Fall Smokes - Churchills Robustos | Churchills | Figurados | Coronas NAFILYAN "SIGNATURE SERIES" Churchill Country: Domincan Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Nafilyan Cigar Co. Filler: Dom. Republic Price: $4.50 Panelist #1 This cigar did not do much for me. It wasn't very well-made and had a hot burn to it. Maybe a good one for beginners, not me. SCORE: 2.0 Panelist #2 A decently-flavored cigar with great attributes. Even with its faults, this cigar has a lot to give. A consistent performer. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #3 In the right setting, perhaps with coffee and the Sunday paper, this light cigar would be perfect. Light but solid. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #4 This stick reminded me of what I smoked early in my cigar tenure. A good introduction to fine cigars. Smooth and refined. SCORE: 3.1 THOMAS HINDS NICARAGUAN SELECTION Churchill Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Hinds Brothers Tobacco Filler: Nicaragua Price: $4.55 Panelist #1 This is a very good cigar to have after a nice roast and a glass or three of Cabernet. I would and will buy these babies. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #2 This cigar had no redeeming value. One of my least favorite cigars ever. Mild flavor might be appealing to rookies. SCORE: 2.0 Panelist #3 A very unusual and seductive cigar. A delicious, rich, deluxe smoke that's completely rewarding. It's a cigar I plan to seek out. SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #4 A worthy mild cigar. A change of pace for heavy cigar smokers. Good with coffee, as it plays well with others. SCORE: 3.6 H. UPMANN Sir Winston Country: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba Manufacturer: Habanos, S.A. Filler: Cuba Price: >$20.00 Panelist #1 Find one, smoke it, and you'll know. Enjoy it now, or even more after a few years. Can you send me more? Please, please, please? SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 Yes! A typical island smoke, this one cannot be mistaken for anything else. A bit young, but as well-made as anything out there. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #3 I found this to be an honest, unpretentious cigar that was thoroughly enjoyable to smoke. A nice change of pace for my humidor.SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #4 These were very consistent, and stood up to a full-bodied ale. Not for the neophyte, they're suited for a veteran. SCORE: 4.4 CUPIDO Churchill Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Sumatra Binder: Nicaragua Manufacturer: Cupido Cigars Filler: Nicaragua Price: $10.00 Panelist #1 This one smokes evenly from start to finish, and remains consistent in taste. Don't set it down, someone else might steal it.SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #2 A pleasant excursion into milder cigars. Plenty of flavor to keep your interest. If you enjoy mild taste, this baby fills the bill. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #3 With the way this cigar performed, it's one I'll definitely be looking to add to the humidor. A mild but flavorful smoke. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 A good cigar that's as well-made as most, but it lacked enough flavor to reel me in. Taste did not match appearance. SCORE: 2.8 BAUZA Casa Grandes Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: MikeÕs Cigars Filler: Domincan Republic Price: $5.60 Panelist #1 Not the most exciting cigar I've ever smoked. Another edition of the well-constructed cigar that lacks character series. SCORE: 2.8 Panelist #2 It seems as if these cigars were rolled and shipped in a hurry. I'd guess some aging would help improve the flavor. SCORE: 2.9 Panelist #3 This cigar tasted very much like a Villazon Honduran, probaby a Punch. If priced right, it would be a great everyday cigar. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 A bit mild for my tastes, this stick lacks a bit of depth. Maybe an enjoyable stogie for someone who likes Ãem mild. SCORE: 3.2 PREMIUM DOMINICANA No. 60 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: HoltÕs Cigar Co. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $5.85 Panelist #1 I'll save this for deprived times, like the scene in Dr. Zhivago when Alexi lights up "the last half of the last cigar in Moscow." SCORE: 2.8 Panelist #2 I think this could be a very worthy cigar in time; it might turn into something like what Nick Perdomo makes. Almost there. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #3 Consistency is this cigar's middle name. It's a great cigar, and went perfectly with a glass of Merlot. I'll buy as many as I can. SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #4 Nothing brilliant, but a decent mild cigar, with some complexity. A real smoothie, ideal for a beginning smoker. SCORE: 3.4 DON BIENVE LIMITED RESERVE Churchill Country: Puerto Rico Wrapper: Cameroon Binder: Puerto Rico Manufacturer: Tomas Lorenzo Filler: Puerto Rico Price: $3.40 Panelist #1 It looks like a cigar and feels like a cigar...it just doesn't taste like one. Bitter, dry, bland, and young. Needs time. Needs help. SCORE: 2.0 Panelist #2 Well, I learned that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. So I won't say this one blew. Aren't I nice? SCORE: 2.0 Panelist #3 I'm desperate to learn its identity so as not to make the mistake of putting them in my humidor. Can you say 'Dog Rocket'? SCORE: 2.0 Panelist #4 I was really puzzled by this stick. It gave the appearance of being a good smoke, but just never got it going. Needs time. SCORE: 2.0 ESTAVAN CRUZ Churchill Country: Costa Rica Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: Estavan Cruz Tobacco Co. Filler: DR/Nic/Brazil Price: $6.80 Panelist #1 This one looked great and smoked OK. I liked it, though I thought I would love it. Construction hitches kept flavor at bay. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #2 This is a giant and intense cigar. I literally got high within the first third, but craved more. If you like 'em strong, it's all you. SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #3 This cigar does not have the big flavor it originally boasted of. The flavors I detected were enjoyable, but a little thin. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #4 There was a little spicy tang to this baby, but not as much as one would've thought from its appearance. Not bad. SCORE: 3.2 DOMAINE AVO (30) Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $8.00 Panelist #1 This stick mixes Dominican and Nicaraguan qualities. Subtle and refined. Great construction. A real winner! What is it? SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #2 The pre-light characteristics were very inviting, but the flavor was somewhat lacking. My compliments to the roller. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #3 This cigar is so good, I found myself not wanting to exhale. I didn't want to lose any of the meaty flavor. Alright, what are they? SCORE: 4.6 Panelist #4 They were all consistently mild. It has a definite marketability, as there's always a place for a light and tasty stick. SCORE: 4.5 H. UPMANN CHAIRMAN'S RESERVE Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Consolidated Cigar Co. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $17.00 Panelist #1 A winner all the way around, this would be a great smoke in the late afternoon with a beer. One of the best. Near perfect. SCORE: 4.9 Panelist #2 I'm a little disappointed. I liked it, but really thought I was in for a rare treat. A feast for the eyes, but not for the palate. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 This cigar is full of clean, light flavors that work together well. I wouldn't be surprised to find a Mexican pedigree. Some nice body. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 It's a good, solid cigar, a guy who hits .285 and bangs out his share of homers. I'd be confident to give this out to anyone. SCORE: 3.7 MONTAGUE No. 1 (Maduro) Country: Indonesia Wrapper: Brazil Binder: Indonesia Manufacturer: Swedish Match, NA Filler: Brazil/Indonesia Price: $6.00 Panelist #1 This is the perfect cigar for when you need a long smoke and don't want to hear it from anybody. Otherwise, not much to say. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #2 This is a good looking, big cigar. I expected more complexity in the blend. Gets a bit boring, due to its size. Good, not great. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #3 There are good flavors within this cigar, but the construction hampers their fruition. It's a shame - this could be a classic! SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #4 A very good, straightforward stick, with rounded flavors of nuts and cream. Could use a bit more complexity, but still good.SCORE: 3.7 HABANO PRIMERO Churchill Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Mexico Manufacturer: US Cigar Filler: Brazil/Mex/DR Price: $5.50 Panelist #1 These are great looking sticks that were rolled just too tight for enjoyment. The blend was mild and lacking character. SCORE: 2.8 Panelist #2 I'll pass on this stick. The flavor just wasn't there. And the little there was, just didn't cut it. Not enough going on. Airball! SCORE: 2.8 Panelist #3 This cigar is an hour and a half of smoking pleasure. It was so good, and lasted so long that I smoked it with my breakfast. SCORE: 4.8 Panelist #4 A competent, nicely rewarding smoke. A big thumbs up. The cigar holds its own and delivers from start to finish. SCORE: 4.0 A. FUENTE Churchill Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: A. Fuente y Cia Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.50 Panelist #1 This is an ideal cigar for relaxing, maybe reading. A no-brainer. If you want full flavor and lots of complexity, you got it. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 This is a very smooth and enjoyable smoke, with rich flavors and lots of style and elegance. Here's one for your Highland malt. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #3 This cigar had a good, salt-of-the-earth quality to it, and the flavors make it a good "workhorse" cigar. A solid performer. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #4 Rock solid and consistent, this is a good can't-go-wrong cigar, suitable for any smoking situation. A quiet winner. SCORE: 3.6 CRUZ REAL EDICION ESPECIAL Emperador Country: Mexico Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Connecticut Manufacturer: Tabacos y Puros de San Andres S.A. Filler: Mexico/DR Price: $2.50 Panelist #1 It's a good choice for fans of light but tasty sticks. A hint of greenness that could be due to age. Overall, it's pleasurable. SCORE: 3.7 Panelist #2 A can't-miss selection for those who seek a light, smooth, aromatic cigar. It makes for a good midday smoke. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #3 This cigar is probably a rushed natural-wrapper stick. Those who enjoy green stogies won't have a problem. Others might. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #4 The operative word here is MILD. Very smooth and classy. Great quality and craftsmanship. Upper-crust, superb. PERIQUE Churchill Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Indonesia Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Big River Filler: DR/Louisiana Perique Price: $6.50 Panelist #1 While this would not be my choice for an everyday cigar, it has unique character. A good smoke when you want a change. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #2 A good, not great, performer. It has something to offer, but not a lot. Well-made and flavorable, but not the most satisfying. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #3 I would smoke it if it was given to me, but I don't know if I'd buy it. Kind of like a good utility infielder. Consistently mediocre. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 An easy-going stick that is better suited for the A.M. Lacks complexity, but does the simple things well. SCORE: 3.7 ZINO MOUTON CADET No. 8 Country: Honduras Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Honduras Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva Filler: Honduras Price: $6.50 Panelist #1 These are perfect for enjoying at home, in the den. A delightfully pleasant taste and scent. A perfect way to spend an hour! SCORE: 4.3 Panelist #2 This featured an interesting blend. Its origin is tough to pin down, as it has qualities of several countries. A good looker and taster. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #3 The flavors are reminiscent of a Padron, but with less polish. A good understudy. Overall good construction and performance. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #4 A very enticing and overall great tasting smoke. I have fallen in love with this one. A must-have for the humidor. SCORE: 4.8 Continued on next page... CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 1999 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.