Churchills
Make no mistake: the Big Boys ran away with the top scores this time around. The new Chubby Long (at 7 x 60, perhaps qualifying as a super-Churchill) from newcomer Crown David International, posted an impressive 4.4, tying the more conventionally-sized Graycliff Espresso President (also 4.4) from the Bahamas.

Robustos
A seasonal favorite, the Punch Rare Corojo Magnum, ran away with this category, posting a stupendous 4.5. This box-pressed beauty impressed across the board. An even rarer cigar, the Griffin’s Special XX Edition, celebrating 20 years of the popular brand, and only available in this size, scored an impressive 4.3.

SMOKE Cigar Ratings
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

Corona Gordas/Toros
For the third issue running, the top overall score comes from this popular frontmark. The Oliveros XL For Men XL/60 (that’s 60 as in 60 ring gauge) whalloped the competition, earning a rare 4.6. “This is why I smoke cigars,” one taster commented. The new size from the ultra-exclusive Zino Platinum Crown Series, the aptly named Barrel, also got high honors (4.4) as did the maduro-wrapped La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve “E” (also 4.4).

From Cuba, we managed to get our hands on a couple of the new Montecristo Edmundos - the first new size from this venerable brand in 30 years. The 4.5 score awarded by our panelists seems to indicate that it was worth the wait.

Figurados
The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970 Gran Consul (another 4.5) was the only shortie that took the top score in a category (though its massive 60 ring gauge almost qualifies it as one of the Big Boys). The Oliva Cigar Family “O” brand makes an impressive debut in Smoke’s Review, with the Orion garnering a 4.4. And the Carlos Toraño Exodus 1959 Silver Edition continues its run of high ratings with a 4.4 for the Torpedo Especiale.

Lonsdales
Only one in this occasionally neglected category, but the mild-bodied Helix Cylinder racked up a 4.2, demonstrating that a cigar does not have to clobber you with power to be an excellent smoke.

This issue, Smoke welcomed first-time panelists included Gene Anderson of Oregon, Jack Hamburg of Illinois, and Dan Hofer of Texas, all winners in Smoke’s online “Become a Reviewer” contest. Surf on over to our Contest Entry Form if you’d like to take part.