Fall Review - The Leaves of Autumn CREME DE JAMAICA Belicoso Country: Jamaica Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: Famous Smoke Shop Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $7.10 Panelist #1 This gem is solid enough for a newbie but complex enough for a jaded veteran. If this cigar were a woman, I'd marry it! SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #2 Anyone looks great smoking this. Try it with a glass of white wine. Too light for my hearty appetite, but the wife loved it. SCORE:4.0 Panelist #3 This cigar's construction was outstanding, its taste just average. It did go well with a cup of morning coffee, though. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 Highly recommended. This is one of those rare cigars that begs not to be missed by either the expert or the novice. SCORE: 4.5 SAVINELLI No. 5 Extraordinaire Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Savinelli Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $7.00 Panelist #1 Still a bit green, I'd say. Some time in the humidor should take the edge off the harshness and let the flavor develop nicely. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 Though there are other cigars of this type that are better, this makes a nice  go for a short drive in my convertible' cigar. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #3 I enjoyed this one's company. It reminded me of an Ashton or a Dunhill, but a little stronger. I'd recommend it. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #4 This is the kind of cigar I like smoking alone and undisturbed, so I can concentrate on the sweet complexities. SCORE: 4.7 CUPIDO Torpito Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua/Indonesia Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Cupido Cigars Filler: Nicaragua Price: $6.00 Panelist #1 A good morning or lunchtime cigar, due to its size. For a short cigar, it was full of flavor. Recommended for morning fishing. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #2 This mild and short-lived cigar goes very well with a dessert cup of cappuccino. It's the tobacco equivalent of a wine spritzer. SCORE: 3.0 Panelist #3 The taste suffices, but doesn't thrill. It's packed in a roll that's sure to draw attention, but the blend seems a little immature. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 A marvelous little smoke. This will be the first cigar I light up for a lunchtime or coffee-break smoke. Try it. It's good! SCORE: 4.5 PADRON Churchill Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Padron Filler: Nicaragua Price: $3.90 Panelist #1 A great medium-bodied smoke. The flavors were complex, yet mild. An ideal cigar for a breakfast smoke or an early tee time. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #2 This cigar was enjoyable, but not what I'd call memorable. Pass on it if you have an alternative, but try it if you don't. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #3 Not a bad smoke, though still not one I'd consider great. If you don't mind tossing the last 1/4, and if the price is right, try it. SCORE: 3.1 Panelist #4 Mild enough to smoke during the day, impressive enough to accom- pany a Cognac or Port. Smoke it down to the nub! SCORE: 4.8 HENRY CLAY Souvenir Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Altadis USA Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.00 Panelist #1 This cigar is a beauty. as soon as I find out its identity, I will definitely put it in my humidor at home, and carry it in my shop. SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #2 It's not for my taste, but I'm sure this type of smoke appeals to someone. I wouldn't spend money on it, personally. SCORE: 3.1 Panelist #3 I feel the blend of strong, earthy tobaccos is good, and would buy them occasionally. If you like mild, try something else. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 The initial construction quality was quite good, but I just didn't get much out of this, flavorwise. Some may like it. SCORE: 3.6 C.A.O. L'ANNIVERSAIRE Toro Cameroon Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: C.A.O. Filler: Nicaragua Price: $7.20 Panelist #1 A good stogie that gives a pleasant balance of spice and tobacco flavors. All samples smoked consistently. Try it, it's good! SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 Overall, a very nice medium-bodied cigar, maybe a bit young. A good one for those who want to step up to a fuller flavor. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 This cigar generated mixed emotions. In the end it was like the prom date that didn't perform to expectations on the big night. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #4 You've got a definite winner here; this one must be from one of the great Nicaraguan cigar factories. C.A.O., perhaps? SCORE: 5.0 INDIGO Robusto Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Atlantic Cigar Co. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $3.00 Panelist #1 Highly recommended as a consistent, mellow cigar, probably best with a red wine such as a Merlot or a Chardonnay. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 This was really all you could ask for in a good cigar … good shape, size, and flavor. Really enjoyable from start to finish. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #3 Recommended for those seeking a maduro that's suitable for lunch breaks as well as for after-dinner cocktail hour. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #4 A very good medium-bodied cigar. It could use a little more complexity in the flavor department, but still top-notch. SCORE: 4.8 BAUZA Greco Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Mike's Cigars Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.30 Panelist #1 This is my kind of cigar! I would smoke this on just about any occasion … even if it is legal. I love the instant impact! SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #2 When all is said and done, this was not a bad cigar if you like the sweet-tasting kind. It needs to be paired with something. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #3 I'd call it an excellent cigar for mowing the lawn or walking the dog. Better construction would've earned it a higher score. SCORE: 2.7 Panelist #4 This stayed consistent throughout. Tell me the name so I can add some to my humidor! I highly recommend these. SCORE: 4.4 LA GLORIA CUBANA Medaille D'Or No. 4 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Swedish Match Filler: DR/Nicaragua Price: $2.50 Panelist #1 Quite strong and complex for a panatela, this one gets a high recommendation. The flavors remind me of a Padron. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #2 For a small cigar, not bad at all. This baby would be great for a quick tobacco treat. It fits right in with a short business lunch. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 This would be a good after-breakfast or lunchtime smoke. Recommended for occasions when you don't have time for a larger cigar. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #4 I recommend this one, but I'd definitely call it a woman's cigar. It kicks up a lotta smoke for such a small customer. SCORE: 4.3 BAHIA TRINIDAD Corona Gigante Country: Costa Rica Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Bahia by Tony Borhani Filler: Nicaragua Price: $7.75 Panelist #1 A magnificent cigar. I loved everything about this one. Buy 'em and don't worry about the cost. The perfect indulgence. SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #2 I'd rate this an average smoke; I just don't have a lot to say about it. Perhaps some aging and humidification would be helpful. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #3 Not a bad smoke at all, with some rich flavors and developing complexity. Settle in, though, this hummer is a loooong smoke. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #4 This smoke was good-looking, well-rolled, and pleasant to smell. The firmness and quality tobacco make this a winner. SCORE: 4.1 FITTIPALDI Corona Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Dominican Republic Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Alliance Cigar Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $5.50 Panelist #1 Mechanically, it's a good, solid smoke, though I was a bit disappointed by the lack of taste. Not a mild smoke, but timid. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 This is a good cigar for a game of golf. The complex flavors keep you guessing; it's just not real refined. It's good with cola. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #3 This is a good, any-time-of-the-day cigar. There's not much in the way of complexity, but the flavors hang on until the end. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #4 I really enjoyed these guys. They remind me of Romeo y Julieta. I recommend these to veterans and novices alike. SCORE: 4.4 ARTURO FUENTE Cuban Corona Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: A.Fuente Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.25 Panelist #1 I loved it! A great cigar hampered only by its short stature. Give me this cigar in a torpedo size, and I'm a happy man! SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #2 This was much better than it looked. Good with coffee, it's more of a noontime smoke. It Could use a bit more complexity. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #3 I recommend this one, but smoke it while you can still enjoy it. When it goes downhill in the latter half, dump it and move on. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 The classic ugly duckling. You'd pass this up in a smokeshop, but if a friend gave you one, you'd thank him later. SCORE: 4.7 COHIBA Crystal Corona Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: General Cigar Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $12.00 Panelist #1 A great, solid cigar that reminds you why you started smoking in the first place. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Give me more! SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #2 This cigar has potential; a bit more aging could step it up a level.Buy them now and put 'em in the humidor a few months. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #3 I hate to knock any cigar. This one will probably improve with a bit of aging, but I wouldn't call it ready as it is now. SCORE: 2.5 Panelist #4 Big flavor in a nice small package. It's not the prettiest girl on the block, but it more than satisfies. Not for the novices. SCORE: 4.2 VEGAS ROBAINA Familiar Country: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. Filler: Cuba Price: $15+ Panelist #1 I smoked this one till I burned my fingertips! This one is very highly recommended to anyone who likes a great, strong cigar. SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #2 There's so many good cigars out there that this one won't be missed. A good example of what to smoke if you can't do better. SCORE: 2.5 Panelist #3 Not really my kind of smoke. This cigar gave me a migraine. I'd rather smoke dry banana leaves; at least then, I'd get potassium. SCORE: 2.5 Panelist #4 Full and strong, very consistent. Quite enjoyable, but not for the timid. These are great for after lunch, with coffee. SCORE:4.5 PUROS INDIOS No. 2 Especiale Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: Puros Indios Filler: Brazil/DR/Jam/Nic Price: $4.25 Panelist #1 The cigar is full-bodied and remains so throughout. Enjoy this with your favorite single malt, or take it on that hunting trip. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #2 I enjoyed this full-flavored smoke. It went particularly well with black coffee. Consistency in the samples would've put it higher. SCORE: 3.0 Panelist #3 It was okay with a cold glass of green tea in the afternoon. With a bit more refinement, this could be a much better cigar. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #4 I really liked this cigar. Although a little young, it has very complex flavors that build in strength and spiciness. SCORE: 4.2 Continued on next page... CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 2000 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.