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SANTIAGO SILK Torpedo (6.5 x 52)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (Ecuador) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Swisher | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | Very great samples! I hope these
don't cost too much, but I would
skip a meal or two to afford them.
|
| Panelist #2 | A good looking cigar that smokes
very well. The mild blend makes
this a perfect smoke for beginners.
|
| Panelist #3 | A decent and inoffensive smoke
that lacks complexity of flavor.
It is well-made, but those looking
for a lot of flavor will want more.
|
| Panelist #4 | This is for the smoker who likes
a light smoke. Despite the slow
increase in spice, it remains very
mild.
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LA GIANNA (ANGELIC) Bellabusto (5 x 52)
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| Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Nicaragua |
| Manufacturer: Gary Scott Internat'l | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | A very enjoyable cigar with an
impressive ash. The flavor is rich
and full-bodied, and never gets
harsh.
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| Panelist #2 | I definitely like this cigar. It is
great for a mild smoke at the start
of a day, and the size is fantastic.
|
| Panelist #3 | A good cigar in all categories.
Even though it was not my cup of
tea, I am sure some people will
enjoy this one.
|
| Panelist #4 | This cigar is very unique due to its
shape. It has all the great complex
and smooth flavors of a classic
maduro.
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PARTAGAS Presidente (6.25 x 42)
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| Country: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba |
| Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: G |
| Panelist #1 | Before smoking, I thought this cigar
might be a machine-made, but after
smoking I knew I was wrong. I
enjoyed them!
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| Panelist #2 | A unique shaped Cuban smoke (is
it a Cuaba?) that is a real power-house, but young tobacco deters
enjoyment.
|
| Panelist #3 | The unique shape was offset by some
construction problems. The "stealth
ash" was a problem. Would be a fine
after-dinner smoke.
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| Panelist #4 | Clearly a Cuban cigar. You just don't
get this level of earthy spice from
any other cigar. Recommended for
the experienced smoker.
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ESPANOLA GOLD LABEL Belicoso (5.5 x52)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: JM Tobacco | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | A good cigar that is too mild for my
preference. If this cigar is not yet
"discovered," its price will be going
up soon.
|
| Panelist #2 | I would recommend this cigar for
after a great hearty meal. This is
a great cigar.
|
| Panelist #3 | This is not a bad little smoke. It
definitely has a lot of good flavors
for such a light wrapper. I would
certainly recommend it.
|
| Panelist #4 | A solid cigar that has a very nice
medium-bodied flavor profile
that gets stronger as you go.
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ST. GEORGE Falchion (6 x 52)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Felipe Gregorio | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | I dig the way these look
and smoke, and they pack a
flavor that takes no prisoners.
|
| Panelist #2 | These cigars are very
consistent, and I greatly enjoyed
each one with some good beer.
|
| Panelist #3 | A serious big-time smoke that
is strong yet smooth, like the
old-time Havanas.
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| Panelist #4 | Such a good smoke, I smoked
it down to my fingernails. A
real powerhouse of flavor.
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BRIONES Torpedo (6.5 x 52)
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua |
| Manufacturer: United Cigar | Filler: DR/Honduras/Nic. | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | This cigar is for those who relish
a creamy cigar. You can light these
in a room full of people and not
offend.
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| Panelist #2 | I'd smoke this on a clear and cool
morning, while waiting to tee off, or
with a cup of coffee while watching
the sun come up.
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| Panelist #3 | Not an overly complex smoke, but
I enjoyed them and look forward to
smoking them again. Everybody will
enjoy these.
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| Panelist #4 | A well-made pyramid, with a
good well-balanced flavor. Not a
barn-burner, but what it does it
does well.
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PUNCH GRAND CRU No. II (6 x 50)
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Honduras |
| Manufacturer: Danby/Villazon | Filler: DR/Honduras/Nic. | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | I would not hesitate to give one of
these to any cigar connoisseur. They
would not be disappointed.
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| Panelist #2 | A fabulous smoke! This cigar cries
out for a single malt scotch. Don't
declare these in your bags at U.S.
customs!
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| Panelist #3 | Excellent flavor, draw, and aroma.
A good beginner cigar due to its
approachable style.
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| Panelist #4 | An extremely well-made torpedo
that never quite picked up enough
flavor for my tastes. Still, many
will enjoy this.
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AVO Pyramid (7 x 54)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | A good example of what a pyramid
should be. The quality of the blend
and the skill of the maker shine.
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| Panelist #2 | All but one of the samples were
consistent, with a rich, bold taste
that made this an excellent smoke.
|
| Panelist #3 | While not my style, I found this
cigar to be a simple, but good
smoke. I would hand these out to
anyone.
|
| Panelist #4 | Overall, I enjoyed the consistency
of this cigar, and I would share
it with any connoisseur.
