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Spring 98
Volume III
Issue 2
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Spring
Smokes
Photographs by Jeff Schnorr
With the advent of the spring season, it's a time for new beginnings and growth. The cigar business, while perhaps beginning to adjust to five years of rapid expansion, still has plenty of newcomers with aspirations of producing the next "great smoke." While this review has its fair share of new cigars, the positive aspect is that many of them, like Next Generation and Public Enemy, performed like seasoned veterans, proving themselves to be cigars of above-average to excellent quality. Of course, plenty of our favorite "old-timers" are also represented, such as Zino and MiCubano, showing why they continue to stay at the top of the cigar game.
"Gentlemen, you may smoke."
Edward VII of England, upon his succession to the throne in 1901
Churchills...
MICUBANO No. 748
The Micubano No. 748 received adamant reviews, most extremely favorable, although a few panelists voiced complaints about an occasional tight draw. A majority of our panel's sentiments spoke of the MiCubano's lively, full-bodied flavor, which a few mistakenly identified as being Cuban in origin. Spices, nuts, chocolate, and cinnamon, with a predominant earthy texture were just some of the favorable flavors this smoke brought to our panelists' palettes, proving the MiCubano is clearly a cigar with a winning blend of tobacco. If you get a batch with a good roll, you've got a damn fine cigar on your hands. Recommended.
ROMEO Y JULIETA Prince of Wales Churchill
The Prince of Wales Churchill is the mildest of the four Churchills produced under the Cuban Romeo y Julieta name, and most of our panelists had no problem pinpointing the origin of this cigar, even before they lit it up. While experienced Havanaphiles may find the Prince of Wales Churchill too mild, this cigar provides plenty of Havana flavors for most, in a manner that does not bowl you over with strength. The batch sampled here were made in the Briones Montoto factory in early 1997, and were simply superb in all aspects Highly recommended.
DOUBLE HAPPINESS Ecstasy
They say not to judge a book by its cover, and that's pretty sound advice
when it comes to Splendid Seed's Double Happiness Ecstasy The look of this
thing won't bring about ecstasy - our panelists found it wrinkled, veiny,
and rough - but it's got a solid, likeable taste, with a fair level of complexity
An honest cigar with a straightforward flavor, the Double Happiness elicited
many agreeable tastes when lit, among them nuts, cherries, almonds, and
bourbon.
Q ORO NICARAGUAN Churchill
Simply put, the reviews came in aglow for the Q Oro Nicaraguan. "This is a cigar I'd love to have stocked in my humidor at all times," said one panelist, effectively summing up the sentiments of the group. The Q Oro's unique blend delights the palate with an intriguing flavor that hints of espresso and creamy chocolate. A very well made cigar, the Q Oro drew a few comparisons to its distant cousins made in Cuba, mostly due to its full-bodied flavor that is smooth and provides for a rich finish. Highly recommended.
MAXIUS Churchill (Sumatra) .
A solid B student, the Maxius Churchill won plaudits for its subtle richness and its accessibility. Seasoned smokers hunkering for a home run hitter in the flavor department might find a bit of dissatisfaction with this cigar, but that's not to say the Maxius' flavor didn't show some promise. It's not a complex cigar, but what it does, it does well - particularly for the price. Fans of light and medium-bodied cigars will find pleasure in this smoke. Not unlike French cuisine, this smallish Dominican is delectable, but might leave the diner a little hungry afterwards.
CRISTAL DE VENEZUELA Churchill
The Cristal de Venezuela has a somewhat raffish appearance, but this Churchill came through with a solid review, registering a few comparisons to the coveted Cubans. The Cristal draws well and heaps on some delectable flavors that stem from its blend of distinct and well-aged Venezuelan tobaccos. A strong finisher, the Cristal de Venezuela is a very well-made churchill that entices the palate with its unique, medium-bodied, herbal flavor. Recommended.
DR ENTREPRENEUR Churchill
The DR Entrepreneur from Puros Don Rico scored high marks with reviewers, who liked the way it looked, the way it smoked, and the way it tasted. What more to say? The conscientious craftsmanship of the Don Rico rollers was not lost on our reviewers, who enjoyed the hell out of these densely packed smokes. A few comments expressed a wish for a bit more flavor but, all told, the Entrepreneur won't do you wrong - it's a solid smoke at an agreeable price.
