SMOKE 03/97 - Cigar Reviews

Spring 1997
Volume II
Issue 2

This time we thought we'd try something a bit different. As out twenty panelists found out, some things are not always what they seem, especially when it comes to cigars. In this issue's eclectic array of culebras, double- wrappers, maduros, tubos, and vintage cigars, you may, like many of our panelists, find some new favorites.

This sellection of odd-balls reinforces the age-old addage, "You can't judge a book by it's cover," and (as our tasters discovered) great cigars can be discovered in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Maduros...

DON RENE Robusto Maduro
One of the lighter-shaded maduros in this issue's tasting, the Don Rene tends not to impart the heavy, thicker flavors one might expect from a maduro; but rather, a sampling of what darker maduros can offer. The even construction and straight-forward taste of these cigars won't throw you any curveballs, and the Don Rene's affordable price makes it a worthy smoke for any time of the day.

C.A.0. Corona Gorda Maduro
The dark, oily Connecticut broadleaf wrappers on these black beauties tend to scare off the uninitiated maduro smoker, which is fine, since that leaves more for the rest of us. The medium- to full-bodied, sweet spiciness of these well-balanced burners will throw off an abundance of flavor from beginning to end. Recommended.

FLOR DE FLOREZ Miami Selection
As our panelists quickly found out, maduro cigars aren't strictly for thick-necked smokers named Giinther. The Flor de Florez torpedoes are rolled by Carlos Flores, Sr. himself, and with over 50 years of rolling experience under his belt, you can be assured that when you light up one of these puppies you are in store for a transcendent smoking expe- rience. Deceivingly smooth and mellow, these "Blue and Whites" are tough to age because you won't be able to keep your hands off them. Highly Recommended.

HAVANA SUNRISE Emperador
The Havana Sunrise Cigar Co. celebrates its one-year anniversary in March, and their rise to prominence lies solely in the quality craftsman- ship evident in their cigars. Exceptionally mild for a maduro, the painstaking blend of Honduran and Dominican tobaccos makes the Emperador an excellent morning smoke for discriminating maduro smokers and the perfect choice for those wishing to graduate to heavier-bodied smokes. Get them when you can, since they are a difficult cigar to obtain.

HEAVEN Sun Tzu
The Heaven Sun Tzu is part of "Chief Smoking Officer" Robert Langsam's Private Reserve Blend, originally produced for his smoking club down in Naples, Florida. Now available nationwide, some may find the Sun Tzu's on the pricey side, thanks to the endangered Cameroon wrapper. Panelists were split down the middle on this stogie; some enjoyed its mild spice, while others wished it packed more punch, likening it to a fastball without the heat.

JOYA DE NICARAGUA Presidente
No one will ever accuse the Joya de Nicaragua Presidente of being a morning smoke, as its full-bodied finish would be more of a blow to the head than wake-up call. Rather, try these after a mid-day brunch or a big meal. The deep, sweet tones of this maduro are a good example of how much punch darker cigars can deliver. Just make sure you're buckled into your seat before you light up; you're in for a wild ride.

DON RAFAEL #57
Four out of five panelists agree: this is a cigar for everyone. Its mildness and Subtle tones of spice and wood, bequeathed to the palate by the Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, make the Don Rafael an excellent all-day smoke for the novice and an excellent morning smoke for someone whose tastes run a little stronger later in the day. This is a perfect accompaniment to a glass of dry champagne or a mimosa, after you've finished off a heaping plate of huevos rancheros.

DON OTILIO Presidente
Don Otilio may be the George Bums of the Dominican Republic. The 97-year-old D.R. native has been working in the Dominican tobacco industry for almost 90 years, and he still smokes 5 to 6 cigars a day - though you can bet he's not smoking cheroots. Prestige Cigars asked Otilio to craft a blend that he would smoke for himself, and the massive Presidente is the result. Smooth and woody, these giants are definitely worthy of the badge "heater." When you're ready to tackle one, be sure you've set aside at least an hour for these well-rounded smokes.

