Fall Review - The Leaves of Autumn FELIPE GREGORIO Sereno Country: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: Felipe Gregorio Filler: Honduras Price: $6.80 Panelist #1 Not a fancy smoke, but a helluva good one for divin' under the hood of a car or mowin' the lawn. A good everyday cigar. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #2 Frankly, there are much better cigars on the market for your money. This one just didn't distinguish itself enough. SCORE: 2.5 Panelist #3 I didn't care much for this stick, and would probably not suggest it to my friends either. It just didn't do it for me. SCORE: 2.0 Panelist #4 This is an ideal cigar for a hunting trip or that night on the patio with the boys. Wusses should steer clear of this one. SCORE: 4.1 DOMAINE AVO No. 50 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Davidoff Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $8.25 Panelist #1 Thoroughly enjoyable. This cigar would rather sip cognac in a leather chair than grind down moguls on a snowboard. SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #2 I would heartily recommend this rich, full-bodied cigar to all my friends. It starts out great and never lets you down. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #3 This is one to savor. I smoked it all the way to the nub. Perfect to pair up with an espresso, or with a peaty single-malt Scotch. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 An excellent cigar for any lover of very mild, well-made smokes. More complex flavors would've made it perfect. SCORE: 4.6 LA PERLA HABANA Torpedo Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: La Perla Habana Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $6.50 Panelist #1 A good cigar for any time of day, it reminds me of a Cuban from 20 years ago. I'll ride into the sunset with this baby! SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 Its beauty betrays its flavor rather rudely. I was expecting a robust, rich flavor, but was disappointed by a distinct lack of it. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #3 An interesting, complex smoke with several  stages' of flavor, it disappointed early, but opened up nicely. A strong finisher. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #4 Thumbs up. This is a good cigar to celebrate a special occasion. I wouldn't be embarrassed to give these out as gifts. SCORE:4.7 PERDOMO2 Torfecto Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo Filler: Nicaragua Price: $7.99 Panelist #1 I really enjoyed this cigar, and am definitely looking forward to having another. A very pleasurable smoke, highly recommended. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #2 Not overly complex, but this is a well-made, consistent cigar that everyone can smoke. Some aging can cure the harshness. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #3 An interesting cigar that got a little too hot. A good one to show off with, as no one else in your group will have anything like it. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 This did everything I'd expect from a good cigar except scratch my back. It's consistent alone or with a good red wine. SCORE: 4.7 DON TOMAS Perfecto No. 4 Country: Honduras Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: UST Filler: DR/Mex/Braz Price: $5.75 Panelist #1 A good evening cigar, with a consistent taste. I'd buy these, but I'd store them in the box to smoke later in the year. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #2 Not very complex, this youthful cigar needs a lot of aging. With the good construction in it, it should be worth the wait. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #3 A very satisfying smoke, definitely worth trying. Full and rich with a pleasant aftertaste, this cigar betrayed no weak spots. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 A well-seasoned smoker would appreciate the intricacies of this cigar, with its fruity start and strong, solid finish. SCORE: 4.2 DOS RIOS Robusto Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo Filler: Nic/DR Price: $3.80 Panelist #1 With the odd shape and interesting color, these are a nice change of pace. A pleasant smoke that won't roll out of the ashtray. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #2 I would be happy not to repeat this journey anytime soon. This cigar didn't impress me, so I can't really recommend it. SCORE: 2.9 Panelist #3 Not a very enjoyable smoke for me, but it might really benefit from some age. I wouldn't put it on my 'regular' list, but not terrible. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #4 Smoke it to the nub; it gets nice and complex about halfway in. The perfect companion to a heavy red wine or port. SCORE: 4.4 ESTAVAN CRUZ Pancho Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Estavan Cruz Filler: DR/Nic/Brazil Price: $6.35 Panelist #1 This smoke was a great dichotomy: harsh taste coupled with a great aroma. I'll gladly suffer the one for the other! SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 Overall, a good smoke with a nice taste despite an unpleasant finish. It's well-made, with an excellent, full-bodied blend. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #3 This barbarian had no manners, but I liked it. I wouldn't buy a box, but I'd keep a few around to smoke when I'm pissed off. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #4 This will put hair on your chest! A cigar smoker's cigar, it's rich, full-bodied, and yummy. Have a few after dinner! SCORE: 4.5 THE GRIFFIN'S Maduro Piramide Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Davidoff Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $7.25 Panelist #1 An absolutely excellent cigar! This is the best one I've smoked from the review! Only the veins keep it from a perfect score. SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #2 Recommended with caution. It's a commanding smoke for those times when you need to be reminded why you started smoking. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #3 High levels of enjoyment here. The flavors are robust and consistent, and the aroma makes it easy on your companions. