Live large, Smoke Big!
"In a country as big as the United States, you can find 50 examples of anything." - Jeffery F. Chamberlain
It's old news
by now that we Americans are often stereotyped by the rest of the world as arrogant, haughty, and obsessed with having everything bigger and better. One could argue both sides of that contention, but a preoccupation with size and strength does seem to be encoded into our national DNA. Witness our skyscrapers, our cars, our TV screens, and most recently, our cigars. Ring gauges over 50, once relegated to a few novelty brands, have become nearly as commonplace among new cigar brands as the figurado shape or the maduro wrapper, similarly rare in U.S.-marketed cigars just over a decade ago.
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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 |
Of course, there is some method to the madness when it comes to cigars. A hefty girth means more room for more tobacco leaves, which allows for more complex blends. And as our 20 panelists discovered, many large ring cigars are literally bursting with complex flavors.
If you doubt this sign of the times, consider this newest edition of Smoke's Cigar Review, where only six cigars have ring gauges under 50; a whopping 20 are in the 50-59 ring gauge range; and a mesmerizing six are 60 gauge or over.
So grab a (big) cutter, a (huge) ashtray, and a few (dozen) matches, hang up a "Do Not Disturb" sign at the pool, and explore some of the great finds in this "big cigar" renaissance.
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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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 |  | ZINO PLATINUM CROWN SERIES Chubby Especial Tubo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
5 7/8 x 61 | Filler:
DR/Peru | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A consistent, enjoyable midday smoke. I could even enjoy this in the late morning... if I had the time.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | All the positives here led me to anticipate more than was actually delivered, but not a bad cigar.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Everything about this cigar was top-notch. A great example of the cigar maker's art, worthy of your time.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This missile doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed this one so much I want to buy stock in the company!
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 | | SANCHO PANZA EXTRA FUERTE Barcelona | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
4 1/2 x 48 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | This was an outstanding cigar. I enjoyed it on a Sunday afternoon with a Heineken and a Mets game.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This cigar showed strength but never overpowered. It made a nice, mellow companion for over an hour.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Hard to draw a bead on this one. It's pleasing and complex but doesn't dazzle. Consistency is top-notch.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Definitely sit down when you smoke this one. A kick-ass smoke that delivers flavor without harshness.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 |  | EXQUISITO Maduro Belicoso Long | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Crown David Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | A phenomenal smoke. If you love a full-bodied cigar as much as I do, you'll find this to be a home run!
9.7 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | The appearance didn't wow me, but this flavorful cigar was worth smoking all the way to the end.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Good flavors, but I had to suck the living daylights out of this cigar to get to them. Loosen the roll.
7.7 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | Sign me up for a few boxes! A well- thought-out blend of tobaccos, aged to perfection. Pair with a Guinness.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | SAVINELLI NICARAGUA RESERVE Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Savinelli Ltd. | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A grand slam cigar, and a wonderful smoking experience. This is one to share with your very best buddies.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | The tough draw held this one back from its full potential, but some aging should make it magic.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This one's bold yet creamy flavor profile makes it an ideal companion for a morning coffee and newspaper.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This cigar is best enjoyed late in the day after a light meal, and goes especially well with a heavy beer.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 |  | AURORA PREFERIDOS Corojo No. 1 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Aurora Cigars | Size:
6 x 58 | Filler:
Braz/Cam/DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | A true classic among cigars, it goes down like a glass of fine wine. I found this cigar absolutely exquisite.
10 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | All the flavor left behind was pleasant. If you're looking for a smooth, sophisticated smoke, this is the one.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I definitely want to try this again. If it's expensive I'd be tempted to take up a second job to pay for 'em!
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | All I can say is "Wow!" My compliments to the rollers of this genuinely great cigar. A rare treat, indeed.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 |  | CUBA ALIADOS Piramide No. 2 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x ?56 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | An easy-smoking big boy for after dinner. It matches especially well with a glass of Glenlivet and water.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | With your favorite espresso blend in hand and one of these babies, this is a fine way to finish off a feast.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | The uneven burn and soft patch made this cigar difficult. A shame, as I know there's flavor in here.
7.9 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | Definitely a keeper! This cigar is a big one to wrap your mouth around, but it has a tasty blend to die for.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | AUGUSTO REYES Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Corporacion Cigar Export | Size:
6 x 46 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | I'm pretty picky about what cigars I keep in my humidor, but this would be among them. I liked it a lot.
9.1 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A very good smoke in almost all respects. At the right price, it would be a good one to pass out to friends.
9.1 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Samples displayed remarkable consistency. This is a very satisfying smoke, suited for the veteran.
8.8 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Pair this up with some Bushmill's or Glenlivet and put a little bit of spice in your life. One for the humidor.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | MATASA 3OTH ANNIVERSARY BY FONSECA Perfecto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Matasa | Size:
?5 3/4 X 54 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | This cigar was fantastic, with ever-changing flavors. It paired well with a Breckenridge Summer Bright Ale.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A wonderful early evening cigar, this one is ideally suited to complement an espresso and good conversation.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This one's flavor was hard to pin down. I'd lay it down a while to soften the rough edges. Couldn't hurt.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I was blown away by this perfecto, from its looks to its finish. Savor it with some of your finest liqueur.
9.6 SUPERIOR |
 | | CARLOS TORAŅO VIRTUOSO Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Toraņo Cigar Co. | Size:
?5 1/2 X 56 | Filler:
Nic/Hon/Pan | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I thoroughly enjoyed the medley of flavors in this cigar. I'd like to get one box to smoke and one for aging.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I would buy this cigar, though I feel some time in the humidor might mellow out some of that finish.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Some construction issues, but overall, a decent cigar that I enjoyed after dinner with a glass of Scotch.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This one is a star. Don't waste it on golf or yard work or at a bar. Let the cigar be the focus of the experience.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 | | BELMORE CAMEROON SELECTION Torpedo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Charles Fairmorn, Ltd. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | A very fine after-dinner smoke, good with a cognac or tawny port. All the samples proved highly consistent.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Lacking in complexity. I'd call it a good stick for a beginner or to start the day. A fine smoke for someone.
7.7 AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | This is an easygoing smoke that can be enjoyed any time of the day. I found it to be tasty with a Corona.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This well-rounded cigar makes a good smoke for Happy Hour. Newbies and vets alike will love it.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 | | LAS MEMORIAS CUBANA Gordo | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
La Tradicion Cubana | Size:
5 x 64 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I enjoyed this big boy after a good steak with a cup of coffee. I would definitely recommend it to friends.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I'm not a big fan of smokes I can barely get in my mouth, but I must say I managed to enjoy this one.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | These are very consistent, well-made cigars. They make for a good morning smoke, with some coffee.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A short, thick smoke that packs complexity. A wonderful pairing after some beef brisket with a ruby port.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | CUBAN CRAFTERS Chairman | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cuban Crafters, Inc. | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I took an enjoyable hour-long pleasure trip with this exceptional cigar and a vintage tawny port.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | It's best to light this baby up outside - and definitely, far away from the fire alarm! A powerful smoke.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This mammoth smoke is perfect for any die-hard maduro lover. I spent two hours in paradise with this one!
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Good right down to the nub. I would still endure the burn inconsistencies to get at these wonderful flavors.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
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