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As we bask in the heat of the last summer of the 20th century, interest in cigars seems to be holding steady, rather than nosediving, as many "experts" predicted. This is good news for all of us who make a living in the cigar industry, and it has proved even more fortuitous for cigar smokers, who have more high-quality product available to them today than in any time in recent history.
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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 |
While the big manufacturers continue to release innovative new cigars, smaller manufactures are also flourishing, a situation markedly different from that of a year ago. It seems the cigar boom has spawned a new generation of savvy smokers looking for good cigars that are different from the norm. The environment has produced a niche where
boutique manufacturers with good product can prosper. For more information on the rebirth of boutique brands, see my article in this issue, which profiles four prominent boutique manufacturers, and lists a bunch of other notables.
Several boutique cigars are reviewed in this issue, and score impressively, including BAHIA GOLD, CAO L'ANNIVERSAIRE, CUPIDO, PUROFINO BLUE LABEL, and CARLOS III. In addition, the big guys strut their stuff, with commanding performances by FUENTE SUNGROWN CHATEAU ROYALE SALUTE, HOYO DE MONTERREY SELECCION ROYALE, and DAVIDOFF SHORT 'T'.
The SMOKE "Become a Cigar Reviewer" Contest on this web site kicks into high gear, with this issue's winners - Mark Orgel, Wendy Heltsley, and Barry Ottey - all providing knowledgeable reviews. Click on the “Contest” to enter, and while you’re here, check out some cool new features we've added.
- Andy Marinkovich
Photos by Jeff Schnorr
Still want more?
Order the Smoke & Ash CD from Enthuse Publishing for a comprehensive database of ALL of SMOKE Magazine's famous cigar reviews! Smoke & Ash features full search capabilities, photos, a custom cigar journal, rating system, and more!
Churchills...
 |  | DUNHILL Cabreras | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Dunhill/Lane Ltd. | Filler: Brazil/DR | Price: $10.55
| | Panelist #1 | A VIP cigar for the sophisticated
smoker. I imagine these are on the
expensive side, so I'll be saving my
pennies to get a few. SCORE: 4.7
| | Panelist #2 | I would smoke this cigar in a pinch,
but it's far too mild for my tastes.
It's pretty, but not worth it for the
sex appeal alone. SCORE: 2.8
| | Panelist #3 | This decent, but overall average,
cigar left me a little underwhelmed.
The mild blend might work better
in a smaller size. SCORE: 3.0
| | Panelist #4 | This rich, easy-smoking cigar
provides the perfect ending to
a big steak dinner and a creme
brulee dessert. SCORE: 4.7
|
 |  | BAHIA GOLD Churchill | | Country: Costa Rica | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Tony Borhani | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $10.00
| | Panelist #1 |
This cigar is the perfect way to
finish off a fine meal. I definitely
want to add this fine stogie to
my collection. SCORE: 4.8
| | Panelist #2 | While not a total bust, I wasn't
enthralled with this cigar. If the
draw was a little easier, this might
have been better. SCORE: 2.8
| | Panelist #3 | This cigar is inconsistent in terms
of draw and smoke production. The
flavor is an attribute, but the draw
is a deficiency. SCORE: 3.5
| | Panelist #4 | This potent smoke is not for
those with weak palates. Age
this and it will only get better.
Send me a box! SCORE: 5.0
|
 |  | PUNCH Churchill | | Country: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba
| | Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. | Filler: Cuba | Price: >$12.00
| | Panelist #1 | This cigar's origin can be surmised
on appearance alone. Smoking it
confirms its status as a classic
Havana churchill. SCORE: 4.9
| | Panelist #2 | An outstanding, kick-ass, rock 'n roll cigar! Too bad I gave one
of these to my pal. I highly recommend this cigar! SCORE: 4.8
| | Panelist #3 |
A great, full-bodied cigar that I
definitely appreciated. Probably a
Havana, but if not, I'll be buying
as many as I can get. SCORE: 4.8
| | Panelist #4 |
As good a Cuban Churchill as I
have had. This is a cigar that
every cigar smoker should be so
lucky to try. SCORE: 4.6
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 |  | C.A.O. L'ANNIVERSAIRE Churchill | | Country: Costa Rica | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Ecuador
| | Manufacturer: C.A.O. International | Filler: DR/Nicaragua | Price: $7.00
