Hecho a Mano,
Por Favor
“It is said that one machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine,
however, can do the work of one extraordinary man.” - CHINESE PROVERB
On a recent trip to Mexico,
I found myself in a quaint, family-owned souvenir shop on a tourist-heavy boulevard in Guadalajara. It was the final day of my visit, and I was searching out a gift for my fiancée back in the States. I spied a little wood-carved curio of the Virgin Mary that looked perfect, and I just had one more question to ask before making the purchase. Though my Spanish at that point didn’t go far beyond two all-purpose inquiries (“Where is the restroom?” and “May I please have a beer?”), I knew as a cigar smoker the exact phrasing in this instance: “Hecho a mano?” (“Made by hand?”) The man behind the counter smiled and nodded, I wrapped up my little treasure and made my way to the airport.
“Hecho a Mano” is a phrase that most people don’t notice anymore on their cigar bands and boxes, even though the absence of those three little words en Espanol could mean
they’re actually lighting up a machine-made product (not that there’s anything wrong with that). In this day and age, it is easy to forget just how rarely one encounters goods constructed by human hands from start to finish. One need only look to the vehicles, furniture, appliances, clothing, and toys rolling off assembly lines to recognize how thoroughly technology has minimized hands-on human craftsmanship in all but the most rare, expensive, high-end segments of industry. Even in art, once a bastion of hands-on, old-school buddies, an electronic revolution is taking place. Animated movies which once required a team of cartoonists to draw hundreds of pictures to make a character move, now accomplish the same task with a few buttons on a computer keyboard. It’s enough to make one fear that the machines are indeed taking over - especially us hardcopy holdouts in the world of publishing.
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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 |
Fortunately, there are still those rare indulgences that are the product of skilled human
hands; if you know where to look for them, and if you truly appreciate them, there are more than you probably think. We gave a nod to a few - Panoz’s sports cars and Vizcaya’s hand-woven hats - in this issue. Wine and spirits go through some mechanized stages, but there are still human hands and taste buds calling the shots. Each gourmet meal from a master chef is a unique work of hand-crafted art. Custom-made furniture and custom-tailored suits are out there for those with the financial means. There are Swiss watches, Belgian chocolate, and fine, hand-blown crystal. And of course, there are premium cigars, perhaps the most accessible and affordable handmade art you will find. This is a reason why even the most truculent anti-smoking activist will put very good cigars on a pedestal above other tobacco products, albeit reluctantly
Speaking of cigars, and high pedestals, this issue’s Review saw some of the most uniformly high scores in a while, with our all-time record of 4.7 being matched by the coveted Graycliff Crystal Pirate, as the Bahamas-based company makes its return to SMOKE’s ratings after a long absence. A surprising newcomer pulled into the runner-up position: the Gran Habano Blend No. 3 from Honduras-based STC cigars scored the first 4.5 rating in several issues. An almost-unprecedented quartet of cigars garnered a 4.4: the Padron 5000 Maduro, the Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 Churchill, the Carlos Torano Nicaraguan Selection Double Corona, and the biggest cigar in the field, the 8” x 54 Helix Maduro Super 8. Our Cubans scored very well (4.2 for both the Partagas Seleccion Privada No. 1 and the Bolivar Belicoso Fino), and the new, bigger ring-gauge Macanudo Tudor Cafe (4.3) and the newest limited edition release from Avo (4.3) also had
quite respectable showings.
Now let’s give a hand (sorry) to our panelists, especially SMOKE Online Become-a-Reviewer contest winners PJ. Akey of South Carolina, John Jensen of Maryland, and Anthony Mortellito of New Jersey, who all performed admirably in their initial outing. To join the hallowed ranks of SMOKE’s cigar reviewers, visit our online Contest Page. See? All this high-tech is good for something.
