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Hot Summer Smokes
No season is quite as liberating as summer,
marked by its long days, leisurely backyard gatherings and weekend getaways, and endless opportunities to park ourselves in a lounge chair on the back porch and declare, “I deserve it, I’m on vacation.” For cigar fans pushed outdoors by ever-more-prominent smoking bans, summertime has become a downright necessary part of cigar culture, and firing up a favorite cigar—or a potential new one—deserves the benefit of the great outdoors.
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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 |
With time on your hands, it’s a great opportunity to stock up the humidor with summertime treats, and Smoke’s Summer 2007 Cigar Review won’t disappoint. Some of the cigars will be familiar to you, others mark the early round of annual new introductions that kick into full swing later in the summer. Enjoy the sneak peek with reviews of the new Partagas Black Label Corona, Macanudo Maduro Crystal, Black Patch Reserve 2003, and Bahia Icon, as well as relaunched Zino Classic Premium Selection. In all there are cigars from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua, Brazil, Cuba, Peru, and even Kentucky.
Once again Smoke’s panel of cigar testers put aside personal preferences to objectively review a total of 32 cigars. You won’t find a costlier ($22 each)—or higher rated (9.5)—treat in this review than the Bahamian Graycliff Crystal Pirate. Other top scorers, following closely behind in the ratings, include the tried-and-true Diamond Crown Robusto #4 from J.C. Newman Cigar Co. (9.3); the Zino Classic Premium Selection No. 6 (9.2); CAO Italia Gondola (9.4); and a complete newcomer, the impressively-sized (7 1/4 x 57) Cuveé Blanc Salomon from the Dominican Republic (9.4).
So pour yourself a nice cold drink, sit back, put your feet up, and get lost in a review that spans nations and continents, and hopefully you will find something to catch your eye, and fill your humidor.
E.H., C.S.
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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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 |  | LA UNICA MADURO #400 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
JC Newman Cigar Co. | Size:
4 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | As maduros go this was not as strong as I'm used to. But it was still a rich, enjoyable smoke.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | There is not much you can ask from a cigar that this does not deliver, flavor, construction, and looks.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | I found this cigar to be a nice break from the more overbearing cigars that are on the market today.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | For a shorter cigar this is one worth savoring. I don't usually like maduros but I would make an exception.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | ADAN Y EVA Pyramid | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Eden's Gate | Size:
6 1/8 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | A breakfast cigar in my estimation. One that I would start the day with and pair with my coffee.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This cigar did not seem to know which way it wanted to take me, perhaps some more aging is needed.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | If you love a rich, earthy cigar you will enjoy this. My palate runs the other way so it is not my favorite.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A perfect golf cigar with loads of flavor and luxurious smoke. The heady combinations of flavors are intense.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | LOS LECTORES Double Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Garo Habano Fine Cigars | Size:
7 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I was not a fan of this cigar. Its flavor profile did not suit my palate at all. That said, it was well built.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A relaxing way to spend a few minutes. The easy draw and lack of complexity allow me to just smoke.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This cigar is loaded with rich flavors that compliment each other very well. I highly recommend this.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Overall I would say this is a great cigar for a newbie who does not want to look like a newbie.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | CUVEE BLANC Salomon | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
DomRey Cigar Limited | Size:
7 1/4 x 57 | Filler:
Peru/Ecu/DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Perfect smoke to have to close out a rough day at the office. By the time it ends, you'll be good as new.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A very rich smoke that you likely would want to savor on its own or after an equally rich meal.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Such a cigar would be a shame to waste on inexperienced smokers, but was perfect for me.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | An excellent combination of flavor and construction that would suit any level of smoker.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | QUINTERO MADURO Churchill | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Altadis USA | Size:
7 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Mex | | Panelist #1 | A cigar that is perfect for smoking after a heavy, rich meal. Not too harsh or too mild for any palate.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A reasonably good smoke, though the flavors were a little mild. It would make a nice afternoon smoke.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Very few complaints here. This one matches up nicely with a good Merlot and a light meal.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A good smoke, solid and well-defined from start to finish. Takes time to work through it, but no effort at all.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 |  | BLACK PEARL COBRE COPPER Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
La Perla Habana | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | An even smoke that did not make too much of an impression. Perfect for a neophyte smoker, though.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A mildly entertaining cigar that does not make the smoker work too hard and rewards you reasonably well.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I would not buy this for myself, but if the price were acceptable I would buy it for a new smoker.
8.5 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Slightly disappointed by the construction and light flavors. The flavors I could savor though were good.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | EXM SANTANA CABINET Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Havana Cigar Vault | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Sumatra | | Panelist #1 | I could see myself smoking this cigar on the golf course and thinking at least something was working.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I would smoke it again but only at the right price, but such is true of most cigars. Pair it with a pilsner.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | I would suggest this as a good mid-day smoke for someone looking for something more than a puff or two.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A unique design but a tried and true recipe. Subtle but enticing flavors and quality construction.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | DIAMOND CROWN Robusto #4 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
JC Newman Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | New smokers will like the creamy nature of this cigar while veterans will appreciate the complex flavor.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | The flavor and construction come together to form an excellent cigar. I would buy it for a friend or myself.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | A creamy smoke that coated my tongue in a mixture of warm flavors. Perfect after dinner smoke.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | There was a nice overall flavor to this cigar. I especially enjoyed the way the flavors didn't overpower.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | ALONSO MENENDEZ Robusto | Country:
Brazil | Manufacturer:
Brazil Cigars & Tobacco | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Brazil | Binder:
Brazil | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | A humble smoke that at the same time is bold enough to wake up your taste buds. I would suggest it.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Every cigar has its place. I do not think this would be as good if smoked in a bar as it is on a porch.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A smoke that is best savored outside. Its flavors blend perfectly with a nice fresh breeze.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | The construction could have been better, but for a reasonable price this would be a reasonable smoke.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 | | CAO ITALIA Gondola | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
CAO Cigar Co. | Size:
6 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Italy/Nic/Peru | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | A well-constructed cigar that featured depth of flavors and body. It was neither too bold or too weak.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A rich and savory cigar that combines the flavor and strength well. Good for starters or veterans.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | An outstanding combination of richness and aromatic flavor. The construction was also top notch.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I expected a cigar this full-bodied to be a bit harsher than it was. Certainly this is one to have again.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | PUROS INDIOS Piramide No. 2 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x 56 | Filler:
Nic/Braz/DR | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | I was disappointed by this one. Not very attractive from a cosmetic standpoint, and only average flavor.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A fair cigar. Probably better for one who is not as schooled in cigars. Overall I would call it very good.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I would absolutely suggest this cigar to a friend. Seems like an honest cigar after an honest day's work.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I like a good strong-looking, strong tasting cigar; this fits like a glove. I would love a box or two.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | TREASURE OF COSTA RICA Belicoso | Country:
Costa Rica | Manufacturer:
Bucanero Cigars | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Costa Rica | Binder:
Costa Rica | Wrapper:
Costa Rica | | Panelist #1 | This cigar had an assertive start but tended to finish a little dry. It could benefit from some time to mature.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | The flavors were very unique but a touch too mild for my liking. I would smoke it again depending on cost.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | As a fan of subtle cigars this was perfect for me. Those who want to be overwhelmed would not agree.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Not my favorite cigar, but I tend to not like a mild smoke. Great for people who like mild smokes.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 Continued on next page...
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