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Hecho a Mano, Por Favor (cont.)
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 |  | GARO MADURO Soprano | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Garo Habano | Size:
6 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | A fine example of an expertly rolled, masterully blended figurado. It made a perfect match with my espresso. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Based on the looks, I expected much more.This cigar would have to be priced right for me to try again. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Not a great start to this cigar, but overall, not a bad smoke either. It grows on you as it burns down. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | I spent a pleasant hour on my deck with this cigar and a glass of California cabernet. I want more! RECOMMENDED |
 | | PUROFINO Milenio Torpedo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Cigar King | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A perfect cigar for the novice, or a breakfast cigar for the more experienced. Overall, an enjoyable smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Samples were inconsistent, especially the burn and ash. Not my faves, but had some redeeming qualities. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | All of the samples burned well. A decent cigar; nothing special. I might buy these if the price is right. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This good-looking smoke would be great on the golf course. Not too strong, it’d probably last six holes. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GRAN HABANO BLEND NO. 3 Churchill | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
STC Cigars | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
CR/Nic/Mex | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Divine! The ultimate smoking experience. A perfect end to the day, with your favorite glass of good stuff. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A highly enjoyable smoke. It will bring a smile to the experienced smoker and novice alike. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I love these! My brother smoked one and had nothing but good things to say. I would buy a box or two! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar would perfectly complement a single-malt whiskey, like a Bowmore. Smoke it anywhere! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CUBITA SMS Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG Imports | Size:
5 1/4 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | A real man’s smoke, with lasting flavors that stick with you. A heady smoke. I’d buy ‘em; what are they? RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This would be a great cigar for new smokers, as it’s easy on the palate. I enjoyed these in the afternoon. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I enjoyed these accompanied by a good wheat beer. Their light aroma makes them a perfect indoor smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | An evening smoke that went well with a frosty Newcastle. Perfect for an El Rey or La Gloria smoker. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | BOLIVAR Belicoso Fino | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos SA | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This stick’s sweet flavors matched up perfectly with a dark island rum. A great smoke for any time of day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This struck me as a good outdoor cigar, for golfing or just kicking back. A dark ale makes a good companion. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The flavors weren’t as intriguing as the scent, but the solid construction made it seem that much better. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | A masterfully made cigar in my favorite size. Following up a prime rib with this, you can’t go wrong. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | PUROS INDIOS MAXIMA RESERVA Corona No. 46 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios | Size:
6 1/2 x 46 | Filler:
Br/Dom/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar should be enjoyed after a hearty meal, with a good merlot. All of the samples were excellent! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Not for the faint of heart! If you like a spicy, unrefined cigar, go for it. For me, it was a chore just to finish it. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This cigar would be excellent with a good single-malt scotch or a cognac. Where can I get my hands on them? RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Definitely a keeper! This cigar looks good and tastes the way a good cigar should. These are to die for! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA AURORA Bristol Especiale | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Aurora | Size:
6 3/8 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | A great all-around cigar; perfect for maduro and cigar upstarts and even better for us know-it-alls. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Nothing fancy or overpowering; just a good, solid smoke with classic character. Port and cigars, anyone? RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Like so many girls I dated in college, at least it was full of promise at the beginning. I’d need some convincing. MAY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I’d smoke these cigars on the back porch with a cup of joe, after a nice round of lawn mowing - not during. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PADRON 5000 Maduro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Padron | Size:
5 1/2 X 56 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Here is a cigar to settle down with for an hour. A quintessential luxury smoke for after the sun goes down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A glass of your favorite good bourbon straight up will bring out the nuances in this big, bold cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A good cigar for a seasoned veteran. A more perfect construction would make this one absolutely flawless. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A simply luscious cigar, perfect with any strong drink. I can’t wait to hoard these in my humidor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA DIFERENCIA CUBANA Torpedo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Dominican Cigars Unlimited | Size:
6 x 48 | Filler:
DR/Con | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A great all-around smoke. Keep this one close at hand and smoke it wherever it’s legal to do so! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I really wanted to like this cigar, but the rough aftertaste kept it from tasting quite as good as it looked. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | I love maduros, but this one was nothing I’d write home about. A good candidate for humidor time. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This smoke goes quite well with a Maker’s Mark or a fine red wine. After a filet? Even better. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA PALMA DE ORO Torpedo | Country:
Can Isl. | Manufacturer:
Cuban Cigar Factory | Size:
7 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Can Isl | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Be selfish: buy a box of these and hide ‘em! This is as close to perfect as you can get. Take your time! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would have to say that this cigar would only make my “Purchase Only in an Emergency List.” MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | The perfect midday cigar, after a nice lunch. Take it to the park with a cold iced tea, and savor this one! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Here’s a great cigar for the golf course. It won’t go out and your lady won’t complain about the aroma. RECOMMENDED |
 | | DON JUAN COLORADO Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tropical | Size:
6 1/4 X 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A torpedo in more ways than one. To all seasoned smokers: I’ve got your “explosive undertones” right here! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Overall, too much power, not enough flavor nuances. Ease up on the really strong leaf and this one could sing. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This would follow up a charbroiled steak rather well, or any Cajun meal, alongside a rum or tequila. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This stick looks mild-mannered but is a full-bodied powerhouse. Only the finest strong whisky will tame it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
SMOKE - Summer, 2003
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