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Spring 99
Volume IV
Issue 2
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| Photographs by Jeff Schnorr |
Perfecting the Game...
Welcome to the first SMOKE Cigar Review of 1999, featuring a slew of high-scoring cigars - a phenomenon that echoes the overall market conditions at this time. The cigars you will find on the shelves today have survived the boom years, and most, not surprisingly, are being made by those who were making cigars well before the boom. There's an obvious reason why these cigars have survived: they're good!
The two highest scores in this review go to the MONTECRISTO "A' and the SANCHO PANZA "SANCHO," both from Cuba, and both which scored a near-perfect 4.8, representing the highest scores we have given to date. Other noteworthy performances include the 3.8 turned in by the TOPPER OLD FASHIONED, a short-filler perfecto that costs less than a buck, and the impressive 4.6 attained by the DIAMOND CROWN ROBUSTO No. 5 and the LA TRADICION PERDOMO RESERVE “A." But perhaps most impressive of all is that no matter where your tastes and budget may lie, this review proves there is a good cigar out there for you.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.5 | Good |
| 3.6-4.4 | Excellent |
| 4.5-5.0 | Superior |
While reviewing cigars may sound like an easy game to some, I am sure that many of our panelists might disagree with such a basic assessment. That's not to say that being a SMOKE Magazine panelist isn't a thoroughly enjoyable endeavor, but we do insist our panelists jump through a few hoops
in order to give every cigar a fair and equal evaluation. What does this entail? For starters, we ask our panelists to smoke at least 2-3 samples of each cigar we send them, because we feel that, given the multitude of variables that affect
how a cigar smokes and tastes, a full evaluation of a cigar cannot be accurately made by smoking just one sample. This adds up to a lot of smoking in a limited amount of time, but on top of that, our panelists are also expected to write organized, detailed, and creative reviews, which can take a lot of time to do effectively. A fun task? Absolutely! Easy? No way!
If you think you have what it takes to become a SMOKE Cigar Review panelist, please log onto the SMOKE Magazine Web site (www.smokemag.com) and enter our "Become a Cigar Reviewer" contest. One winner will be drawn every month, and that lucky person gets to sit on SMOKE's esteemed Cigar Review panel for one issue. This issue's winners are John Lavorini and Andy Miller. Good job, guys! Look for three more winners in our
next issue. - Andy Marinkovich
"Some men smoke between meals, others eat between smokes."
Charles Lamb
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Still want more?
Order the Smoke & Ash CD from Enthuse Publishing for a comprehensive database of ALL of SMOKE Magazine's famous cigar reviews! Smoke & Ash features full search capabilities, photos, a custom cigar journal, rating system, and more!
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Figurados...
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HOYO DE MONTERREY SELECCION ROYALE Duques
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Honduras
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| Manufacturer: Danby/Villazon | Filler: Hon/DR/Nicaragua | Price: $9.95
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| Panelist #1 |
A well-made, mild to medium
strength torpedo, with soft and
mellow flavors. This is a high-
quality, mild offering. SCORE: 4.0
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| Panelist #2 |
The best cigar of the review. I expect a box of these costs a fortune,
but it would be worth every penny
to smoke this again. SCORE: 4.8
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| Panelist #3 |
An outstanding mild cigar with no
bite or bitterness. This cigar will
please both the connoisseur and
novice alike. SCORE: 3.9
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| Panelist #4 |
Here is a cigar that does it all.
