AUTUMN
ALLURE
"She was built with curves like the hull of a racing yacht, and you missed none of it with that wool jersey." - Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises
One of history's legendary cigar icons, one wonders what kind of distinct prose ol' Papa may have used to describe and rate cigars. It's no accident that the appreciation of cigars, while undeniably a masculine pursuit, has always evoked imagery that is elegant, sensual, and even - dare I even imply it? - feminine.
Think about it. We like Our cigars to be tight and fully packed. We like how they feet in our hands. We appreciate their smooth, unblemished skin. We adore their unmistakable scent. We know a good one needs to be treated with gentle care. And sometimes, we like it when they have just a little spice to them. Sound familiar? The mystical connection between cigars and women goes all the way back to the still popular Cuban legend about their finest cigars being rolled between the thighs of virgins.
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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 |
| 3.0-3.9 | Good |
| 4.0-4.5 | Excellent |
| 4.6-5.0 | Superior |
Artists like Frank Cihler, whose provocative artwork appears on this page, have made sensual imagery pairing cigars with the fairer sex their specialty. And the people who design and market cigars understand the comparison as well. just look at the classy lady depicted on the band of one of our top scorers, the La Gloria Cubana Serie R No. 7 (4.4), a cigar that our panelists found both elegant and powerful. The link between a good cigar and a beautiful woman is also evident in the new Penthouse Selection line of cigars. Packaged in glass tubes, these Churchills' bands unwrap to display a picture of the magazine's "Pet of the Month." Our panelists gave the cigar a respectable 4.0, and as for the pin-up bands - let's just say, pass these out at your bachelor party, not the birth of your child.
One other cigar reached the 4.4 pinnacle. Not surprisingly, the elusive Fuente Fuente Opus X in the Fuente Fuente size (that's a lot of Fuentes, but the more the better, right?) impressed our panelists across the board. Savinelli again impressed, with its new Nicaraguan Reserve torpedo chalking up a 4.3. New releases from some of our favorite producers scored highly, including one that's actually a new version of an old boutique favorite: Drew Estates' handsomely-packaged, long-awaited La Viela Habana (4.2) wowed our tasters in its Cedar Chateau No. 2 robusto size. In the "less is more" design category, the exclusive new Avo 22 - an unbanded special edition, available only in round cedar-tube boxes of 21 (yep, 21; 22 wouldn't fit) - also lived up to its billing, scoring a 4.2. Our two Cuban choices performed well, one a perennial favorite (the Punch Punch, coming in at 4.3) and the other a new maduro version of a classic brand (the Partagas Piramide No. 2 Limited Edition Maduro, at 4.2). Many others scored highly, in a uniformly impressive field of contenders. Full results follow below.
As always, we couldn't have done it without our far-flung group of panelists, and a special shout-out goes to Carl Jones of Idaho, Christian Marinelli of New York, and Tom Wong of North Carolina, all of whom made it onto the panel by way of SMOKE Online's "Become a Reviewer" contest. Entering is as simple as clicking here.
You'll notice many new releases in this Review, and now you'll have all of the Fall to try them out judge for yourself. And why not? Committing to the right woman is truly grand - this editor, in fact, will be lying on a Caribbean beach with his lovely new bride as this issue hits the stands - but committing to just one cigar in this era of fine quality and innovative blending is another matter. ‘Til winter... - Mark Bernardo
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Want more? For the full details of each review, including all the panelists views on aesthetics, construction, flavor, and more, subscribe now - or pick up a copy of SMOKE Magazine at a Tobacconist near you!
