Fall 98
Volume III
Issue 4

C.GARS LTD

SMOKE Cigar Ratings
RatingQuality
  
0-2.0Poor
2.1-2.9Fair
3.0-3.5Good
3.6-4.4Excellent
4.5-5.0Superior
Price Codes
A$1.00 to $2.50
B$2.51 to $3.75
C$3.75 to $5.75
D$5.76 to $7.50
E$7.51 to $10.50
F$10.51 to $14.99
G$14.99 and above

Season of Smoke - Double Coronas


Coronas | Petit Coronas | Gran Coronas | Double Coronas | Aged Cigars






Double Coronas
HOYO DE MONTERREY Double Corona
Country: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba
Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. Filler: Cuba Price: G
Panelist #1Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner! I'll take 10 more boxes of these, although I have a sinking feeling they are illegal. SCORE: 4.9
Panelist #2This cigar is extremely reminiscent of the classic Cuban double coronas. I actually licked my fingers after smoking this beauty. SCORE: 4.3
Panelist #3This cigar definitely gave me that Havana Daydreaming feel. It's similar to a Punch Double Corona, but not as strong. SCORE: 4.7
Panelist #4This cigar does its job perfectly, leaving no doubt that I would buy these for myself (if I wasn't breaking any laws). SCORE: 4.5

NAT SHERMAN LANDMARK SELECT. Dakota
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Mexico
Manufacturer: Nat Sherman Filler: Dominican Republic Price: E
Panelist #1A thoroughly enjoyable cigar that is strong, flavorful, and smooth. A perfect companion to a single- batch bourbon. SCORE: 4.2
Panelist #2Other than one sample that came apart during smoking and left a bad impression, this is a cigar that I enjoyed smoking. SCORE: 3.7
Panelist #3This cigar offers a very interesting combination of fruity and spicy flavors that I have not found before. SCORE: 3.5
Panelist #4This is a good medium-bodied cigar that is smooth and tasty and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. SCORE: 3.6

INDIAN CLASSIC Chief
Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Mexico
Manufacturer: Indian Tabac Filler: Hon/Nic Price: D
Panelist #1This is a very consistent cigar that never overwhelms the taste buds, despite its ample size. For fans of light cigars. SCORE: 4.3
Panelist #2This cigar exhibits impressive con- struction, but is a little short on flavor. Great for golf, because it lasts forever. SCORE: 3.3
Panelist #3An impressive looking cigar that suffered from a tight draw, which made it difficult to distinguish the the flavor. SCORE: 3.0
Panelist #4The light character of this cigar makes it best for beginners. It has good flavor that it shares at its own pace. SCORE: 3.7

GRAYCLIFF Chairman
Country: Bahamas Wrapper: Sumatra Binder: Sumatra
Manufacturer: Graycliff Cigar Filler: DR/Nic/Ecua/Hon Price: F
Panelist #1This is a great smoke and is probably my favorite of the review. What is this and where can I get it? SCORE: 4.2
Panelist #2This immaculate cigar tastes very good and smells even better. I would happily keep this in my humidor. SCORE: 3.5
Panelist #3This is a super-smooth cigar that looks like it was made by a true artisan, but I wish the draw was a bit looser. SCORE: 3.9
Panelist #4I can recommend this cigar, tight draw and all. It gets better and better as you smoke it, and it lasts a long time. SCORE: 3.8

BALMORAL Churchill
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: DR/Brazil
Manufacturer: Agio Caribbean Filler: DR/Brazil Price: C
Panelist #1This well-made, light cigar is not very complex. It's most suitable for beginners or for that early round of golf. SCORE: 3.5
Panelist #2This is a good-tasting, well-made, and very mild cigar that is not the stuff of memories, but still a solid performer. SCORE: 3.1
Panelist #3This cigar tastes very mild and has a thin smoke. It's not bad, but it may need more zip to really stand out in the market. SCORE: 2.5
Panelist #4A beautiful cigar to look at and to hold. It's unfortunate that the taste is not more bold, but it's good for beginners. SCORE: 3.0

CigarCyclopedia!

Q ORO HONDURAN Imperial
Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Mexico
Manufacturer: Quintin USA, Inc. Filler: DR/Nicaragua Price: B
Panelist #1This cigar receives almost perfect scores and was my favorite of the review. I will pay whatever it takes to get more. SCORE: 4.8
Panelist #2This is a good cigar that smokes like a dream. The flavors are strong and develop nicely, but it lacks some finesse. SCORE: 3.3
Panelist #3A very satisfying smoke with plenty of rich flavors. It's an excellent after- dinner cigar, along with a Macallan 18-year-old scotch. SCORE: 4.4
Panelist #4This is a surprisingly strong and flavorful cigar that delivers a great amount of full-bodied smoking pleasure. SCORE: 4.1

MONTAGUE Corona No. 1
Country: Indonesia Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Indonesia
Manufacturer: Swedish Match Cigar Filler: Brazil/Indonesia Price: D
Panelist #1This cigar definitely KICKED ASS and was close to perfect in every way. Those who don't try this cigar are crazy. SCORE: 4.7
Panelist #2This is the ultimate cigar for when you want to sit back and relax. It will make your worst day seem a lot better. SCORE: 3.9
Panelist #3This is another top-dog cigar that I would recommend to any of my customers. Its approachable style will have wide appeal. SCORE: 4.5
Panelist #4This cigar is a visual and savory treat that delivers a very positive statement. I will happily fill my humidor with these. SCORE: 4.4

