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'Gars and the Gridiron (cont.)
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 |  | DONA FLOR RESERVA ESPECIAL Robusto | Country:
Brazil | Manufacturer:
Menendez Amerino & Cia. | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Brazil | Binder:
Brazil | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | I would recommend this for a late summer afternoon cigar to pair with a nice glass of Guinness and a cool breeze.
92 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | I will definitely be looking to buy this cigar in the future. Except for its rather rough exterior, this was a great cigar!
94 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | This cigar's flavor, aroma, strength, and feel are all an excellent foray into maduros without being overwhelming.
93 Excellent |
 | | THE GRIFFIN'S No. 500 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
5 1/16 x 42 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Very attractive cigar but the flavor was too little to late. I had a real disconnect between the wrapper and the blend.
90 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | It looks beautiful and is well made, and at pre-light it smelled both enticing with its slightly nutty aroma. Loved it!
95 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Cigar went well with an after-lunch lemonade. Would definitely recommend this to those who like mild cigars.
93 Excellent |
 | | FONSECA VINTAGE COLLECTION Belicoso | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Fonseca | Size:
6 1/4 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar finished well, and left no after taste. It did leave me wanting more though. Would try another year's crop.
90 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Overall this was a solid cigar. It wasn't too flashy, but more than got the job done. I would smoke these again.
94 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | This cigar was like The Three Bears' bed: not too strong, not too light, but just right. Would definitely recommend.
95 Excellent |
 |  | EL PRIMER MUNDO ROSADO OSCURO Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Primer Mundo Cigar Company | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic, Pan | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I would recommend this cigar. It looked like it might be heavier than it turned out to be, but managed to satisfy.
90 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | I think it smoked better than it looked, and it came alive for the second act. I would smoke these again.
91 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | A nice overall smoke, but a little too bland for me. Might make a good lunchtime or brunch cigar, though.
88 Very Good |
 | | MONTECRISTO OPEN Regata | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
5 1/3 x 46 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This would be a good morning cigar. Not too strong and would pair well with a morning coffee. I would smoke this again.
92 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | I like the stronger cigars personally, but I found this an acceptable cigar that I would try again if the price was right.
91 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Overall a very clean tasting cigar that will be good for the new smoker, as well as the experienced. A good find.
95 Excellent |
 | | CUBAN STOCK ROYAL SELECTION Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Cuban Stock Cigar Company | Size:
6 x 46 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | Overall, this proved to be a very consistent cigar. I would recommend. Try them with your favorite tawny Port.
92 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | A very nice stick that i enjoyed most in front of the fire pit with a glass of single malt Scotch or just a simple espresso.
89 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | The samples were consistent, it was a good 40-minute smoke that would pair well with an after dinner Scotch.
88 Very Good |
 |  | HAVANA SUNRISE Corona | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Inter-American Cigar Co. | Size:
4 x 40 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Begins as a perfect morning smoke, moves along very well, until the end where this cigar crashes and burns.
88 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | There is a peppery flavor in the first 2/3 that might make this the perfect morning cigar for fuller bodied smokers.
93 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | This cigar had great construction and a very solid flavor profile. What more could you ask for? Would recommend.
94 Excellent |
 |  | GRAYCLIFF CRYSTAL Salomon | Country:
Bahamas | Manufacturer:
Graycliff Cigar Company | Size:
7 1/8 x 48 | Filler:
Nic, Hon | Binder:
Greece | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar had some very good moments. There were some interesting tastes despite minor draw issues.
90 Very Good | | Panelist #2 | Overall, I really enjoyed this cigar! First was in its appearance, and then its surprisingly easy going nature.
96 Superior | | Panelist #3 | Started earthy, then cocoa and vanilla, wrapped up with leather. A fun cigar and one that I will definitely look to buy!
95 Excellent |
 |  | WINSTON CHURCHILL Spitfire | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
4 x 38 | Filler:
DR, Peru, Nic, Ecu | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This was a great little smoke, very consistent. It would be perfect for a short car ride, or after a light meal.
95 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | This was a very consistent smoke. I have never purchased this size in the past, but I would purchase these.
93 Excellent | | Panelist #3 | Overall good, short smoke. Would recommend to anybody since a superior cigar this size is extremely hard to find.
96 Superior |
 |  | MX2 Box-Press | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
CAO International | Size:
5 1/2 x 55 | Filler:
Nic, Hon, DR, Peru | Binder:
Brazil | Wrapper:
USA | | Panelist #1 | While this is a good tasting cigar, the odd shape made it an unusual, but rewarding smoking experience.
92 Excellent | | Panelist #2 | Like a broken tooth that you can't keep from messing with, I found myself flipping it, trying to find a comfortable position.
87 Very Good | | Panelist #3 | For so dark a maduro, this cigar had some great qualities that newer maduro cigar smokers might enjoy.
95 Excellent |
 |  | TOPPER BROADLEAF | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Topper Cigars | Size:
5 1/4 x 42 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Comments: |
Vice President Thomas Riley Marshall once famously said "What this country needs is a good five cent cigar." He was wrong. The country is going to have to shell out $1.35. For the cigar smoker who doesn't need a fancy label and can appreciate a good smoke for what it is, Topper broadleaf cigars-a four generation tradition from Connecticut-are worth exploring. Don't have any expectations of a long ash, because you won't get one. But imported filler leaf and the company's iconic Connecticut broadleaf wrapper deliver a quality, affordable every-day smoke great for a walk around the neighborhood or mowing the lawn.
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 | | FLAVORS BY CAO Caramelo Joe | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
C.A.O. International | Size:
4 1/2 x 46 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Comments: |
Looking for a flavored cigar that leaps well beyond the chemical-enhanced cigars rolled from whatever is left on the floor after the good stuff is used up? Do you like starting out the day with some kind of Starbuck's specialty? CAO may have what you're looking for. Flavours by CAO Caramelo Joe is a sweet, savory combination of dark roasted espresso and a dollop of frothed milk all topped with a swirl of gourmet caramel. These flavors are allowed to marry with a blend of mild Dominican tobaccos and finished with a Grade 1 Cameroon wrapper, for a top-quality handmade cigar that's a delicious taste treat.
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SMOKE - Fall, 2009
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