Beating the Heat - Figurados Churchills | Petit Coronas | Figurados | Gran Coronas LEON JIMENES Petit Belicoso Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: La Aurora, S.A. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $6.50 Panelist #1 A good 20 ð 25 minute smoke that is most satisfying. Draw slowly so it doesn't heat up too much, kick back, and enjoy! SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #2 A cigar that's easy to recommend to others. I can't wait to find out what it is so I can stock up my humidor with them. SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #3 For those looking for a quick and mild smoke for the morning or early afternoon, this small torpedo is a worthy choice. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #4 While I prefer my cigars more full-bodied that this one, I still enjoyed smoking this beautifully made figurado. SCORE: 3.8 ARTIGAS Torpedo Country: Mexico Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Mexico Manufacturer: Artigas S.A. de C.V. Filler: Mexico Price: $6.00 Panelist #1 This wonderful cigar is very unique and is made to be enjoyed by all. If you can get them, buy up as many as possible. SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #2 A Jekyll & Hyde cigar. It begins wonderfully, but its brash style becomes too overwhelming and it burns badly. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #3 A well-made, enjoyable stogie that will charm many smokers with its rather unique flavor profile. An easy cigar to recommend. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #4 This is a beautiful cigar, made by the gifted hands of a talented roller. Unfortunately, the blend needs some work. SCORE: 2.6 CARLOS III Cubanito Country: Honduras Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Carlos III Cigars Filler: Nic/Hon/Penn Price: $3.25 Panelist #1 Note to self: Buy all chili pepper-shaped cigars! If they are slightly similar to this one, then it's well worth stocking up. SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #2 This small, interesting perfecto is no Fuente Short Story, but it's a good smoke nonetheless, and is definitely worth a try. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #3 While not a delicious cigar, it's a classy little brute with some rare qualities. It has staying power, subtlety, and richness. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #4 The inconsistent rolling and lack of robust flavor makes this smoke less than memorable. It's not bad, but not great either. SCORE: 3.6 SANCHO PANZA Belicoso Country: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Manufacturer: Habanos, S.A. Filler: Cuba Price: >$10 Panelist #1 This cigar should come with a warning to only smoke after a heavy meal. If it's not Cuban, the world is catching up fast. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 This cigar has an appealing shape and it smokes beautifully. It's a bit on the mild side, but I would consider purchasing this. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 This enjoyable, strong cigar is one of the best in this review. I liked it after dinner, but Havanaphiles might have this for breakfast. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #4 This is an excellent all-around smoke that I can't say enough good things about. Buy it, smoke it, enjoy it! SCORE: 4.5 PUROS INDIOS Piramide No. 2 (Maduro) Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: Rolando Reyes Filler: Brazil/DR/Jam/Nic Price: $7.50 Panelist #1 This full-bodied, exquisitely crafted large torpedo proves that size does matter. For those who love big cigars with big flavor. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #2 Tough to judge, as this cigar starts wonderfully, but has a tendency to get bitter in the middle. I'll buy if it's priced moderately. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #3 This big, bad-ass torpedo provides 75 minutes of bold, hang-on-to-your pants pleasure. Fans of full-bodied cigars need only apply. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #4 For a non-Cuban smoke, this is one of the best I have had. More aging should turn this cigar into a real treasure. SCORE: 4.7 BERING Torpedo Country: Honduras Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: Swisher International Filler: DR/Mexico/Honduras Price: $3.30 Panelist #1 This is an absolutely fabulous cigar that I will buy regardless of the price. Great look, taste, aroma, and smokability. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 A very mild-bodied cigar that lacks strength and character. However, it's a good morning smoke, or one for the mild crowd. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #3 A pleasant, consistent smoke that sits perfectly in the hand and isn't so exciting that it requires a lot of concentration. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #4 Not much to complain about here. While this cigar isn't earth-shattering, it does its job well. I'd smoke it again. SCORE: 3.5 LA FLOR DOMINICANA 2000 No. 2 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dominican Manufacturer: La Flor Dominicana Filler: DR/Brazil Price: $4.35 Panelist #1 This great cigar provides a full-bodied style, but never overpowers. I'll recommend it only after I have enough for myself! SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 Reminds me of a Dominican-made cigar with a Cameroon wrapper. I would love to give this fine stogie another audition. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 I enjoyed this cigar and would gladly buy it if the price is right. Tough to pinpoint its origin, but who cares when it tastes so good? SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #4 A very pleasurable cigar to review. I love it when a torpedo builds in flavor, and this one was no exception. Bravo! SCORE: 4.0 DON LINO Petit Belicoso Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Miami Cigars Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.25 Panelist #1 This is a fun cigar to smoke. The fine construction makes for a worry-free smoke, and the smooth flavor is memorable. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #2 A very good cigar that approaches greatness. It definitely gets better as you smoke it, and it goes great with a peaty scotch. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 Once you get past the initial bitterness, this cigar settles down a bit. Perhaps some aging will take away the bite. SCORE: 2.9 Panelist #4 A slightly above-average cigar of likely Dominican origin. I can appreciate the work done here, despite its mildness. SCORE: 3.5 CARLOS TORANO NICARAGUAN SELECTION Torpedo Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Torano Cigars Filler: Nicaragua Price: $3.95 Panelist #1 A great, mild cigar for those just starting out or for those who like a high-quality, even-tempered, smooth cigar. SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #2 This cigar proves to be consistent, but its sweet, fragrant flavor is tough to endure and it's too mild for hardcore smokers. SCORE: 2.8 Panelist #3 A consistent, mild cigar. However, when I hold a hefty torpedo in my hand, I want some hearty, hefty flavors to go with it. