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Summer is Too Short to Spend With a Bad Cigar!
Summertime.
The outdoor season. The time when Man ventures out from his abode to return to his rightful domain: the outdoors. He returns free of the layers-upon-layers of coat and sweater he considered so necessary in February, having found He is no longer in need of these assorted textiles to survive the bare elements (and, thankfully, he finds that Woman has also found clothes to be far less necessary than a mere few months ago). Summer is the time when our world comes outdoors.
For school kids (and their teachers) summer means a three-month break from the agonizing grind of schoolwork, while the longer days marks the high season for the ice cream truck man and pool cleaners. The summer nights are lit by fireflies, while the afternoons are serenaded by cicada songs. The whole world has come to life!
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 96-100 | Superior |
| 91-95 | Excellent |
| 86-90 | Very Good |
| 80-85 | Good |
| 70-79 | Average |
| 60-69 | Fair |
| Under 59 | Poor |
Summer is, of course, also the season for cigars. Now free of the tyranny of non-smokers and their shared indoor climates, we can smoke wherever we please. And to help you get the most out of your summer, Smoke has gathered a motley crew of smokers, both cigar shop owners and average Joes. Unlike other magazines whose reviews are under the dictatorial rule of the editors, Smoke’s reviews are purely the reflection of you, the average smoker.
The Avo Classic No. 2 comes in strong with a 95 as did Habanos’ Cuaba Exclusivos, which scored a healthy 94. There were some surprise dark horses like Heavenly’s Red Lion Maduro Torpedo receiving a not-too-shabby 93, the same mark for J.L. Salazar Y Hermano Series Maduro Churchill. Nicaragua-made sticks showed strong: Cain Nub Habano (93), Los Blancos Nine (93). But who can forget Honduras with the Di Fazio Connecticut Double Robusto (92) and Camacho Triple Maduro Torpedo (93)? And, of course, The Dominican Republic remains a force to be reckoned with La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 5 (92) and E.P. Carrillo Short Run Delirios (93).
Now get out there and make the most of this season of the ‘gar!
- 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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 |  | G.A.R Gran Consul | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
GR Tabacaleras Unidas | Size:
4 3/4 x 60 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | I think this cigar would go well with just about any drink. I really enjoyed my time with this flavorful beauty.
93 excellent | | Panelist #2 | I would buy these again. I smoked this one while sitting on the deck listening to the radio. A nice casual cigar.
88 very good | | Panelist #3 | An enjoyable smoke, though the size took a bit getting used to, but eventually I was able to warm up to it.
90 very good |
 |  | CASA MAGNA Gran Toro | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
SAG Imports | Size:
6 x 56 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Nicaragua | | Panelist #1 | On the whole, this cigar had the look and feel of a fairly expensive stick. After smoking I had the feeling I overpaid.
88 very good | | Panelist #2 | This burned cool and evenly with a nice flavor. This was a sleeper: just a plain looking cigar, but a great smoke.
93 excellent | | Panelist #3 | Sadly, the tight tough draw impeded my enjoyment of this cigar which did have some real potential.
87 very good |
 |  | AVO CLASSIC No. 2 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
USA | | Panelist #1 | I really liked this cigar. I like to taste my drink or desert without being overpowered. A top buy for me.
96 superior | | Panelist #2 | I smoked this while golfing with a bunch of non smokers, none complained. I will buy these once I find out what they are.
94 excellent | | Panelist #3 | An outstanding cigar that is worthy of space inside a humidor. A box purchase is in the near future for me!
95 excellent |
 |  | LUCAS DE MEESTER GOLD SERIES C4 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Lucas De Meester Premium Cigars | Size:
6 3/4 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | I think this smokes better during some type of activity which requires you to put it down occasionally. I'd buy these.
92 excellent | | Panelist #2 | An easy smoking cigar, the flavor was enticing and complex. I would buy these to share with friends.
93 excellent | | Panelist #3 | I would categorize this cigar as "slightly complex," but overall very enjoyable. I would smoke these again.