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GRAYCLIFF Pirate (6 x 52)
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| Country: Bahamas | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Sumatra |
| Manufacturer: Graycliff | Filler: DR/Nic/Ecu/Hond. | Price: G |
| Panelist #1 | An extremely well-made, flavorful
cigar, with a great look, feel, and
taste. A great cigar that is highly
recommended for any smoker.
|
| Panelist #2 | Great for drinking with a Guiness
Stout. It gets five out of five, even
from the Romanian judges! I highly
recommend this cigar to all!
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar is well-constructed,
has a glorious blend of tobaccos, and
a great look and feel. What more do
you want?
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| Panelist #4 | This was one of the best cigars I
have ever smoked. All samples were
consistent and beautiful in
appearance.
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CAMORRA LIMITED RESERVE DR VINTAGE Torpedo (6 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Dominican Republic | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Camorra | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | An ugly duckling that delivers some
good, powerful flavor. This cigar is
a nice choice to finish off a spicy
meal.
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| Panelist #2 | A dependable cigar I would consider
for an every day smoke. Good flavor,
consistent, well-made, and fun to
smoke.
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| Panelist #3 | I had this cigar after a steak dinner
and thought it complimented the
meal well. A consistently good
smoke.
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| Panelist #4 | A smooth and nutty cigar that
leaves a sweet taste on the lips and
the smell of toast in the air.
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KINGS CLUB Alfonso XII (7 x 50)
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Honduras |
| Manufacturer: Vincent & Tampa Cigar | Filler: DR/Nicaragua/Brazil | Price: B |
| Panelist #1 | I dug this cigar. It's not the most
complex smoke, but it packs a good
amount of flavor and strength. Fans
of Cuban cigars might like this.
|
| Panelist #2 | A good looking cigar with the kind
of flavor that would keep me coming
back for more. Recommended for
taste, but not construction.
|
| Panelist #3 | This is a better than average cigar,
that is likely of Honduran origin.
It reminds me of a La Finca. I can
recommend this cigar.
|
| Panelist #4 | A strong cigar that is best for the
bachelor who enjoys a good hearty
smoke. Spouses will not appreciate
the overpowering aroma.
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DON ANTONIO PELLEGRINO Torpedo (6.5 x 52)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Tabacalera Don Rafael | Filler: CR/DR/Sumatra | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | This is a light-to-medium strength
cigar that reminds of a Cifuentes.
Great with a black and tan, but scotch
might overpower it.
|
| Panelist #2 | A great looking cigar that is almost
a work of art. I just wish there was
more flavor to go with the beautiful
exterior.
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| Panelist #3 | A very good, medium-strength
cigar that I would smoke again. It
has enough flavor to keep me interested, and is never overpowering.
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| Panelist #4 | A very high-quality smoke that I
hope I can afford. The mild flavor
might not be enough for some, but
highly recommended for most.
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H. UPMANN CHAIRMAN'S RESERVE Torpedo (6 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Consolidated | Filler: Brazil/D.R. | Price: G |
| Panelist #1 | A good mainstream cigar for those
who like them mild to medium. I'd
personally prefer to sit upwind of
it so I could just enjoy the aroma.
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| Panelist #2 | This is a very good after dinner
cigar that is consistent all the way
around. I would buy these puppies.
|
| Panelist #3 | A great afternoon cigar that is
silky smooth. I smoked each sample
down to the nub. Where do I get it?
|
| Panelist #4 | I loved the shape of this cigar,
which seemed to tunnel the flavor.
The smokes pulls through nicely.
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DON XAVIER Pyramid (7 x 52)
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| Country: Canary Islands | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Canary Islands |
| Manufacturer: Marcos-Miguel | Filler: Brazil/Canary Is/DR | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | This cigar is a star from start to
finish. It is lovely to look at and
heaven to smoke. I hope to be able to
afford these.
|
| Panelist #2 | A well-constructed stick that burns
nicely. It is unique in character,
and holds a wealth of flavor with a
sweet edge.
|
| Panelist #3 | The bitterness at the beginning and
end kept this from a higher score.
The middle third was very nice and
the construction was great.
|
| Panelist #4 | A good, medium- to full-bodied
smoke that provides rich, slightly
spicy, and almost-tropical flavor.
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LA HAVANITA Torpedo (6 x 54)
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| Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Dominican Republic | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: La Havanita Cigar | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | This was my favorite cigar in the
review, and I would smoke it on a
regular basis if I had access to it.
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| Panelist #2 | I found this to be a superb cigar. It
reminded me of a number of my
favorite smokes, all rolled into one.
