 |  | ARTURO FUENTE HEMINGWAY Signature |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D
|
| Panelist #1 | The shape gives away this cigar's
identity, but reviewing it blindly
confirms its status as one of the
best cigars available. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #2 | Everything about this cigar is
superior and every sample was
perfectly consistent. You can't go
wrong with this. SCORE: 4.8
|
| Panelist #3 | Despite my affinity for full-bodied
cigars, this stogie won my full
attention. I enjoyed it with a cup
of Cuban coffee. SCORE: 4.0
|
| Panelist #4 | How nice of SMOKE to send me
a Fuente Hemingway Signature!
You don't need me to tell you
how good this is. SCORE: 4.5
|
 |  | ASHTON CLASSIC 8-9-8 |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Holt's Cigar Co. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D
|
| Panelist #1 | If you like Dominican cigars, this
is a solid choice. It tastes great
and the construction is excellent.
I will buy these. SCORE: 3.9
|
| Panelist #2 | This is the type of cigar that smokers
of full-bodied Cuban cigars keep
around just to keep their palates in
check. It's damn good. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #3 | A rewarding cigar that has big flavor,
and the highest quality wrapper and
construction. I'm very interested in
learning what this is. SCORE: 4.5
|
| Panelist #4 | While I normally fancy robust
Havana cigars, I greatly enjoyed
this mellow Dominican stick. You
can't ignore quality. SCORE: 4.1
|
 |  | SOSA FAMILY SELECTION No. 7 |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Antillian Cigar Corp. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | In case you can't tell, I loved this
cigar. My only hope is that it can
be afforded by us mere mortal
types. SCORE: 4.2
|
| Panelist #2 | I enjoyed this mild cigar very much.
The fabulous construction helps
the enjoyment factor. This is a
good morning cigar. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar was so good that I chain-
smoked them and finished all of my
samples in one evening. Run, don't
walk, to get these. SCORE: 4.7
|
| Panelist #4 | A very consistent cigar that you
can't go wrong with. I will buy
these and pass them out with
no hesitation. SCORE: 3.5
|
 |  | PLAYBOY (by Don Diego) Lonsdale |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Consolidated Cigar | Filler: Brazil/DR | Price: D
|
| Panelist #1 | The only problem I had with these
otherwise good cigars was the
tight draw, but it's still a worthwhile
smoke. SCORE: 4.0
|
| Panelist #2 | Construction problems got in the
way here, and made it very hard
to enjoy these cigars. They seem
extremely mild. SCORE: 2.2
|
| Panelist #3 | An inconsistent performance here.
I liked the rich flavor, but con-
struction problems and a developing
bitterness detracted. SCORE: 3.0
|
| Panelist #4 | If given time to age this might
become a very good cigar, but as
is, it has all the pitfalls associated
with a young cigar. SCORE: 2.8
|
 |  | JOYA DE NICARAGUA Toro |
| Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Nicaragua | Binder: Nicaragua
|
| Manufacturer: Hollco-Rohr | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar never disappoints! It is
tasty from the start and remains
smooth to the final puff. It's a re-
warding experience. SCORE: 5.0
|
| Panelist #2 | This cigar has good taste and con-
struction. It's not overly exciting,
but those who like mild, earthy
cigars will enjoy it. SCORE: 3.1
|
| Panelist #3 | I loved these cigars and their per-
fect strength, rich, sweet taste,
and great construction. An enjoy-
able experience. SCORE: 4.5
|
| Panelist #4 | This is probably a Dominican
cigar, but it is hard to tell, with
the draw difficulties. I hope others
have better luck. SCORE: 2.5
|
 |  | LA RESERVA (by Tinder Box) Exclusivo No. 2 |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Tinder Box | Filler: Honduras | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar fares better in the mor-
ning than the evening due to its
mild character. It's not complex,
but I'd try it again. SCORE: 3.1
|
| Panelist #2 | This cigar is handsome to hold and
has a commanding presence. Its
taste falls flat, but it's still a good
bar cigar. SCORE: 3.2
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar is best described as a
strong and full-bodied treat with