BOLIVAR Coronas Gigantes
These cigars, made in the Francisco Perez German (Partagas) factory in September '97, provided our panel with an extremely consistent batch of larger Cuban cigars that clearly showcased the top echelon of the cigar making art. All of the panelists who were lucky enough to taste this exquisite cigar raved about it, citing the complex yet balanced flavor that could very easily overwhelm those not accustomed to this degree of strength. Suffice it to say, this is a medium- to full-bodied Cuban classic that should probably sit in the humidor for awhile for best results. Highly recommended.
COPA HABANA Churchill
Dona Elba's Copa Habana put forth a solid review with their Nicaraguan churchill, earning bon mots for its clean draw and super-smooth taste. Satisfying and flavorful, the Copa Habana stirred up thoughts of almond and perfume. Some reviewers found structural problems and complained about a thin, underaged tobacco flavor, but for the most part they found the Copa Habana unique and agreeable.
PADRON Churchill
Easily one of the prettiest cigars in the tasting, with its perfect construction, box-pressed shape, and luscious maduro wrapper, the Padron proved a winner in the flavor department as well. While not quite as complex as their far more expensive Anniversario line, these Padrons surely represent one of the best values in the cigar market. The regular line of Padron cigars are complex, tasty, well-made, and very reasonably priced. In today's market that makes you a winner. Highly recommended.
TABACON VINTAGE SELECTION Churchill
The Honduran-born Tabacon Vintage Selection churchill received a mostly positive response from our seasoned reviewers. It's a well-made smoke, no doubt, but opinion was split on its flavor. While most heaped favorable adjectives - peppery, refined, thrilling, top-shelf, distinctive - others found it a bit too young and in need of some humidor time. The Tabacon Vintage Selection is a very good cigar that hasn't quite hit its stride yet, despite its moments of brilliance. Still, a good stick that has enough going for it to easily stand out in today's crowded market.
SUAREZ GRAN RESERVE Presidente
The Suarez Gran Reserve earned a review that the company can frame and proudly hang on the wall. This good lookin', well-packed cigar brought a good, hefty Cuban smoke to mind for some of our panelists, with its painless draw and complex flavor. Smooth and tasty, the Suarez has a short finish an gives off a most favorable aroma. It's a trusty smoke, good for any occasion, and especially to share with your best buddies.
JUSTINO Mejia
The Justino Mejia elicited nary a negative sentiment from our notoriously finicky panel - and that speaks volumes about this Dominican stick, which proves there are definitely some notable cigars coming from the new manufacturers. The folks at Justino have hit a home run with this high-quality mild stogie that you can give out to rookies and vets alike, who'll assuredly enjoy its mellow, peppery flavor. Recommended.
HAVANA ROYALE Churchill
The Havana Royale can certainly be labeled as a "come from behind" player. While some uneven construction amongst the samples got this cigar off to a slow start in the pre-smoke categories, once lit it came roaring back, thoroughly pleasing even our most jaded panelists with a buttery smooth and complex flavor. There is only one way to get such a bold flavor and that is by using only the best aged tobacco, which is obviously the case with this cigar. The folks at Havana Royale are doing something right, and have a big-league smoke to prove it. Recommended.
COLORADO BY DON LINO Churchill
Rave reviews for the Colorado by Don Lino billowed from our panel, just like the oodles of clean-tasting smoke it emits. Our panelists appreciated the way the flavor builds momentum as this cigar progresses. A medium-bodied smoke with delectable hints of toasted nuts and chocolate, the Colorado is a handsome smoke with a healthy draw. A dark and rugged stogie, the Colorado leaves the smoker well-satisfied, and leaves an agreeable aroma in its wake. Recommended.
CHRISTIAN LEONE Celebrities
The Christian Leone is one of the few cigars in this review that received a unanimous positive review. When you take a look at these finely crafted, pretty cigars it is easy to understand why; and after lighting them up, it all becomes perfectly clear. This is a cigar with a stellar array of flavors, that decidedly won over our panel. Medium- to full-bodied, yet restrained and smooth - it all translates into a supreme smoke. Recommended.