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| Panelist #3 | A well-built example of a mild, yet
complex cigar. Best for the early in
the day, to be able to get all of the
subtle flavors.
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| Panelist #4 | A very unique tasting cigar. The
flavor and aroma have a distinct
grain-like, baked bread quality.
Excellent!
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BOGEY'S STOGIES Torpedo (7.25 X 54)
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Alec Bradley | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | This gem goes for the gusto, with a
straight-ahead flavor that really
grabs you. Buy it, smoke it, live it!
|
| Panelist #2 | A terrific cigar that I will smoke
again no matter what the cost. This
is definitely one of my new
favorites.
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| Panelist #3 | This could be a great cigar with a
little aging. The samples definitely
showed a great deal of promise. I
recommend it one year from now.
|
| Panelist #4 | Overall a well-made cigar. Fans of
Nicaraguan tobacco will like this,
but the blend could use a little
more complexity.
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COJIMAR Torpedo (6 x 54)
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| Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Honduras |
| Manufacturer: The Cigar Connection | Filler: D.R./Honduras | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | These medium- to full-bodied cigars
are pure smoking pleasure. The rich
tobacco flavors evolve nicely. Highly
recommended for the novice or pro.
|
| Panelist #2 | This torpedo's appearance and construction are top-of-the-line. The
tasty, sweet, mild blend is as good
as it gets.
|
| Panelist #3 | A very well-made, attractive cigar,
but flavor is the most critical
aspect of a cigar, and this one didn't
have enough for me.
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| Panelist #4 | A good anytime smoke. Try drinking
something spicy with it to provide
a little more zip. Also good for the
novice.
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LA TRADICION CABINET SERIES Torpedo (Rosado) (6.5 x 54)
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| Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Honduras |
| Manufacturer: Nick's Cigar Co. | Filler: DR, Honduras | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | God, this is a SMOKE! It is packed
with complex flavors and despite
a tendency to go sour at the end, it
was awesome.
|
| Panelist #2 | This is one great cigar made by
someone who clearly loves his
work. If only they were all like
this one.
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar is the embodiment of a
"premium cigar." Outstanding construction with a complex blend of
aged tobaccos.
|
| Panelist #4 | I enjoyed this cigar, but would have
loved it if not for the bitterness.
Worth aging because the complexity
and depth were interesting.
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EMIGRANTE Torpedo (6.5 x 52)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesian | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Santiago Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | A very good example of a fine
Dominican cigar. The flavors take
time to show themselves, but they
come through nicely.
|
| Panelist #2 | I liked this cigar very much despite
the uneven burn. Best suited for
after a good meal. I would buy these
if the price is right.
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar really came to life in the
second half. The flavor picks up and
becomes very enjoyable. Great for
an afternoon smoke.
|
| Panelist #4 | Tastes Dominican, but the flavors
are fuller and more lively than
your usual Dominican smoke. A
cigar to savor.
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PONTALBA Torpedo (6.5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Dominican Republic | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Pontalba Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | This torpedo is quite impressive in
every aspect. Makes for a great
treat with your favorite premium
beer.
|
| Panelist #2 | The only flaw here is a lack of complexity in the flavor, which is still
rich and woody, just not overly
compelling.
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar boasts great construction,
but it suffers from a lack of flavor.
An average cigar that I would
recommend if the price is right.
|
| Panelist #4 | Prepare ye for a rich and straight-forward cigar. It's consistent, and
has enough flavor to keep you
happy.
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SEVILLA Torpedo (7.5 x 54)
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| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Connecticut (Ecu) | Binder: Mexico |
| Manufacturer: Hunt Valley Cigars | Filler: DR/Nicaragua | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | A fantastic smoke that scores highly in all catagories. It's mild, but should please most smokers.
|
| Panelist #2 | Like Met's baseman John Olerud - it starts well, slumps in the middle, but finished good enough for a new contract.
|
| Panelist #3 | A well-built cigar that is easy to smoke, but it may lack the flavor to attract hard-core cigar smokers.
|
| Panelist #4 | A moderately rich cigar that is built well. It lacks power, but there is room in the humidor for these cigars.
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MURSULI Torpedo (Natural) (6 x 56)
|
| Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Honduras |
| Manufacturer: Mursuli Cigars | Filler: DR/Honduras | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | This tastes like a great Dominican Cigar. It is well-made and the clean and smooth flavors build to a spicy climax.
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| Panelist #2 | A High-quality cigar in every aspect. I loved the way the medium bodied flavor kept on developing.
|
| Panelist #3 | Construction and the mellow taste are high points, but it didn't quite develop the bold flavors I had expected.
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| Panelist #4 | A very enjoyable cigar. I relished the smooth and creamy flavor, but some aging will sooth the edge.
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