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Live Large, Smoke Big! (cont.)
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 |  | HAVANA SUN-GROWN Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | The flavors were consistent all the way. If you appreciate a cigar on the mild side, this one's recommended.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | All in all, a quality smoke for the mild-to-medium crowd. No acrid flavors, but not overly memorable.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I think I could enjoy this as a midday cigar, or perhaps out on the golf course with a refreshing beer.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This cigar, first thing in the morning, is a fine way to greet the day. Un-doubtedly the harvest of a quiet eye.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 |  | EL TIANTE Belicoso Maduro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
El Tiante Cigar Co. | Size:
7 x 54 | Filler:
Nic/Mex | Binder:
Ec | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Good tunes, a glass of good port, a comfy chair, and this smoke: that's a great end-of-the-day experience.
9.8 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | A great cigar to take on a camping trip with the boys. The bold flavors went well with a strong espresso.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Some youthful bitterness intruded on this cigar's flavors, but I would be inclined to buy a few and age them.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I paired this with a full-bodied merlot after dinner, and it was an ideal match. I'd recommend this cigar.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | CUSANO COROJO Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Cusano Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Samples were consistently enjoyable, and I could find nothing wrong with any of them. I'd definitely buy this.
10 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | I found this to be an ideal after-dinner smoke, complimented well by a sweet dessert and some rum.
9.7 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #3 | A fine cigar, though not one for the casual smoker. This will put some people back into their seats.
9.6 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #4 | A very good cigar in all respects. I enjoyed it with a glass of Wild Turkey Rare Breed before dinner.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | DON TOMAS CLASICO Robusto | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Indo | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Ind | | Panelist #1 | From beginning to end, no disappointments here. This is a full-bodied smoke that I could go for.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A solid if unremarkable smoke with some rough patches. A good "working" cigar but not a favorite.
7.8 ABOVE AVERAGE | | Panelist #3 | Each sample performed well and offered a consistent level of quality. At the right price, I'd indulge.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This is a reliable, approachable cigar to enjoy either before dinner with a cocktail, or after it with a port.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | LA VENCEDORA CAMEROON Lonsdale | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Villiger-Stokkebye Intl. | Size:
6 1/2 x 44 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This cigar tasted much better than it looked. Flavors ran an enjoyable gamut, and will get better with age.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | While it could be more attractive, this cigar had some classic tobacco flavor. Some aging will help it out.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | The cigar had some complexity for its size but the inconsistent draw made it hard to appreciate.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I would buy this cigar by the bundle or box. It could be slightly bigger, but it kept the dog's tail wagging!
9.1 VERY GOOD |
 |  | PUNCH Corona | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
5 1/2 x 42 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | Excellent! A sophisticated cigar, meant to be enjoyed after a fine dinner with a glass of aged bourbon.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Despite the mild construction flaws, this cigar would hold its own well after an inch-thick porterhouse.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This classic vitola matches well with a Syrah, or on the stronger side of the spectrum, a good dark rum.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This is the perfect after-lunch cigar, but if you're saving it for evening, it works very well with a brandy.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | GRAYCLIFF CHÂTEAU GRAN CRU Salamon | Country:
Bah | Manufacturer:
Graycliff Cigar Co. | Size:
7 1/8 x 48 | Filler:
CR/Hon/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Costa R. | | Panelist #1 | After the smoke cleared, it was obvious this one was an outstanding performer. Great straightforward flavor.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Just a delightful cigar. This is one to recommend to second- and third- year smokers ready to move up.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A good cigar, and the perfect one to hunker down with in a Florida hurricane: the wind will never put it out!
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | As the draw loosened, this became a very flavorful smoke; very enjoyable, and one I would smoke again.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 | | VINO Toro | Country:
Dr | Manufacturer:
A. Santana Tabacalera | Size:
5 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ind | | Panelist #1 | A good change-of-pace cigar to savor in the morning. A mild and flavorful alternative to the rough boys.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This experience has me reconsidering my stance on candelas. A great mellow smoke with a morning tea.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This would work as a morning or midday smoke; it would go nicely with a beer or a tropical rum drink.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Despite reservations about this style of wrapper, this was a pleasant smoke to start off a lazy Saturday.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 |  | BUCANERO FULL SAIL Belicoso Petit Maduro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bucanero Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/DR/Costa R. | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | The most consistent cigar of the lot. This one should be in the humidor of every maduro lover, if it isn't already.
8.1 GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This was a decent smoke to have on the patio with a morning cup of coffee. But keep your lighter nearby.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Past the halfway point, this baby just got too strong for me. If you're into that style of smoke, give it a try.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Its size makes it good for a midday smoke break, or a good one to light up after the front nine.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 | | ROXOR DELUXE Natural Churchill | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Perseo Cigars | Size:
7 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | An excellent choice for an evening smoke; I took it down to the nub. Great with a bourbon and coke.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A consistent cigar all the way, in taste and burn. A good after-dinner choice for the everyday smoker.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Very few complaints here. Strong but elegant, this one matches up nicely with a good Pinot Noir from Oregon.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | What more could an educated cigar palate want? Great flavor and construction equal a must-have smoke.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
SMOKE - Summer, 2006
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