| | Panelist #1 |
This cigar represents probably
one of the best hours of smoking
available in the U.S. This is what a
great cigar should be. SCORE: 4.8
| | Panelist #2 |
While this style of cigar is not my
usual preference, I highly enjoyed
this smoke, as I'm sure many other
smokers will as well. SCORE: 4.4
| | Panelist #3 |
I can't wait to find out what this
brand is, as I will have to get a
box. A dark, mysterious cigar that
kept me guessing. SCORE: 4.0
| | Panelist #4 |
What a treat! Don't smoke this
cigar when distracted, as it requires one's full attention to be
truly savored. SCORE: 4.6
|
 | | AVO 'XO' Maestoso | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $11.80
| | Panelist #1 |
A well-made, mild cigar that is
best suited for beginners or social
smokers. Very similar in style to
a Davidoff. SCORE: 4.2
| | Panelist #2 |
This true premium cigar provides
what all cigar smokers ask for:
great construction and complex,
balanced flavor. SCORE: 4.0
| | Panelist #3 |
A cool, classy cigar that is bound
for greatness. It's mild enough for
the morning, yet rich enough for
after dinner too. SCORE: 3.6
| | Panelist #4 |
A cigar to savor! The taste is
reminiscent of a Dominican-style
blend that is juiced up with some
Honduran leaf. SCORE: 4.3
|
 |  | LA UNICA No. 200 (Natural) | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: J.C. Newman Cigar | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $4.65
| | Panelist #1 |
This slow-burning, classy cigar is
perfect for any occasion. Its refreshing, consistent nature makes
it a solid choice. SCORE: 4.1
| | Panelist #2 |
A consistent, light-bodied cigar,
with a decent flavor that builds
consistently. A lack of depth keeps
it from greatness. SCORE: 3.8
| | Panelist #3 |
A fine cigar to recommend to most
smokers because of its clean and
unassuming style. Provides a good
array of flavors. SCORE: 3.7
| | Panelist #4 |
This is a fine smoke for the first
half, but it becomes a difficult
to handle in the second. Overall,
it's above average. SCORE: 3.0
|
 | | ASHTON Prime Minister | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Holt's Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $7.15
| | Panelist #1 |
This cigar won't bowl you over with
strength or complex flavor, but it
definitely holds its own on the
pleasure scale. SCORE: 3.6
| | Panelist #2 |
Every puff of this great cigar was
a pleasant reminder of why I smoke
cigars. All smokers will be able to
appreciate this one. SCORE: 4.6
| | Panelist #3 |
Inconsistent flavor keeps this cigar
from greatness. Still, it provides
for an enjoyable hour of smoking,
despite the low points. SCORE: 3.5
| | Panelist #4 |
It takes careful consideration to
detect all the flavors at work in
this palate-pleaser. A leisurely,
satisfying smoke. SCORE: 4.1
|
 |  | 898 COLLECTION Churchill | | Country: Jamaica | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Mike's Cigars | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $6.00
| | Panelist #1 |
This is a great cigar that, despite
its minor cap imperfections, is a
delight to smoke. Similar in style
to a Macanudo. SCORE: 4.5
| | Panelist #2 |
A great cigar for daytime smoking,
and for mild cigar lovers. I'll take
it in a robusto size for my morning commute. SCORE: 3.5
| | Panelist #3 |
A good all-around cigar that's not
terribly exciting, but its consistent,
easygoing style provides a high
level of enjoyment. SCORE: 4.5
| | Panelist #4 |
This cigar is a most pleasant
surprise! It's smooth and mild,
with enough taste to keep the
senses aroused. SCORE: 3.8
|
 |  | MARIA MANCINI Clemenceau | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Honduras
| | Manufacturer: Cigars by Santa Clara | Filler: Honduras | Price: $2.50
| | Panelist #1 |
This is a top-class cigar that will
surely please any cigar smoker with
an educated palate. A thoroughly
enjoyable smoke. SCORE: 4.3
| | Panelist #2 |
An excellent morning Havana, if
there is one. Not overpowering, but
I am impressed with its complexity.
A cigar to savor. SCORE: 4.9
| | Panelist #3 |
A wonderfully balanced cigar. The
impeccable construction and the
great feel in the hand and mouth
make this a winner. SCORE: 4.4
| | Panelist #4 |
This handsome giant has good
flavor, but it lacks the depth and
strength that would make it a
truly great cigar. SCORE: 3.8
|
 |  | ISLA DEL SOL Churchill | | Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Ecuador
| | Manufacturer: Nick's Cigar Co. | Filler: Nic/DR/Hon | Price: $2.99
| | Panelist #1 |
If this is a new cigar, I congratulate
its maker for producing a winner.
