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CORDOVA Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Tamboril | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | This is a nice cigar. If priced right,
this would make a good regular
smoke for those of who can't afford
Castro-fruit.
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| Panelist #2 | This is a very assertive cigar, that
tasted strong even after a hearty
meal. Not for those who like mild
cigars.
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| Panelist #3 | This is a good cigar for anytime of
the day. It's like sex; once you start
it you have to finish! I would buy
this anytime.
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| Panelist #4 | A good medium-bodied cigar that
has many good qualities. The spicy
character makes it an ideal compliment to a cold ale.
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CABALLEROS Rothschilds (4.75 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: MATASA | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | Not a cigar for the fans of heartier
stogies, but if you like mild smokes
with a little more body than most,
give it a try.
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| Panelist #2 | Despite its pretty appearance, this
cigar was too strong and harsh for
my tastes. Fans full-bodied cigars
might appreciate this.
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| Panelist #3 | A good late in the day cigar. Not for
those who are starting out, but
perfect for those who have graduated to medium-bodied smokes.
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| Panelist #4 | This is a good smoke. It is mild,
but very tasty and has a pleasing
finish. Highly recommended for
fans of milder cigars.
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SIGNET Bedford (4.75 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Lane Limited | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | An ordinary work-a-day, mild
cigar that didn't distinguish itself
in the flavor department. I would
recommend if the price is right.
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| Panelist #2 | This is a great anytime of the day
cigar. It is consistently smooth and
I would purchase them. Perfect for
beginners or casual smokers.
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| Panelist #3 | Not a real eventful smoke, but it is
definitely refreshing and easy to
smoke. Good for beginners, and with
a mild scotch.
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| Panelist #4 | A cigar for those who like them
mild. It is not exceptional, but
it does the job. Recommended (for
mild cigar smokers).
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ROMANA Robusto (4.5 x 52)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: TABANTILLAS | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | This is definitely one of the best
cigars in the tasting. Great for
after dinner with a good beer.
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| Panelist #2 | A decent cigar that burns too hot
and that has an ash that dropped on
the floor, in the lap, and on the cat.
Recommended if the price is right.
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| Panelist #3 | The sloppy ash hindered my
enjoyment of this one. Still, it's a
good cigar that many will enjoy.
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| Panelist #4 | The draw and construction are the
best things going here. Not a real
distinguishable smoke and tough
to recommend.
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SAVINELLI ORO 750 Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Savinelli | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | All samples had consistent flavor
and construction, and provided for
a high level of enjoyment. A robust
and flavorful cigar.
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| Panelist #2 | A winner! This one has the body to
be enjoyed outdoors or in. It might
be too strong for a novice, but great
for everybody else.
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| Panelist #3 | Even though the cigars had some
construction problems, I will
recommend them for their robust
and consistent flavor.
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| Panelist #4 | The flavor is the highlight of this
robusto. The construction could be
improved, but overall it is a
worthwile smoke.
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NEXT GENERATION Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Quality Cigar Partners | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | This cigar is definitely a keeper.
I would buy it and recommend it
to everybody.
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| Panelist #2 | A consistent and flavorful cigar.
I was impressed with all aspects of
this one. I would definitely suggest
a sampling.
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| Panelist #3 | An OK smoke that finishes strong.
The construction could use some
improvement, but the complex
flavor makes it worthwhile.
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| Panelist #4 | No doubt about it, this is a very
good cigar. It went great with my
favorite beer and was good to the
last puff.
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LA CONDESA Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: GIROSA | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | There is enough strength and flavor
here to interest those who abhor the
mild smokes, yet it's smooth enough
for beginners.
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| Panelist #2 | Even though I prefer a more full-bodied smoke, I enjoyed this cigar.
It went well in the afternoon with a
cold root beer.
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| Panelist #3 | The construction problems make
this an average cigar at best. The
blend has all the makings of a tasty
treat.
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| Panelist #4 | A very consistent and pleasant
cigar. It's not exactly my style,
but it's a staple for lovers of
Dominican smokes.
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LA LUNA DE LA HABANA Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Ecuador |
| Manufacturer: La Luna de la Habana | Filler: DR/Hon./Ecu./Indo. | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | A great "bar cigar" that enhanced
a few of my nights out. I would like
to know what this cigar is so that I
can buy them.
