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Smoke the Vote! (cont.)
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 |  | REEL GRANDE Torpedo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Reel Smokers | Size:
7 x 60 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | Bring on a prime cut of Porterhouse and a dram of Lagavulin - the perfect match for this must-buy cigar.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A superb evening smoke for the back deck after a large dinner. I hope I have a chance to smoke it again.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Complexity without harshness. This is a good cigar to purchase and then park for 3 months in the humidor.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Send your wife shopping, grab a cold drink, sit back, and light this beast up. You deserve the enjoyment.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | MAGUS Robusto M | Country:
Ecu | Manufacturer:
Puros/Armando Ramos | Size:
4 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
Ecu | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar's robust flavors left me wanting more when it was finished. Overall, a great after-dinner smoke.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | The cigar intensifies nicely as it smokes, and it strikes me as one with excellent aging potential.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | It goes quickly from mild to bold, so it may scare some people off... but don't let it. This is one tasty cigar.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Though it lacks complexity, this cigar has a range of flavors that most would enjoy at the right price.
8.3 GOOD |
 |  | LOS BLANCOS Maduro Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Los Blancos Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This cigar went well with an iced tea after lunch. Most smokers should enjoy this well-balanced cigar.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This one pleasantly surprised me. It looked to be very strong, but was a consistently mellow companion.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This cigar could make a decent everyday smoke, and matches well with a Merlot. Not overly complex.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This cigar's cool burn and mellow flavors make it a great warm-weather smoke; great with aged tequila.
9.6 SUPERIOR |
 |  | BECK Buckaroo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cuban Crafters | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | Though its gimmicky look gave me pause, this cigar's flavors more than made up for it. Give it a try.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Construction needs improvement and the flavor could use more depth. At a good price it may be worth it.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This satisfying cigar deserves an equally lush opening act, like a T-bone steak and a fine Cabernet.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | A serious, sophisticated smoke - something exotic for those bored with their humidor's mainstream.
9.7 SUPERIOR |
 |  | LA AURORA Bristol Especiales | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Aurora, S.A. | Size:
6 3/8 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | It's not a heavy hitter, but I enjoyed this cigar just fine with a steaming cup of Kona coffee after breakfast.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This is a cigar with training wheels. I'd recommend it to a new or infrequent cigar smoker who's learning.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I would describe it as a well-rolled cigar in need of a blend overhaul before it becomes memorable.
7.8 AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | Not one sample let me down. These will satisfy your palate no matter what strength level you prefer.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | GRAN HABANO VL Pyramid | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
STC Cigars | Size:
6 1/8 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Costa R. | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This is a cigar with a great knock-out punch, perfect to smoke alongside a sipping tequila or single malt.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | It's not the Holy Grail of cigars, but I wouldn't turn one down. A potential All-Star with more dimension.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Make sure you're sitting down when you enjoy this seriously powerful cigar. A decent after-dinner treat.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This one should have mass appeal for seasoned smokers looking for a balance of strength and flavor.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | AMERICAN STOGIES Torpedo Maduro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Indianhead | Size:
6 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This cigar came around as a favorite after a rough start. I'm very interested in finding out what it is.
9.7 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | An enjoyable choice after a heavy meal. I preferred mine with a good Cabernet in the late evening.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Label this cigar as balanced, not brutish. It would match up well with a smoky single malt Scotch.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This cigar should come standard with every Aston-Martin or Bentley GT. A refined, elegant companion.
10 SUPERIOR |
 |  | FITTIPALDI EMMO 500 Silverstone | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Fittipaldi Cigars | Size:
6 3/4 x 40 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This cigar proved to be an ideal 'between meals' smoke, and one I could pass out with confidence.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This stick has enormous cojones for its thin size. I'd recommend them after burgers with a good brew.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This one scored with me. A cigar that you could have with either coffee or after dinner with spirits.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I admit it: I'm partial to the lonsdale, and if they all performed like this one, they'd be back in vogue!
9.7 SUPERIOR |
 | | MONTECRISTO No. 2 | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos SA | Size:
6 1/8 x 52 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | I spent a very pleasurable hour and a half with this cigar, on the porch with a glass of Glenmorangie.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I would be tempted to smoke a box of these at once, but they would be even better with some aging.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A worthwhile smoke, but I was hoping for more complexities and flavor transitions in a shape like this.
8.4 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A perfect mate for your favorite whisky. All torpedos should deliver on their promise like this one.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | JOYA DE NICARAGUA ANTAŅO 1970 Robusto Grande | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | My new best friend! I enjoyed this stick with a fine tawny port after a wonderful spaghetti dinner.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A cigar that looks great and has a lot to say flavorwise; only held back by the disappointing construction.
8.0 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | The slow, smooth burn gave me time to appreciate the complexities hidden in this cigar's spicy strength.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | For real men only. Save this brawny, spicy stick for following up a big steak with a favorite glass of whisky.
9.6 SUPERIOR |
 Continued on next page...
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