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #4 Beautiful construction and a mellow style make this cigar worth seeking out. Havanaphiles need not apply. SCORE: 3.6 HOYO DE MONTERREY SELECCION ROYALE Aristocrat Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: Villazon & Co. Filler: Hon/Nic/DR Price: $8.95 Panelist #1 An exquisite cigar! I can't imagine anybody not liking this stogie. Cigars this good just don't come along every day. SCORE: 5.0 Panelist #2 This strangely shaped cigar proved to be thoroughly enjoyable, but I may try a different shape due to the inconsistent draw. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #3 Yes! Yes! Yes! Oh1 Ah! Yes! Yessss! Need I say more? This fantastic cigar has it all: great taste, construction, and class. SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #4 An incredible cigar that provides an amazingly smooth and flavorful journey for the adventurous smoker. SCORE: 4.5 DAVIDOFF Short 'T' Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $11.25 Panelist #1 I almost gave up on this cigar after the mild start, but I'm glad I stuck with it. It's one of the finest cigars I have smoked. SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #2 Lovers of flavorful, mild cigars will find much to like here. Even full-bodied smokers may like this as a change of pace. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #3 I lamentably report this cigar, which showed such promise early on, isn't ready for the major leagues. It's a good AA smoke. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 Here's a cigar with a great shape, a stellar roll, and a flavor that will seduce you with its subtle charms. SCORE: 4.1 ARISTOFF 550S (Cameroon) Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: CigarAmerica Inc. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $8.00 Panelist #1 I went to church after smoking this cigar because something this good must be a sin. This is a genuine masterpiece. SCORE: 5.0 Panelist #2 A great cigar like this restores my faith in the cigar industry. I would recommend this to anyone, anytime. A real beauty. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #3 This cigar gives a great first impression and doesn't disappoint. I hope the makers of this cigar get a big bonus. They deserve it. SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #4 This cigar is a definite treat. The construction and flavor are top-notch. I hope I can find these so I can stock up. SCORE: 4.5 PARTAGAS Aristocrat Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Mexico Manufacturer: General Cigar Filler: DR/Mexico Price: $8.25 Panelist #1 An extremely well-made torpedo, with strong and complex flavors. Its rich taste and aroma give it a fragrant quality. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 This medium-bodied stogie will satisfy those who like a bold cigar, with light spicy flavors, and an subtle richness. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 Fans of milder cigars will rave about this one. Not enough strength or body for me, but it's a good summer hammock cigar. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #4 This cigar provides a pleasant smoking experience, especially for those who like cool and mild stogies. SCORE: 3.4 LA TRADICION 'PERDOMO RESERVE' No. 2 Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Nick's Cigar Co. Filler: Nicaragua Price: $5.99 Panelist #1 Some cigars just have it all together, and this is one of them. It held up beautifully after a hot and spicy Indonesian meal. SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #2 This unique little perfecto is highly enjoyable. It's flavorful enough to to grab one's attention, and it's never overpowering. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 Who can resist a cigar with a perfecto tip and a pyramid shape? I had great fun smoking and showing off this cool cigar. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #4 You can't beat this cigar for a quick and satisfying diversion. You can bet I'll fill my humidor with more of these. SCORE: 4.7 NAFILYAN PASHA SELECTION Gran Pyramid Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: DR/Nicaragua Manufacturer: Nafilyan Cigar Co. Filler: Dominican Price: $6.75 Panelist #1 A looser draw would have helped here, but as it is, this cigar provides enough good, mild flavor to make it worthwhile. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #2 A slow-burning cigar that requires commitment due to its length, but it has plenty of rewards for the patient smoker. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 A good cigar if you like them mild and clean in flavor. The large size takes a lot of work for a light smoke, but it smokes well. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #4 I thought this big cigar would be too much to handle, but its style is remarkably user-friendly. For mild smokers only. SCORE: 3.9 ROMEO Y JULIETA Torpedo Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Dominican Manufacturer: Tabacalera de Espana Filler: Dominican Price: $6.00 Panelist #1 A highly enjoyable cigar to pass away an hour with. Its full-bodied bite might overpower some, but the flavor is addicting. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #2 The only complaint I have is that this cigar seems a bit young. Put it away for a few months and it will become fabulous. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 A well-made cigar that (just like my Uncle Otto) needs some time to dry out and mature. Given time, I bet this cigar will shine. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #4 I just love a hot and spicy torpedo, and this one delivers the goods in a big way. Sign me up for several boxes. SCORE: 4.8 BUCANERO MADURO Belicoso Country: Costa Rica Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: Bucanero Cigars Filler: Nicaragua/DR Price: $8.75 Panelist #1 Here's a torpedo that knows how to finesse and satisfy the palate. Maduro lovers will find this cigar especially invigorating. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 Great looking, with plenty of body, but the flavor doesn't develop much from the smooth earthiness it imparts from the start. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #3 Can you say smooth? This cigar sure does! While it offers plenty of complexity, it never oversteps its bounds to get unruly or harsh. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #4 Similar to a CAO Anniversario in its flavorful assault on the palate, while remaining as smooth and cool as James Bond. SCORE: 4.8 Continued on next page... HOME ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE PRIVACY POLICY INDUSTRY NEWS SEARCH CONTEST TERMS OF USE HTML Copyright © 1999 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.