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MIYARES Sol de Cuba Robusto
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| Country: USA (Miami, FL) | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: Miyares Cigar Co. | Filler: DR/Indonesia | Price: $4.00
|
| Panelist #1 |
This is clearly one of the best in
the review. Its wonderful, nutty,
rich flavor stays with you to the
very end. Well done! SCORE: 4.8
|
| Panelist #2 |
A showpiece cigar that any cigar
shop can flaunt to its best cus-
tomers. I was like a kid in a candy
store smoking this. SCORE: 4.5
|
| Panelist #3 |
Those who love mild cigars should
relish this smooth and mellow robusto, although I would have liked
a bit more flavor. SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #4 |
A cigar that's perfect for both
beginners and expert smokers.
It provides an enjoyable smoking
experience. SCORE: 4.5
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SIGLO 21 No. 1
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Swisher International | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $3.85
|
| Panelist #1 |
Regardless of price, this is a
cigar that is easy to recommend.
It's particularly enjoyable after
a fine meal. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #2 |
A rough looking cigar, but don't let
its appearance fool you. It smokes
easily and the flavor is enjoyable.
It's a winner! SCORE: 3.5
|
| Panelist #3 |
An average cigar that is OK to keep
around the house as an emergency
smoke. It's predictable, but steady.
Some aging might help. SCORE: 3.0
|
| Panelist #4 |
A good mild- to medium-bodied
robusto. If not priced too high
(and I suspect it's not), this is a
good everyday cigar. SCORE: 3.5
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SAINT LUIS REY Regios
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| Country: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba
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| Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. | Filler: Cuba | Price: Above $12
|
| Panelist #1 |
Starts a bit slow, but by the middle,
this cigar shows its world-class
pedigree. This stogie promises big
things, and delivers. SCORE: 4.4
|
| Panelist #2 |
I loved this cigar. While it wasn't
total perfection, I had a great time
smoking it, despite the freaky veins
on the wrapper. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #3 |
Reminiscent of a traditional Havana,
but without the dense earthiness
and barnyard scents. Still, a distinct,
flavorful smoke. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #4 |
A lovely Havana cigar that falls
in the milder range, while still
providing mouthfuls of rich and
complex flavor. SCORE: 4.3
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MACANUDO ROBUST Hyde Park
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Connecticut
|
| Manufacturer: General Cigar | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $5.20
|
| Panelist #1 |
The manufacturer did a great job
on this cigar. This is one to smoke
with visions of tropical drinks and
sunsets in the head. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #2 |
This is an enjoyable, slow smoke
that would surely top off a rich,
fattening meal. Hopefully it's
affordable. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #3 |
This is a good smoke that would
have scored much better if the draw
had been looser. Still, it was worth
the extra effort. SCORE: 3.3
|
| Panelist #4 |
Yes, sir, I sure did enjoy this here
stogie. This rich and flavorful
cigar is one I will make room for
in my humidor. SCORE: 4.3
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PUROS INDIOS Rothschild (Double Maduro)
|
| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Ecuador
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| Manufacturer: Rolando Reyes | Filler: Brazil/DR/Jamaica | Price: $3.20
|
| Panelist #1 |
This cigar is so rich and flavorful
that I found myself craving it
even hours after I smoked it. I've
got to get more! SCORE: 4.1
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| Panelist #2 |
I'm glad I had a big meal before
smoking this punchy smoke. If
tempered by a strong drink, this
stays manageable. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #3 |
This flavorful robusto is clearly made
with quality, well-aged tobacco, all
brought to fruition by a torcedor
withs skills and vision. SCORE: 4.5
|
| Panelist #4 |
A bit milder than I expected, but
the flavors really stay with you.
