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Summer 98
Volume III
Issue 3
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| Photographs by Jeff Schnorr |
Summer Smokes...
For over two years, SMOKE has given readers the most comprehensive and accurate cigar reviews available anywhere. So why change a good thing? As with any successful venture, adaptation is essential to stay on top of the game. While our Cigar Review System has always received favorable comments from our readers, we felt that with a few adjustments, the Review could become an even more useful tool for today's increasingly knowledgeable
and savvy cigar enthusiast. By listening closely to suggestions from our readers, we've formulated a New Review System that precisely meets the needs of today's cigar smokers.
What were our goals in revamping the Review? First, we wanted to increase the number of cigars reviewed in each issue. With so many brands coming and going, we felt that it was important to increase our coverage, both of new brands, as well as established ones. We accomplished this by trimming the size of the reviews to fit three cigars per page. While this required that we reduce the amount of text in each review, we've reorganized the comments so they're presented in a more concise and orderly fashion. By attributing the comments to individual panelists, we believe our readers will form an even better picture of how each cigar performed.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.5 | Good |
| 3.6-4.4 | Excellent |
| 4.5-5.0 | Superior |
Our next goal was to devise a system that better quantified a cigar's performance. The result is a five-point scoring system (see the scoring grid on the right) that systematically considers the importance of every aspect of a cigar's performance. As in our previous review system, each panelist is asked to provide comments in seven different categories (aesthetics, pre-light construction, post-light construction, flavor and strength, aftertaste, aroma, and general comments). In addition, we now ask the panelists to score the cigar's performance in each category, using the 1-to-5 system. The categorical scores are then averaged to provide each panelist's overall score for each cigar. Then, the panelists scores are averaged, resulting in the rating for each cigar.
In setting up the scoring system, we began with the belief that how a cigar tastes is the most important quality a smoker considers when selecting a cigar, with the construction also a highly influential factor. While the aesthetics, aroma, and aftertaste of a cigar can enhance or detract from the smoking experience, we feel that they are minor considerations, and should not be given as much value when factoring the overall score. To address this concern, the scoring system we've created is weighted - by placing a value on each category - so that the construction and flavor categories are the most influential determinants when averaging the final scores.
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Price Codes |
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| A | $1.00 to $2.50 |
| B | $2.51 to $3.75 |
| C | $3.75 to $5.75 |
| D | $5.76 to $7.50 |
| E | $7.51 to $10.50 |
| F | $10.51 to $14.99 |
| G | $14.99 and above |
Finally, we've increased the amount of information provided about each cigar, by listing the origin of the tobaccos used in the blend. As cigars smokers become more sophisticated, we've found that they like to know exactly what they're smoking. By providing the wrapper, filler, and binder information, our readers will be able to better discern their likes and dislikes.
Extensive planning went into devising this new system. While there is always some trepidation when altering a successful strategy; we're certain this new system will benefit our readers when navigating through the many choices available in today's cigar market. Please let us know your thoughts. Send your comments about the new Review to: Managing Editor, SMOKE, 26 Broadway, Floor 9M, New York, NY 10004; or e-mail to reviews@smokemag.com.
""Cigars are my inspiration, the bigger the better then.""
ORSON WELLES
Gigantes...
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RARE LION Mature Toro (6 x 60)
| | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Dominican Republic | Binder: Dominican Republic | | Manufacturer: Heaven Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: F | | Panelist #1 | Smoking this cigar is time well spent. Even though it looks like a novelty, it is a serious cigar for serious cigar smokers.
| | Panelist #2 | A giant smoke that is a winner. It looks very tough, but it is really a
very easygoing smoke, with mellow and approachable flavor.
| | Panelist #3 | This cigar is perfect after a big surf-and-turf dinner. Great for a
baseball game because it smokes for a long time.
| | Panelist #4 | Overall this cigar handles itself very well. Do not let the huge ring
gauge scare you away. It's a very good cigar.
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LUNA AZUL Double Corona (6 x 46)
| | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut/Sumatra | Binder: Dominican Republic | | Manufacturer: Grand Cigar | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C | | Panelist #1 | This mild cigar has an inviting
complexity of flavor. It was almost
enough to convert me to mild cigars.
| | Panelist #2 | This cigar is too mild for my
liking, but it does have some nice
qualities. Probably best suited for
mild cigar smokers or beginners.
| | Panelist #3 | This cigar smokes like a fine
Dominican cigar. I recommend
this above average cigar for the
daytime or for beginners.
| | Panelist #4 | A good overall smoke that goes
especially well after dinner. The
earthy flavor holds up well and is
pleasant.
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DOUBLE HAPPINESS Euphoria (6.5 x 50)
| | Country: Philippines | Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: Philippines | | Manufacturer: Spendid Seed | Filler: Philippines | Price: D | | Panelist #1 | Unfortunately, this cigar's flavor
just doesn't live up to its
appearance. Maybe a good smoke for
the golf course.
| | Panelist #2 | Despite the quick burning, this is
a great "bar cigar." I would
purchase these if the price was
right.
| | Panelist #3 | A good, honest, and straight-up
cigar for after breakfast. Mild,
but with substance and body.
| | Panelist #4 | A great every day cigar if in the
$2Ð$4 range. Satisfying and
tasty, it reminds me of the Te-Amo
brand.
