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Winter Review - Holiday Cigars
 |  | BRETON COROJO VINTAGE Magnum 46 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Gran Reserve | Wrapper:
DR | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Price:
$4.20 | | Panelist #1 |
While the burn got me nervous, the flavor more than made up for it. It’s perfect with a pint of Guinness.
SCORE 4.4 | | Panelist #2 |
In spite of the poor finish, I thoroughly enjoyed smoking this one. I wish I’d been sent 20 of them!
SCORE 4.3 | | Panelist #3 |
The cigar smokes well, and provides enjoyable flavor. But watch out for those drastic character changes.
SCORE 3.6 | | Panelist #4 |
Excellent with a lowland single malt Scotch. This is a consistent cigar, good-tasting and not overpowering.
SCORE 4.2 |
 |  | BAHIA GOLD No. 4 | Country:
Costa R. | Manufacturer:
Tony Borhani | Wrapper:
Ecu | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Price:
$7.00 | | Panelist #1 |
This cigar impressed me with its complex flavors and fragrant aroma, though the tight draw disappointed.
SCORE 4.0 | | Panelist #2 |
If you’re willing to accept the inconsistent draw, you’ll be rewarded with some nice flavors from this one.
SCORE 3.4 | | Panelist #3 |
They appeared so nice, only to let me down in the actual smoke. This gets points for appearance only.
SCORE 2.7 | | Panelist #4 |
Recommended for nighttime smoking only! This would be good after a meal of meat ‘n’ potatoes.
SCORE 4.0 |
 |  | INDIAN TABAC Deluxe Tubo Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Indian Tabac | Wrapper:
Cam | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Price:
$5.00 | | Panelist #1 |
I really enjoyed these cigars. They’re not too much on complexity, but they pack plenty of punch.
SCORE 4.4~1 | | Panelist #2 |
This cigar demonstrates premier workmanship; as a smoke, however, it’s a bit too bold for my palate.
SCORE 4.0 | | Panelist #3 |
Overall, a well-rolled, good-smokin’ cigar; could probably use some aging to take the green grassy edge off.
SCORE 3.6 | | Panelist #4 |
Not on the dean’s list but in the top half of the class. If the price is right, I’d recommend this to others.
SCORE 3.5 |
 | | INDIGO Gran Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Atlantic Cigar | Wrapper:
Cam | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Price:
$3.00 | | Panelist #1 |
This is a great smoke, with a lot going for it. It didn’t demand my attention. Check it out for yourself.
SCORE 4.0 | | Panelist #2 |
I can’t recommend this one. Save your money for any number of better cigars of this type out there.
SCORE 2.4 | | Panelist #3 |
This is recommended if you’re looking for a morning or afternoon smoke. It could benefit from aging.
SCORE 3.6 | | Panelist #4 |
This one went well with tea. These are well-made cigars that left me satisfied but not “wowed.”
SCORE 4.0 |
 |  | VEGAS DE FONSECA Vega No. 2 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG Imports | Wrapper:
Cam | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Conn | Price:
$3.95 | | Panelist #1 |
Draws well, smokes well, tastes good. This trouble-free smoke makes for a great everyday cigar.
SCORE 4.5 | | Panelist #2 |
Mechanically, this cigar was fine. There was just nothing in the taste that makes me recommend it.
SCORE 3.0 | | Panelist #3 |
Some samples were rolled better than others, but by and large, this one was all book cover and no story.
SCORE 3.2 | | Panelist #4 |
It didn’t set bells to ringing, but it was pleasant. I would have no problem sharing these with a friend.
SCORE 3.7 |
 |  | SAINT LUIS REY Petit Corona | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos SA | Wrapper:
Cuba | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Price:
$15+ | | Panelist #1 |
Pretty close to perfect, construction-wise and flavor-wise. I wonder if these babies are legal...
SCORE 4.5 | | Panelist #2 |
This is one for the porch, not for a crowded bar. Paired up with a smoky bourbon, it’ll make your night.
SCORE 4.2 | | Panelist #3 |
It was a good smoke, it just didn’t make me jump up and down. Could be a good everyday cigar.
SCORE 3.7 | | Panelist #4 |
This is a wonderful cigar for those male-bonding moments, either in the bar or in the great outdoors.
SCORE 4.5 |
 |  | DON RENE Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Cigar Conn. | Wrapper:
Ecu | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Price:
$2.00 | | Panelist #1 |
I would recommend this to any friend that enjoys mild cigars. A good choice for a cocktail party.
SCORE 4.3 | | Panelist #2 |
Solid in construction despite the dryness, this cigar nevertheless was somewhat lacking in character.
SCORE 3.7 | | Panelist #3 |
I really didn’t want to like this cigar due to its appearance, but I found it to be very solid and flavorful.
SCORE 3.9 | | Panelist #4 |
I liked it! All the samples were uniform, and went well with a coffee. Good for an evening with friends.
SCORE 4.0 |
 |  | PADRON Diplomatico | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Padron | Wrapper:
Nic | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Price:
$12.40 | | Panelist #1 |
I burned my fingers smoking this down to the nub. Share one with your friends and you won’t be sorry!
SCORE 4.9 | | Panelist #2 |
They’re not quite what I expected, but these samples weren’t bad smokes by any means. Try one.
SCORE 4.2 | | Panelist #3 |
Very pleasant and very rich. It’s good for a Friday night while watching the fights with your buddies.
SCORE 3.9 | | Panelist #4 |
I loved this cigar! Recommended to all those who love life for all of its pleasures. No weenies need apply.