ANCLA Y CAZADOR Churchill
The Ancla y Cazador hit high marks for rising above its somewhat tight draw to deliver a compelling cornucopia of creamy and peppery flavors, with a pleasing degree of earthy smoothness. Despite the occasional draw problems, which the manufacturers can certainly work on, each panelist gave this hearty Nicaraguan churchill a ringing endorsement for its unfailingly consistent flavor - no need to work on that. A definite "best buy" cigar, given its low price.
LEON JIMENES No. 2
Oh, she's pretty! Our trusty panel surely enjoyed the Leon Jimenes No. 2's attractive appearance and its stellar craftsmanship. A light to medium bodied Dominican from La Aurora, the Leon Jimenes won't beat you over the head with a heavy bite, but instead comes through with an understated, subtle flavor composed of woody and spicy tones. It's a cigar to be enjoyed any time of day, and one you may be tempted to hang on the wall and put a frame around. Highly recommended.
MACANUDO VINTAGE CABINET 1988 No. 1
While a few panelists complained about a tight roll on some of the samples, all of the panelists showed great enthusiasm for the refined, yet complex flavor of these mild- to medium-bodied cigars. Made from the finest tobaccos from their 1988 harvest, the folks at General Cigar can only make these cigars in limited quantities, and this is reflected in the high price. However, this can certainly be considered a "can't miss" smoke that is suitable for any special occasion. Think of a regular Macanudo with a few more levels of flavor and complexity Recommended.
DON JUAN URQUIJO VINTAGE 1993 Churchill
Undoubtedly one of the best looking smokes in the panel, the Don Juan Urquijo left a small contingent of the panel yearning for a bit more flavor. Despite all of this, few negative comments were made about this cigar's solid construction, which only enhanced the smoking experience. Those who exist on a diet of heavy Cubans might leave the table a bit hungry, but the rest of us will certainly appreciate the high quality of this stick. It's mild and smooth, with just enough complexity provided from the good tobacco to satisfy. Recommended.
ST. GEORGE Churchill
Our panelists went nutty over this new Dominican cigar, from the makers of the popular Honduran-made Felipe Gregorio. The manufacturers obviously understand their craft, as evidenced by the solid performances of the Felipe Gregorio in past reviews. And, like its brother, the St. George posts a very solid showing. References to full and chocolatey flavors peppered our panelist's comments, while one panelist had a Punch maduro come to mind after smoking this attractive and well-made stogie. If you like a little fuller, spicier type of Dominican cigar, check out this new stogie when it comes to your town.
LITTLE HAVANA CIGAR FACTORY Favorito
A promising newcomer, the Little Havana Favorito is the only cigar other than the Opus X that can boast a pure Dominican-grown wrapper. This Chicago-based company has big plans for expansion and it's all riding on the quality of this cigar, which offers a very distinct, salty flavor that is smooth, mellow, fresh, and exotic. While some of the samples suffered from some construction difficulties, the flavor of this smoke is most impressive, making this ,'must try" cigar. Recommended.
For the full story on this exciting cigar, see the feature article in our current online issue - Editor
LA LUNA DE LA HABANA Churchill
The La Luna de la Habana churchill bears its "Made in the USA" tag proudly, and well it should. These hefty, rugged smokes pack a punch, with some decidedly Honduran-like flavor. But the La Luna de la Habana is more than just an oversized slugger - our panelists mentioned a compelling complexity that lasts throughout the whole smoke, giving it pretty fair agility for a stick of its size.
VIP CLUB COLLECTION Presidente
The VIP Club of New York City now has its own line of cigars, which certainly make a star-studded debut here. While this cigar is actually a presidente rather than a churchill, it pulled down some nice comments from our review gallery, who were most impressed by the medium-bodied, not too mild, yet not too strong flavors. It also scored well in the construction categories, suffering none of the difficulties often associated with larger cigars (such as a propensity for going out too often). Whether you smoke this cigar in the VIP Club or in the privacy of your own home, you are certain to enjoy yourself. Recommended.
