Autumn
Traditions
“A love for tradition has never weakened a nation ...” - Sir Winston Churchill
Several weeks ago,
a federal judge overturned a 1999 ruling by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that would’ve forced the NFL’s Washington Redskins to change their team’s nickname. The lawsuit, filed in 1992 by seven American Indians, intimated that the name was derogatory to their heritage - a charge that has been leveled at other major sports franchises including the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, baseball’s Cleveland Indians and Atlanta Braves, and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. The judge ruled that the suit, started in 1992, was filed too late to challenge a trademark registered back in 1967. However one may feel about this decision, it does point out both the resentment still felt by many Native Americans over what they feel is negative stereotyping, and the growing climate of political correctness that inspires such actions.
As we approach Thanksgiving, Fall’s signature holiday, I couldn’t help but be reminded of another frequent target of Native American ire: the venerable cigar store Indian. The carved wooden statues have been a symbol of the tobacco trade for as long as there’s been a United States. Ironically, these ornate wooden statues were intended to honor, rather than demean, the people they depict. The tradition actually began in 16th Century Europe, where widespread illiteracy necessitated that shop owners use symbols to advertise their wares. Much like the striped pole that remains the international symbol of barber shops, depictions of Native Americans became iconic of the tobacco trade. Most European carvers having never seen an actual “Indian,” the earliest ones could indeed be seen as offensive, reminiscent of black slaves with headdresses, but when the carvings became common throughout America, the statues’ features became more authentic. Into the 1800s, tobacco purveyors across the New World welcomed customers with the wooden Indians stationed outside their doorway. Today, sidewalk obstruction laws and vendors’ needs for outdoor space have relegated many of these original statues to museums and antique shops.
|
SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
|---|
| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.9 | Good |
| 4.0-4.5 | Excellent |
| 4.6-5.0 | Superior |
The cigar store Indian, outdated stereotype or not, remains not only the classic smokeshop symbol, but a coveted collectible for many tobacco and art enthusiasts. It was, after all, the Native people of North America who first cultivated tobacco, starting with the Taino people of Cuba, who used tobacco smoking in religious rituals, medicinal treatments, and ceremonies of friendship. The natives who met the pilgrims for the first Thanksgiving here in the U.S. continued that tradition, and passed on the secrets of tobacco farming to the white settlers. (It is a galling fact to those who seek to legislate tobacco out of existence that the foundation of our national economy owes a great debt to the very crop they demonize.) It is likely that the pilgrims and natives shared some fine tobacco with that first historic feast. So, perhaps having a good cigar after all the turkey and yams and cranberry sauce have been consumed could be viewed as a Thanksgiving tradition as well, one that cuts through the racial sensitivity - and insensitivity - to celebrate the original spirit of friendship which the holiday symbolizes.
This issue’s Review certainly offers some worthy choices for your humidor, with three cigars rated at 4.5. Of these, two top scorers from last issue repeated their top-tier finishes: Graycliff, with their new Espresso PGX, and STC’s Gran Habano, with its Blend No. 5 Torpedo. They are joined by the Perdomo2 Rhombus, reviewed by SMOKE for the first time in several years. Other high-scoring entrants this issue include Davidoff’s Limited Edition 2000 Panatela Extra and the C.A.O. Criollo Bomba (both 4.4); the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Dark Knight, Bahia Gold Maduro Churchill, Indian Tabac Vintage 1992 Toro, and the newest from the La Aurora factory, the Independenica Belicoso (all at 4.3). As per usual, a Habano was among the favorites, namely the Diplomaticos No. 4 (4.4), a lesser-known brand which, nonetheless, wowed our blind-tasting critics. Full results of the tasting begin on the next page.
Giving thanks is all the rage this time of year, so our appreciation goes out to all of our panelists, which this issue included Keith Dunn of Pennsylvania, Jason Fields of Texas, and Timothy Hudson of Michigan, all winners of SMOKE’s Online “Become a Reviewer” contest. You too can have a shot at rating cigars by visiting our contest page.