91 excellent |
 | | JOYA DE NICARAGUA CABINETTA NO. 7 Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Joya De Nicaragua | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Nic, Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Goes OK with beer, but better with margaritas. Not a bad cigar, but some burn issues caused me to have to re-light often.
89 very good | | Panelist #2 | I liked this cigar the minute I saw it. This cigar was a home run. I can't wait to get this in the humidor.
93 excellent | | Panelist #3 | The cigar is definitely a conversation piece, but you find yourself discussing how good it is rather then how it looks.
94 excellent |
 |  | BRUN DEL RÉ PREMIUM Torpedo | Country:
Costa Rica | Manufacturer:
Brun del R‚ | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | This would go well with a beer, margarita, or Scotch-it's all good. This one is worth more than you pay for it.
95 excellent | | Panelist #2 | A week or two in the humidor would improve these. I would try them again after they were allowed to age a little.
86 very good | | Panelist #3 | I enjoyed this cigar while out on the deck. It was the perfect mild smoke for a hazy, hot and humid day.
92 excellent |
 |  | CUABA Exclusivos | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
5 3/4 x 46 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This was a very complex smoke which balanced out sweet and spicy nicely. I will definitely buy these again.
95 excellent | | Panelist #2 | This was a geat cigar for the more advanced smoker. Would go well with about any hearty spirit in your cabinet.
92 excellent | | Panelist #3 | I would definitely buy these again if they weren't too expensive-or on my birthday, if they were. Top notch.
96 superior |
 | | CHESS EXTREME COROJO Gordo #3 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Chess Cigars | Size:
5 x 60 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
N/A | | Panelist #1 | This one is a definite buy, a real top choice. I would recommend this for golf or other sporting days.
97 superior | | Panelist #2 | This was a good cigar with a unique taste. Overall a good, light smoke. I would buy this one again if the price was right.
86 very good | | Panelist #3 | A calming, familiar profile adorned this cigar that would please both new and seasoned smokers alike. I'd recommend.
89 very good |
 | | LA AURORA 107 SERIE ANIVERSARIO Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Aurora | Size:
4 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR, NIC | | Panelist #1 | A very pleasant smoke, packed with tons of flavor and character without overpowering. A truly enjoyable cigar.
90 very good | | Panelist #2 | A beautiful experience! Never approaches harsh, has a satisfying, medium finish. Please sir, may I have some more!
94 excellent | | Panelist #3 | After the cigar mellowed, it became a good smoke. So nice that I smoked them 'till the nub. I would recommend.
92 excellent |
 | | ZINO PLATINUM SCEPTER SERIES MASTER EDITION 2010 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
5 1/4 X 50 | Filler:
DR, Peru, Nic, Hon | Binder:
USA | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | A great mild smoke! If you want a perfectly smooth cigar, this is it. This cigar can best be described in one word: relaxing.
91 excellent | | Panelist #2 | Some light construction problems, but the great flavor profile overcame them. I would definitely recommend these.
90 very good | | Panelist #3 | I actually enjoyed this cigar and I believe it would compliment a nice stout on a summer evening.
91 excellent |
 |  | CAMACHO TRIPLE MADURO Torpedo | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
Camacho Cigars | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Honduras | Binder:
Honduras | Wrapper:
Honduras | | Panelist #1 | For expert smokers only. Amazing flavor profile, complex and balanced. But definitely full bodied. Smoke at your own risk.
92 excellent | | Panelist #2 | A superstar! Great construction, burn, and flavor. I highly recommend this to intermediate-to-experienced smokers.
95 excellent | | Panelist #3 | This cigar was very consistent across all samples. I enjoyed all of them and would recommend this one to others.
91 excellent |
 | | LA GLORIA CUBANA Serie R No. 5 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General | Size:
5 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | What a great cigar! Amazing construction, full of great flavor. An absolute must try. You won't be disappointed.
96 superior | | Panelist #2 | I was disappointed by its one-dimensional profile, but it remained a pleasant mild- to medium-bodied from start to finish.
90 very good | | Panelist #3 | I enjoyed this smoke, but found the ash to be very rough looking . Still the experience was worth another go.
89 very good |
 Continued on next page...
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