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #4 This cigar went extraordinarily well with a good, aged single-barrel bourbon. Recommended for discerning tastes. SCORE: 4.3 BUCANERO Catalina Country: Costa Rica Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: Bucanero Cigars Filler: DR/Nic Price: $6.00 Panelist #1 Send the wife to her mother, take the phone off the hook, get a glass of rum, Lie back in your lounge chair and enjoy! SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 I like strong cigars, but this one isn't for me. It has the taste of inferior leaves in need of age. I can't recommend this one. SCORE: 2.8 Panelist #3 This cigar gave every appearance of being an inexpensive, bundled cigar. If so, there are much better cheap ones available. SCORE: 3.0 Panelist #4 Lots of spicy flavors here, but I think age would improve it. Not bad, but I'm looking for more richness in the blend. SCORE: 3.9 LA TRADICION Perdomo Reserve No. 2 Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo Filler: Nicaragua Price: $6.60 Panelist #1 Style plays a key role in a smoker's choice, and as style goes, this one's got it. An elegant compliment to Panelist #2 Beginners beware! This maduro is full-bodied and full of flavor! Please let me know what these are; I Panelist #3 I'm no romantic, but this won my heart! It's perfect for a short, sophisticated smoke, and you don't even Panelist #4 Tight at the start, harsh at the finish, the cigar's middle is a cornucopia of complex flavors. I'd say EL REY DEL MUNDO Robusto Larga Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: Santa Clara Cigars Filler: DR/Honduras Price: $4.25 Panelist #1 This is a strong smoke, not for the timid. I'd recommend this one to anyone who likes 'em strong. This is a cigar with balls! SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 The overall character of this full-bodied maduro was excellent, but I was slightly let down by a discernible lack of great aroma. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #3 This looked like a whale, acted like a minnow. A draw that was not so loose and a little more complexity would've bumped it up. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 One good smoke. This was great after a rich pasta dinner, with a cappuccino and a sambuca. Full of tasty flavor. SCORE:3.8 LA LUNA Maduro Fuerte Pyramid Country: Honduras Wrapper: Costa Rica Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: La Luna Filler: DR/Hon/Nic Price: $3.75 Panelist #1 These cigars are very consistent, especially good after dinner. The look, taste, ash, and aroma are all good to the last puff. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 If it burned better, I would've fallen in love. As it is, I still enjoyed it, particularly with a straight rum and a Hemingway novel. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 Smoke this one once, and you may return for seconds. There are better full-bodied cigars out there, but this is worth a try. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 This is a cigar that doesn't fool around! I could have one every day, but I'd rather save them for special occasions. SCORE: 5.0 AVO MADURO No. 2 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Davidoff Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $7.40 Panelist #1 Don't pass this one up. The tobacco blend in this is the work of an obvious master who prides himself on making great smokes. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 The looks and construction promised more than they delivered. I can't get excited about it, but I'd smoke it if someone offered it. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #3 I enjoyed the full-bodied flavor! A good cigar for a heavy night, with a nice ribeye, a fine merlot, and the perfect woman! SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #4 After I finished this smoke, I wanted another. A perfect companion to a tawny port after a hearty steak dinner. SCORE: 4.6 EL ORIGINAL Lancero Maduro Country: USA Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Island Smoke Shop Filler: DR/Hon/Nic/Peru Price: $4.95 Panelist #1 All samples were consistent. This is a great cigar for a Friday after- noon drive. Nice and strong, but not overpowering. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #2 Aside from the exceptionally tough aftertaste, this is a very good cigar, recommended to veterans. Don't smoke it before 5 PM! SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #3 Either a slightly looser roll or a larger ring gauge would've made this one perfect. A serious maduro that's worth a smoke. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #4 An all-around winner: top-notch construction and a flavorful blend of aged tobacco make this one ideal for veterans. SCORE: 4.2 E. TRINIDAD BY SOSA Toro Country: USA Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Antillian Cigar Co. Filler: DR/Nicaragua Price: $7.00 Panelist #1 Overall, this is a delightful cigar. Its mild to medium flavor is sure to please a wide range of smokers. A delicious smoke. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #2 This was a good smoke, but just missed being topnotch. The taste was nice, but I found myself wishing for more. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #3 I smoked this after a New York steak dinner, and it left me a little disappointed. It'd be a good smoke for some, just not for me. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 A very flavorful cigar. I smoked each one down to the nub. If they can improve the construction, they'd have a winner. SCORE: 4.0 NAT SHERMAN City Desk Telegraph Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Mexico Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Nat Sherman Filler: DR/Mexico Price: $6.60 Panelist #1 All I can say is,  Bravo, bravo!' I'm dying to find out what these babies are. I'm going to get them before they're all gone. SCORE: 4.7 Panelist #2 I liked this puppy! It was strong, robust, and tasted just like a cigar should. Serious smokers will enjoy this one! SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #3 A really interesting maduro. I wish the samples drew better, so I could get more flavors. If you try it, make sure you're sitting down.SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 Flavorful enough to follow a good meal, but mild enough for a mid-morning smoke on the porch. Ideal with coffee. SCORE: 4.3 SMOKE - Fall 2000 CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 2000 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.