SCORE 4.5 |
 |  | LA TRADICION CABINET SERIES Perdomo Reserve No. 4 | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Perdomo | Wrapper:
Ecu | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Price:
$7.00 | | Panelist #1 |
I like a cigar that’s well-made, smokes well, and tastes great. This, my friends, is that cigar!
SCORE 4.8 | | Panelist #2 |
She’s worth the ride. With this beauty at your side, people are sure to take notice, and approve.
SCORE 4.2 | | Panelist #3 |
I can’t imagine a special occasion that wouldn’t be enhanced by this top-notch, flavor-packed cigar.
SCORE 4.3 | | Panelist #4 |
This cigar simply kicked ass. Everyone who knows what a good smoke is will appreciate this one!
SCORE 4.7 |
 |  | DON CARLOS No. 3 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Fuente | Wrapper:
Cam | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Price:
$7.25 | | Panelist #1 |
A very good, solid experience, with lots of flavor. It’s for the seasoned smoker; a cigar with some cojones!
SCORE 4.2 | | Panelist #2 |
Though the flavors weren’t to my liking, the construction was topnotch. They may just need time to age.
SCORE 3.3 | | Panelist #3 |
Overall an unexceptional cigar; easy on the mouth, but tough elsewhere.
Watch out for the messy ash.
SCORE 3.3 | | Panelist #4 |
An ideal first cigar for the beginner who’s just getting into the hobby. This one certainly won’t offend.
SCORE 3.5 |
 | | CUESTA-REY Captiva | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
J.C. Newman | Wrapper:
Conn | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Price:
$5.40 | | Panelist #1 |
This cigar looks mild-mannered, but packs some punch. It’s got a flavorful character, but lacks depth.
SCORE 3.5 | | Panelist #2 |
This is the poster child for a quality cigar that was rushed to market before being allowed to mature.
SCORE 2.5 | | Panelist #3 |
This cigar would be a morning smoke for me; after a heavy meal, it wouldn’t make its presence known.
SCORE 3.6 | | Panelist #4 |
A nice, creamy cigar with some complexity. Not my kind of everyday smoke, but a nice change of pace.
SCORE 4.2 |
 | | NATURAL BY DREW ESTATES China 5 | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Drew Estates | Wrapper:
Cam | Filler:
So. Asia | Binder:
Nic | Price:
$5.80 | | Panelist #1 |
This one paired up nicely with an early morning cup of Japanese tea. It’s a mild and soothing smoke.
SCORE 4.2 | | Panelist #2 |
The sweet ones aren’t my usual style, but the construction put this one in the recommended category.
SCORE 3.8 | | Panelist #3 |
A great cigar for the morning or afternoon. Mild enough for newcomers, complex enough for vets.
SCORE 3.9 | | Panelist #4 |
This is not like any cigar I’ve tried recently. Everyone, regardless of their usual taste, should try this one.
SCORE 4.3 |
 | | PASTORA Corona | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Nic.’s Finest | Wrapper:
Nic | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Price:
$5.15 | | Panelist #1 |
Though not a terribly pretty smoke, it possesses some great, rich flavors.
The inexperienced need not apply.
SCORE 3.9 | | Panelist #2 |
Not a bad cigar for after lunch or brunch. I think a larger size would’ve suited my palate a little better.
SCORE 3.4 | | Panelist #3 |
This is not a social cigar; it’s better suited to mowing the lawn or staining furniture in your driveway.
SCORE 3.0 | | Panelist #4 |
Construction problems didn’t affect the draw or burn. If the price is right, a good everyday cigar.
SCORE 3.7 |
 | | BUCANERO Corona 2000 Especial | Country:
Costa R. | Manufacturer:
Bucanero | Wrapper:
Ecu | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Price:
$8.00 | | Panelist #1 |
If you’ve got an hour-and-a-half to kill out on the porch, with a cigar and a brandy, this is a fine choice.
SCORE 4.3 | | Panelist #2 |
A little lacking in complexity, this well-built performer still would have a place in the humidor’s rotation.
SCORE 4.0 | | Panelist #3 |
A slow start coming out of the gate, and a valiant effort down the stretch. If you’re patient, try it.
SCORE 3.7 | | Panelist #4 |
Set aside some time for this one. A very amicable after-dinner companion, this cigar won’t disappoint.
SCORE 4.4 |
 | | CUPIDO Toro Negro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cupido | Wrapper:
Hab2K | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Price:
$7.80 | | Panelist #1 |
A perfect cigar for afternoon or after work. If priced right, these would be a great addition to the humidor.
SCORE 4.2 | | Panelist #2 |
Imperfect construction didn’t hinder a pleasurable smoking experience. A cigar to sit back and relax with.
SCORE 4.1 | | Panelist #3 |
Not quite what I expected from the rough-and-tumble appearance, but still a worthy smoke for a vet.
SCORE 3.8 | | Panelist #4 |
Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. This is just what I’m looking for after a three-course meal.
SCORE 4.5 |
 | | ASHTON VSG Corona Gorda | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Ashton | Wrapper:
Conn | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Price:
$7.75 | | Panelist #1 |
Good construction and complex flavors overcome the initial taste impression. A solid performer.
SCORE 4.1 | | Panelist #2 |
I cautiously recommend this one, but not before dinner, and not without a strong, whisky companion.
SCORE 3.7 | | Panelist #3 |
I was looking forward to this one, and was let down. Perhaps some aging will mellow this blend out.
SCORE 3.4 | | Panelist #4 |
You’ll know you smoked a cigar, and so will everyone else... but you’ll definitely be glad you did.
SCORE 4.3 |
SMOKE - Winter 2000
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