Summer Block-Busters PERDOMO ESTATE SELECCION Aristocrata Country: Nic Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo Size: 7 x 54 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 It’s got to be a Perdomo Estate Seleccion; I’ve found nothing else in the U.S. that offers this taste! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 The samples were consistent. These are too strong for my taste, but maybe just right for somebody else. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 This cigar deserves your full attention. Precede it with a T-bone and pair it with a heavy Cabernet. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 One hell of a solid cigar! Sit down and relax with this one, great in the evening with Scotch or strong coffee. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DIAMOND CROWN No. 3 Country: DR Manufacturer: J.C. Newman Size: 6 1/2 x 54 Filler: DR Binder: DR Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 Not bad by any means, and just shy of fame! An excellent choice for an early-morning round of golf. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 For me this would make a nice change-of-pace cigar. If I had to guess, I’d say a Diamond Crown. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 This isn’t my favorite size, but these were all thoroughly enjoyable. I saved them for after Sunday dinner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This cigar was hard to put down! What is it? Where do I get it? How much? I want more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED C.A.O. L’ANNIVERSAIRE Churchill Country: Nic Manufacturer: CAO Size: 6 7/8 x 48 Filler: DR/Nic Binder: Ecu Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 This big boy is a winner, and it demands time and attention. Light it up for a long, leisurely smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Slightly better construction would’ve made this perfect. As it is, still a damn fine after-dinner smoke. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 For novices and those not looking to get bowled over, I’d say avoid it. Veteran maduro fans will love it. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 A well-done T-Bone followed by this cigar and a peaty single malt, and I’m as close to heaven as I can get! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DIMEOLA Numero Uno Country: DR Manufacturer: Agio Cigars USA Size: 6 1/2 x 44 Filler: DR/Braz Binder: DR Wrapper: Braz Panelist #1 An excellent smoke. Get your cutter on one of these as soon as possible, and have an adult beverage with it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Just like the daily paper, consistent and reliable, but not necessarily any new news. I might keep a stash. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 Not being a maduro fan, this didn’t appeal to me, but I could possibly recommend it to others who are. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 This was a good smoke that should be versatile enough to appeal to a wide variety of smokers. RECOMMENDED CACIQUE Apache Country: DR Manufacturer: Tropical Tobacco Size: 6 x 50 Filler: DR/Nic Binder: DR Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 The perfect cigar for either a novice or a heavy duty smoker looking for a break. Even my wife liked this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Not bad, but it looked better than it smoked. These cigars are perfect to hand out to your drunk buddies. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 This easy-going cigar is a fine choice for when the occasion calls for a light but flavorful smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This one reminds me of a Montesino toro. A consistently well-made cigar that would make my “buy” list. RECOMMENDED VEGAS DE FONSECA Sobrino Country: DR Manufacturer: SAG Imports/Matasa Size: 6 x 54 Filler: DR/Nic Binder: Conn Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 All the samples were consistent; this is a good cigar for anytime, and definitely one that I would purchase. RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 This is a very well-rolled cigar; unfortunately it’s also got a flavor that just isn’t to my personal liking. FAIR Panelist #3 I’d call this an early A.M. cigar; I expected more. A good size for a first-time smoker to “try one out.” MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 This is a cognac cigar - a leisurely smoke that lasts beautifully right down to the finger-burning butt. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BUCANERO Churchill Maduro Country: Costa R Manufacturer: Bucanero Cigars Size: 6 7/8 x 48 Filler: DR/Nic Binder: Ecu Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 This was a consistently solid cigar. I couldn’t put it down, except to reach for my single malt. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Here’s a cigar tailor-made for a summer evening lounging on the patio with a glass of rum. Enjoy! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 I think some age would improve this cigar, but the spicy flavors were a pleasant experience I’d enjoy again. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This ugly duckling definitely tasted better than it looked. At the right price, this is a fine golf course cigar. RECOMMENDED LA LUNA African Fuerte Bantu Country: Hon Manufacturer: Tabacalera La Luna Size: 4 3/4 x 50 Filler: Hon/Nic/CR Binder: Mex Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 Though I tend to prefer longer cigars, this is a perfect choice for lunch or other time-constrained events. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 These cigars could be enjoyed at just about any time of day. Smokers around you will take notice. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 There’s a good all-around flavor here that doesn’t overpower. It’s just too bad it runs out of steam at the end. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This cigar is a tease, tempting you but not quite delivering. I would be interested to try it in a larger size. RECOMMENDED S.T. DUPONT Lonsdale Country: Can Isl. Manufacturer: S.T. Dupont Size: 6 1/2 x 43 Filler: DR/Braz Binder: DR Wrapper: Indo Panelist #1 Get a drink! The peppery flavor in this spicy cigar may be overwhelming for someone fainter of heart! RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 It held up well next to a Scotch. Some aging will do it some good and take some bitter edge off the finish. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 I didn’t find this one’s strength particularly appealing; too many problems to make it worth the effort. FAIR Panelist #4 A classy-looking cigar that doesn’t disappoint in the execution, this one defines life’s finer moments. RECOMMENDED ESTAVAN CRUZ Lonsdale Maduro Country: DR Manufacturer: Estavan Cruz Size: 6 1/2 x 44 Filler: DR/Nic/Braz Binder: Ecu Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 I would suggest these to any discerning smoker with time to enjoy a full-bodied cigar uninterrupted. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Enjoy this one with a heavy meal and just the right fruity beverage to balance it out and bring it to life. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 It isn’t pretty, but this cigar smokes well and shows lots of depth of flavor. An enjoyable afternoon smoke. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 In spite of its rough-boy looks, this one was a real pussycat. Maduro smokers should try this one. RECOMMENDED VEGAS ROBAINA Clasico Country: Cuba Manufacturer: Habanos SA Size: ?? Filler: Cuba Binder: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Panelist #1 This cigar’s rich characteristics made it the ideal companion to a single-barrel bourbon in the evening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 This cigar kept building in flavor and complexity. Try this one and smoke it down as far as it lets you. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 I like strong cigars, but this one didn’t back up its full-bodied power with any subtleties of flavor. FAIR Panelist #4 Great marks across the board; if only every premium cigar lived up to its promising looks so admirably! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LA TRADICION CABINET SERIES Perdomo C Country: Nic Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo Size: 6 1/4 x 52 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Ecu Panelist #1 This cigar pairs well with a few fingers of bourbon after a big meal. I’m anxious to try this one again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Hang in there with this smoke; the flavor is worth the struggle. And the shape will inspire conversation! RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 The perfect evening would include this cigar, a nice Cognac, some jazz on the stereo, and a special person. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This may be one of the finest cigars I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy. The total experience was magnificent. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED INDIGO Lonsdale Country: DR Manufacturer: Atlantic Cigar Co. Size: 6 1/2 x 42 Filler: DR Binder: DR Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 No complaints! This is proof that a cigar doesn’t have to be strong to satisfy. Good for any time of day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 I kept waiting for more flavor to kick in, but I never got it. Basically, I finished this cigar because I had to. FAIR Panelist #3 Looking for something new? Try this one. Eventually, you may be returning to it as an old favorite. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 The next time I take the boat out on an all-day fishing trip, I want to have a box of these babies with me. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ARTURO FUENTE Spanish Lonsdale Country: DR Manufacturer: Fuente Size: 6 1/2 x 42 Filler: DR Binder: DR Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 From first puff to last, this one just kept getting better. This is what they mean by a cigar lover’s cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Even a non-smoker would appreciate this one’s presence. This stick is made to follow up a filet mignon. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 Definitely a well-rolled cigar, its specific flavors were nevertheless hard to identify. It’s worth a smoke. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 From first light to last puff, this was a pleasurable experience. Pour yourself a Scotch to sip with this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ASHTON Maduro No. 40 Country: DR Manufacturer: Holt's/Ashton Size: 6 x 50 Filler: DR Binder: DR Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 Paired up with a 10-year old ruby port, this well-made cigar provided a luxurious smoking experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 If construction had held up better, this one would get higher accolades. As is, still a worthwhile smoke. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 A perfect choice to accompany a morning espresso or to kick back and enjoy after a heavy lunch. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 Looked like a brute, but smoked like an aristocrat. This is a really smooth cigar, with a touch of class. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PADRON Ambassador Country: Nic Manufacturer: Padron Size: 6 7/8 x 42 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 This cigar held its own with an aged tawny port, and complimented the novel I was reading quite well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 This cigar would be quite at home on the golf course in the morning. It would be nice after a meal, too. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 From its appearance, I expected a little more “oomph,” but it’s good for a novice, or a morning smoke. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 Construction is awesome, and the taste is everything a premium cigar should be. Do yourself the favor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED A. TURRENT Romance Country: Mex Manufacturer: Tabacalera Alberto Turrent Size: 6 1/4 x 45 Filler: Mex Binder: Mex Wrapper: Mex Panelist #1 This baby’s versatile: she can be enjoyed on a romantic evening or on a trip to your favorite pub. RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 This baby made my hour-long commute to work much easier to handle. If only it had a maduro wrapper. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 A mild and trouble-free smoke, this one would be a good change of pace for Macanudo smokers. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 An unobtrusive-looking cigar that really packs a punch. A bit spicy for my tastes, but perfect for some. MAY RECOMMEND NATURAL BY DREW ESTATES Mixed Elements Country: Nic Manufacturer: Drew Estates Size: 6 x 54 Filler: SE Asia Binder: Nic Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 Definitely one to try if you want something different. It’s sweet and aromatic and easily smokeable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Luxury is sitting on the patio with this cigar, a bottle of Corona, and mellow music in the background. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 This was one of the best and most unique cigars I’ve ever sampled. Undeniably worthy of greatness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This unique, mild and soothing cigar paired up nicely with an early morning cup of Japanese tea. RECOMMENDED SMOKE - Summer 2001 CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 2001 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.