an extra kick of spicy flavor. Great
for after dinner. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #4 | This would be a good everyday
cigar if priced right. It does the
job by delivering a reasonable
tobacco flavor. SCORE: 3.2
|
 |  | J. CORTES No. 6 |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Vandermarliere | Filler: DR/Brazil/Java | Price: D
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar looks great, but its
flavors don't live up to the initial
promise. A mild cigar that is OK
for novices. SCORE: 3.3
|
| Panelist #2 | Although quite mild, this cigar was
a nice complement to my dinner of
peppercorn tuna sashimi. It's good
for the light of heart. SCORE: 3.1
|
| Panelist #3 | I prefer a much heavier cigar than
this, but it might be appreciated
by novices or fans of Macanudo-
style cigars. SCORE: 3.0
|
| Panelist #4 | I would definitely smoke this
cigar regularly. It smokes clean
and problem-free, and has good
body and strength. SCORE: 4.2
|
 | | PARTAGAS Almirantes |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: General Cigar Co. | Filler: DR/Mexico | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | One of those rare cigars that packs
plenty of pleasant surprises. It is
rich in flavor and made to the high-
est standards. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #2 | The rough appearance makes this
cigar look stronger than it is. I was
surprised by the mild and rich taste
of this cigar. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #3 | Sell the Porsche and take this baby
on a test drive. It's an impressive
package, with super handling and
high performance. SCORE: 4.7
|
| Panelist #4 | This is a mostly average cigar, of
probably Mexican or Dominican
origin. If it's priced right, it will
win fans. SCORE: 3.2
|
 |  | ARTURO FUENTE Seleccion Privada No. 1 |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | I smoked this cigar while mowing
the lawn, and yard work was never
so much fun. A true premium cigar
for any smoker. SCORE: 4.0
|
| Panelist #2 | A very solid cigar that is reminiscent
of a Nicaraguan cigar. This one will
surely satisfy in the evening hours
after a good meal. SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #3 | An exciting, moderately full-bodied
cigar that develops a sweet, spicy
edge. I look forward to smoking
these again. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #4 | This is a very well-made and
consistent cigar that will be best
appreciated by lovers of smooth
and mild cigars. SCORE: 3.3
|
 | | LICENCIADOS Toro |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Mike's Cigars | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar is close to being a great
smoke, but there is a youthful
edge that lingers too long. Age it,
then savor it. SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #2 | This is a good cigar if it retails
for under $4. The mild, rather
ordinary flavor doesn't warrant a
higher price tag. SCORE: 3.3
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar produces tons of smoke
and has a sweet and creamy
flavor, but there is an acidic edge,
indicating youth. SCORE: 3.0
|
| Panelist #4 | This cigar went well with a beer
in the afternoon. It's not great
in any way, but it's a steady, con-
sistent performer. SCORE: 3.2
|
 |  | FONSECA 7-9-9 |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: SAG Imports | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | I'd recommend this cigar to anybody,
especially those who love maduro
cigars like I do. It's very consistent
and very good. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #2 | This cigar has a great blend that is
put to waste by terrible construction.
This manufacturer needs to hire
some better rollers. SCORE: 2.4
|
| Panelist #3 | This dark cigar has a great look and
held a lot of promise, but the tight
draw and bitter flavor present too
many problems. SCORE: 2.2
|
| Panelist #4 | This is a good all-around cigar that
is not offensive in any way. I would
buy it as an everyday cigar if it is
priced reasonably. SCORE: 3.1
|
 |  | AVO No. 7 |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: D
|
| Panelist #1 | This is a cigar I would gladly stock
in my humidor. I would put this
up against any premium Dominican
cigar on the market. SCORE: 4.1
|
| Panelist #2 | A cigar that is reminiscent of many
Dominican smokes on the market.