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PUNCH Double Corona (7.5 x 49)
| | Country: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | | Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. | Filler: Cuba | Price: G | | Panelist #1 | Sit down for this strong smoke that
must be of Cuban origin, as it will
knock your socks off. Experienced
smokers only!
| | Panelist #2 |
This Havana (could it be a Punch
Double Corona?) is a delight to
smoke. A true classic that's highly
recommended, but only for the bold.
| | Panelist #3 |
There is a lot to appreciate in this
cigar of obvious pedigree, but the
big flavors may be too intense for
some.
| | Panelist #4 | This cigar is for lovers of strong
Cuban tobacco. It smokes at a
leisurely pace, lasting for well
over an hour.
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MONTERO Presidente (7.5 x 50)
| | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (Ecuador) | Binder: Dominican Republic | | Manufacturer: Montero Cigar Company | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D | | Panelist #1 | This is a good, cool, smooth smoke.
It begins medium-bodied and does not
increase in strength, but it certainly
shows enough.
| | Panelist #2 | All of the samples were very
consistent. A good cigar for those
who like them big. A good night-time cigar.
| | Panelist #3 | This is a good cigar with some
outstanding qualities. A great all-around cigar for everyone -
especially women.
| | Panelist #4 | This is a good overall cigar. The
flavors are straightforward and
smooth. It is best for Dominican
cigar lovers.
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LA PLATA Royal Wilshire (7 x 52)
| | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Honduras | | Manufacturer: La Plata Cigar Co. | Filler: DR, Honduras | Price: C | | Panelist #1 | This cigar says T-bone and Bass Ale. Dark and strong, I loved it from the minute I picked it up. A definate buy.
| | Panelist #2 | I like a more full-bodied maduro, but this is a good cigar for someone who wants to see what maduro tastes like.
| | Panelist #3 | Had this one post-dinner and found the flavors to be clean, but not heavy enough. A long smoke that is OK if the price is right.
| | Panelist #4 | This is as good as a Nicaraguan cigar gets. If you hunt for deel rich flavors, look no further.
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CUSANO ESTATE RESERVE Toro Grande (6 x 52)
| | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic | | Manufacturer: Dom Rey Cigars | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C | | Panelist #1 | Good for an afternoon smoke, or for
between courses during a good meal.
| | Panelist #2 | A nice cigar that is well-made and
has some pedigree, though it is a
stretch to call it a double corona.
| | Panelist #3 | This cigar has good consistent
flavor all the way through. A rich
and satisfying smoke.
| | Panelist #4 | This smoke is a real contender. It
won't bowl you over with strength,
but its rich smooth flavor will win
fans.
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JOSE PACO Churchill (7 x 52)
| | Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua | | Manufacturer: Premium Imports | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: D | | Panelist #1 | Everything about these cigars was
top-notch. They are rich and full-bodied, with loads of spicy, nutty,
and fruit flavors.
| | Panelist #2 | This must be an established brand,
as the makers definitely have their
act together. One of the finest non-Havanas I have smoked. Loved it!
| | Panelist #3 | A well-made, smooth-tasting,
medium-bodied smoke that will
cater to a diverse range of palates.
| | Panelist #4 | If it were not for the wrapper
problems on a couple of the samples, this cigar would get perfect
marks. It's still easy to recommend.
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PALAIS ROYAL CHATEAUX RESERVE Versailles (7.5 x 50)
| | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Dominican Republic | | Manufacturer: Palais Royal Inc. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: E | | Panelist #1 | An above average smoke with a
changing personality. Just as I got
bored with the flavor, it picked up
and finished nicely.
| | Panelist #2 | I definitely enjoyed this cigar. It is
not as well-rounded as a La Gloria
Cubana, but there is plenty of taste
and strength.
| | Panelist #3 | A strong cigar. While it doesn't
possess the complexity of a fine
Havana, strong cigar lovers should
seek this one out.
| | Panelist #4 | A good straightforward cigar, with
a strong, spicy character. I would
definitely buy this if the price is
right.
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MOORE & BODE No. 10 (Miami) (7.5 x 50)
| | Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: N/A | | Manufacturer: Moore & Bode Cigars | Filler: N/A | Price: E | | Panelist #1 | An awesome middle of the day smoke
that is wonderful in every way.
Perfect for beginners or pros.
| | Panelist #2 | While I would have liked bolder
flavors, this cigar has a lot to offer
any cigar lover. Extremely clean
and mellow.
| | Panelist #3 | Any true cigar lover will
appreciate this cigar. Great
construction and flavors, but it is
mild.
| | Panelist #4 | I heartily enjoyed this with a cup
of tea in the afternoon. A truly
exquisite smoke that I highly
recommend to all.
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 Continued on next page...
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