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Good
Summer
Puffin'...
To many of us in the Northeast, the beginning of Summer has seemed a long time in coming. For those of us who count ourselves among the community of cigar enthusiasts, the season brings with it not only longer days, shorter nights, baseball, beaches, and the opportunity to fire up the backyard grill - it also brings the chance to enjoy favorite smokes in the fresh air and sunshine rather than huddled in whatever cigar-friendly indoor havens we’ve managed to stake out in these tough times. While not exactly on the level of the last day of school or Opening Day for your favorite ballclub, the first leisurely cigar on the porch or in the park is, for us, a sign of summer that brings out an almost childlike exuberance.
We all have our favorite summer activities, and we all have our preferred cigar types, and Smoke’s Summer 2005 Cigar Review includes sizes, strengths, and price ranges to satisfy just about anyone’s personal tastes and budget.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 0-5.9 | Poor |
| 6.0-6.9 | Fair |
| 7.0-7.9 | Average |
| 8.0-8.5 | Good |
| 8.6-9.0 | Very Good |
| 9.1-9.5 | Excellent |
| 9.6-10.0 | Superior |
Leading the pack by a respectable margin this go-around is the Rocky Patel Sun-Grown Toro (9.4), a Honduran-made, full-bodied beauty that wowed our tasters across the board, moving one to urge readers to “think of this cigar like your AmEx card: don’t leave home without it!”
A limited-run cigar from Davidoff of Geneva, the Avo LE 05, commemorates the 79th birthday of the brand’s namesake, Avo Uvezian, with a rich, spicy blend that incorporates Cuban-seed criollo tobacco in the filler blend. Panelists awarded this Dominican-made cigar a 9.0.
If your taste runs more toward a smaller cigar, there is the Cusano C-10 Crown Corona (9.0), a limited edition by Cusano Cigar Company, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the cigar biz with this elegant corona, reminiscent of the Cuban Montecristo No. 5. Tobaccos from five different nations, including four wrapper-quality leaves, round out the blend.
Of course, if you’re vacationing outside the country, you’ll want to try some of those coveted Habanos. A good choice would be the Hoyo de Monterrey Edicion Limitada 2004, another maduro-wrapped firecracker from Cuba’s exclusive and mega-popular Edicion Limitada line that garnered unanimous kudos and a 9.2 score.
The full results follow on the next page, including our first reviews of the C.A.O. Italia, Carlos Toraño Casa Toraño, Altadis’s all-Nicaraguan Juan Lopez, and a crop of newcomers making impressive debuts, including an all-new puro from Costa Rica.
We couldn’t do this without our nationwide panel of cigar tasters who lend us their expertise and opinions, so special thanks go out to all who participated, especially our latest Smoke “Become A Reviewer” contest winners, Paul Hight of Kentucky and Charlie Baranyai of Florida. If you want a shot at reviewing cigars for Smoke, set down that Mai Tai, click on your computer, and enter SMOKE's Online Be A Reviewer Contest. The sun will still be waiting for you.
- 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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 |  | CARLOS TORAÑO CASA TORAÑO Torpedo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Hon/Mx/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Excellent! A sophisticated cigar, meant to be enjoyed after a fine dinner with a glass of aged bourbon.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A fairly nice smoke that just needs to hold together better. I'd keep an open mind and try it again.
7.9 AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | Removing the band likely accounts for the flaking; not a bad cigar otherwise, in taste or construction.
8.1 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This would make a great morning smoke, or one for any occasion you're seeking a quality mild cigar.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | CUBAN CLASSICS Torpedo Maduro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Reel Smokers | Size:
6 1/8 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | The best of the batch. All the samples were consistent. I would certainly buy these and smoke them.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This is a good, slow-burning cigar to take with you to the racetrack. Chase it with a good dark beer.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This is a robust and pleasant-smelling cigar that keeps you under the radar in the no-smoking zone.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | If I was this cigar's maker I'd call it "Black Forest." I love the flavor. Save it for dessert, with vanilla ice cream.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 | | OLIVA "O" CLASSIC Omni | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Oliva Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Not memorable but enjoyable. Each sample performed well and offered a consistent level of quality.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A somewhat satisfying cigar that has a ton of promise once some aging smooths out the apparent youth.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Mellow, but enough character to engage the palate without assaulting the stomach. Perfect after dinner.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A great smoke that would be appreciated more by longtime smokers than starters. I'll be looking for it.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | ADAN Y EVA Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Cuban Desire | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | My new favorite! Save this one for after a holiday meal or for celebrating the last mortgage payment.
