Summer Review - Cigar Olympics! 898 Robusto Country: Jamaica Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Mexico Manufacturer: Mike's Cigars Filler: Jamaica/DR Price: $5.20 Panelist #1 This was a decent, medium-bodied cigar, with an interesting floral aroma. Hard to recommend due to the poor construction. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #2 This was a fairly pleasant after-lunch kind of smoke. I can recommend this to anyone looking for something lighter. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #3 This is a fairly inoffensive cigar for social settings, but it leaves a bit to be desired on the tongue. It's bitter right from the start. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 This is not a bad cigar for a beginner, or for those who want a smoke that is more reliable than challenging. SCORE: 3.8 LICENCIADOS Toro Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Mike's Cigars Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $3.25 Panelist #1 I expected more from this cigar, due to its rough appearance. It could have been worse, but it was also far from interesting. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #2 What a night on the porch! This went great with my homemade bitter beer. All levels of smokers should enjoy this. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #3 This cigar is just a tad too strong for the morning, but perfect for after a heavy lunch. Some coffee with cream would match it nicely. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 There's a nice, unassuming fresh- ness and honesty about this cigar. It can be enjoyed just about any time of the day. SCORE: 4.1 BAUZA Casa Grandes Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Mike's Cigars Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $5.60 Panelist #1 Thanks! Despite poor aesthetics, this smoke kicked ass! If these babies aren't from Cuba, I'm going to stock up on them! SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #2 I suppose the world needs an average, nondescript cigar like this. This would be perfect for that early-morning tee time. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #3 A really nice cigar, especially if you like them with a 'muted bang.' It's not overpowering, but does possess strong tobacco quality. SCORE: 4.0 enjoyable smoke. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #4 I enjoyed this cigar very much, and would definitely recommend it to a friend. A very dependable, BRETON COROJO VINTAGE Monarca Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Dominican Republic Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Gran Reserve Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.50 Panelist #1 A nice, long-lasting smoke that would be perfect for a poker game with the boys. Some construction problems, but good. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 A very competent, pleasant stogie. You'll be smoking it for a while, though; get a smaller one for those lunchtimes and strolls. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #3 I know it's difficult to make a good cigar over 7À long, but this really got heated and bitter in the last third. Disappointing. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #4 A good cigar. It could be a tad stronger, but would make a perfect companion to a red wine. Good for midday. SCORE: 4.0 CARLOS TORANO RESERVE SELECTA Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: Carlos Torano Filler: DR/Hon/Nic Price: $7.25 Panelist #1 The light wrapper on this is mis- leading to what's inside. A spicy, salty smoke, interesting but lacking in real depth. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #2 This was a really good cigar with interesting flavors. It went very nicely with a glass of port I was enjoying after dinner. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #3 A great-tasting smoke. This cigar would be great for just about any time of the day, especially with a good single malt. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #4 If this one wasn't so tight, it would be magnificent. There's a great cigar here trying to get out! Somebody help! SCORE: 3.3 BERING Hispanos Country: Honduras Wrapper: Costa Rica Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: Swisher Filler: Mex/DR/Hon Price: $2.80 Panelist #1 Overall, this is not a bad cigar, despite problems with the ash. It's basically a mild, flavorful maduro, lacking a little depth. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #2 A great cigar to give to someone who's never tried a maduro. It has many great maduro qualities in a minimalist fashion. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #3 I smoked it with cappuccino to boost the taste a little. I've had worse. It's not enough to stand on its own; needs something extra. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 This is one cigar you either love or put right down. It's not for the wussies out there, but for men who like 'em strong. SCORE: 4.5 PLASENCIA Magnum Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Plasencia Filler: Nicaragua Price: $2.75 Panelist #1 This cigar would be good at any time of the day or any occasion. Hopefully this isn't a hard-to-find smoke, or too pricey. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #2 An overall unremarkable model, something to smoke on a night when a cigar isn't the focus of your attention. Good Enough. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #3 This just wasn't a good cigar. It just didn't seem to get much better as the day grew longer. A bit more aging may be needed. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 Despite its construction, this smoked pretty well. It was medium-bodied and heavy on the wood flavore. SCORE: 3.5 LA PERLA HABANA Toro Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: La Perla Habana Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $5.50 Panelist #1 Overall, not one of my faves. It's ugly, but well-made (its saving grace.) Not very pleasant to look at or to smoke. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #2 Don't let the dark wrapper prejudice you: this is a remarkable cigar in any category. One of the three best maduros I've ever had. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #3 This cigar was just too hard to draw on, and didn't have enough flavor to make it worthwhile. Not up to the maduro standard. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #4 Not for the wussy smoker. It reflects a world that's gutsy and bold. A man's cigar, good for after dinner or during golf. SCORE: 4.3 ASTRAL Grandee Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: UST Filler: DR/Nic Price: $5.25 Panelist #1 This is one of the finest I've tested. It went beautifully with a vintage port. I can't wait to find out what it is. I'll take a case! SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 Age would help this fellow develop into a fine light- to medium-bodied friend. The aroma was grand, but aftertaste needs work. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #3 Everything about this cigar is excellent or just short of excellent, but it didn't really grab me. I would say to try it for yourself. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #4 It's too bad that such a well-made cigar died in the flavor category. I can congratulate the rollers, but not the blender. SCORE: 3.8 DON TOMAS Toros Grandee Country: Honduras Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Costa Rica Manufacturer: UST Filler: DR/Mex/CR Price: $3.50 Panelist #1 Overall, it didn't leave much of an impression. Dryness and lack of substantial aroma diminished the nice construction and feel. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #2 This cigar had its ups and downs, but isn't bad. You do have to smoke it at the right place and time. Some maturing would help. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 This went well with both a vintage port and a single malt scotch. Looks really heavy, but was very smokable and enjoyable. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #4 One for the boys while watching the races or with a few pints of stout. Maduro and Guinness: is there any better? SCORE:4.0 PRIMO DEL REY Churchill Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Consolidated Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $2.80 Panelist #1 While I've no doubt this one clocks in on the low end of the price scale, I wouldn't hesitate to reach for this one occasionally. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #2 You can't go wrong with these. I would definitely give these to friends. These cigars went great with my homemade bitter beer. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #3 There's a lot here to appeal to most smokers. I'd buy and smoke this on a regular basis. It had a real touch of class. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #4 Those afraid of strong smokes should keep a distance. Otherwise light one up with a heavy dark beer and enjoy. SCORE:4.3 NAT SHERMAN University Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Nat Sherman Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $6.00 Panelist #1 Concerns that the few soft spots would play havoc with the smoke were unfounded. I'd definitely look for this one. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 I usually like a little more body, but this was pleasant enough to enjoy again. If this is affordable, I'd say give it a try. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #3 This one had a split personality: first half, very good; second half, kind of ugly. Maybe some humidor time would balance it. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 It's too strong for a Dominican, so I'm guessing a Honduran blend. With some age, this would be perfect for afternoon. SCORE: 4.5 CAO L'ANNIVERSAIRE Maduro Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: CAO Filler: DR/Nic Price: $7.40 Panelist #1 The entire smoking experience was tremendous. This was a serious little cigar for a serious smoker. A definite winner. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 This is a good cigar if you're out to play golf or do some yard work. Not a bad companion. Hand them out to your buddies. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 This cigar won me over with the very first pull. It had strength, pop, and draw. If it could ride a horse, it could make a movie. SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #4 This wasn't tops on my list, but the problems I had were improved by pairing it up with a good single malt Scotch. SCORE: 3.3 CAO GOLD Torpedo Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: CAO Filler: Nicaragua Price: $5.70 Panelist #1 A very tasty mild cigar. I would definitely buy these. They'd make a perfect midday smoke with great quality. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #2 This is a great golf cigar for the duffer who needs to concentrate on his swing instead of his cigar. Very Mild. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #3 This was a solid smoke, all in all. For someone who enjoys a mild and mellow walk in the park, this would be a good choice. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #4 This is a good smoke for midday, or paired with a good Scotch. It doesn't wow you, but doesn't bore you either. SCORE: 4.4 COLORADO BY DON LINO Corona Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Miami Cigar Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.24 Panelist #1 A prizewinner. I really tried to find a flaw in this cigar. I failed! Suffice to say, it's one of the best I've ever smoked. SCORE: 5.0 Panelist #2 There was a lot of promise to this stogie in the pre-light stage, but as a smoke it had nothing too unique to offer. SCORE: 2.7 Panelist #3 Sorry, but I couldn't smoke any of the samples more than halfway down. This cigar was just too harsh. SCORE: 2.9 Panelist #4 A very good smoke that surprised me pleasantly. It goes well with coffee, or could accompany a well-rounded merlot. SCORE: 4.5 PUNCH Grand Cru II Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Hoduras Manufacturer: General Cigar Filler: DR/Hon/Nic Price: $9.95 Panelist #1 This was a mild cigar compared to its overpowering look. It would be a good companion to a sweet, dry white wine. Quality. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 Consistent and flavorful, through and through. Full-bodied and awesome. Recommended to anyone who enjoys lots of taste! SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #3 From the beautiful construction and appearance, I anticipated more. While excellent, it didn't quite live up to its potential. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 It tasted like a Costa Rican maduro, probably a new blend. A year in the humidor might make this perfect. SCORE: 4.2 PARTAGAS SERIE S Esplendido Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Mexico Manufacturer: General Cigar Filler: DR/Mex Price: $5.25 Panelist #1 This cigar needs some serious time in the humidor. It isn't one I would buy, and I would find it difficult to recommend. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #2 A winner by any measurement. The ash held on throughout the entire smoke and kept growing. Cheers for the roller! SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #3 All samples were consistently good. This cigar was born to be enjoyed with rich French roast or espresso. Great any time of day. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #4 The tobacco blend in this cigar is excellent. However, I believe a less complex shape would improve it overall. SCORE: 3.9 DAVIDOFF Special B Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Davidoff Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $11.50 Panelist #1 I would buy this and give it a frequent place in the rotation. Every humidor needs smokes that don't make you cry uncle.À SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #2 Simply the best small belicoso I've had in a long time. An excellent after-lunch smoke. Where can I get some of these babies? SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #3 I recommend it. A worthy Dominican, elegant and mild. I wish I could find room in my humidor for a whole box of these babies. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #4 If I had to have the same cigar every day for the rest of my life, I believe this would be the one I'd choose. Luxurious! SCORE: 4.9 ZINO Mouton Cadet Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: Davidoff Filler: Honduras Price: $7.75 Panelist #1 This was an exceptionally well-crafted cigar. The entire smoking experience was tremendous. A definite winner! SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 I saved this one for last, thinking something that looked this good had to taste good. Unfortunately, I was wrong. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #3 Complex, well-aged, full, rich, robust, soft on the palate, and quite smooth. A well-balanced smoke. Need I say more? SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #4 This reminds me of a pleasant afternoon where nothing special happened. If you like mild, you could do worse. SCORE: 4.0 LA GLORIA CUBANA Wavell Country: USA Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Swedish Match Filler: DR/Nicaragua Price: $6.50 Panelist #1 Highly recommended. This cigar is favorably comparable to Habanos. Surely a man of style would want to smoke these! SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #2 If you can get past the construction problems, there's some great flavor awaiting you in this baby. I love the spicy overtones! SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 This is one of the best cigars I've had in weeks, and definitely one I would smoke again. It went beautifully with aged port and stilton. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #4 This was the perfect cigar to follow up a well-done T-bone steak. Heavy and satisfying. Hope it's legal in the U.S.! SCORE: 4.2 Continued on next page... CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 2000 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.