It's complex and full-flavored,
but smooth and clean on the
palate. Delicious! SCORE: 4.5
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H. UPMANN No. 2
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| Country: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba
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| Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. | Filler: Cuba | Price: Above $15
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| Panelist #1 |
A magnificent Havana that comes
up slightly short on construction,
but delivers the usual Cuban one-
two punch. SCORE: 4.6
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| Panelist #2 |
This is a very nice cigar that I would
love to add to my regular cigar
rotation, but its pure strength may
overpower some. SCORE: 4.0
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| Panelist #3 |
If this cigar isn't Cuban, the rest of
the world is clearly catching up to
them. Overall, this is a must-smoke
cigar for any humidor. SCORE: 4.5
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| Panelist #4 |
This classic Cuban torpedo has a
lot to offer, but loyal Havana smokers will appreciate its intense
style the most. SCORE: 4.7
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FITTIPALDI Torpedo
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Dominican Republic
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| Manufacturer: Alliance Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $7.00
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| Panelist #1 |
Um, uh, please send me 50 more
of these cigars as I'm still undecided on how good they are ... yeah,
that's the ticket! SCORE: 4.9
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| Panelist #2 |
A cigar with Cuban-like qualities
that everybody should try. I don't
know what it is, but I want to carry
it in my store. SCORE: 4.6
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| Panelist #3 |
This cigar overpowered me from
the start. I felt like I was going a
few rounds with Mike Tyson! Aging
might settle it down. SCORE: 2.8
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| Panelist #4 |
This cigar is bursting with flavor,
and will appeal to those who
like Havana-style cigars. It's a
memorable smoke. SCORE: 3.8
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PUROFINO DOM Petit Belicoso
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Pennsylvania
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| Manufacturer: Purofino Cigars Int. | Filler: DR/Nicaragua | Price: $6.50
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| Panelist #1 |
A strong cigar that might not be
for everyone, but those who want
a flavor-packed smoke with zest
should check this out. SCORE: 4.6
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| Panelist #2 |
This is the Mike Tyson of cigars:
short and stocky, with a helluva
punch. (It might even bite your ear
off!) Experts only! SCORE: 3.7
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| Panelist #3 |
This is an interesting smoke that
will please those who like strong,
bold cigars. At the least, it's a great
conversation piece. SCORE: 3.5
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| Panelist #4 |
A little more complexity would
really boost this cigar. As it is, it's
a great little cigar, with many
unique qualities. SCORE: 4.0
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THOMAS HINDS NICARAGUAN SELECTION Torpedo
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| Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua
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| Manufacturer: Hinds Brothers Tobacco | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: $4.55
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| Panelist #1 |
This cigar possesses everything that
I look for in a full-bodied smoke.
It's the best cigar of the review,
without a doubt. SCORE: 4.4
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| Panelist #2 |
This strong and unique, full-bodied
cigar is for seasoned smokers. If it's
priced under $8, I will happily stock
it in my store. SCORE: 4.0
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| Panelist #3 |
This cigar commands attention.
While the rich flavor builds in intensity, it never gets harsh or bitter. A
very agreeable smoke. SCORE: 4.0
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| Panelist #4 |
This is a fair smoke that offers a
decent smoking experience. Despite some unique qualities, it's
nothing spectacular. SCORE: 3.0
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LA PLATA ANNIVERSARY Torpedo
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Dominican Republic | Binder: Indonesia
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| Manufacturer: La Plata Cigar Company | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $5.50
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| Panelist #1 |
Bingo! A unique blend of tart and
tangy flavors that I had trouble
labelling, but found very intriguing.
A delicious cigar. SCORE: 4.5
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| Panelist #2 |
This heavy-smokin' cigar is so good
it almost brought a tear to my eye.
A cigar for those who like to smoke
the real thing. SCORE: 4.5
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| Panelist #3 |
A fairly neutral cigar that smokes
well and has decent flavor. It picks
up complexity in the second half,
but not enough. SCORE: 2.9
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| Panelist #4 |
A straightforward cigar that is
well-made and easygoing, but it
won't knock your socks off either.
A relaxing stogie. SCORE: 3.5
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LEON JIMENES Belicoso
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
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| Manufacturer: La Aurora, S.A. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $7.00
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| Panelist #1 |
This is a great, end of the day
cigar. Despite a light bitterness, I
couldn't put it down. It went well
with a fine Armagnac. SCORE: 4.2
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| Panelist #2 |
I wish to commend the architect
of this sublime torpedo. Despite a
mild approach, it's a cigar with lots
of character and flavor. SCORE: 4.1
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| Panelist #3 |
For the serious figurado fan, say
hello to what may be your new
best friend! A top-notch offering,
worth seeking out. SCORE: 4.4
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| Panelist #4 |
A consistent cigar that is easy to
enjoy. Great construction and
flavor make this stogie suitable
for any cigar lover. SCORE: 4.3
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ARISTOFF 700S (Connecticut)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
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| Manufacturer: CigarAmerica | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $9.00
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| Panelist #1 |
An average smoke that would have
scored better if the burn didn't
overcome the taste. But, it might
be worth another try. SCORE: 3.3
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| Panelist #2 |
This is a great cigar, with an excellent mild- to medium-bodied
style and lots of flavor. Definitely
one to seek out. SCORE: 4.5
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| Panelist #3 |
This cigar provided a very enjoyable
hour of smoking. It doesn't get much
better than this. I can't wait to find
out what this is. SCORE: 4.5
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| Panelist #4 |
This cigar must be an Aristoff!