If it's not new, where has it been
all my life? SCORE: 4.5
| | Panelist #2 |
A consistent cigar that really grew
on me the more I smoked it. I
think some time in the humidor
will improve this. SCORE: 3.5
| | Panelist #3 |
Not a bad cigar, but it seems as if
the blend isn't quite developed
enough to give it the distinct character it needs. SCORE: 3.0
| | Panelist #4 |
This cigar has some great flavor,
but it has to overcome the sour
taste of young tobacco. Age will
improve this cigar. SCORE: 3.5 |
 | | CUPIDO Churchill | | Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Nicaragua
| | Manufacturer: Cupido Cigars | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: $10.00
| | Panelist #1 |
This cigar looks great, tastes great,
and smokes great! Save this one
for those special times when only
the best will do. SCORE: 4.8
| | Panelist #2 |
A great cigar that provides pleasure
on all levels, as a true premium
cigar should. I don't think I could
ask for much more. SCORE: 4.8
| | Panelist #3 |
This cigar does many things well
and leaves no doubt as to its premium status. That said, don't expect a powerhouse. SCORE: 3.6
| | Panelist #4 |
A tasty cigar, with the distinct
flavor of fine Nicaraguan tobacco.
connoisseurs will appreciate its
balanced delivery. SCORE: 4.3
|
 | | PUROFINO BLUE LABEL Churchill | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Costa Rica
| | Manufacturer: Purofino Cigars Int. | Filler: Nic/CR/Mexico | Price: $6.95
| | Panelist #1 |
This is a cigar to inspire, and to
have fun with. A perfect example
of what any Churchill should aspire to be. SCORE: 4.7
| | Panelist #2 |
An enjoyable cigar that went well
with a glass of cola in the afternoon. I'd like to try this again after
additional aging. SCORE: 3.6
| | Panelist #3 |
I enjoyed this cigar a lot. As long
as it's not too expensive, I can
see this becoming a mainstay in
my humidor. SCORE: 3.7
| | Panelist #4 |
A finely crafted cigar that will
appeal to a wide audience. Its
style is refined and mild, but it
asserts itself well. SCORE: 4.1
|
 |  | MILLENNIUM SERIES Cuban Round Largo | | Country: U.S.A. | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Nicaragua
| | Manufacturer: Cuban Cigar Factory | Filler: Hon/Nic/Mexico | Price: $7.00
| | Panelist #1 |
A great choice for those who like
mild, well-constructed cigars. I
would love to try this blend in a
robusto size. SCORE: 4.0
| | Panelist #2 |
Reminds me of that skinny cheerleader I dated back in Ì67: Bold,
pretty, and lots of fun, but lacking
in depth and body. SCORE: 3.7
| | Panelist #3 |
This extremely mild smoke left me
wanting more flavor. But, this would
go well with a white wine, or after a
light seafood meal. SCORE: 3.0
| | Panelist #4 |
This sharp, edgy, mild cigar is
not my cup of tea. However, I've
smoked cigars like this that really
improved with age. SCORE: 2.7
|
 | | EMIGRANTE Churchill | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Santiago Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $6.00
| | Panelist #1 |
Initially, this cigar didn't appear to
have the right stuff. However, this
flavorful stogie proved to be a
delightful smoke. SCORE: 4.7
| | Panelist #2 |
A run-of-the-mill cigar that suffers
from inconsistent construction
and flavor. It'll do in a pinch, or
if it's priced low. SCORE: 2.5
| | Panelist #3 |
Improve the construction and this
cigar will really cook! I enjoyed its
unpolished style, but lesser folk
might be scared away. SCORE: 3.9
| | Panelist #4 |
The worry here is that people
will pass this cigar up because
of its appearance. I advise not
doing so. SCORE: 4.1
|
 |  | FLOR DE ORO Double Corona | | Country: Canary Islands | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Indonesia (Java)
| | Manufacturer: Export Tabac | Filler: Brazil/DR | Price: $6.00
| | Panelist #1 |
This is a good, mild, Dominican-style cigar for the first half, but
the flavor deteriorates in the
latter stages. SCORE: 3.5
| | Panelist #2 |
Another cigar for the mild crowd.
Full-bodied smokers will be bored
by its lack of body and flavor. I hope
it's priced low. SCORE: 2.8
| | Panelist #3 |
I usually avoid big, mild cigars as
they often require too much effort
for too little flavor. Such is the case
here, but it's decent. SCORE: 3.2
| | Panelist #4 |
A light cigar that smokes well,
for a problem-free smoke. But,
it's extra-light style may be its
own worst enemy. SCORE: 3.0
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 |  | ARTURO FUENTE Chateau Fuente Royale Salute (Sun Grown) | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $6.50
| | Panelist #1 |
A top-notch cigar from every
perspective. The flavor never quits
and the cigar smokes like a dream.
Try this cigar! SCORE: 4.8
| | Panelist #2 |
This is what cigar smoking is all
about! I would expect a cigar this
good from the Fuente family. Is
this an OpusX? SCORE: 4.7
| | Panelist #3 |
The manufacturer of this cigar has
every right to be very proud of this
creation. Every cigar lover should
try this fine smoke. SCORE: 4.6
| | Panelist #4 |
A cigar that will appeal to many
smokers. It's rich and flavorful
enough for the pros, and smooth
enough for newbies. SCORE: 4.4
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 Continued on next page...
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