CU-AVANA Churchill
A strong finisher, the Cu-Avana churchill won over our jury with its effective mix of nuts and coffee-like flavors. A big, bad smoke with surprisingly ethereal tones, the Cu-Avana is a light- to medium-bodied smoke with an even bum and a user-friendly draw. An asset to any humidor, this Dominican churchill is the type of stick you can give to neophytes and seasoned smokers alike, and they'll both have a good time with it. Offer them one - they'll owe you a favor.
INDIAN TABAC LTD. RESERVE The Buffalo
Our trusty gallery was magnanimous in their enthusiasm about the Indian Tabac Limited Reserve Series A "Buffalo," a Honduran entry from the Indian Tabac Cigar Company. Excellent construction, consistent draw, and exemplary flavor are highlights of this cool stogie. The flavor was described as subtle and refined, but hearty and satisfying. Getting our reviewers to agree on the color of the sky can be difficult, but they sure as hell were unanimous here. Highly recommended.
MONTE CANARIO Churchill
Made with prime Canary Island tobacco, which gives this cigar its mild character, the Monte Canario gathered few complaints from our panel and scored particularly high for its excellent construction and user-friendly flavor profile. This is a cigar that will appeal to lovers of mild Dominican cigars, who will surely find solace in its mild and easygoing nutty, herbal, and tea-like flavors. A unique and appealing choice for the ol' humidor or to pass out at your next function.
MURSULI CIGARS Churchill Maduro
As Austin Powers might say: "Oh yeah, baby!" One of the few cigars in this tasting to receive a completely positive review from our panelists, this rockin' churchill from a small Los Angeles-based, family-owned manufacturer proves to be a truly splendid smoke. Interestingly enough, a couple of our panelists thought this was a La Gloria Cubana, which is high praise indeed. This cigar has a remarkable amount of depth to its flavor and is incredibly smooth in its delivery. Highly recommended.
TSAR II Churchill
There were not many negative things for our panelists to say about these solid Churchills. In fact, our reviewers were overwhelmingly in favor of them. From the solid construction to a mild and easy-going flavor with enough spicy complexity to satisfy the more experienced palates, these cigars show that TSAR definitely means business. A great choice for any humidor. Highly recommended.
Toros...
BIG BUTT Don Gordo
Big Butt's Don Gordo catches the eye with its novel appearance, and makes a definite impression on those who smoke it. More like a blocking fullback than a fancy-footwork halfback, the Big Butt brings to mind the words 'heft' and 'deft.' It's got a pleasant flavor and surprising levity for such a big 'un, and does not leave a heavy aroma or aftertaste in its wake. The cigar's flavor was described as creamy and buttery, and it offered the smoker a healthy amount of compelling and complex flavors.
LONE WOLF Toro
Lone Wolf, the Dominican-born brainchild of tough guy Chuck Norris and funny guy/brother of a funny guy Jim Belushi, earned positive feedback for its quality construction, which made this an easy cigar to smoke. The possible youthfulness of the Lone Wolf's tobacco was mentioned a few times, though the stick received overall high marks for its heavy coffee 'n spice flavor. Reviewers also commented on the pleasant aroma the Lone Wolf emits. An intriguing rookie season for the Lone Wolf, with a bright future ahead. Recommended.
GARO HABANO Verde 2
Trick or treat! The Garo Habano Verde 2 dusted off some pleasant memories of Halloween for our panelists. Creamy caramel, nuts, and chocolate were some of the confectionery bon mots tossed around to describe the sweet flavor of this Dominican smoke. There's nothing over-the-top fancy about the Garo Habano, but its straightforward efficiency earned it a favorable review. For those concerned with the olfactory regions of those around them, the Garo Habano has a decidedly likeable aroma, which the reviewers quickly (and unanimously) pointed out.
INDIGO Premium Toro
So close ... The Indigo Premium toro is not far off at all. Our reviewers liked, but did not love this Dominican smoke from the Atlantic Cigar Company. While they all raved about the amiable aroma - one that even a staunch non-smoker would have a hard time complaining about - they qualified their praise of the Indigo's flavor. An intriguing flavor is undoubtedly present, providing hints of spice, earthiness, and nuts, but these sticks had a little trouble holding the flavor throughout. Nonetheless, the Indigo is a lively, medium-bodied smoke that is well-made, making it a solid humidor choice.