If it didn't get mushy, it would have
scored better. SCORE: 3.0
|
| Panelist #3 | I usually like more power in my
cigars, but I enjoyed this one
nonetheless. The building fruity
flavor is appealing. SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #4 | Not bad, despite my negative
first impression. This cigar and a
12-pack would make for a most
pleasant evening. SCORE: 3.8
|
 | | BAHIA TRINIDAD Elegantes |
| Country: Costa Rica | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Ecuador
|
| Manufacturer: Tony Borhani | Filler: DR/Nicaragua | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar has a tasty blend, but
unfortunately a tight draw keeps
it from attaining the excellence
it is capable of. SCORE: 3.5
|
| Panelist #2 | A cigar that borders on greatness,
were it not for the sour taste that
fluctuates in and out. Certainly
worth trying again. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar is kind of like a jacked-up
Macanudo. The middle third offers
the best flavor, and my hat's off to
the rolling crew. SCORE: 3.3
|
| Panelist #4 | This is a decent cigar that has
big, woody flavors and not much
else. Not for me, but others may
like its style. SCORE: 2.6
|
 | | PUROS INDIOS Nacionales |
| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Ecuador
|
| Manufacturer: Rolando Reyes, Jr. | Filler: Brazil/DR/Jamaica/Nic | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | If the draw was a little easier, this
would have been a great cigar. As
it is, the increase from mild to
flavorful is appealing. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #2 | This cigar has some interesting
flavor and an attention-getting
punch, but the bitterness and tight
draw are setbacks. SCORE: 3.0
|
| Panelist #3 | It's such a shame to smoke a cigar
that tastes so good, only to have to
put up with bad construction. This
cigar needs a tune-up! SCORE: 3.2
|
| Panelist #4 | Great with a plate of bangers and
mash, and a pint of Carlsberg.
If the draw was better, this cigar
would truly excel. SCORE: 3.8
|
 | | DON TOMAS SPECIAL EDITION No. 500 |
| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: U.S. Tobacco | Filler: DR/Mex/Nic | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | The first sample was great by itself; the second was awesome with
espresso; the third was incredible
after a steak dinner. SCORE: 4.8
|
| Panelist #2 | This cigar has good body and ample
flavors that never get harsh. I liked
it from the start. It's satisfying, with-
out being aggressive. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #3 | This is a cigar you can really sink
your teeth into. It never skimps on
flavor, body, or character. Get 'em
while you can! SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #4 | A great daytime smoke, to enjoy
with a glass of beer or wine, or
at a business lunch. Flavorful, yet
unassuming. SCORE: 4.0
|
 |  | CRUZ REAL SPECIAL EDITION Ministro |
| Country: Mexico | Wrapper: Mexico | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: Tabacos Y Puros de S.A. | Filler: Mexico | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | These almost look machine-made.
They have a unique flavor that is
not my preference, but others may
be drawn to it. SCORE: 2.8
|
| Panelist #2 | A well-constructed cigar, with a con-
sistent, earthy taste that never won
me over. If it was a woman, I'd say
let's just be friends. SCORE: 3.4
|
| Panelist #3 | An aesthetically challenged cigar with
a good enough blend to recommend
for those who like unique, strong,
and earthy cigars. SCORE: 3.2
|
| Panelist #4 | This is an interesting cigar that
is appealing due to its strong,
rich flavors, but it lacks finesse
and complexity. SCORE: 3.5
|
 | | DOS RIOS Especial |
| Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Ecuador | Binder: Nicaragua
|
| Manufacturer: Nick's Cigars | Filler: Nicaragua/DR | Price: B
|
| Panelist #1 | A consistent cigar that went great
with the chocolate martini I drank
with it. I suspect this is an expen-
sive, premium cigar. SCORE: 4.1
|
| Panelist #2 | These are undoubtedly rolled by a
true artist, but the young tobacco
overshadows its potential. Give it
a few months. SCORE: 3.4
|
| Panelist #3 | A fantastic looking cigar that needs
time to age. You can taste the rich
flavor developing, but its youth
holds it back. SCORE: 3.3
|
| Panelist #4 | A well-constructed, beautiful cigar
that has good, complex flavors that
are slightly marred by the bite of
young tobacco. SCORE: 3.7
|
 | | LA AURORA Gran Corona |
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: La Aurora, S.A. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: C
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar tastes like a Fuente
Hemingway. Congratulations to
the maker for developing this
solid blend. SCORE: 4.0
|
| Panelist #2 | If the price is right, this cigar is
an excellent and more affordable
substitute for those who only smoke
Cuban cigars. SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #3 | A Honduran style of cigar, with a
lot of complexity, but some taste
and construction variation. If priced
right, I'd buy it. SCORE: 3.5
|
| Panelist #4 | A slightly above-average cigar to
be considered as an everyday
smoke, if priced right, but it
lacks complexity. SCORE: 3.5
|
Continued on next page...