By the end, this cigar is so rich I
wanted to lick it. SCORE: 4.1
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CRUZ REAL No. 24 (Maduro)
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| Country: Mexico | Wrapper: Mexico | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: Tabacos de San Andres | Filler: Mexico | Price: $3.10
|
| Panelist #1 |
This is a well-made maduro with
good body and character. It poops
out in the last third, but the rest is
quite enjoyable. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #2 |
This raw, powerful maduro proves
itself well. I appreciated its strong,
straightforward style and would
smoke it again. SCORE: 3.5
|
| Panelist #3 |
A little rough around the edges, but
if you can make it through the first
half, some reasonable flavors do
come through. SCORE: 3.0
|
| Panelist #4 |
A rough-and-tumble cigar that's
probably best smoked outdoors
rather than in a cozy setting. Not
for beginners. SCORE: 3.3
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PREMIUM DOMINICANA No. 20
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Holt's Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $4.65
|
| Panelist #1 |
This is a great any time of the day
cigar. It presents a pleasant mix
of flavors that I would love to
experience again. SCORE: 4.1
|
| Panelist #2 |
A consistently wonderful and rich
cigar that is like smoking a coffee
latte. I could smoke this one all
day (and all night). SCORE: 4.1
|
| Panelist #3 |
Despite some average qualities,
this is a very likeable, medium-bodied cigar that must be from a
quality manufacturer. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #4 |
An excellent smoke. From the
great construction and easy smo-
kability, to the rich, complex flavor, this is a winner. SCORE: 4.5
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LA GLORIA CUBANA SELECCION D'ORO No. 5
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Santa Clara/El Credito | Filler: Nicaragua/DR | Price: $4.50
|
| Panelist #1 |
This is a keeper! A well-balanced,
cigar that pros can enjoy in the
morning, and beginners can smoke
after dinner. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #2 |
A youthful flavor makes this a cigar
best left in the humidor for a few
more months. If you have a choice,
think twice. SCORE: 2.9
|
| Panelist #3 |
A pleasant, mild cigar that might
improve further with some aging.
It has a light spiciness that adds
a surprising kick. SCORE: 3.2
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| Panelist #4 |
A looser draw would benefit this
beefy robusto. Still, this cigar has
enough flavor to make things fun
and interesting. SCORE: 3.9
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DAVIDOFF Special "R"
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $11.75
|
| Panelist #1 |
Hardcore Havanaphiles will probably scoff at this cigar's light style,
but that's OK. There'll be more for
the rest of us. SCORE: 4.7
|
| Panelist #2 |
A classy, mild cigar, with smooth,
simple flavors. It's a palate cleanser.
I'm guessing this is a product of the
Davidoff factory. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #3 |
While seemingly too mild, this
cigar's flavor really grew on me,
to the point where I was drooling
after each puff. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #4 |
This is an elegant cigar only for
those who don't want a lot of
in-your-face flavor. Havana
lovers stay away. SCORE: 3.8
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BALMORAL Robusto
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican Republic
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| Manufacturer: Balmoral Cigar Co. | Filler: DR/Brazil | Price: $5.25
|
| Panelist #1 |
I found this cigar to be quite
fascinating. It's extremely mild,
but very smokeable. I enjoyed it to
the very end. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #2 |
A smoke for the daytime. While
I wouldn't go out of my way to
find it, I would keep a few of these
in my humidor. SCORE: 3.3
|
| Panelist #3 |
This cigar is too bland to satisfy
me, but its basic, light style might
be suitable for newcomers. I hope
it's priced right. SCORE: 2.8
|
| Panelist #4 |
This mild cigar really grew on me.
The only thing that would make
it better is a looser draw. Two
thumbs up! SCORE: 4.3
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QUINTERO Robusto
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Indonesian | Binder: Connecticut
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| Manufacturer: Tabacalera de Espana | Filler: Mex/Nic/Hon | Price: $3.00
|
| Panelist #1 |
A fantastic cigar that will be best
appreciated when you have the
time to relax and savor it. A cigar
of pure excellence. SCORE: 4.9
|
| Panelist #2 |
Great flavor helps to overcome the
tight draw that plagued a few of
the samples. Overall, this cigar is
easy to enjoy. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #3 |
An excellent cigar for the morning,
or first cigar of the day. It has some
complexities that may only register
with a clean palate. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #4 |
A rough, powerful cigar that lacks
depth and subtlety, but if priced
right, strong cigar smokers may
appreciate this. SCORE: 3.0
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VEGA FINA Robusto
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Indonesian | Binder: Dominican
|
| Manufacturer: Tabacalera de Espana | Filler: Dominican/Honduran | Price: $3.50
|
| Panelist #1 |
I took this beauty with me on
opening day of pheasant season,
and even the birds wanted one.
