Beating the Heat - Gran Coronas Churchills | Petit Coronas | Figurados | Gran Coronas MONTAGUE Corona No. 2 (Maduro) Country: Indonesia Wrapper: Brazil Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: Swedish Match, NA Filler: Brazil/Indonesia Price: $5.50 Panelist #1 I have to respect the balance of this cigar. All of its flavors came together like a 40-piece orchestra. Please send more! SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #2 Not an altogether bad cigar, but I think some additional aging is necessary to smooth out the rough edges. SCORE: 2.6 Panelist #3 A good, basic, smokable cigar that I certainly wouldn't turn down if offered to me. Recommended for lovers of fine maduros. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 This consistent cigar will suffice before or after lunch, but it probably won't hold up after a big, spicy meal. SCORE: 3.4 ROMEO Y JULIETA Cazadores Country: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Manufacturer: Habanos, S.A. Filler: Cuba Price: >$8.00 Panelist #1 A very enjoyable cigar that develops enough rich and spicy complexity to please most smokers. Definite Cuban-like qualities. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 A great Havana, with the only flaw being a tight roll. For those who like strong cigars that never quit, this is for you. SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #3 Not the greatest Havana I've ever had, but with some humidor time, this might develop into a real top-flight smoke. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #4 It doesn't look like much, and the construction needs work, but it tastes great, and that is the most important thing. SCORE: 3.6 BUTERA VINTAGE MADURO No. 644 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: Mike Butera Filler: DR/Brazil Price: $7.50 Panelist #1 A good cigar to serve as an intro to the world of maduros. It's mild to medium in strength, with a consistent taste. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 I would buy this cigar and age it for a few months. It's not out of this world, but it could be a good everyday smoke. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #3 For those who like a strong, peppery, full-bodied maduro, here's a cigar for you. As for myself, I can only take so much abuse. SCORE: 2.3 Panelist #4 Inconsistent construction is a problem here. Based on the un-plugged samples, this is a worthwhile maduro. SCORE: 3.6 LA GLORIA CUBANA Corona Gorda (Maduro) Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: El Credito Filler: DR/Nicaragua Price: $4.00 Panelist #1 Despite the loose construction and the sting of young tobacco, this cigar's bold, spicy flavor is excellent. Aging will do wonders. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #2 A very good cigar that all maduro fans should check out. It's not the most complex cigar I've had, but it stays interesting. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 Given its construction woes, I suspect this cigar is priced fairly low. If so, this would be an outstanding value. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 The ugly wrapper gave a bad first impression, but this cigar provides an enoyable hour of of fine smoking. SCORE: 3.7 LA PERLA HABANA Toro Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: La Perla Habana Cigars Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $5.55 Panelist #1 A bold and aggressive smoke that captures the attention. While I'm guessing it's Dominican-made, it has Cuban qualities. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 I usually don't like heavy, full-bodied cigars, but I like this one enough to add to my humidor on a regular basis. Good stuff! SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 A high-quality Dominican smoke made in the Partagas mold. It looks strong, but it only whispers. Still, a good anytime smoke. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #4 This cool smoke has a ton of good flavor. Yes, it gets unruly at times, but aren't we all attracted to the rebellious types? SCORE: 4.4 NEXT GENERATION Corona Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Quality Cigar Partners Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.00 Panelist #1 A consistent cigar that suits my tastes just fine. It's similar to a Dominican-made Partagas or Ramon Allones. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #2 Despite its rough-hewn appearance, this cigar relentlessly delivers mouthfuls of Cuban-like flavor. Its rough style detracts slightly. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #3 This cigar's taste went perfectly with my morning cuppa joe. This could be my next regular morning smoke. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #4 A rough and tough smoke. It has the unpolished style of a Henry Clay. I'll smoke this when I want a rough ride. SCORE: 3.3 CUBITA 700 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: MATASA/SAG Imports Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $5.65 Panelist #1 An excellent cigar that went great with a Honey Lager beer. I could smoke this at the ritziest joint in town and be proud. SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #2 This cigar has a bitterness that keeps its score low. However, if it's reasonably priced, it's worth a second chance. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #3 This cigar is amazingly smooth and mild for such a large ring gauge. It's not earth-shattering, but I smoked it to my fingertips. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 This cigar is too mild for my tastes, and the sour flavor didn't endear me to it. Aging might help this out. SCORE: 2.5 PUNCH DELUXE Coronas Country: Honduras Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: Villazon & Co. Filler: DR/Hon/Nicaragua Price: $4.15 Panelist #1 Good construction and mature tobacco in the blend add up to a satisfying smoke. Would stand up to a good bourbon. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 I wouldn't purchase this cigar to smoke right away, as it is in need of aging. If priced low, it'll be worth the investment. SCORE: 3.0 Panelist #3 This is a fine, everyday type of cigar, as long as the price is right. It's nothing fancy, but it manages to be interesting. