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Smoke the Vote! (cont.)
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 |  | EXCALIBUR ROYAL STERLING Dignitas | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | The cigar is hot, heavy, and almost angry. Reach for it when you want a full-on smoke. Not for lightweights!
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This cigar never really won me over, but other smokers will like it. Give Ôem out to your mooching friends.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This would be a great breakfast smoke; the toasty smoothness could be enjoyed by just about everyone.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | The thick, richly-flavored smoke hangs in your mouth and sticks to your ribs before numbing you out.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 |  | BAHIA VINTAGE 1994 MADURO Corona Gigante | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bahia Cigars | Size:
7 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I'll put my money on this fine stallion anytime. It's strong yet elegant, wild with wonderful smoothness.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Samples were inconsistent, making me believe some aging will really help these cigars blossom.
8.3 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A tasty blend, well worth trying if you're a maduro fan, and more easygoing than its appearance indicates.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | The cigar looked stronger than it actually was, and that turned out to be a good thing.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 | | ALEC BRADLEY MEDALIST Robusto | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Costa R. | | Panelist #1 | This no-brainer maduro fits nicely in the golf bag, and makes a perfect payoff for a good day on the links!
9.8 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | Tasty, easy, and pleasant, but short of spectacular. If the price is right, this could be an everyday smoke.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Not a bad cigar, but it never opened the can of whoop-ass I expected. Good workmanship, but needs age.
7.7 AVERAGE | | Panelist #4 | A fairly strong smoke with a few green characteristics. It's best enjoyed after a heavy meat dinner.
8.7 VERY GOOD |
 |  | PARTAGAS Serie P No. 2 | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos SA | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | A nearly perfect cigar for the seasoned connoisseur. Pair it up with a very good single malt and enjoy!
9.7 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | A cigar with character. This shape is one of the hardest to make, and one of the most rewarding to smoke.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | I became very attached to this one. It's not exotic, just a straight-ahead classically excellent smoke.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I would recommend this complex, full-bodied figurado to anyone looking to finish off a hearty dinner.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 | | FONSECA VINTAGE COLLECTION Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A great sippin' cigar! I smoked it down to the nub. An excellent choice for midday, with cappuccino.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | I think I'd purchase these cigars for an everyday morning coffee smoke, even if they were $12 apiece.
8.1 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A good-quality robusto that you can enjoy just about any time of day; a lunchtime staple, if affordable.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | If you're not a fan of overly strong cigars (like me), this beauty has about everything you're looking for.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | DONA FLOR Robusto | Country:
Braz | Manufacturer:
Menendez & Amerino | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Braz | Binder:
Braz | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | I smoked this after seafood and margaritas. The burn was a minus, but the combo worked quite well.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This cigar didn't reach great heights of complexity but made a pleasant companion to a mid-morning coffee.
8.1 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This cigar would be very much at home with a steaming cup of cafe au lait or perhaps a dark lager.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This robusto is a slow starter but a great finisher. I could see myself smoking a few of these babies a day.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 | | BELMORE E.R.P SELECTION No. 2 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Charles Fairmorn | Size:
6 x 46 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I smoked this 2/3 of the way down before it started to grow bitter. 20 minutes of very pleasurable flavor.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Every puff of this one reminded me that a cigar doesn't have to bowl you over with strength to be great.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Aroma is great, but flavor is rather ordinary. This cigar's construction promised more than it delivered.
8.2 GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This cigar matched up well with a honey lager beer on a warm afternoon. I smoked it to the nub!
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | SHAKESPEARE Churchill | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Shakespeare Cigar Co. | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | One of my card-playing buddies offered to trade me an Avo or Fuente for this one. Not bad!
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | While I prefer a more robust taste, this well-balanced, flavorful smoke could find a place in my humidor.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | An intriguing smoking experience. It sneaks up on you with more flavor complexity than its looks indicate.
9.0 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | A very pleasant smoking experience, suited for pairing with a large mug of lager or a lighter-bodied Scotch.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | GRAYCLIFF CHATEAU RESERVE Pirate | Country:
Bah | Manufacturer:
Graycliff Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
CR/Nic/Phill | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Costa R | | Panelist #1 | An ideal meal-finisher, with the imperfect construction overcome by the consistently wonderful taste.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Not for the beginner. This cigar is suited to an experienced palate, and matches well with good Cognac.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Interesting flavors make up for some inconsistent construction. At the right price, I may be back for more.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I smoked this one down until it singed my fingers. An excellent cigar for relaxing a long while after dinner.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 | | CAMACHO COROJO 07:05 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Caribe Imported Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | What a flavor bomb! I saved this one for last, and I'm glad I did! Polished and refined but very direct!
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A cigar for adventurous people who like surprises and changes. And that neat shape makes it irresistible.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A unique, powerful, complex cigar that only a seasoned smoker would appreciate. Bring on the whole box!
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I loved this baby. All samples were incredibly consistent, making for a few very memorable hours.
10 SUPERIOR |
SMOKE - Fall, 2005
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