Wascally birds! SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #2 |
If this cigar toned down the hot flavor a bit, I would like it better. As is,
it's not bad, just not my style. But,
it'll do in a pinch. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #3 |
This cigar is one of my favorites in
the review. It exhibits consistent
flavor, great construction, and provides high enjoyment. SCORE: 4.2
|
| Panelist #4 |
A great cigar that certainly ranks
as one of the better performers
in the review. Please send me
some more! SCORE: 4.4
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ESTAVAN CRUZ Robusto (Maduro)
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| Country: Costa Rica | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Ecuador
|
| Manufacturer: Tabacalera Tambor | Filler: DR/Nic/Brazil | Price: $5.99
|
| Panelist #1 |
A great cigar! I would recommend
them to others, but I'll probably
buy all of them at my local shop,
so what's the point? SCORE: 5.0
|
| Panelist #2 |
I really enjoyed smoking this cigar,
and I'll definitely buy more of 'em
when I find out what it is. A great
all-around stogie. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #3 |
This is not the prettiest cigar I've
seen, but it sure is tasty. This is a
nice change of pace from my normal, milder smokes. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #4 |
This is not a complex or smooth
cigar, and there are some harsh
edges, but it's still a good cigar,
with character. SCORE: 3.6
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DIAMOND CROWN Robusto No. 5
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: J.C. Newman Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $9.50
|
| Panelist #1 |
A superlative effort, very likely
from the Fuente labs. I've never
given a perfect score before, but
this one deserves it. SCORE: 5.0
|
| Panelist #2 |
All of the samples of this well-made
robusto were wonderful to smoke.
This is definitely a cigar I will buy,
no matter the price. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #3 |
A cigar to fall in love with, which I
did. From start to finish, this one
never goes awry. A consistent and
solid performer. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #4 |
One of the best looking robustos
I have ever seen. Possibly an AVO
Domaine or a Romeo y Julieta
Vintage? Top-notch! SCORE: 4.5
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FONSECA VINTAGE COLLECTION Robusto
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut/Ecuador | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: MATASA/SAG Imports | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $5.50
|
| Panelist #1 |
This is an excellent example of a
true premium cigar. A class act
that will hold its own at the track,
or a black-tie affair. SCORE: 4.2
|
| Panelist #2 |
This cigar has great eye appeal
and a quality roll, but it suffers from
a lack of flavor. A good choice for
the mild crowd. SCORE: 3.4
|
| Panelist #3 |
A classic, premium, Dominican-style
of cigar. I hope this cigar has a full-bodied cousin, as the construction is
amazingly consistent. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #4 |
Those looking for a lot of flavor
might be bored with this cigar,
but its approachable style will
please the masses. SCORE: 3.9
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BAUZA Robusto
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: Mike's Cigars | Filler: DR/Nicaragua | Price: $5.60
|
| Panelist #1 |
This is what a cigar should be! It
reminds me why I like cigars. This
is sure to please those looking for
complex flavor. SCORE: 4.4
|
| Panelist #2 |
This looks and tastes an awful lot
like a Padron 3000. If not, I would
still smoke this regularly, if it is
not too expensive. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #3 |
A satisfying cigar that stops short
of being spectacular. Possibly a
strong Dominican offering? I was
impressed by this. SCORE: 4.0
|
| Panelist #4 |
A cigar with rugged appeal, both
in looks and flavor. I suggest
smoking this with a sweet liquor
or flavored coffee. SCORE: 3.4
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GLORIA PALMERA Robusto
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| Country: Canary Islands | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Indonesia
|
| Manufacturer: P.A.C.O./Comet | Filler: Canary I/Brazil/DR | Price: $4.00
|
| Panelist #1 |
This is a fine middle-of-the-road
cigar for a day of working around
the house. Worth smoking, but
no big surprises here. SCORE: 3.3
|
| Panelist #2 |
A bland cigar. Sure, there are far
worse choices, but unless this cigar
is low-priced, it'll be tough for it to
establish itself. SCORE: 2.8
|
| Panelist #3 |
This cigar gets off to a slow start,
both aesthetically and in the flavor
department, but it redeems itself
in the second half. SCORE: 3.5
|
| Panelist #4 |
I wish I had better things to say,
but this cigar is nothing special.
The blend and construction need
a bit of work. SCORE: 2.5
|
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SAVINELLI ELR No. 6
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Savinelli | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $8.25
|
| Panelist #1 |
A decent smoke! My tastes run
towards the heavy (Havana) side,
but this was a hit. These'll have a
home in my humidor. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #2 |
An excellent cigar with a full load
of flavor. They don't make 'em much
better than this. A great smoke to
enjoy after dinner. SCORE: 4.4
|
| Panelist #3 |
A glorious robusto, reminiscent of
a Fuente or an Ashton. Provides for
a top-notch experience that all cigar
smokers will savor. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #4 |
A polished cigar that improves
steadily from the opening puff.
I guess it's a Diamond Crown.
What a ride! SCORE: 4.4
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