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Good Summer Puffin'... (cont.)
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 |  | FITTIPALDI Gold Series Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Corporacion Cigar Export | Size:
4 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | I'd go stronger for my brandy, but this cool-smoking cigar would go well with white wine and fish.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Despite some wrapper splitting, this makes an appealing morning cigar, best with a dark roast coffee.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Smooth, mellow, and easy to smoke, this elegant robusto is the right cigar to accompany your morning latte.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Flavors stayed constant, but good. No harshness or bitterness at all. Match it up with a ruby port.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | COHIBA Lonsdale Grande | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/4 x 47 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This cigar far exceeded my expectations. An excellent companion to a coffee or a wee dram of Knockando.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I was left with the impression that this was an OK cigar: worth trying but not worth writing home about.
7.5 AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | A nice one to light up after seafood, scampi, or bouillabase, especially with a port or other dessert wine.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | After 18 holes of golf, you can light up this bad boy and fully enjoy it, even if your game was horrible.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | ROCKY PATEL SUN-GROWN Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Indian Tabac Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This powerhouse is quite a treat! Enjoy it with your favorite tequila and your very best friends!
9.8 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | If you're planning a vacation, think of this summer cigar like your AmEx card: don't leave home without it!
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | What more could an experienced palate want? Great flavor and complexity complete a perfect evening.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Okay, tell me what it is so I can buy more. It held up to a good Scotch, and I'd smoke it again and again.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 |  | NACIONALES W Torpedo | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Cigar King | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | What can I say? Great taste and great construction. I enjoyed it with a dark ale after an afternoon siesta.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Hot, then bitter, like a rocky relationship. Tighten up the construction a bit and you may have something.
7.9 AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | Despite some inconsistencies in construction among the samples, I'd recommend this to most smokers.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A great smoke after a round of golf; one of the best in the tasting. It reminds me of a smooth Honduran.
10 SUPERIOR |
 |  | CUSANO C-10 Crown Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Dom Rey Cigar Ltd. | Size:
5 x 42 | Filler:
Hon/DR/USA | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | If peppery spice is your thing, groove with these. They match great with a smooth Sambuca or Tia Maria.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This is the perfect after-lunch cigar, but if you're saving it for evening, it works very well with a brandy.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A demure-looking cigar with some impressive full-bodied strength. Just needs a bit more balance.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A great quick smoke to enjoy alone or share with friends. And a perfect "first premium cigar" for the novice.
10 SUPERIOR |
 |  | HOYO DE MONTERREY Edicion Limitada 2004 | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
4 7/8 x 50 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | A lot of complexity and full flavor in a compact package with very few flaws. I'd buy it without hesitation.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Even with the tough draw at first, I got loads of flavor out of this. I'd like to try it after some humidor time.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | It smoked for an hour and 45 minutes without a relight; a respectable timespan for an awesome cigar.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Straight A's across the board. This cigar will appeal to all smokers of taste, especially after a great meal.
9.6 SUPERIOR |
 | | LOS BLANCOS Connecticut Shade Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Los Blancos Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I smoked this cigar during a round of golf on a windy day; the burn stayed slow. Great match with a beer.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | It's not going to blow you away as an after-dinner heater, but with a good coffee, it's a fine choice.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | The clean, mellow taste is a high point, but I still expected just a little more boldness from this size.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This one smoked cool all the way, and it's mild enough to match up with a beer. A good summer cigar.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | NOMI RARE COLLECTION Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Crown David Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Pair this one up with something that can hold its own, like a Highlands single malt or small-batch bourbon.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A little rough around the edges, but should mature into a fine smoke for those who like the strong stuff.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This succulent cigar is not overly complex, but consistently satisfying. If priced right, I'd seek these out.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I would recommend this cigar to anyone who appreciates a full-flavored spice bomb. Newbies beware!
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 | | FONSECA SUN-GROWN CEDAR No. 3 Wavell | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Peru | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I enjoyed one sample with a 10-year-old tawny port, the other with a Spanish brandy. Should age well.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A dark treasure that hinted at greatness. I would age these for a while and anticipate their re-emergence.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This cigar paired up equally well with a ruby port and a late-morning espresso. This one has class.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Samples had remarkable consistency. A very good Friday evening cigar, excellent with a few cold ones.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | SHAKESPEARE SIGNATURE SERIES Robusto | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Shakespeare's Cigar | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This is a reliable consistent cigar to enjoy before dinner. I'd recommend it to newbies and everyday smokers.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A good midday smoke; no fussing here. Some aging in the humidor may improve the flavor complexity.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This robusto would be ideally paired up with coffee or rum drinks. Good enough to share with good friends.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A source of relaxation all the way around. Best of all, this one's gentle bouquet didn't even offend the wife!
9.0 VERY GOOD |
SMOKE - Summer, 2005
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