Herfin'
U.S.A.
"Howzit, brah? The surf was epic today, fully macking double overhead corduroy to the horizon. Now it’s all bergery. Think I’ll jet to the food hut and grab a burrito and a sweet nectar. Latronic, dude." - From The Surfin’ary by Trevor Cralle
I love this time of year. As I write this, the Sacramento Kings are battling the NBA Champion Lakers out west, trying to prevent an L.A. three-peat. Here in the east, the New Jersey Nets are continuing their improbable playoff run against the tradition-rich Boston Celtics. In hockey, the equally tradition-rich Toronto Maple Leafs are vying with Carolina, Detroit, and defending champion Colorado to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada. The ancient Yankees/Red Sox rivalry is hotter than ever in the American League East, while San Francisco's Barry Bonds continues shattering home run records in the National League West. Longshot Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem is gearing up to be the first Triple Crown-winning horse since 1978. Venus Williams is romping at Roland Garros in the French Open. And Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis are preparing to square off for their much-anticipated showdown.
Yes, the overlapping of major sporting events is as much a sign of spring melting into summer as backyard barbecues and beach balls. There's just something so distinctly American about athletic competition that it draws us in as spectators and participants alike. We love competitive sports so much, we've manufactured them out of events that were likely never meant to be competitions: Cheerleading. Figure Skating. Diving. Half the Winter Olympics. And the ultimate Summer sport: surfing.
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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 |
| 3.0-3.9 | Good |
| 4.0-4.5 | Excellent |
| 4.6-5.0 | Superior |
So what do surfers and cigar smokers have in common? More than you may think. Each group boasts a language all their own. The opening "surfspeak" quote above, for example, translates roughly as: "The surf was great, now it's not. Let's cat." Simple, right? Now try saying this in front of your non-cigar-smoking friends and see if you don't get some puzzled expression: "I herfed that stick last night. It had a shade wrapper and some Piloto Cubano filler from the D.R. The cap took a nice punch-cut. Draw was easy, but it tunneled a bit. Could've used some ligero for some oomph. Overall it reminded me of a Don Nobody, and could use some time in the box." Their eyes may glaze over, but with any luck, you may eventually make a new convert to the pleasures of the leaf.
The other main similarity between surf fanatics and cigar mavens is the almost mystical place that their hobby is capable of bringing them. just as some surfers can achieve some semblance of nirvana out on the waves, many cigar smokers can enter a realm of singular peace with the right Churchill or robusto on a balmy summer evening. It's two different "zones," but both groups will tell you it's all about the experience, and a solitary, personal experience at that.
Unless you're surfing competitively, that is ... or smoking cigars to evaluate and rate them. And these practices, too, have their place. After all, whether your role is as kahuna or torcedor, you've got to keep that competitive edge.
Two cigars in SMOKE's Review reached that elusive 4.5 rating this time around, interestingly enough, on opposite ends of the size spectrum: the Davidoff Millennium Blend Petit Corona, the smallest cigar in the Review, and the Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 Double Corona, one of the largest. Several other big boys did well, like the C.A.0. Brazilia Amazon (4.3) and The Cigar Churchill (4.2); and two robustos notched respectable scores as well, one from Mexico (the A. Turrent Robusto, 4.4); and one from the Dominican Republic (Avo Signature Series Robusto, 4.4). Our Cuban imports did predictably well, with the El Rey Del Mundo Choix Supreme (4. 1) and the Vegas Robaina Unico (4.2), both demonstrating that tight quality control is once again alive and well on the island.
Thanks go out to all our panelists, including Darin Hatcher and John Allen (both of North Carolina; could be a conspiracy..), winners of the SMOKE Online Become a Reviewer Contest. And if even throwing your name into our electronic hat for a panel spot is too competitive for these lazy summer days, just spark up your favorite stogie and enjoy the season. Or go surfing, if you're so inclined. just don't do both at the same time. - Mark Bernardo
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Want more? For the full details of each review, including all the panelists views on aesthetics, construction, flavor, and more, subscribe now - or pick up a copy of SMOKE Magazine at a Tobacconist near you!