PUERTO RICAN PRESTIGE La Restina #1
Puerto Rico's cigar heritage is generally overlooked, but the La Restina is doing all it can to bring it back to its former glory. These well constructed smokes burn evenly and slowly, but some may be distracted by its slightly sweet undertones. For those that enjoy a less bold cigar, you will be surprised by its spiciness and mild to medium flavor profile that turns almost "nutty" as it smokes. These definitely compliment coffee, which is appropriate, as it's PR's other major export commodity. A beautiful, mellow cigar from a beautiful, mellow part of America.

TABACOS SAN JOSE Double Corona
It's difficult to recommend a cigar you want to keep for yourself, but exceptions must be made. Each one of our panelists commented on the expert construction of these stogies, though there was some debate as to whether they were mild, medium or full bodied. What you can be assured of is this: a creamy, peppery smoke with an excellent draw, that yields just the right amount of smoke to ensure full appreciation any time of day. Just be sure you set aside the time - one panelist kept his burning for 105 minutes. Yow!

EXCALIBUR No.1
Just this past winter, General Cigar Co. bought Villazon and all their brands, thereby becoming the largest cigar manufacturer in the solar system. The Excalibur line have long been the choice of presidents, statesmen and their constituents (possibly the only thing all three have ever agreed upon), and these big bombs are no exception. The deep peppery notes on this monster 'gar may not be for maduro neophytes, but given enough London Broil, it's one anyone can enjoy. Highly Recommended.

ORNELAS Robusto Maduro
These superbly constructed robustos offer tons of strong peppery smoke on each draw, with enough straight-forward tobacco flavor to make them an soothing end to a grueling day Snap up a box of these to keep on reserve in your humidor for those moments when introducing a newer smoker to the strength of maduros. Understand, however, that they are "after eight" smokes as they are still strong enough to crush you on an empty stomach. A perfect selection for lovers of Cuban strength and complexity - and you don't need a passport to get them.

OLIVEROS Maduro Toro
The Oliveros is indicative of the well-constructed quality that has been coming out of the Dominican Republic for years. Finely balanced and expertly capped, this is a stunning cigar from head to toe. The strong, tart, vegetal note excited some of the panelists, (indeed, there was one panelist who almost divorced his wife for this stogie), while self-admitted lovers of mild cigars balked. A few months in Smoke's humidor brought out a balanced taste and smoothness that only age can impart. All in all, quite a satisfactory cigar.

CUBAN CIGAR FACTORY Traditionales
Our one international panelist who can get Cubans on the up-and-up enjoyed all of these spicy sweet shorties, though he did note that this batch would really benefit from about three more months in his humidor. Whatever your cigar smoking proclivities are, this mildly sweet and definitely spicy smoke would be best enjoyed after a big spicy meal; we'll recommend the shrimp pad Thai.

INDIAN TABAC CO. Buffalo
It can, and has, been said, that Indian Tabac Co. is run by the Odd Couple of the cigar industry. Rocky Patel, who handles the marketing, is the Felix Unger of the pair - quiet, reserved, soft-spoken and insanely polite. The part of Oscar Madison is played by Philip Zanghi III,who on the other hand, is merely insane - but he knows and cares for his tobacco like you would want a cigar manufacturer to - with every cell in his body. The result? A well-balanced, very refined smoke that is at times very pronounced and insists in leaving its dirty laundry all over the living room. Recommended.

CRISPIN PATIÑO #3
When one thinks Venezuela, one usually thinks, "beef," and what goes better with beef than cigars? (Steak sauce notwithstanding.) These medium-bodied smokes are an excellent example of what Venezuela is truly capable of, and it may be difficult to find a better cigar-to-dollar value that doesn't overwhelm the novice, yet still has enough to offer the experienced palate. Some panelists understood from the woody spiciness present in the Patiño what Venezuela is truly capable of - although, whatever you focus on while burning one of these well-constructed heaters, you will be able to pick up at least one characteristic universally agreed upon by our panel: they're tasty!