Enjoy the summer and all its leisures... hand-made and otherwise. - 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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 |  | PUNCH RARE COROJO Magnum | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys a healthy, rich cigar after a steak. Great with Crown and H20. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Looks alone won’t save this one. I guess it’s just an underachiever. With a better draw it might work. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | If you’re not prepared, this cigar will kick more than just your ass. Pairs nicely with a T-bone and Fonseca. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a full-flavored cigar in the double corona category. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CARLOS TORAÑO NICARAGUAN SELECTION Double Corona | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
6 1/4 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A perfect cigar to finish up a perfect day, contemplating how screwed-up the rest of the world probably is. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar is a winner all the way, from its looks to the last ash. Relax and enjoy it! This is a good thing. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, and don’t waste it dog-walking or driving around town. Kick back and enjoy! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I hope these are legal! You can feel confident that sharing these with friends will earn you their respect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | TE-AMO CABINET SELECTION Petit Belicoso | Country:
Mex | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera A. Turrent | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Mex/Brz/DR | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Indo | | Panelist #1 | I will definitely recommend these to my cigar buddies, but take my word for it, don’t fire these up on empty. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would not recommend this cigar for immediate consumption. A little time in the humi will bring it along. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I would buy these but would age them for three to six months before smoking. These have good potential! MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Every sample was a pleasure, particularly after a late meal. The perfect lounge lizard cigar with a brandy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | SAVINELLI NICARAGUA RESERVE Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Savinelli LTD | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This cigar will slap you silly if you’re not ready. Big meals and big drinks should precede this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The perfect stogie to follow-up a good Italian meal or a nice heady ale. Smokeable any time of day. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | For a small cigar, this S.O.B. had some kick. Perfect after a heavy meal, with a beer or three. Careful! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Perfect for the seasoned maduro fan who appreciates body and rich flavor. Aging will make this cigar superb! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | HELIX MADURO Super 8 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar Sales | Size:
8 x 54 | Filler:
DR/Mex/Brz | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | For the large-cigar connoisseur, this could be your go-to cigar. A beer will make you woozy before this will. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I expected a lot of problems from a cigar of this size, but boy was I wrong! Perfect with a Sam Adams. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This is what the cigar lover yearns for! Just make sure you set aside at least an hour to enjoy it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I can cut these into three short cigars...one each for morning, noon, and night. A fine maduro all-around! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | VICTOR SINCLAIR SERIES 5/5 Green Torpedo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Victor Sinclair | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Br | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar kicks ass! A most pleasant smoke to kick back and enjoy with a single malt. I would buy a box! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one should come with a warning label for beginning smokers. For us veterans, it’s a big, tasty treat. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I would only recommend this spicy smoke to the well-seasoned veteran...no pun intended. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | A great cigar with beers and rowdy friends. It stays smooth and flavorful up to 4/5ths of the way down. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | AVO 77 LIMITED EDITION Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
6 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Consistency makes this one a winner. A perfect cigar for beginners or a pro looking for breakfast smokes. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | An anytime cigar for any man! Always pleasant; I’d buy ‘em! Aging would do these babies just right. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The uneven burn lost this puppy a few points. I’d have to put it in the good lawn-mowing cigar category. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | If this isn’t a Davidoff, it should be! I’d recommend it to the Opus crowd as a brunch smoke. Excellent! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | C.A.O. CRIOLLO Pato | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
C.A.O. International | Size:
4 7/8 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Perfect after dinner with a single malt, this cigar is not for an empty stomach. Consistently enjoyable. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Tried and true, this complemented a glass of merlot after an Italian meal quite nicely. Great flavor throughout. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Not my cup of tea, but I can see how others might enjoy this cigar. I wouldn’t turn it down if offered. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | A great golfing cigar, as the heavy flavor and aroma lend well to outside conditions. Enjoyable overall. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GRAYCLIFF Crystal Pirate | Country:
Bah | Manufacturer:
Graycliff Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/4 x 52 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I smoked these until my fingers burned. If they’re affordable, I’ll have to get another humidor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would hand these out to good friends, but not without a heavy heart. They’re mine! All MINE! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Plenty of punch; not enough flavor to complete the picture. Slight blend tweaking would make it a winner. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Particularly enjoyable on the deck with a Crown and water. I would recommend these to all my friends. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | JOYA DE NICARAGUA Antaño 1970 Churchill | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
SAG Imports | Size:
6 7/8 x 48 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A chocolate delight in both color and flavor. A passerby asked what I was smokin’, and I replied, “dunno.” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Don’t hesitate to buy these! So many surprises, you’re bound to enjoy every last one of them. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | An outside smoke, so fire up the grill. A beer will counter the bitterness, and who’d turn down a steak? RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I really enjoyed this cigar. Perfect for a sunny day with a Corona in hand. I’m beggin...please send me more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | INDIAN TABAC FIRE Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Indian Tabac Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Costa R | | Panelist #1 | This stogie is mild enough to be smoked inside or out, and the flavor makes you want to smoke it all. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A blind date that seems pretty and sweet, but by the end, it’s no second date. Beauty without substance! MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I would have liked the taste and performance to follow suit to the bold wrapper. Newbies might like this. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Definitely an after-dinner cigar. Any die-hard maduro smoker will find this to be a tasty meal-finisher. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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