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The Outdoor Season
Summer is the season of memories.
When recalling old times with friends, rarely do we hark back to the fun we had "that winter a few years back" or reminisce on that "wild and crazy autumn." We do, however, readily conjure the summers of our youth—times when we were given a brief reprieve from the grueling drudgery of school and had all day to explore outside in weather that was more than willing to accommodate our youthful antics. Then, as we got a bit older, that same weather convinced our female counterparts to wear a little less, often leading to memories of youthful antics of a different kind. Life happens in summer: the outdoor season. And in today's world, who has more to gain from accommodating weather than the much put-upon cigar smoker? Forcefully banished from the indoor landscape by writ of government, we were forced to accept a roofless outdoor empire for our own: be it on the golf course, the lake, or private back yard. And now that it's summer and outdoors is the place to be, we have made no plans to stop smoking. With a hearty puff, we'll welcome all these non-smokers to come join us on our turf.
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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 |
This summer, Smoke wants to help you make the most of our season before we're forced to once again share our kingdom with old man winter and his jerk cousin, Jack Frost. You may notice something different with our reviews this issue. We've undergone a re-design to give our reviewers more space for comments which gives you, the reader, more insight into what your fellow cigar smokers are thinking about. Unlike other magazines, we ask you, the everyday consumer and cigar shop owner what you think. And this summer, you offered some surprises such as little-known manufacturers out-showing some of the big boys (Connecticut Valley Tobacconist's Old Powder Keg Torpedo coming in with a 9.3). Of course, there were the traditional stalwarts making a good showing (Perdomo Grand Cru Corojo scoring a 9.6). And some manufacturers keeping up their review hot streak (Esencia's Petit Corona coming in with a 9.4). We present to you 34 cigars from around the world, reviewed by everyday cigar smokers. You're sure to find something to accompany your new summer memories.
- E. D.
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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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 |  | Old Powder Keg Torpedo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Connecticut Valley Tobacconist LLC | Size:
6 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nic, USA | Binder:
USA | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Turns slightly "flabby" toward the middle. Overall I'd put it somewhere between Very Good and Excellent.
9.2 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | A good cigar for any time of day. I wouldn't be ashamed to share them with my friends.
9.6 Superior | | Panelist #3 | Had a good draw for such a dense packing. I would recommend for people who like full-bodied smokes.
9.1 Excellent |
 |  | Nat Sherman Omerta Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera Oliva SA | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Even and deep smoke. Overall very enjoyable. Not the most full-bodied cigar out there, but not too far away.
9.2 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | Not for the novice. Good after-dinner smoke. I think most people who like full flavors will enjoy.
9.4 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | While it didn't taste as good as it looked, it certainly wasn't bad. I definitely smoke one of these again.
8.9 Very Good |
 |  | El Baton Double Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Opens up nice with no discernable flavor change. Somewhat thin flavor. I would smoke these again.
8.7 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | I would buy these to have on hand. A big and pretty cigar. The second half more than made up for a rough start.
9.5 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | A nice solid cigar that has a straightforward taste. I'd call it dependable. But in the best possible use of that word.
9.2 Excellent |
 | | Trinidad Fundadores | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
7 1/2 x 40 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | One of the best looking lancero cigars I have ever smoked. leaves no doubt why this vitola continues to grow in popularity.
9.3 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | A no big deal smoke. A wood/oak flavor that did not build or gain in character as smoked.
8.6 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | Would definitely smoke again. There was not a lot going on, but what was going on was impressive.
9.5 Excellent |
 |  | Bravo North Coast Toro | Country:
Col | Manufacturer:
Bravo Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Col | Binder:
Col | Wrapper:
Col | | Panelist #1 | Mild cigar, appeared to be a Cuban sandwich with all the attendant quirks of this style. If the price is right, a good value.
8.0 Good | | Panelist #2 | Wrapper and filler did not burn in tandem, but did improve half way through. Good mid-day cigar.
8.8 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | Half-way through, the thing does go a bit limp as is the way with a Cuban sandwhich. Not my cup of tea.
8.2 Good |
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 |  | Philosophy Aristotle Collection Churchill | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Orleans Group | Size:
7 1/4 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
USA | | Panelist #1 | Good mild smoke. Would smoke it again, but probably wouldn't go to great lengths to hunt it down.
8.7 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Almost a classic. But a fantastic stick. Perfect for the front and back nine prior to and after lunch.
9.3 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | It is a very nice mild cigar, but no real complexity. Never got hot or acrid. Wished it had more kick to it.
9.0 Very Good |
 |  | Montecristo Reserva Negra Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Altadis USA | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Mex | | Panelist #1 | Fair mild cigar. Good bundle cigar. Began mild with peppery accents with no after-taste. Nothing mind-blowing.
8.5 Good | | Panelist #2 | Samples are consistent. This was a solid dark cigar that's not overpowering. Good late afternoon to early evening cigar.
9.1 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Very even burn and enjoyable tobacco flavor. Wished it had more body and kick, but is good for an afternoon smoke.
9.0 Very Good |
 |  | Pinar Del Rio Habano Sun Grown Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Pinar del Rio | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | I like a bit more bite to my stogies, but this wasn't bad for mild cigar. Perfect for a newbie. Seasoned smokers should avoid.
8.0 Good | | Panelist #2 | Two of the three samples would not keep lit—all burned poorly I would not purchase or recommend these.
9.0 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | Second half was disappointing, but much better than first half. A good smoke for the porch at the end of the day.
8.5 Good |
 |  | Perdomo Grand Cru Corojo Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera Perdomo | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This cigar demands attention. There's a lot of strong flavors that deserve a place in any veteran smoker's humidor.
9.4 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | Each puff seemed to offer different flavor mixes of sweet chocolate, caramel, and earthy pepper. Loved this one!
9.6 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | The smoke was big and bold on this stick, but not overly aggressive. I would highly recommend this stick.
9.7 Superior |
 | | Graycliff Espresso Piccolo | Country:
Bahamas | Manufacturer:
Graycliff Cigar Co. | Size:
4 1/2 x 46 | Filler:
Brazil/CR/Nic | Binder:
CR | Wrapper:
CR | | Panelist #1 | Good small cigar. Pairs well with a stiff whiskey and water on a Friday night. I would smoke this again.
9.2 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | Overall, this is a very satisfying smoke in a compact size. This cigar is well-balanced, not overly complex.
9.1 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Went well with the Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon. Would make a great after dinner cigar. Satisfying smoke overall.
9.5 Excellent |
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 | | Nestor Miranda 20 Aniversario Danno Rosado | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Miami Cigar & Company | Size:
7 x 56 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | One of the best cigars I've smoked. It was so thick and long it took 90 minutes to smoke—I wish it had lasted twice as long.
9.8 Superior | | Panelist #2 | Overall, I was extremely disappointed by the wrapper problems. However incredible flavor profile is worth another try.
8.5 Good | | Panelist #3 | While somewhat plain, it was an enjoyable cigar. The size was just about perfect. Would go well with a nice Scotch.
9.2 Excellent |
 | | Monte Pascoal Double Corona | Country:
Brazil | Manufacturer:
Tabacos Mata Fina | Size:
7 5/8 x 49 | Filler:
Brazil | Binder:
Brazil | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | A good smoke that could be helped by a more careful attention to construction. Flavor was good, aroma was pleasant.
9.0 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Overall, this is an enjoyable smoke, especially for maduro lovers. Take your time, this is a slow burner.
9.0 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | A great cigar that went very well with the cabernet in the home cigar lounge. Consistent and most pleasurable.
9.4 Excellent |
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