Winter
Cigar
Tales...
"As an example to others, and not that I care for moderation myself, it has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep and never to refrain when awake." - Mark Twain
The above quotation was uttered by Twain on his 70th birthday, and is only one of an extensive collection of immortal lines from the author of Tom Sawyer,
Huckleberry Finn, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, and many other works. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, in poor, backwoods Mississippi, Twain is heralded not only as one our nation's greatest native literary pioneers, but has become a genuine piece of Americana. Now, in these challenging days of resurgent patriotism and growing pride in all that's uniquely American - and the debut of a much-anticipated new miniseries about Twain's life, airing this January on PBS, written and directed by Ken Burns, the man who brought us his acclaimed take on such American institutions as baseball, jazz, and the Civil War - we decided to celebrate Twain, his wit and wisdom, and his love of cigars, in this, our SMOKE Sixth Anniversary Cigar Review.
In a 1907 speech, Twain remarked, "Praise is well, compliment is well, but affection - that is the last and final and most precious reward that any man can win, whether by character or achievement." The author may have appreciated the genuine affection showered upon our top vote-getting cigars by the panel. Four cigars reached the 4.5 pinnacle in this tasting: the Davidoff Millennium Blend (very well-received for the second review in a row, this time in a robusto); Tabacalera
Perdomo’s hefty Cuban Parejo Rothschild; the Cupido Campana, from the boutique Nicaraguan brand's expanding line; and Carlos Torano’s Exodus 1959 Robusto, a new blend commemorating the year that the Torano family, among many other Cuban cigarmakers, fled their homeland to ply their trade elsewhere.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.9 | Good |
| 4.0-4.5 | Excellent |
| 4.6-5.0 | Superior |
Cuba, of course, is still producing cigars. And they're still much sought-after by us Americans. As Twain himself put it: "In fact, the more things are forbidden, the more popular they become." The two from Habanos we reviewed this issue seem to bear that out, with both the Montecristo No. 4 (4. 1) and the Cohiba Siglo IV (4.3) placing solidly in the excellent category.
Also this issue, we review our first all-organic cigar, the Plasencia Reserva Organica - rolled using pure tobacco untainted by chemical additives - which received a respectable 4.1 from our panelists, who might've agreed with Twain when he said, "Nature knows no indecencies; man invents them."
In an 1887 notebook, Twain once wrote, 'All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure." He may as well have been speaking about today's cigarmakers, forging ahead in the latter days of the cigar boom, and nevertheless thriving. Pioneers like Fuente (4.3 for the Flor de Fina 8-5-8); Padron (4.3 for the Padron 3000), and Bahia (4.2 for the Gold No. 111) continue to consistently produce dynamite cigars, as evidenced by our tasters' findings. It's another above-average batch of cigars, many of which scored excellent or higher, awaiting your perusal.
A hearty "welcome aboard" to Bob Moran, Forrest Diehl, and SMOKE's neighbor, New York City transit cop Brendan O'Connor, new panelists who came to us by way of SMOKE's online "Become a Reviewer contest. You, too, can enter these prestigious ranks by logging on to our Online Contest Page.
And as we unwind from the holiday season, and anticipate the promise of a new year, remember what one of our finest American literary legends once wrote: "To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler still and no trouble."