ARTIGAS Toro
Artigas, an impressive new Mexican puro, won positive comments from our panel for its unparalleled craftsmanship and quality flavor. This handsome stogie beckons the smoker with its oily Colorado wrapper, and does not disappoint once lit. Featuring an effortless draw, the Artigas does not overwhelm, but instead strokes the palate with its medium-bodied, toasty, and earthy flavor. Major kudos to the factory workers for their handiwork in putting together the Artigas. It's a good, user-friendly smoke that provides quality at an affordable price.
EL SARARE HOJA ESPECIAL Toro
Solidly packed and firm to the touch, this Venezuelan toro suffered a few draw problems, but managed to compensate with a smooth and spicy taste that pleased the majority of our panel. Building in flavor as it progresses, the El Sarare Hoja Especial is mild- to medium-bodied, with a generous amount of complexity. Spouses and coworkers who complain about your cigars might not be offended by this unobtrusive smoke, which also boasts a light and delicate aftertaste.
HOYO DE MONTERREY EXCALIBUR No. III
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur No. 111, an oily maduro stick from the good folks at Danby-Villazon, wins again with another favorable review from our panel. While the faces on our panel change every issue, the reviews for these Honduran sticks remain consistently positive, which is not surprising given the long-standing popularity of this brand. It's a hearty smoke, but at the same time subtle and understated, and the undeniably delectable taste - with hints of spice and chocolate - provides pure smoking pleasure. Highly recommended.
CASA DE GONZALEZ Toro
Surprisingly mild for a Honduran-made smoke, the Casa de Gonzalez toro was most definitely recommended by most of our panelists as a smoke for those who like their cigars on the light side. A few negatives were registered concerning an unpredictable ash and a mild taste that a few felt was bordering on bland, but the fine construction seemingly made up for any lack of flavor in most panelists' opinions. While this cigar might leave the meat-and-potatoes smoker hankering for a few more calories, this is a quality stick that the Gonzalez house can feel proud of.
PINNACLE Corona Gorda
The Pinnacle Don Gorda won some serious plaudits for its sweet appearance and unfailing delivery of mild- to medium-bodied flavor, although a couple panelists thought some humidor time might benefit this smoke Clothed in a dark natural wrapper, this cigar teased and tempted our reviewers with its comely appearance, and came through with a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that picks up speed as the burn progresses. Based on our reviewers' testimonies, one can't help but wonder if the 'F.G.T.' in F.G.T. Enterprises stands for 'Freakin' good tobacco.'
PUBLIC ENEMY Toro
Actor Frank Vincent, who has appeared in such classic mobster flicks as Goodfellas and Casino, lends his image to this new brand, which is the first in a series that will feature celebrities on the bands. Aptly titled, the Public Enemy toro is not for beginners, due to its raw strength, and like a true "goodfella," it packs a solid punch, and a few kicks, and it might even break your legs if you aren't careful. The amount of strength and flavor this cigar delivers is impressive for a non-Cuban smoke, although it might be too much for those who are partial to milder cigars. A very strong performance, indeed! Highly recommended.
JOYA DE NICARAGUA Select Mild Blend Toro
The Joya de Nicaragua Select won our panel's favor with its unorthodox flavor punch, despite some draw problems. An affordable Nicaraguan from Hollco-Rohr, the Joya is no designer smoke - it's got a rough-edged appearance and panelists called it earthy and strong, which is strange for a cigar with the word "mild" in its name. It's definitely a cigar for the cigar lover, and one that will mature nicely with some humidor time. You may not win over non-smokers with this one, but who cares? Your cigar chompin' friends will love 'em.
DOS REINAS Toro
The combination of Nicaraguan filler, Mexican binder, and Indonesian wrapper often produces a powerful cigar, and the Dos Reinas toro was no exception. While the addition of some milder Honduran or Dominican long-leaf filler might have produced a more well-rounded smoke, this cigar opts for pure power. The flavor is strong and straightforward and, as one panelist aptly points out, perhaps best suited for the outdoors. What this well-constructed cigar lacks in complex flavors, it makes up for in sheer strength. Some humidor time should mellow them out.
