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Live Large, Smoke Big! (cont.)
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 |  | LOS BLANCOS PREMIERE SELECTION Conn. Shade Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Los Blancos Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Conn. | | Panelist #1 | Very tasty without being overwhelming. A good anytime cigar, especially matched with a top-shelf bourbon.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A great companion to a round of golf or a day at the beach. Newbies can enjoy this as much as veterans.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This is a well-made cigar that should appeal to all levels of smokers, and lend themselves well to aging.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This gorgeous corona gorda is a treat to the palate, and is enjoyed best with a well-aged cognac.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 |  | THE GRIFFIN'S Perfecto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
4 5/8 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Perfect for mid-afternoon. If you have a half-hour or more of quality time, pair it with a cappuccino.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Favorable without being obtrusive. Everything came together to make it enjoyable any time of the day.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | It's lacking boldness, but a great addition to a good book and some smooth jazz. A daytime smoke.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I spent a very pleasant 45 minutes with this cigar, paired with a mocha latte. It's great any time of day.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | OLIVEROS XL FOR MEN XL/60 Double Corojo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | A steakhouse smoke, indeed. A bold and fruity red wine went down very well with this impressive cigar.
9.9 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | A little harshness in the beginning mellowed out by the midpoint. I enjoyed this with a pale ale.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Big cigar, big flavor. It was a perfect match to a 18-year-old Macallan. Save both for after a good meal.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I had a steak dinner before smoking this cigar, and it was the perfect opening act to this main event.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | ROCKY PATEL VINTAGE 1992 The Sixty | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Rocky Patel Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Once you get past the size, this is a very enjoyable smoke. A little age would take away some of the bite.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | The ring gauge isn't my usual preference, and construction had issues, but I'd give this one another try.
7.9 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | A fine smoke with a sophisticated tobacco blend. I may have to buy another humidor to hold them all.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This was a lot of cigar! You'll need a lot of time to finish it, but fortunately it's a pure joy to smoke.
9.5 EXCELLENT |
 |  | H. UPMANN Magnum 50 Limited Edition Maduro | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
6 1/8 x 50 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | Like smoking a dream. This is one of the finest I've had in a while. I'll be buying a box, if I can find one!
9.6 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | A perfect size for a truly inspired blend. This cigar deserves your full attention and your finest whiskey.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | I'm a maduro fan, and this well-balanced stick takes flavor to another level. Have it after a prime rib.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This cigar's leisurely burn meant a long smoke session, and that's fine with me. In fact, give me more!
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | ELOGIO Perfecto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Elogio Cigars | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Ecu | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Don't drive. Don't chat. Do nothing else but smoke this cigar. If you must have a drink, make it strong.
9.8 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | This cigar offered a good late-afternoon smoke; the shape is a nice change of pace from my usual.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A top-notch evening smoke, this one is enjoyable without being overpowering, and the shape is perfect.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This one's clean taste reminded me of some of my favorite Cubans. I'm wondering if these are legal...
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | DYNAMITE 652 Maduro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Indianhead | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Hon/Pan | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | All the samples were consistently satisfying. Definitely an evening smoke, perfect with a ruby port.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | You can't judge a book by its cover. A tremendous smoke with poor cosmetics, good for a late night chat.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I admit I found this one to be a bit harsh for my tastes, but lovers of full-bodied cigars will eat it up.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This is a must-have smoke. Match up this masterpiece with a Reserve Cabernet for a little slice of heaven.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | JOYA DE NICARAGUA ANTANO 1970 Magnum 660 | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacos Puros de Nicaragua | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This is the cigar I'd want to have with me on an island. Highly recommended for those who can handle it.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | It left a pipe tobacco-like finish on my palate. If the price is right, this is a great mid 0day golf smoke.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | My advice would be to save this brute for late in the day, and pair it up with an outstanding single malt.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I smoked this cigar outside by a campfire with a group of good friends. It went well with good port.
9.6 SUPERIOR |
 |  | ROYAL JAMAICA GOLD Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Altadis U.S.A. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Hon/Jam/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A very enjoyable cigar that is sure to get even better with age. Worth a try if you like a good, solid maduro.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This slow-and-cool-burning cigar is full of flavor and develops strength without ever becoming offensive.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Overall, a fairly tasty cigar flavor-wise but the construction could use some work... or perhaps some age.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I found this cigar to be best with a pint of Bass ale, but a lemonade on the porch works almost as well.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | FITTIPALDI EMMO 500 Monza | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Corporacion Cigar Export | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | I would describe this cigar as complex; the blend delivers power without sacrificing flavor nuances.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A good size and blend for a novice, or, if priced right, an everyday afternoon puff for a seasoned smoker.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This one was hard to put down. It complements outdoor leisure activities as well as indoor relaxation.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | All samples were consistently great, and they'll go with any beverage. I hope these are readily available.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 Continued on next page...
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