Summer Block-
Busters
"There can be no high civilization where there is not ample leisure." - HENRY WARDBEECHER
Maybe it's the longer days and shorter nights; maybe it's a need by adults to find time away from kids out of school, or maybe it's just marketing - but there's something about summer that makes leisure activities seem... bigger somehow. Weekends, especially travel ones, aren't just weekends in the summer, they're mini-vacations. Concerts aren't just concerts, they're huge outdoor events. And, as we're relentlessly reminded, movies in these hot months aren't just movies, they're blockbusters.
As far as cigar smoking goes, for many folks summer represents the opportunity to devote more time to that particular indulgence. With the increasingly stringent restrictions being placed on smoking indoors, the chance to light up a leisurely cigar on porches and patios or in parks is a precious time indeed. To those among us who've been obligated to confine our hobby to the garage, or to the local indoor smoking lounge, the onset of this season is like emerging from hibernation. After all, few moments define a summer evening more poignantly than sitting on the patio at sunset, with barbecue on the grill, a ballgame on the radio, and some good cigars shared with friends and family.
And since the leisure time is bigger, summertime is a great time to try some "blockbuster" cigars as well. For this issue's review, we gathered an array smokes from the tall and fat department - Churchills, lonsdales, toros, and a few robustos thrown in for those "quickie" leisure moments - and sent them out to our intrepid panelists, who eagerly tackled the task of finding the best of the big smokes of summer.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.9 | Good |
| 4.0-4.5 | Excellent |
| 4.6-5.0 | Superior |
Topping the field was the Carlos Torano Signature Collection toro, which pulled in an astounding and nearly unprecedented 4.7. Even with the diverse palates of our panel, this cigar wowed every taster. Perdorno's Estate Seleccion also continues to impress, with the massive Monstro (a blockbuster smoke if ever there was one) garnering a 4.6 and the Aristocrata, the highest-rated Churchill in the review, a 4.5. In the lonsdale category, top honors were shared by the smooth and mellow Astral Lujo and the robust, full-bodied Camacho Corojo Cetro, both scoring a 4.4.
Tallying it up by sizes, it was the toros that ran away with it this issue, with the J-R Ultimate Special Selection (4.4), the Don Tomas Cameroon Collection (4.3), the Excalibur No. III (4.4), the Diamond Crown No. 3 (4.4) and the new Punch Rare Corojo Pita (4.3) all finding a berth in the upper echelon. There were also some very well-received cigars from favorites like Padron, Fuente, CAO, and Davidoff, as well as a handful from Cuba.
Congratulations to this issue's "Become a Reviewer" online contest winners, Dale Hogue and New Jersey Devils fanatic Todd Christie (who may be invited back to the panel even though his team mowed down this editor's Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL playoffs). If you'd like to be the next reviewer for SMOKE, simply enter the contest by clicking here. All it takes, after all, is a computer, a palate for good cigars, and the burning desire to share your opinions with fellow enthusiasts. But first, take a few moments to peruse our lineup of cigars. You may find something that's just perfect for your next summer evening... and we're not talking about some over-hyped action film.
- Mark Bernardo
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 |  | PADRON Diplomatico | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Padron | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I loved this cigar! Recommended to all those who love life for all of its pleasures. No weenies need apply. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Very pleasant and very rich. It’s good for a Friday night while watching the fights with your buddies. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | They’re not quite what I expected, but these samples weren’t bad smokes, by any means. Try one. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | I burned my fingers smoking this down to the nub. Share one with your friends and you won’t be sorry! RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CORONA Nicaraguan Selection Churchill | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Corona Cigar Company | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Indo | | Panelist #1 | Whether it’s for the golf course or the back porch, this little scoundrel will make the perfect addition. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This makes for a good morning smoke with a cuppa joe. A solid smoke for fans of mild cigars. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This one had great promise, but it soured. I’m confident that this cigar could become better with time. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | The cigar tasted great from beginning to end. A smoke with character that left me wanting more. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA FLOR DEL CANEY Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Mike's Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/2 x 49 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This would be a super smoke for any meal. I’ll be getting more. Don’t be put off by the packaging. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar looked like a 90-minute smoke, but it burned in half that time. Tighter construction is needed. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | Perhaps some aging would bring out more complex flavor. I would recommend this cigar to a novice. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Except for one, all samples were consistent. This is a quality cigar, definitely worth buying and trying. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | LA PERLA HABANA Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Perla Habana | Size:
7 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Indo | | Panelist #1 | The finish disappointed, but otherwise I’d recommend this cigar, as long as it’s not for a beginner! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | For its top-notch construction and mellow flavors, I can rate this one a good morning cigar. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Consistently outstanding in its quality, this one was powerful yet very tasty. I enjoyed every puff of it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This puro will stand up behind a spicy-hot meal, with its bullish strength and mocha presence. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | BAUZA Casa Grande | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Mike's Cigar Co. | Size:
6 3/4 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I’d suggest smoking these very slowly, to savor the great construction and avoid the possible bittering. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Grassy notes make me unable to recommend this one. Maybe some aging will help it be all it can be. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | Inoffensive, but not real exciting, and well put-together. I’m still not sure what this one’s trying to do. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Quality construction but pretty nondescript, this is a good cigar for those who like them very mellow. MAY RECOMMEND |
 | | NAT SHERMAN Host Collection Hunter | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Nat Sherman | Size:
6 x 43 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | The character of this stick doesn’t disappoint anywhere. It’s a pleasant treat, and a really great smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Definitely worth buying. A good afternoon smoke with some iced tea or something light. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This is a great cocktail smoke. Women loved the looks and aroma of this one - no kidding. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | The combination of sweetness, spice, and woodiness displays a great balance. Enjoy with Scotch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | PUROS INDIOS Nacionale Maduro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/2 x 43 | Filler:
DR/Br/Jam/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I loved this stick, and highly recommend it for real cigar smokers. It combines elegance with real punch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I didn’t think much of its appearance, but this cigar proved me wrong. Good with a Cabernet. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This puro works well with a nice red. Also it might serve well as a good casual smoke for a drive or walk. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | The best cigar in the bunch! A great smoke with a pint of Guinness, to unwind after a long day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ASTRAL Lujo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar Sales | Size:
6 1/2 x 44 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Consistent start to finish, this is a wonderful morning cigar. Enjoy it as one of life’s great pleasures. Bravo! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Flavor was consistent throughout all samples. This cigar is a fine companion to a few drams of Lagavulin. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | If you have an hour to burn, burn this. It’s perfect with your favorite single malt or single barrel. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A world-class smoke, this blends well with coffee or a fine single malt. It’s pleasure with a touch of class. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | SAN CRISTOBAL La Punta | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos, S.A. | Size:
5 1/2 x 50? | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | Have a heavy red wine or a good tawny port with this cigar - something that can hold up to its body. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Don’t have this one in the morning and don’t waste it on a novice who can’t appreciate its strong flavors. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A veteran herfer would appreciate this one’s subtleties. Those who want mild should look elsewhere. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | If this naked cigar had a band, I would’ve surely smoked down to it. Just a marvelous, high-quality cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CIBAO Petit Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Indianhead Sales | Size:
5 x 42 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I was sad to see this one end, just when it started to get complex. Give me this blend in a Churchill size! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I feel like someone’s rushing these. Double up on the filler and give ‘em six months, and I’ll try them again. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | There were a few inconsistencies in the samples, but get a box of the better ones and you’re in for a treat. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This is a cigar not to be missed -Perhaps as good as they come in this petit corona-size package. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | LA PRIMERA Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG Imports/Matasa | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I’m not normally a fan of the toro size, but I would find room in my humidor for some of these. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one’s pluses outweighed its minuses. Fix the minuses and you’ll have a really good cigar here. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I found smoking this stick to be a lot of work for little payoff. It didn’t do much for my particular taste. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | Put your lighter back in the pocket after lighting; you won’t need it. A good, mild cigar to start off the day. RECOMMENDED |
 | | BAHIA GOLD Churchill | Country:
Costa R | Manufacturer:
Bahia by Tony Borhani | Size:
6 7/8 x 48 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Best in its class. Have one of these in the evening with an oatmeal stout or an aged single malt Scotch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Though I had to work hard to get smoke from this one, I feel there’s potential. I will try another. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This one’s scent reminded a friend of her Uncle Freddy, with its undefinable “old man smell.” FAIR | | Panelist #4 | This is a cigar not to be rushed. Lie back in a leather chair, pour some brandy, and savor the evening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | GENUINE COUNTERFEIT CUBANS Lonsdale | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Santa Clara Cigar Co. | Size:
6 3/4 x 42 | Filler:
Hon/DR/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This intriguing cigar has Bogart-like character, and fits well around a good rum, Scotch, or brandy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I wanted to love this stick more, but I had problems with it being too tightly rolled and going out easily. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I prefer a looser draw, but overall, not bad at all. It makes a good companion to a cup of black coffee. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Almost perfect. Enjoy this one with a good rum after a big meal and you will get a glimpse of Heaven. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | NAT SHERMAN VIP Barnum | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Nat Sherman | Size:
5 x 42 | Filler:
DR/Brazil | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Not a bad little cigar overall. If you want a quick smoke, and like ‘em on the lighter side, give these a try. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Frankly, I needed some mouthwash after this one. I think this cigar was smoked way before its time. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | It started out as a mild smoke, but picked up in intensity and complexity. I’m looking forward to another! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Dry and fussy coming out of the gate, this cigar develops some very nice characteristics as you smoke it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | LICENCIADOS Supreme 300 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Mike's Cigar Co. | Size:
6 3/4 x 43 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I could see making this cigar a regular, everyday smoke. I would also enhance it with a good merlot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This seems like a cigar that needs some time to mellow out. Some aging in the box wouldn’t hurt it. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | If this was a movie, I would’ve gotten up and walked out in the middle. This is for someone else’s taste. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | Drink whatever you want with this cigar - it won’t necessarily improve the flavors, but it won’t hurt them. MAY RECOMMEND |
 | | C.A.O. GOLD Corona Gorda | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
CAO | Size:
6 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A great party cigar, gentle and unobtrusive. What it lacks in passion it makes up for in consistency. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Looks great, feels great, tastes great, smells great - must be great! I will buy this one! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This made for a great afternoon smoke, with coffee, though it would be at home with a good port, too. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A quality mellow cigar with a pleasing taste that would go best with an Irish cream or light morning coffee. RECOMMENDED |
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