V CENTENNIAL 500 SERIES Numero Dos
"Smoke me ... smoke me, baby," implores the coquettish V Centennial 500 Series Numero Dos, and smoke it our panelists did, clearly finding this toro to be one of the best in our Spring review. While not as full-bodied as the regular line of V Centennials we have smoked and loved, these cigars are as flavorable as ever, offering a pleasant array of light-bodied, earthy, and sweet tastes that the majority of cigar lovers will find very approachable. This cigar is certainly a testament to the conscientious craftsmanship and quality from this consistent manufacturer. Highly recommended.
Lonsdales...
CIENFUEGOS Corona
It seemed the SMOKE reviewers were sampling a veritable five-course meal while reviewing these smokes, as a shopping list of culinary delights were used to describe the flavor of these medium-bodied Mexican stogies. This rough-looking cigar did not win our panel's favor in the pre-smoke categories, mostly due to an inconsistent appearance, but these interesting little smokes drew enough compliments in the flavor department to warrant a few recommendations. While these will surely benefit from some humidor time to smooth out the rough edges, a few on our panel could easily come up with 100 good reasons to smoke the fuegos.
ZINO MOUTON CADET No. 1
Reviews of the Zino Mouton Cadet No. 1 were very enthusiastic, with particular raves pointed towards its aesthetically charming, smooth and shiny wrapper, a user-friendly size, and a most agreeable mild- to medium-bodied flavor profile. Our panelists were especially pleased with this cigar's intriguing spicy character, that ranges from sweet cinnamon to hot pepper, while remaining smooth and amenable from end to end. One reviewer saw a hint of youth in this smoke, but the rest found it properly aged and wholly enjoy able. Recommended.
VEGAS ROBAINA Clasico
While the early word on the new Vegas Robaina line from Cuba was that they are young and a bit flat at times, this batch of the lonsdale-sized Clasico was anything but. Made in August '97, in the celebrated Jose Marti factory in Havana, these cigars were clearly more than ready to be smoked and enjoyed by any true connoisseur. Dressed in a thick and oily Colorado wrapper, these sticks exhibited perfect construction and instantly asserted themselves with all the delectable Havana flavors we expect from a top-of the-line Cuban cigar. Highly recommended.
SAVINELLI ORO 750 Lonsdale
The Savinelli Oro 750 hints at a great cigar and performs as a very good one. While a slightly tight draw hampered a couple of panelists' enjoyment of this stick, the majority were very impressed with this new Dominican-made addition to the already impressive Savinelli line. A well-rounded smoke that celebrates attentive craftsmanship, the Savinelli gets its wake-up call at halftime, coming through with an impressive strength and complexity that is more reminiscent of a cigar from Honduras than one from the DR. Recommended.
VIRTUOSO TORANO Lonsdale
The Virtuoso Torano proved to be a bit of a tease. Our revered panelists were overwhelmingly drawn to its charming appearance - this elegant stick got some of the best aesthetic marks in the review - but this looker fell somewhat short of expectations once lit, mostly due to its decidedly light body, that might frustrate those looking for a strong blast of tobacco flavor. It's a friendly daytime smoke and, despite its bantam-weight punch, good tobacco is good tobacco.
NEXT GENERATION Lonsdale
Introduced by Jeffrey Avo Uvezian (son of cigar legend Avo Uvezian), the Next Generation lonsdale gives every indication it will fly even higher than the popular Star Trek television series of the same name. Several of our oh-so-knowledgeable reviewers indicated that these smokes were Havana-born (Wrong!!!) and two even went so far as to identify them as Montecristos (Wrong again!!!). They were also identified as Honduran and Nicaraguan. While it may be time for us to find some new reviewers, their errors undoubtedly represent high praise for these tall, dark, and handsome Dominican-made smokes. An undeniably top-flight cigar. Highly recommended.
PENGUIN SUPREME Adelle
While these cigars aren't for everyone, the proliferation of the unique looking double-wrapper design has infiltrated the marketplace to the extent that most smokers have probably tried one. First manufactured in Honduras last year for Hugo Cassar, the "barber-pole" smokes are indeed an aesthetically intriguing and flavorful combination, and the Penguin is no exception. It's all there for those who enjoy flaunting this flamboyant cigar: construction, body, and taste. Recommended.