Happy Holidays. - Mark Bernardo
 |  | LA AURORA Preferido No. 1 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Aurora | Size:
6 x 58 | Filler:
DR/Cam | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This puts the “perfect” in perfecto! Ideal for a late afternoon or evening smoke, paired with a rich, ruby port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Half the samples were quite good in flavor; the other half were on the insurance seminar-ish side. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I got loads of compliments on this one. An interesting smoke that tasted great with a pint of Bass Ale. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This one was a solid, 90-minute smoke after a good meal. Have one with Monday Night Football. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PUNCH Heavyweight Champion | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
4 1/2 x 60 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Every sample was very consistent. I would love to smoke one of these little flavor bombs every day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I wouldn’t seek one of these cigars out, but I’d be lying if I said there was really anything wrong with it. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This cigar’s unique taste really grows on you. It made for a perfect “on my way to breakfast” cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Lay these babies down six months in the humidor; the flavors should even out and reach their full potential. MAY RECOMMEND |
 | | AVO Domaine 60 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
5 x 43 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I like it; my favorite of the bunch. I hope these cigars are legal, because I definitely want to stock up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would smoke just about anything for free, but I couldn’t find anything to make me recommend this one. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | This was a very consistent cigar, one that went well with a glass of red wine. I’d definitely purchase a box. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar. It’s perfect for the afternoon, or even a front nine, early morning tee time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | C.A.O. BRAZILIA Gol! | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
CAO | Size:
5 x 54? | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | An unconventional, out of the ordinary cigar. Next time you want to try something different, try this. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar would be welcome in my home any time. Plus, I didn’t think the ash was ever going to fall off. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | In a few words: awesome! I want more! I can’t wait to find out what this one is so I can fill up the box! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I enjoyed this with a tawny port, and I smoked it to the nub. Well-aged tobacco flavors abound in this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | BLACK PEARL Gran Belicoso | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Perla Habana | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I liked this cigar a lot, but the flavor got harsher past the halfway point. Worth it at the right price, though. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Definitely an evening smoke, bursting with spice. It should be enjoyed after a good steak with a hearty ale. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This tough customer was a little much for my tastes, but should be perfect for fans of the strong cigar. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | I may have found my perfect dessert for a hearty steak dinner. It goes nicely with a snifter of Hennesy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | CIELO Apollo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Corona Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This warm stick would be perfect on a wintry night, with some Christmas ale, while reading some Dickens. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I liked this refined cigar’s ever-changing qualities. It kept my interest for an enjoyable hour plus. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Even the wife appreciated this one’s aroma. You must try this cigar with an evening pint of Guinness. RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | What a fine cigar. These would be welcome in my humidor any time, and I’d be happy to buy them. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | FONSECA Sun-Grown Cedar No. 3 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Peru | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | An incredibly consistent cigar, rolled by a master. I’d recommend them to one who enjoys them strong. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | An unobtrusive cigar. At the right price, this would make for a pretty decent “mowing the lawn” smoke. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | The flavor, while pleasant, never really woke up my taste buds. It’s unexciting, but a solid smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This one should definitely be in the hunidor. I smoked one playing golf, but the next one I had to savor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CARLOS TORAÑO Exodus 1959 Robusto | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | Puff after puff, this cigar was enjoyable to the fullest. I wish I had some more of these babies... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar is another winner. I am partial to maduros, and this baby is just what the doctor ordered. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A pleasant, savory, smoking experience. If you like them strong, this is a fine “go-to” cigar for everyday. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This must be Cuban! I didn’t want it to end. I must have more of these gems, even if I have to smuggle ‘em. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | HOYO DE MONTEREY Rothschild Maduro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
4 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Hon | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Even non-maduro fans owe it to themselves to try this. Have it after a pizza with a bottle of Bohemian. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I enjoyed one of the samples, tolerated another, and threw another out halfway. More consistency is needed. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | A good companion to a dark ale, this cigar is also ideal for a short walk or an after-lunch, indulgent smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This is a cigar I would readily share with my friends. Every sample was consistently solid and enjoyable. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | SAVINELLI ELR No. 4 Double Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Savinelli | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This is a perfect afternoon smoke, enjoyable even if your tastes usually run toward stronger smokes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Someone put together a good cigar here. This is the change-of-pace cigar for fans of the darker wrapper. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The cigar’s flavors were consistent from start to finish. All levels of smokers would appreciate this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This is a great, classic smoke, and would partner up nicely with a white wine or a light ale. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | DON JUAN 2000 Matador | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tropical Tobacco | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I’d comfortably recommend this to anyone who likes a milder smoke... and definitely to a beginner. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Other than being a little too tightly rolled, these samples were all great. A perfect combo of body and flavor. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Based on the appearance, I expected more. These cigars would definitely benefit from humidor time. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | Though a little mild for my usual taste, I would happily recommend this one for a midday smoke. RECOMMENDED |
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