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| Panelist #2 | This cigar has impressive medium-bodied spice flavors, with a zingy
bite on the finish. The messy ash
detracts.
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| Panelist #3 | A full-bodied cigar that lacks the
character to be a good after-meal
smoke. Nice for the afternoon.
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| Panelist #4 | A good smoke for the mild cigar
smoker looking to move up to a fuller taste, or for the strong cigar
smoker looking for a milder blend.
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COHIBA Robusto (5 x 49)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Indonesia |
| Manufacturer: General Cigar Company | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: F |
| Panelist #1 | I enjoyed these immensely with a
couple of cold Buds. It is an anytime
of the day smoke that I would happily
buy.
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| Panelist #2 | A solid and tasty smoke which, with
a bit of time, will improve even
more. A quality blend makes this
a winner.
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| Panelist #3 | A well-made cigar, obviously made
by a skilled roller. The blend is
not to my liking, but some aging
might help to smooth out the flavor.
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| Panelist #4 | A quality cigar with an interesting
flavor. The smoothness indicates
well-aged tobacco, and the aromatic
nature is unique.
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ROMANTICOS Eros (5 x 52)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: S&T Cigars | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | An attractive cigar that is beautifully
rolled and that smokes great. The
deliciously sweet, herbal flavor will
grow on you.
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| Panelist #2 | This cigar is great! I'm hoping this
brand is readily available in my
neck of the woods. I'd love to get my
hands on more.
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| Panelist #3 | Good for casual smoking while at
work or in the car, but it won't
hold up well after a hearty meal.
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| Panelist #4 | This would be a good every day
smoke, depending on cost. A very
nice blend that is not boring.
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KING RICHARD Royal Knight (5 x 50)
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| Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Connecticut (U.S.) |
| Manufacturer: King Richard Cigars | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | This cigar smokes well and is impressive visually. It's pleasing, but
it lacks defining flavor. A good every
day smoke if the price is right.
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| Panelist #2 | All samples were consistently great.
Not only would I recommend these
cigars, I would buy them by the box.
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| Panelist #3 | A lovely, mild cigar. Fans of full-bodied Cuban smokes might sneer,
but I can always find a place for a
cigar like this.
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| Panelist #4 | This cigar is well-made and provides a mild, one-dimensional taste
that is very nice. Recommended for
fans of mild and creamy cigars.
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NAFILYAN SIGNATURE SERIES Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (Ecu) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Worldwide Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | This cigar is strong enough to hold its
own after a spicy meal. I'll be having
some of these, once I find out what
they are.
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| Panelist #2 | A mild, but enjoyable smoke, that I
would buy as a middle of the day
smoke, or for beginners.
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| Panelist #3 | A finely constructed, good tasting
cigar that reminds me of an H.
Upmann. All samples were extremly consistent.
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| Panelist #4 | A wonderful light cigar that I would
swear is a Por Laranaga. Don't
drink it with anything strong, as it
might get overpowered.
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LA UNICA #400 (Maduro) (4.5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: J.C. Newman | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | This cigar went great as a lunchtime
smoke. I absolutely enjoyed it and
would gladly recommend it to my
friends.
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| Panelist #2 | This reminds me of a Punch Rothschild in maduro. It's a good unpretentious smoke that would be a great
every day cigar if priced right.
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| Panelist #3 | I found this cigar to be somewhat
plain. It just didn't have much of an
impact on me. Some may appreciate
the maduro flavors.
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| Panelist #4 | This is very similar to a Hoyo de
Monterrey Rothschild. It's a well-made cigar with terrific hearty
flavors.
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MONTAGUE GRAN RESERVE Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Indonesia | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Indonesia |
| Manufacturer: Swedish Match | Filler: Brazil/Indonesia | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | This is a cigar I would smoke again,
especially as a daytime smoke. It's
very consistent, but also very mild.
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| Panelist #2 | High marks for appearance and construction, but the flavor has some
rough edges. The strength is impressive. Try them after some aging.
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| Panelist #3 | A consistently good cigar that I
would certainly buy for my humidor. Recommended for just about
any smoker.
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| Panelist #4 | A good cigar, with some intriguing
flavor. It's deceivingly strong, but
very smooth at the same time. I
would recommend it.