LAS VEGAS CIGAR COMPANY Lonsdale
A solid showing for this pretty lonsdale from the Las Vegas Cigar Company, which makes its first appearance in the SMOKE review. Our panelists were obviously impressed with the look and strength of this cigar, although a few clearly felt it will fare better with some aging time to mellow out its rough edges. Still, like the city where it is rolled, these smokes have an impressive amount of character, with a lot to offer just about any smoker who is willing to roll the dice.
CSGA 19TH HOLE SIGNATURE SERIES "Birdie"
As all duffers know, golf and cigars go hand in hand, and now we have a new line of smokes with a golf theme. Tasty and durable, these sticks are a perfect choice to take with you on your next golf outing. At least you will be assured a good smoke, even if your game falls apart. Our panelists had all good things to say about these cigars, and at $3.50 a stick, they're a great bargain. Recommended.
DON ALBERTO CLASICO DOMINICANO Corona
The Don Alberto Clasico Dominicano earned good marks from our tasting gallery. Ruggedly good looking, the Don Alberto put forth some agreeable flavors from its quality tobacco. Wrapped in a sheeny maduro, leaf, the Don Alberto registered a medium body and pretty significant aroma, which the majority found positive. This Dominican-born product delivers a spicy, peppery flavor, with hints of chocolate and even some scents of Havana. Recommended.
Machine Made Cigars...
TAKOMA Coronas
Cigars from Turkey? You better believe it! These rustic, box-pressed cigars are made
with Cuban-seed, Turkish grown filler and wrapper, and taste plenty good. They begin with a very mild flavor, but develop a mellow and creamy texture that is quite enjoyable. 4e found the taste to mirror a good Dominican cigar, with its smooth and mild body, lightly spiced flavor, and clean aroma. A solid smoke that offers a good inexpensive alternative to your favorite premium cigars.
J. CORTES High Class
Extremely mild in body and flavor, the J. Cortes High Class is not for those who prefer a strong tobacco assault on their palates. For those looking for something mild to relax with, perhaps with a cup of coffee or your favorite tea, this elegant cigar is a good choice. The flavors are subtle, but there is a smooth, buttery quality that develops by the midpoint. These cigars never develop the bitter bite in the second half that is common with some machine-made smokes.
TOPPER Breva
As with the Topper Old Fashioned perfecto reviewed in the Spring '97 issue, these smokes were a huge hit here in the SMOKE offices. Made with a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper and a short filler blend of Dominican and U.S.-grown tobaccos, these smokes offer up more excellent medium-bodied tobacco flavor than many top-quality handmade cigars. The taste is full and spicy, providing great smoking satisfaction. A perfect everyday smoke.
HABANA FEU
These squarish and squat cigars resemble small robustos in shape, and offer up a smoking experience very similar to what you would get from a premium, long-filler cigar. The taste is medium-bodied, with a pleasing amount of full tobacco flavors. There are hints of pepper and coffee to keep the palate well-satisfied. The burn is beautifully even, producing a solid white ash, and the draw is as perfect as it gets, offering up plenty of smoke.
ZINO Panatellas (Brasil)
These tightly wound, skinny little sticks from the folks at Davidoff offer a unique yet satisfying smoking experience. The tight roll gives the impression of a plugged draw, yet it only takes a light puff to get a mouthful of flavorful smoke. The taste begins mild, but does manage to build to a surprisingly spicy crescendo about a third of the way in, although they do get slightly bitter at the end. These are great as a quick smoke when you are on the go, or perhaps in a situation where cigarettes are allowed and cigars are not.
ARANGO SPORTSMAN Aromatic No. 350
Open up a box of these aromatic cigars and your senses are immediately hit with a strong yet pleasant, maple syrup-like aroma that also has some hints of chocolate. Upon lighting, the sensory treat continues with a mild and subtle maple syrup/brown sugar flavor, reminiscent of a good flavored cigar or a fine aromatic pipe tobacco. The draw and burn are perfect, but the ash is a bit flaky. An overall very pleasant and unique smoking experience.
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 Winter 97/98 issue
of SMOKE Magazine - available at a tobacconist near you.
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