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #4 I liked everything about this one. From the great construction and size, to its ample flavor, this is a real deal cigar. SCORE: 4.4 RAFAEL GONZALEZ Coronas Extra No. 3 Country: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Manufacturer: Habanos, S.A. Filler: Cuba Price: >$10 Panelist #1 This cigar was my favorite of the review. It has great flavor and is in my favorite size. Can you hook me up with a box? SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #2 This is a good, tasty, solid smoke that may not be great, but it's certainly above average. No flaws to report here. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 This cigar is too robust for my tastes. However, those who enjoy strong, flavorful cigars should try this feisty smoke. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 This smokes and tastes like a freshly rolled Havana. Give it six months to age, and less humidity, and it'll be super. SCORE: 4.2 PREMIUM DOMINICANA No. 50 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Holt's Cigar Company Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $5.60 Panelist #1 I expected this cigar to be heavy and strong, but was pleased that this was not the case. It's a fine, mellow, tasty smoke. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #2 A cigar for every smoker. It has enough flavor for the experienced, but it's mild enough for the newbie. A solid experience. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #3 A great cigar for novices looking to trade up, or for experienced smokers who want a rich, flavorful cigar that doesn't overwhelm. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #4 Forget how this duckling looks, just light it and sit back for an hour of cool enjoyment. A great anytime smoke. SCORE: 4.0 BACCARAT Luchadore Country: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Mexico Manufacturer: Caribe Imports Filler: Honduras Price: $2.75 Panelist #1 The sweetness of this cigar makes it ideal to pair with a sweet cocktail, like a rum-and-coke, or with a rich dessert wine. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #2 This cigar is milder than I usually smoke, but it's a good choice to enjoy during the day, due to its cool approach. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #3 I can only recommend this mild, overly sweet cigar as a light smoke for the morning, or for those who like flavored cigars. SCORE: 2.7 Panelist #4 Life is too short to smoke a cigar like this. Premium smokers should stay away. This is only for the short-filler crowd. SCORE: 2.0 H. UPMANN Churchills Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Consolidated Cigar Co. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.50 Panelist #1 This cigar proved to be consistent and enjoyable, and could easily become a permanent member of my smoking rotation. SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #2 This extremely mellow cigar is best suited as a morning smoke, or for those who prefer their cigars light and mild. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #3 A very nice smoke indeed! It's perfect for after dinner, accompanied by a full-bodied red wine, port, or a fine cognac. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #4 This cigar performs well, with no major flaws in its repertoire. It has Havana characteristics. I'd smoke it again. SCORE: 4.3 NAT SHERMAN LANDMARK SELECTION Algonquin Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Mexico Manufacturer: Nat Sherman Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $8.25 Panelist #1 Hopefully this flavorful cigar is not priced too high because I want to stock up on them. I'm anxious to learn what this is! SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #2 With the exception of the bitter finish, this was a fine cigar. Its ample maduro-type flavor maintained my interest. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #3 This cigar tries to be full-bodied, but doesn't quite make it. The tight draw hampered my ability to fully taste this cigar. SCORE: 3.1 Panelist #4 This stogie will satisfy anybody who appreciates a well-made, full-bodied cigar. A unique and interesting smoke. SCORE: 3.7 CRUZ REAL EDICION ESPECIALE Ministro Country: Mexico Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Mexico Manufacturer: Tabacos Y Puros de S.A. Filler: Mexico Price: $3.85 Panelist #1 I usually smoke only big cigars, but this flavorful little corona really caught my attention with its deep, complex flavor. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 A remarkably rich cigar that has all the bases covered, from solid construction to exemplary flavor. It's a barrel of fun. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #3 Stronger than I expected, but that's fine with me. It tends to burn too fast, so puff slowly to keep the bitterness away. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #4 Full-bodied smokers will like this cigar in the morning hours, but it has enough power to hold up after dinner. SCORE: 3.5 LA TRADICION CABINET SERIES Corona Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: Nick's Cigar Co. Filler: DR/Hon/Nic Price: $5.15 Panelist #1 I smoked this down to my fingertips and it was a complete delight. If you like mild cigars with flavor, this one delivers. SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #2 This cigar is a consistent performer and would serve perfectly at a ball game or a barbeque. It's a good summer smoke. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 For anybody who likes mild stogies, this one holds its own. The flavor fluctuates impressively, which provides added depth. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #4 This is a cigar designed for a wide audience, but being the oddball I am, it wasn't to my tastes. Still, can appreciate it. SCORE: 3.4 SMOKE - Spring 99 HOME ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE PRIVACY POLICY INDUSTRY NEWS SEARCH CONTEST TERMS OF USE HTML Copyright © 1999 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.