LA HAVANITA Maestro
Country: U.S.A. Wrapper: Dominican Republic Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: La Havanita Filler: Dominican Republic Price: E
Panelist #1Based on the solid taste, I can easily recommend this cigar. Based on the tight draw and self-destructing wrappers, I cannot. SCORE: 3.2
Panelist #2I would have purchased this cigar based on its appearance and been disappointed. The flavor is too grassy. SCORE: 2.4
Panelist #3This is a "must try" cigar that I will definitely let my friends know about. It is never overbearing, despite its girth. SCORE: 4.4
Panelist #4An inconsistent smoke. Some sam- ples were beautiful, while others suffered taste and construction problems. SCORE: 3.9

GLORIA PALMERA Double Corona
Country: Canary Islands Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Indonesia
Manufacturer: P.A.C.O./Comet Filler: Canary/DR/Brazil Price: C
Panelist #1This cigar is packed with tobacco, so it's a good thing the blend tastes good. Although it is young, it has definite promise. SCORE: 3.7
Panelist #2Unfortunately, I found this cigar just too difficult to like. The flavor never develops and it has a harsh quality. SCORE: 2.5
Panelist #3In a smaller size, this cigar would make a good enough morning cigar. As a double corona, it doesn't keep my interest. SCORE: 2.6
Panelist #4I probably wouldn't smoke this cigar, but someone who likes a large cigar without heavy flavor might like these. SCORE: 2.9

DUNHILL Peravias
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: Lane Ltd. Filler: DR/Brazil Price: E
Panelist #1A great cigar that is very consistent in every category. I am guessing it's a Dunhill, given the excellent quality. SCORE: 4.1
Panelist #2This is a sublime cigar that offers a complete package of Dominican flavor. It's rich, smooth, sweet, and very easygoing. SCORE: 3.8
Panelist #3A mild and friendly flavor is the highlight here, but it would have scored much higher if the draw had been more generous. SCORE: 3.3
Panelist #4This cigar is light in flavor, but heavy in character. It is very consistent in every category and earns high marks. SCORE: 4.0

The El Original

EL REY DEL MUNDO Robustos Suprema
Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Honduras
Manufacturer: Cigars by Santa Clara Filler: DR/Honduras Price: C
Panelist #1Make sure to leave enough time to savor this splendid stogie; it's a great stress reliever, especially with a good scotch. SCORE: 4.1
Panelist #2Set aside at least 90 minutes for this impressive looking cigar, but don't expect the taste to be as good as its looks. SCORE: 3.4
Panelist #3The wrapper on this cigar has an unusual beauty. The flavor is gutsy and eventful, providing plenty of smoking pleasure. SCORE: 4.5
Panelist #4This is a beautiful cigar that is just short of being a great one. Still, there is a lot here for people to enjoy. SCORE: 3.6

POR MATAMOR DJB
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: Club Imports Filler: Dominican Republic Price: C
Panelist #1There is nothing wrong with this cigar's construction, but the flavor is extremely light. It's not bad, just don't expect much. SCORE: 3.3
Panelist #2Despite its extreme mildness, this cigar's clean and lightly sweet flavor grew on me. Fans of mild cigars will like this. SCORE: 3.6
Panelist #3This well-crafted cigar offers an easy smoking experience, but the mild blend comes up short in the flavor department. SCORE: 2.7
Panelist #4This is a good, basic Dominican cigar, best-suited for early in the day, as a heavy meal or drink will overpower it. SCORE: 3.0

PUNCH Chateau L (Double Maduro)
Country: Honduras Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Honduras
Manufacturer: Danby-Villazon Filler: DR/Hon/Nic Price: C
Panelist #1A well-made, above average, large maduro cigar that is best enjoyed after dinner, although it's not as strong as you think. SCORE: 3.9
Panelist #2This cigar shows good quality in all respects. The flavors are subtle and well-balanced, and the con- struction is superb. SCORE: 3.6
Panelist #3This is a mild and pleasant cigar, with a well-balanced flavor. It's good for anytime of the day, if you have the time. SCORE: 3.7
Panelist #4This cigar will appeal to lovers of earthy Honduran tobacco, maduro flavor, and well-made big cigars. SCORE: 3.6

LEON JIMENES No. 1
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: La Aurora, S.A. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: C
Panelist #1A very well-made Dominican cigar that offers a problem-free smoking experience, but for this size I wish it had more kick. SCORE: 3.5
Panelist #2This cigar provides a showcase on how a big cigar should perform. The construction is perfect and the taste satisfying. SCORE: 4.0
Panelist #3An unassuming, elegant cigar that smokes slow and lacks smoke pro- duction, but that is suitable for mild cigar smokers. SCORE: 3.8
Panelist #4Smoking this cigar is a symphonic experience of perfectly balanced construction and a superior blend of mild tobaccos. SCORE: 4.4

DON LINO Churchill
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: Miami Cigars Filler: Dominican Republic Price: C
Panelist #1This cigar definitely shines. I am truly impressed with how good it tastes and smokes. It's a re- warding experience. SCORE: 4.6
Panelist #2If you've smoked Davidoff, Fuente, or Ashton, you know what this cigar is all about. I'm making room for it in my humidor. SCORE: 4.3
Panelist #3A well-constructed cigar that burns nice and slowly, allowing for a long, leisurely smoke, but I could have used a bit more flavor. SCORE: 3.6
Panelist #4You can't complain about a cigar like this, as it accomplishes all it is built for. Lovers of light cigars should consider this. SCORE: 4.1


SMOKE - Fall 98
C.GARS LTD

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