9.6 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | This is the right cigar for your next "night in" with a good book. Overall, a pleasant smoke start to finish.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This one's flavors keep your mouth watering for the next draw. the finish is like an after-dinner mint.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | All samples were consistent and paired especially well with coffee. I'd recommend it as a good mild cigar.
8.7 VERY GOOD |
 | | GRAN HABANO VL Churchill | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
STC Cigars | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Costa R. | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | More proof that you can't judge a book by its cover. These are great smokes that I would definitely buy.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This was a smooth, enjoyable cigar to kick back and relax with on the back deck after doing yard work.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Not for the squeamish. This stick is for fans of strong cigars Ñ or for anyone feeling a bit saucy.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Marvelous! Prime your palate with some Godiva chocolates, pour some good port, and light this big boy up.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | JUAN LOPEZ Titanias | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Altadis USA | Size:
7 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Definitely the bully in the humidor. Big and full, it needs to be had with a sipping tequila or dry gin martini.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This rich, complex cigar is highly recommended, especially after a heavy meal. A very tasty dessert.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A great cigar, consistent in draw, burn, and flavor from start to finish. I'm hoping it's also got a great price.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Despite its intimidating looks, this middle-of-the-road cigar would pair well with a morning coffee.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 |  | EUREKA SPECIAL EDITION Torpedo | Country:
CR | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera de la Cordillera | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Costa Rica | Binder:
Costa R. | Wrapper:
Costa R. | | Panelist #1 | I'd enjoy a Jack Daniel's on ice with this one. Try it if you're looking for a stronger smoke with an easy draw.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A good smoke despite its appearance. If the samples were more consistent, I'd score it higher.
8.1 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This cigar made an impressive statement. Put some jazz on the stereo, pour some rum, and light it up.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Not a huge fan of torpedos, I think I just converted. This one's coming with me on opening day for bass.
8.6 VERY GOOD |
 |  | AVO LE 05 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
5 3/8 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar is just right for an after-dinner treat, and especially marvelous with a single-barrel bourbon.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I would recommend this cigar to any experienced smoker. A well-honed palate will appreciate the nuances.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | The tobacco seems well-chosen but perhaps young. With some humidor time, it's destined for greatness.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Save this cigar for a special moment, and a special drink, like that Ô82 Bordeaux you've been hoarding.
9.6 SUPERIOR |
 | | ELOGIO Maduro Consul | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Elogio Cigars | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Overall, a good smoke, and some time in the humidor should make it a great smoke. I'd recommend it.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Remarkably consistent, these cigars had a distinct, rounded flavor that matches especially well with coffee.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I expected more based on its looks. If the price were right, I'd pick up a few and see how they aged.
7.9 AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | Enjoy a full meal before tackling this rich cigar. It's wonderful after a 24-oz steak, with a glass of Cabernet.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | JOYA DE NICARAGUA CELEBRACION Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A great cigar to have on hand after a steak dinner, or even after pizza and beer. It reminds me of a Perdomo.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This would follow up a thick steak or a spicy Cajun-style meal very well, especially with good rum or tequila.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A great evening smoke, with a Scotch-and-water in one hand and a lovely lady on the other arm.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I found this cigar purely enjoyable; the perfect antidote to a long day of work, especially with a good Scotch.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 | | BAHIA MADURO VINTAGE 1994 Pancho | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bahia Cigars | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | An excellent smoke, well-suited for either an evening coffee, Kahlua or Sambuca. Leaves a nice buzz, too!
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This cigar is best after a spicy meal, but I really couldn't think of a wrong time for it. A consistent performer.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Despite the mild construction flaws, this cigar would hold its own well with an inch-thick porterhouse.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | One of the finest robustos I've had, and versatile as well: it paired equally well with coffee and cognac.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 | | MACANUDO GOLD LABEL Tudor | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Mex | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This one's perfect for the palate of a new smoker or for a seasoned enthusiast on the right occasion.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | I'd recommend one to my son when he comes of age. You could smoke this unnoticed in a crowded room.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I would make room in my humidor for this one. It makes a mellow companion to a glass of good red wine.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Kick off the day with this one, and definitely offer it to a new smoker. it won't ever disappoint!
9.0 EXCELLENT |
 Continued on next page...
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