 | I usually prefer the meatier, full-bodied smokes, but this one was able to entice me with it's full menu of flavors.
94 excellent |
 | | BERGER & ARGENTI MOOCH MADURO Loll | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Berer & Argenti | Size:
6 x 32 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | A good cigar to smoke on a golf course or even at home with a light drink to complement the heavy earthy tones.
91 excellent | | Panelist #2 | This tasted good after a nice meal at mid-day or at night. A cup of cappuccino would compliment nicely.
88 very good | | Panelist #3 | I'll be honest, I don't really like these kinds of cigars, but I was impressed with this. Don't turn away, experienced smokers.
91 excellent |
 |  | TRINIDAD Reyes | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
4 3/8 x 40 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | Being as sweet as it was, I would pair it with a dry champagne or wine, or you'll be overpowered with sweet.
93 excellent | | Panelist #2 | I will definitely be smoking these again. A classic. It had a near-perfect look, construction, and flavor profile.
98 superior | | Panelist #3 | I would recommend this cigar for new smokers, but it's got a subtle transition of flavors that all smokers can appreciate.
94 excellent |
 |  | TE-AMO WORLD SELECTION SERIES NICARAGUA BLEND Toro | Country:
Mexico | Manufacturer:
Tabaclera Alberto Turrent | Size:
6 x 42 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I enjoyed this cigar. Depending on the price would probably stock this in my collection. Would recommend to friends.
87 very good | | Panelist #2 | Overall not a bad stick. Finish never smoothed out, but good tobacco flavor. Would pick up a box for every day.
91 excellent | | Panelist #3 | Tastes good, nice balance of flavors. This cigar burns fast and hot. I could see this cigar in my daily rotation.
87 very good |
 | | SHIELD Torpedo | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Illuminati Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Gotta have this one for my humidor. I liked it a lot! Contemplated giving my last sample to a friend, but thought "Hell no"!
93 excellent | | Panelist #2 | A good anytime cigar. Would recommend this stick to all. Will be a nice finish to a steak dinner and a highland single malt.
96 superior | | Panelist #3 | A good anytime cigar. Would recommend this stick to all. Will be a nice finish to a steak dinner and a highland single malt.
86 very good |
 Continued on next page...
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