Enjoy the rest of the issue, the season, and the holidays - whatever your own tradition may be. - Mark Bernardo
|
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!
|
 |  | HOYO DE MONTEREY EXCALIBUR 1066 Dark Knight | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
5 3/4 x 54 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | It didn’t smoke like a typical maduro, and I was not at all disappointed; a perfectly balanced smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Devote some time to enjoying this cigar, preferably with a glass of Prager Petite Syrah Port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Smoke this while sitting by your fireplace, with a snifter of cognac at your side. I’ll take a box! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A smoke well-suited for after-dinner espresso; not as complex as its looks suggest, but a solid cigar. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | SAVINELLI NICARAGUA RESERVE Special Selection Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Savinelli LTD | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | These paired well with my Sam Adams Lager. Share these with your buddies; they’ll love you for it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The finish was great, but getting there was a chore. Time should smooth it out; a late-day cigar only. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | Smoke these sticks with a strong cup of coffee. You’ll feel like a cowboy at a campfire. MILDY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This turned out to be the best of the bunch, despite the “coyote ugly” wrapper. Let’s do it again! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | OLIVEROS CLASSIC COLLECTION Cameroon Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba | Size:
5 3/4 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This stick actually went well with a glass of Riesling after dinner. I loved the oiliness and plentiful smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | All things considered, I’ve not much to say, positve or negative; this is an average, unoffensive cigar. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Looks can be deceiving. This midday smoke was a pleasant surprise, and a welcome beverage companion. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | The only drawback? These are so good you can’t put them down! Buy them, because I’m not sharing mine! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | CONDEGA Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera Tropical | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This is a meat-and-potatoes cigar, not a soup-and-sandwich one. It pairs well with a dry pale ale. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Decent flavor, but too much effort to keep lit. These would have to be priced right for me to buy them. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | If you’re going to brave this cigar, do it late in the day, after a large meal. It looked better than it performed. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | It’s obvious this one has some Cuban heritage. It would go down very well after a nice, thick steak. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | ZINO PLATINUM SCEPTER SERIES Low Rider | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
6 x 43 | Filler:
DR/Peru | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This gem could get me going as a first cigar any morning or afternoon. Very impressive throughout. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This is a very good smoke, especially for an enthusiastic cigar initiate. Enjoyable any time of day. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A decent cigar for an early morning tee time; I’d purchase if the price is right, but wouldn’t go out of my way. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Get your hammock and open a bottle of Corona Light to properly relax with this one. A nice change of pace. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GRAN HABANO BLEND NO. 5 Torpedo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
STC Cigars | Size:
6 1/8 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Costa R. | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A pleasant, all-around smoke. I would definitely buy myself a box of these, and tell all my friends! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Here’s a perfect cigar for sitting on the porch with a single malt. Sign me up for a lifetime supply! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Good stuff. I would buy these in a heartbeat. A solid smoke now, it will only improve in a humidor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This one deserves your full attention. Lock the door, pour a glass of your favorite liqueur, and enjoy! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | TRILOGY OVATION Baron | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This gets the highest marks for anyone who loves a big, spicy smoke. Not for you if you like ‘em light. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A consistently good midday cigar. Have it with a beer on Saturday afternoon while watching a game. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | To paraphrase Shakespeare, this reminded me of “my salad days when I was young and immature.” FAIR | | Panelist #4 | A smooth smoke for anytime. I love these enough to make them an everyday “go-to” cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GARO BLUE Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Garo Habano | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | A very easygoing smoke; eminently approachable for a novice. Have it in the morning with a latte. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar is versatile; it goes with a cappuccino in the morning as well as with a tawny port after dinner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The construction is top-notch; some more “oomph” in the blend would make it more suited for my taste. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A gentle giant. This cigar reminds me of a very good Macanudo or Davidoff. I could go for another. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | CARLOS TORAÑO EXODUS 1959 SILVER EDITION Grand Churchill | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
Hon/Mx/CR | Binder:
Costa R. | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | All the samples were consistently enjoyable. I loved these, and would call them an anytime pleasure. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The aftertaste kept going and going. This one needs some time to reach its potential. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | Rarely does one come across a cigar that doesn’t get muddy from match to ashtray; this is one of the rarities. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Particularly tasty matched up with a full-bodied red wine, this cigar should appeal to all kinds of people. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | VEGA TALANGA COROJO SERIES Rojo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | I found that an aged wine made the ideal partner for this cigar. It’s like a less-heavy Ashton VSG. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A fine complement to a chocolate dessert or pint of stout, best smoked outside to combat the pesky burn. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Solid construction; nothing fancy in the flavor. I’d smoke it while mowing the lawn;otherwise,give it some age. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | It didn’t develop much complexity, but made for a great midday smoke, at ease with a coffee or a lager. RECOMMENDED |
 | | FONSECA SERIE “F” Breva | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG Imports | Size:
4 3/4 x 43 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | If you like ‘em strong, this cigar is for you; it packs some punch despite its diminutive size. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A good choice for a morning commute or a lunch break, I would put these on the “pretty good” list. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | It could use some more depth in the blending, but this cigar works for someone following up a spicy lunch. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I would preach the gospel of this cigar to everyone. It’s a pleasure to the senses, and perfect for lunch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 Continued on next page...
HTML Copyright © 2003 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.
|