CUSANO SELECTION Torpedo
Like its brother the Cusano Hermanos, the Cusano Selection is a prime example of what's coming out of the D.R. these days. Lots of flavorful smoke up front with excellent character and a big finish. The Selection, however, is all that and a little more, making it the big brother to the Hermanos. The excellent construction and big, big taste without the big, big bite, may force you outdoors while you bum one, but ahhh, what a day you'd be having. Recommended.

KING RICHARD Royal Stud
Yes, yes, we all know that good construction doesn't make a cigar worth smoking but, DANG, these things are pretty. The uniform 70 mm artillery shell construction and a deep chocolate-shaded wrapper - they are a sight to behold. Thankfully, they smoke well too. The medium-bodied and slightly sweet flavor profile makes these a delight to smoke when the sun goes down. Light up one of these when the flourless chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream and raspberry sorbet hits your table, and you've outdone Bacchus himself.

DON TITO Torpedo
The blend in these Velvet Jones-smooth cigars sounds like a Central American geography quiz. Carefully selected Nicaraguan, Dominican and Honduran fillers bound with Nicaraguan leaf topped off with a deep chocolate Ecuadorian wrapper. Take note, though, these smokes like chameleons: they start off medium-bodied and earthy with hints of spice and gradually develop in to a full-flavored, robust cigar. Recommended.

PADRON 1964 Anniversary Series Pyramid
It is easier to use the words "Cuban" or "Havana" in the presentation of a cigar than it is to actually capture its je ne sais quois. The Padron family has done just the opposite in creating the 1964 Anniversary Series, from the box-press to the final ash. Mellow and full with hints of spice, this Apollo 11-shaped cigar is an instant classic. There may be a new jewel of the Antilles, but it sure as heck isn't coming out of Castro-land. Highly Recommended.

PETRUS Double Corona
It just doesn't get any darker or richer looking than this, and its appearance accurately portrays the richness of its flavor. A robust double corona, the Petrus DCs are complicated smokes with tons of full tobacco flavor, perfect for a smoker when they are looking for something big, and perfectly shy of overpowering. Recommended.

Tubos...

H.UPMANN Monarch
All the panelists were able to appreciate the excellent construction and mellow tones of the classic H. Upmann Monarchs. This is a good primer for those interested in the complexities a Dominican cigar can offer without grabbing you by the throat and dragging your butt to the mat. Round and softened, it would be difficult for any smoker not to appreciate the way these stogies smoke. At about $7.50 a pop, these sticks are actually worth it. Highly Recommended.

H.UPMANN Coronas Minor
These little doggies smoke huge in comparison to their diminutive stature. Billowing clouds of blue spicy smoke erupt from this tenacious little petit corona as if you were smoking a presidents. The convenient packaging will keep these cigars moist, fresh, and intact even in a bar room brawl. Rich, hale and hearty, the Coronas Minor tends to smoke a little herbaceously, suggesting that it might need some time in your humidor, but who can wait that long?

LA FLOR DE CANO Predilectos Tubulares
As with its compatriot, the Flor de Cano tends to vary in appearance from sample to sample, but that's why they stick 'em in tubes, right? Nonetheless, smokers will find these cigar to be medium-bodied and finely balanced with just the right amount of punch that you'd expect from a Habana. These are great sticks to chomp on when you're doing manly things like chopping wood, playing poker with "da boyz" or settled in your favorite chair for a 24-hour Sergio Leone movie marathon. A less costly way to enjoy the flavors of old Havana.

EL INCOMPARABLE Churchill
It's almost a shame that they put these babies in tubes they're so pretty, but at the very least it make them easier to lug around while you're on the go. The Connecticut broadleaf wrappers on these impart tons of cool, mellow spice, with enough complexities to keep your tongue on its toes. Smoke them in the morning, smoke them on your lunch break, smoke them whenever you get a chance.