It's a beautiful cigar to smoke in
every way, and is by far the best
of the review. SCORE: 4.4
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LA PERLA HABANA Figurado
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Indonesia
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| Manufacturer: La Perla Habana Cigars | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $6.25
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| Panelist #1 |
While the unusual flavor might not
be for everyone, it certainly sets this
cigar apart from all the run-of-the-mill cigars out there. SCORE: 4.3
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| Panelist #2 |
A puzzling smoke that's difficult to
identify. When the flavor is on, it's
fantastic, and the excellent construction helps. SCORE: 3.5
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| Panelist #3 |
This cigar has exquisite flavor. It's
clearly the product of a top-flight
factory. Everything about this cigar
speaks of quality. SCORE: 4.6
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| Panelist #4 |
A cigar that works magic on the
palate, like a well-aged, smooth
Cabernet. Torpedo lovers should
give this a whirl. SCORE: 4.7
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DON JUAN PLATINUM SERIES Torpedo
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
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| Manufacturer: Tropical Tobacco | Filler: Dominican/Nicaragua | Price: $6.50
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| Panelist #1 |
This cigar is quick out of the gate,
but loses it too quickly. The great
construction is a plus. A suitable
stogie for newbies. SCORE: 3.2
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| Panelist #2 |
A bland, sweet, mild cigar that
goes well with a tawny port. It
might gain more character with
some additional aging. SCORE: 2.8
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| Panelist #3 |
Not a world conqueror, but if you're
looking for a well-made torpedo
with soft, mellow flavor, this is one
to keep in mind. SCORE: 3.9
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| Panelist #4 |
An approachable cigar for novices,
or those who just like 'em mild.
This is a cigar made very much in
the Davidoff style. SCORE: 3.5
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MUNIEMAKER Perfecto 100
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| Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Connecticut
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| Manufacturer: F.D. Grave & Son | Filler: U.S. | Price: $1.78
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| Panelist #1 |
It's not pretty, but don't let its
appearance fool you. There is
plenty of flavor in this enjoyable
little perfecto. SCORE: 4.0
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| Panelist #2 |
This ugly-duckling smoke impressed
me with its consistency and steady,
easygoing flavor. If this is priced low,
it can't be beat. SCORE: 3.3
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| Panelist #3 |
Not for the Macanudo or Davidoff
crowd, but adventurous smokers
who want a zesty change of pace
might appreciate this. SCORE: 3.5
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| Panelist #4 |
Not a cigar for a special occasion,
but more of a camping, hunting,
or golfing cigar. It should hold up
well outdoors. SCORE: 3.2
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TOPPER Old Fashioned (Extra Oscuro)
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| Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Connecticut
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| Manufacturer: Topper Cigar | Filler: DR/Connecticut | Price: $0.90
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| Panelist #1 |
Even though I was relegated outside with Rover to finish this cigar,
I had a great time doing it. This is
a fun little smoke. SCORE: 3.8
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| Panelist #2 |
Well I'll be a monkey's uncle! I was
ready to write this one off on looks
alone, but I'm sure glad I didn't. It's
a tasty little cigar. SCORE: 4.1
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| Panelist #3 |
If this is a bundle cigar, it's one I will
stock up on. I've been looking for
a flavorful everyday smoke, and this
may be the answer. SCORE: 3.7
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| Panelist #4 |
When you desire a cigar that is
truly different from the norm, try
this hot little flavor bomb. It's
a hoot to smoke. SCORE: 3.7
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A. FUENTE HEMINGWAY Short Story
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican Republic
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| Manufacturer: A. Fuente y Cia | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $5.00
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| Panelist #1 |
I am sure this is a genuine Fuente
Short Story; you don't get this level
of quality anywhere else. A lovely,
enchanting cigar. SCORE: 4.5
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| Panelist #2 |
The only complaint I have with this
cigar is that I wish it was 9 inches
long, so I could smoke it for that
much longer. Fabulous! SCORE: 4.7
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| Panelist #3 |
A great tasting cigar. It's a bit strong
for the morning hours, but any other
time of day should do, especially if
time is of the essence. SCORE: 3.9
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| Panelist #4 |
When I move to my bunker in the
hills to escape the Y2K madness,
I'll be sure to bring a few boxes
of these cigars. SCORE: 4.1
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Continued on next page...
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