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DON AUGUSTA Colossus Jr. (4.75 x 60)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: El Artista, Ltd. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D |
| Panelist #1 | This monster tastes as good as it
looks. Surprisingly fresh taste,
since I thought it was a novelty
cigar at first.
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| Panelist #2 | A very enjoyable smoke, even for
somebody who normally sticks to
smaller ring gauges. I would
definitely recommend this cigar.
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| Panelist #3 | I was skeptical because of the huge
ring gauge, but came away from this
big one pleasantly surprised. Not
earth shattering, but solid.
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| Panelist #4 | The huge ring gauge will limit
the appeal of this cigar. Its flavor
is very accessible, like a main-stream Dominican.
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TENORIO Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Tabar & Associados | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: ?? |
| Panelist #1 | I really liked this one. It's a classy
cigar with finesse, respectable
strength, and satisfying complexity.
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| Panelist #2 | A good cigar with some excellent
earthy flavors, and a pleasing level
of complexity. The uneven burn detracted slightly.
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| Panelist #3 | A good, solid smoke that is very
likely an expensive premium cigar.
A Davidoff perhaps? Recommended
without hesitation.
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| Panelist #4 | A truly powerful cigar that needs to
develop some balance. Like a tannic
wine, this will improve with age.
Recommended for bold smokers.
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PENGUIN SUPREME Galapagos (5 X 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut (U.S.) | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Universal Premium | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | A very good, straightforward style of Dominican cigar. Fans of Leon Jimenes or La Flor Dominicana will like this.
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| Panelist #2 | There is nothing wrong with a cigar like this. While it is not the most unique cigar, it is consistantly good.
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| Panelist #3 | The only fault of this cigar is that it is ordinary. The quality is good, but unless it is smartly priced, it will not stand out.
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| Panelist #4 | This is sure to become a popular cigar among mainstream smokers. It's flavors are easy-going and excellent.
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CONQUISTADOR Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Mexico | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Honduras |
| Manufacturer: Jonathan Thomas | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: A |
| Panelist #1 | Similar to a Punch Rothschild, but
I think this cigar is better. I'm not
usually a fan of maduros, but this is
very satisfying.
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| Panelist #2 | This cigar will put a beginner on
their butt. For those who love strong
and robust flavor, check this one
out.
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| Panelist #3 | It is tough to find a cigar outside of
Havana with such depth. I am very
impressed with this cigar! What is
it?
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| Panelist #4 | This cigar kicks some butt! It is
strong and complex. Might be Cuban,
but not with the maduro wrapper.
Recommended for the experienced.
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LA FLOR DEL TEIDE VINTAGE Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Canary Islands | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Canary Islands |
| Manufacturer: International Cigar Ent. | Filler: Canary Islands | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | A very consistant cigar that is well-made, but the simple flavors keep it from scoring high.
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| Panelist #2 | This is a good smoke, thanks to the roller, but the blend could use a bit of spicing up.
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| Panelist #3 | A cigar that would be worth buying only if the price is right. It provides some quality, but it's not a super-premium smoke.
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| Panelist #4 | A run of the mill cigar that would suffice as an everyday smoke if priced accordingly.
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BROOKLYN BLUNT Robusto (5 X 60)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: Manhattan Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: E |
| Panelist #1 | This cigar is way too much fun to smoke. It's great to take to a card game or to a bachelor party.
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| Panelist #2 | A very consistant cigar that was far better than I expected. If you are looking for something different, check this out.
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| Panelist #3 | An interesting cigar to smoke given it's novel size, but the overly sweet flavor is not to my liking.
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| Panelist #4 | A rich cigar that has a great blend of tobacco. It's fun to smoke, but it's tough to get your mouth around this one.
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RG SANTIAGO DOMINICAN Robusto (5 x 50)
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| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic |
| Manufacturer: GIROSA | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C |
| Panelist #1 | A very respectable cigar, despite a lack of complex flavors. It is easy to smoke and enjoy. |
| Panelist #2 | An ok everyday cigar that could be enjoyed at work or while doing outdoor activities. |
| Panelist #3 | An average cigar with reasonable, but unimpressive, flavors. This one's only worth buying if under $4. |
| Panelist #4 | A good straightforward cigar of moderate strength and complexity. It might improve with age. |