PETERSON OF DUBLIN Peterson Hallmark
Made exclusively for Peterson of Dublin, manufacturers of high quality pipes and accessories since 1865, these Dominican tubos feel right at home next to a pint of Guinness. The Piloto Cubano filler, Ecuadorian binder and Connecticut shade-grown wrapper impart a smooth and aromatic flavor, and the easy draw delighted the majority of the blind panel.

AROMAS DE SAN ANDREAS Imperial
As most of our panelists noted, the flavor profile of the Aromas is mild enough for the novice smoker; slightly spicy, developing slowly enough that it never shocks an unrefined palate. The complexities of the smoke are varied and interesting enough to keep the more experienced smoker captivated for at least an hour. A great cigar for the front nine or any other time you desire a hands-free smoke - you can keep these in your mouth without losing yourself in a cloud of smoke. Recommended.

EL REY DEL MUNDO Originales
There's a reason why these are called "King of the World" - it's because they rule. Consistent in construction and flavor, the El Rey's excellent draw and high yield of smoke allows smokers of all palates to experience every facet of these smooth, mellow smokes. You'll have trouble finding a better dollar-to-cigar value on these tubed beauties, as they retail for under five bucks. Grab a bunch and pass them out to your friends and you'll be more popular than Elvis. Highly recommended.

DON TOMAS Corona Grandes
This is the stogie smoker's stogie. Medium to full tobacco flavors dominate this smooth-smoking cigar, complimenting the torcedor's skill in rolling these smokes. An excellent draw provides enough full-bodied smoke to keep you enthralled for at least an hour; and the earthy notes of wood and spice are very finely balanced. One of our panelists recommends smoking these after a heavy meal, but we feel they'd be great for any time of day. Recommended.

Candelas...

CALLE OCHO Perez Family Reunion
The Perez Family Reunion cigars are so named to pay homage to the family that first developed the candela wrapper in 1941. Using the same process that was used by the Perez family, the buccaneers over at Caribbean Cigar Co. take blond wrapper leaf straight from the field to the curing room, where the volcanic temperatures affix the chlorophyll to the leaf cells. In so doing, the bright greens of fresh, healthy leaves do not fade while aging. The double claro, jade or candela wrapper imparts a fresh and floral vegetal quality you will not find in other smokes, and it has enough body and crisp spiciness that will keep you on the lookout for these jolly green giants,

BERING Plazas
Some will tell you that candelas are back, others will tell you they never left. Both facts are true. During the 1940s and 1950s, most American smokers burned the jade wrapper, favoring its mild vegetal, earthy notes. Though they fell by the wayside in popularity, making room for the more robust and fuller wrappers of the claro, colorado, et al., Swisher never stopped making these. The Plazas are an exotic smoke, mild and spicy; they will deliver surprisingly good, fresh flavors that will astonish many smokers. With a price tag under $2.00 per stick, the Plazas are well worth a try.

Double Wrapper...

HUGO CASSAR Mystique Classic
The success of Hugo Cassar's first candy-cane-wrapped Mystique (made in the Dominican Republic), prompted Hugo Cassar's blend- meisters to come up with another Mystique with an altogether different flavor profile. The result is the Mystique Classic, blended with tobaccos from five different countries. Mild and well-rounded, with a sweet finish, they may not be as strong as originally intended. However, they are an interesting switch from the mellow tones of the original Mystique, offering just enough nut and spice to make the grade.

PENGUIN Gentoo
Holy Smokes, Batman! I think I'm seeing double! The Penguin line from Universal Premium Cigars has developed the Gentoo, lending credence to double-wrap phenomenon. The Gentoo, incidentally, is an Antarctic penguin, and the entire Penguin line take their names from various species of the tuxedoed, flightless waterfowl: Emperor, King, Adelie, and Galapagos. The subtle variance in flavor when smoking the Gentoo may not be as obvious as that found in Cassar's "Mystique," but the overall mildness of this striped beauty makes it a fine alternative.

Perfectos...