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 |  | COHIBA EXTRA VIGOROSO X•V 652 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | An exceptional cigar with an exceptional, lingering aftertaste. I would definitely reach for this one again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This is a perfect smoke for porch sitting. The combo of pepper and leather made it a definite winner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A flavorful and complex smoke, with some inconsistencies that could be mitigated with a little aging. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I found this cigar to be ideal with either a dram of Scotch or a pint of stout (or two; it’s a big smoke!). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | LA TRADICION CUBANA Churchill | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
La Tradicion Cubana | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Ecu? | | Panelist #1 | This cigar was a pleasure to smoke, pleasing and mellow on the palate. I’d be very happy to get some more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | An uncomplicated smoke. I had it first thing in the morning, and my coffee actually overpowered it. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | There are plenty of smokers out there who’d appreciate this more than I do. A decent dessert cigar. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | An attractive, consistent cigar, suitable for a day on the golf course or for a casual afternoon smoke. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | LA PERLA HABANA Classic Perfecto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Perla Habana | Size:
5 x 51 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Indo | | Panelist #1 | Is your palate ready? For an experienced smoker, these would go well after dinner, with a strong libation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A powerhouse, with a consistently rich and meaty character. A great companion to a VSOP cognac. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The pretty appearance belies a big hitter. Stronger than it looks, it’s worth smoking for the surprise kick. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | All samples were consistent in flavor. The cigar’s a looker, and would be appropriate any time of the day. RECOMMENDED |
 | | PLASENCIA RESERVA ORGANICA Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Indianhead Sales | Size:
4 3/4 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This gorgeous robusto is a treat to the palate, and would be enjoyed best with a well-aged cognac. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one’s long-lasting, rich taste and full body makes it an ideal late- evening or after-dinner stogie. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This is a well-made cigar that should appeal to all levels of smokers, and can only improve with age. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Consistency makes this a very fine cigar. An addition to the humidor that I can (and did) give to friends. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | VEGAS DE FONSECA Vegas No. 5 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/MATASA | Size:
6 1/4 x 56 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | The cigar equivalent of a marshmallow: big, soft, sweet, and consistent. Good with morning coffee and paper. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one is perfect for a beginner. For a veteran smoker, it makes for a decent, any-time-of-day cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Although the flavor is ideal for beginners, the construction problems make this cigar hard to recommend. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | Though lacking depth in the flavor department, it’s a pleasant early-day smoke... if you like them this big. RECOMMENDED |
 | | PUROS INDIOS MAXIMA RESERVA Media Corona | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios | Size:
5 1/2 x 45 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Braz | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar was the perfect complement to a cup of coffee and a morning breeze. I’d keep some around. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A good cigar to share with friends at a poker game; not one to spend time conversing about its intricacies. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar reminded me of Mexican tobacco; too grassy and earthy for my tastes, but still decent. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | A well-made cigar with a plethora of flavors, best enjoyed in early evening hours, perhaps with a brandy. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | C.A.O. BRAZILIA Amazon | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
C.A.O. International | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | One of the most extradordinary cigars I’ve ever tasted. I’d stack it up against any of the great Cubans. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A great evening smoke; make sure you have the time. Mine lasted for a whole NCAA basketball game. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Everyone around me wanted one of these babies. An excellent after-dinner smoke, good with a strong drink. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Tons of smoke, large size, and start- to-finish consistency would get me try this “muscle smoke” again. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | DON TOMAS DOMINICAN SELECTION Lonsdale | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar Sales | Size:
6 1/2 x 44 | Filler:
DR/Br/Mx/Nic | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | A delightful cigar for beginners and conoisseurs alike. I paired it with a tawny port and a good book. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The flavor profile was wrong for me, but I feel others would enjoy its flavor. My guess would be a Perdomo. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A balanced smoke with some definite character; pleasant to the palate and accessible for novices. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I could scarcely find any flaws here. A great cigar that would stand up nicely to your favorite Scotch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | AMBROSIA Spice | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Corona Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Indo | | Panelist #1 | I would offer this to a woman who’s trying a large cigar for the first time. Good for the AM, with strong coffee. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar was attractive, but its tobacco seemed green. The spices in here should richen with age. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | This one’s not for everyone, but its intriguing flavors should be tried. A worthy midday smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A Drew Estates product, perhaps? I’d have it with a red wine, and would offer to a cigar-curious lady. RECOMMENDED |
 | | EXCALIBUR 1066 Galahad | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 3/4 x 47 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Hon | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | Save this one for after dinner and for your favorite beverage. Excellent choice for avid smoker and beginner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This unsophisticated cigar got better as it smoked, but the initial bitterness remained. Might need age. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This was a beautifully made cigar, but the flavor’s lack of complexity made it fall short of expectations. MAY RECOMMENED | | Panelist #4 | Finger-burnin’ good! This big fella has depth for a veteran or a newbie, and invites repeated smoking. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | DAVIDOFF MILLENIUM BLEND Petit Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
4 x 41 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Gentlemen, we have a winner. I enjoyed this little powerhouse with espresso and some Dave Brubeck. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | In the immortal words of Master Yoda, “Size matters not!” A surprisingly tasty yet cool-burning cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This little guy delivers big-time taste in a small package. Your taste buds are in for a mouthwatering surprise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I’d have to say this little cigar is just about perfect. It really puts it all together, from looks to taste. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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