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SUMMER FIRE... (cont.)
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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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 |  | BAHIA BLU B500 | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Bahia Cigars | Size: 5 x 50 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | Consistently good samples. This would be a nice end-of-the-weekend cigar. Seems Nicaraguan in style. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A slow-burning, relaxing cigar, meant to be enjoyed at the end of the day with a glass of Canadian whiskey. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Three words: ugly, but tasty. I can usually read a cigar by its wrapper, but this one made a comeback. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This would be a great go-to cigar for the right price; perfect to have with a heavy bock and a ballgame. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ZINO PLATINUM CROWN SERIES Barrel | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Davidoff | Size: 6 x 60 | Filler: DR/Peru | Binder: Conn | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I had this one at a Sunday BBQ in the backyard after a rack of ribs. Parting with it was sweet sorrow. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The smoking equivalent of lying in a hammock on a warm, breezy summer day. Pairs well with pale ale. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A big, imposing cigar that calls out to be smoked. Light this puppy up when you’ve got time on your hands. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A versatile smoke that paired well with a strong coffee, a Scotch, and a red wine (not all at the same time)! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | OLIVA CIGAR FAMILY "O" Orion | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Oliva Cigar Co. | Size: 7 x 54 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | I felt spoiled after finishing this.The extra-long torpedo size means it’s not a Cuban... but it’s pretty close! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A perfect ending to a hectic day. This dependable, sturdy cigar would match up well with any stiff drink. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Some youthful bitterness intruded on this smoke’s pleasantries, but I certainly wouldn’t turn down a freebie. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Give a box at the holidays, make a friend for life! A dynamite cigar, one you’d have with a 20-year-old port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CARAVELAS Torpedo | Country: Braz | Manufacturer: Caravelas | Size: 6 1/2 x 50 | Filler: Braz | Binder: Braz | Wrapper: Braz | | Panelist #1 | I have a natural fondness for torpedos, but this one makes me want to try other sizes of this blend. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I like the flavor despite the construction flaws. I’d say keep the blend and tighten the quality control. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This one is perfect for a sunny day at the lake, fishing or just lounging around. I didn’t want to put it down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | The only problem I had with this cigar was that, like a good book, it left me wanting more. Much more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | MONTECRISTO Edmundo | Country: Cuba | Manufacturer: Habanos SA | Size: 6 x 52 | Filler: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | | Panelist #1 | A big, complex, well-balanced cigar that never faltered. It’s well-suited to follow up a gourmet meal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Looks can be deceiving. This cigar was a marvelous surprise, and a great partner to a Highland malt. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Beginners and ladies may wish to avoid this one’s power; for a veteran puffer, this is a rare treat indeed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I must discover what these are. The best in the tasting. Have this with your oldest cognac or port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |

 |  | TRINIDAD Robusto Extra | Country: Cuba | Manufacturer: Habanos SA | Size: 6 1/8 x 50 | Filler: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | | Panelist #1 | A cigar that manages to be both powerful and elegant. Match it up with your best bourbon or Scotch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A looser draw might have brought out more flavors. Worth a try if you like the the “butt-kicker” smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I smoked one of these on a leisurely drive in the country, and was transported to cigar smoker Nirvana. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A seasoned cigar smoker will appreciate this one’s subtle power; a novice might be overwhelmed. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CIENFUEGOS Engine No. 6 | Country: Hon | Manufacturer: Puros Indios Cigars | Size: 6 1/2 x 46 | Filler: DR | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | A strong aroma makes this one an outdoor smoke, so fire up the grill. You’ll love it after burgers and dogs! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This will bring a smile to the experienced smoker and novice alike. Save yourself some time for this big boy. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Instructions for a perfect evening: this cigar, a generous snifter of vintage port, and a roaring fire. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Consistently tasty and powerful. Finish your next filet mignon with this and your favorite whiskey. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GRAN HABANO Blend No.3 Torpedo | Country: Hon | Manufacturer: STC Cigars | Size: 6 1/8 x 52 | Filler: CR/Mex/Nic | Binder: Ecu | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | I would definitely buy myself a box of these. Here is a cigar suited to fine spirits and fine conversation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | If you like ‘em strong, this cigar is for you. If mellow is more your style, it will likely kick your butt. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Pour yourself a glass of your favorite single malt and light this up. The aroma will fill up a room. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I’d keep these in a humidor for a while to mellow them out, but I sense greatness in the blend. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | THE GRIFFIN'S Special XX Edition | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Davidoff | Size: 5 1/4 x 52 | Filler: DR | Binder: Mex | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A superstar. Pass these out after the barbecue and your guests won’t be leaving anytime soon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Even my wife was intrigued to take a few puffs of this pleasant robusto. This is also an age-worthy cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Decent and not overpowering. An espresso, a lounge chair, and this cigar makes for a perfect afternoon. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I can’t wait to try more. The ideal cigar to light up alongside a dram of Dalmore and the sports page. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |

SMOKE - Summer, 2004
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