TOPPER Old Fashioned
Very simply put, you will not find a better dollar-to-cigar enjoyment ratio. Sold in packs of four for $2.90, these machine-made Connecticut broadleaf-wrapped oscuros are dark enough that you'd have trouble finding the tip on a moonless night. Now 101 years old, Topper has always made high-quality smokes their first priority, and the Old Fashioned is no exception. These short, surprisingly mild smokes are stylistically similar to those smokes that were popular at the end of the 19th century, though the flavor profile is undoubtedly milder, since Havana fillers were in vogue during that period. Mild or not, these creamy, spicy, nutty smokes are simply elegant. And at $0.75 a smoke, don't buy 'em by the box, buy 'em by the hogshead. Highly recommended.

CUABA Tradicionales
The launch of the Cuaba last November was much anticipated by the Cuban smoking public, and it seems as though the thirty years that passed since their last launch (Cohiba) may have been too long. All of our panelists made note of the excellent construction and solid hold of these little bullets, but the youth of the tobacco detracted from what could potentially be a great smoke. (That's because Smoke got the first Cuaba's ever made right at their premiere party in the U.K. where, unfortunaately, they are exclusively available until this summer.) If you do get lucky enough to get your hands on some of these, lay them down for at least a year. These are investment Habanas, and well worth some extra humidor space.

DOUBLE HAPPINESS Bliss
In Asian cultures, "double happiness" is a sentiment expressed at traditional wedding ceremonies. Though you don't have to get married to smoke one of these pig-tailed shorties, you will be twice happy with the bliss: Happy you have one in your hand and happy you're smoking it. These mild and peppery smokes are a good start to a day or to complement a cocktail reception before a large meal. Plus, the Bliss is a great smoke for the beginner who wants something mild, spicy and fun to smoke. Recommended.

Culebras...

NAT SHERMAN Brazil Twists
For those that have never seen a culebra, these twisted little braids can be a little confusing. Here's a tip: you don't smoke all three at once. Unbraid them and smoke them one at a time. These thin, spicy roller coaster styled panatelas offer much more flavor than you'd expect from a cigar of this ring gauge, and an interesting "twist" on your normal everyday smoke.

DAVIDOFF Special "C"
You can rest assured that when the panelists received their cigars for review, these were the first ones they smoked. As attractive as they are tasty, Davidoff has included a culebra in their line to commemorate their Cuban heritage, breathing new life into a shape that was eliminated from Cuban production more than ten years ago. These smooth and creamy, handmade Dominican smokes are rolled with long-ffller, which accounts for their ability to handle the ash well in the comers. They smoke much bigger than they are, and are a must-try for anyone looking to try something with a different angle. Recommended.

Vintage...

BAHIA 1989 Vintage Cabinet Selection
These dark-brown beauties were part of the second batch of tobacco Tony Borhani purchased, which was aged until 1995 before being rolled and put to sleep for another year before release. Borhani puts out one maduro a year in very limited runs, and this was his 1996 effort. Unfortunately, you'll have some trouble finding these smooth-smokin' maduros that just beg to be smoked with a porter or stout. The only production run numbered 23,000. If you can find 'em, don't tell anyone; they'll be gone before you blink.

DANIEL MARSHALL 1992 LRS Robusto
Not only does Daniel Marshall make beautiful humidors, he makes beautiful cigars to put in them. Each of the Daniel Marshall 1992 Limited Reserve Selection cigars are aged for four years at the factory before being rolled. After being expertly crafted, the cigars spend another year in Marshall's custom humidor before they are released to the public. Of the panelists that tasted D.M.'s D.R.'s, four of them were absolutely convinced that they were Cuban. It looks like a round of hat eating is in order. Highly Recommended.

Editor's note: Our online summary of each review serves as a handy guide of our panelist's comments. Any "recommendations" within are made solely by the panelists, and DO NOT necessarily represent the opinions of SMOKE's editorial staff.

For complete details of this month's reviews, see the Spring '97 issue
of SMOKE Magazine - available at a tobacconist near you.

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