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 |  | LA GLORIA CUBANA Serie R No. 7 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General/El Credito | Size:
7 x 58 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This big “board room” cigar would be great for doing contracts; it would probably outlast negotiations! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This was definitely an after-dinner smoke. It’s just too big a commitment for any other time of day. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I haven’t smoked anything this good in years. Enjoy this with some good whiskey and lots of free time! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar stands out like a piece of cake at a Weight Watchers meeting. This is one you can count on. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ASTRAL TALANGA VALLEY SELECTION Robusto | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar Sales | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Braz | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | A great 20-30 minute smoke, perfect for lingering after lunch before heading back to the office. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one’s a joy to smoke in the evening, when things get quiet. The construction here is top-notch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | If you like strong cigars, this one will fill your niche. Me, I was looking for a little more complexity. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This is a great everyday cigar, and a great one to travel with. No need to even enhance it with food or drink. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CARLOS TORANO EXODUS 1959 Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Hon/DR | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | Smoke these in the A.M. and the room will spin! Best after a steak dinner, with a single-barrel bourbon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This belongs in the humidor of an experienced cigar smoker. Excellent after dinner, with some Frangelico. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A brute of a cigar - but I mean that in a good way. Definitely intended for the “mature” smoker. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This one has some pedigree. I can overlook minor flaws if I can have one of these at the end of a day! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ESTAVAN CRUZ Belicoso Maduro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Estavan Cruz Cigars | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
DR/Br/Mex | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This rugged stick wouldn’t win any beauty contests, but it is a solid cigar. The taste will win you over. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A great-looking cigar that packs a whallop. It’s worth getting through the initial harshness to smoke more. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | A great “anytime” smoke. I especially liked these in the morning with a mug of Mayorga Estate Dark Roast. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Enjoyable with anything from water to Scotch. Make sure you have an hour to take this one’s full measure! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | DiMEOLA Belicoso | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
DiMeola Cigar Co | Size:
5 7/8 x 46 | Filler:
DR/Braz | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | Bold enough to stand up to a Bordeaux, light enough for a pilsner; I can’t wait to find out what this is! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I really enjoyed this cigar. Novices, beware: if you’re not expecting it, this one will kick your butt. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A little tame for my palette, but a very good cigar. It matched up well with both wine and beer. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Warning! Smoking one of these cigars could be addictive - you’ll want another as soon as you’re done! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | SAVINELLI NICARAGUA RESERVE Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Savinelli USA | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | As in Egypt, this is one mysterious pyramid. This stogie’s look belied its true, wonderful character. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | From beginner to expert, everyone can enjoy this one. It’s good with Scotch or beer, and after a siesta. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A very consistent cigar; I enjoyed it immensely while drinking a wee dram of 12-year-old Macallan. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Flavor-wise, the best of the bunch. A real sleeper smoke: you wouldn’t expect this flavor from its looks. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | FONSECA Toro Grande | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/MATASA | Size:
6 X 56 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | A good “lite beer” of a cigar. It would be a great supporting player to your favorite coffee or vintage. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar delivers great taste and no unpleasant surprises. Try it with a Riesling, a pilsner, or a light lager. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This is the perfect cigar for someone seeking a mild smoke to accompany their mid-morning latte. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | My brother enjoyed these, and he doesn’t smoke! Not for after dinner, but I’d puff on these all day at work. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | REVOLUCION Perfecto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Perdomo | Size:
? | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I could picture myself enjoying this on the veranda with some top-shelf tequila... if I had a veranda. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The shape got me some strange looks at the bar. I would try a few more before passing judgement. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This tough-looking little hombre was more agreeable than it looked. Not bad for a beginning cigar smoker. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | Big flavor in a small package. The tough draw actually made sure I didn’t get too much too soon! RECOMMENDED |
 | | HELIX X550 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar Sales | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Braz | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | All samples were consistently well-made. Don’t judge this one by the wrapper; it’s a spicy little number. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Balanced, smooth, and subtle, this cigar is a perfect “day starter.” A pale puro with pleasant character. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Aging could help, but this is a pretty good smoke already. I recommend it as a companion to morning java. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Tasty but not overpowering, these cigars are a crowd-pleaser. I enjoyed them with breakfast. RECOMMENDED |
 | | C.A.O. L’ANNIVERSAIRE Box-Pressed Tubo No. 1 | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
C.A.O. | Size:
5 1/2 x 46 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I really enjoyed this cigar. A great one for kicking up your feet in the shade, with a nice, cool drink. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | More consistency in the roll would help, but I’d try these again. This would rock with a tall Guinness. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This was an intriguing, complex smoke that developed subtly. If not too pricey, I would buy some. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A huge smoke in a small package, great at any time. A glass of port went well with this one after dinner. RECOMMENDED |
 | | FUEGO CUBANO COMPANION Bronze Edition Toro | Country:
Ecu | Manufacturer:
Fuego Cubano Corp. | Size:
? | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Indo | | Panelist #1 | My pick of the bunch! This cigar was great after a grilled steak with a glass of red wine or port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | If it weren’t for some structural inconsistencies, I would recommend this one more enthusiastically. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This one’s a little lightweight for my taste, but if you’re looking for a worthwhile mild cigar, this is it. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | A stellar smoke, the best of the tasting. It’s perfect for after dinner, complemented with a cognac. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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