Winter Cigar Tales... BAHIA GOLD No. III Country: Costa R Manufacturer: Bahia by Tony Borhani Size: 6 1/2 x 46 Filler: DR/Nic Binder: DR Wrapper: Ecu Panelist #1 A very special stogie. I almost burned my fingers smoking this one to the end. Top shelf all the way. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Keep these in the rotation if you like ‘em strong. Enough flavor and complexity to be an everyday smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 This is an all-around good smoke for anyone from a novice to a connoisseur. If priced right, I’m a fan. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 A winner. Pour your choice of single malt, light one of these babies up, and soothe your stress away. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED MONTECRISTO No. 4 Country: Cuba Manufacturer: Habanos, SA Size: 5 x 42 Filler: Cuba Binder: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Panelist #1 I wouldn’t suggest this for the A.M., or for beginners, but veterans will appreciate it after a hearty feast. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Not bad with a smoky single malt to take the edge off, but for me, this wouldn’t be an everyday smoke. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 Sometimes a complex blend of flavor can make up for marginal construction. Not perfect, but worthy. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 The smoke looks sophisticated, but turns out to be a strong, unrefined tough guy... just like I like ‘em! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CUBAN PAREJO Rothschild Country: Nic Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo Size: 4 x 60 Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 Like a head-on collision with a bull. If you can handle this one, you should try Ultimate Fighting, too! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 A different, pleasant smoke. This “robusto immenso” reminds me of Danny DeVito with an attitude! RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 With a ring gauge that looks to be about 56-plus, this solidly constructed cigar is definitely a workout. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This cigar is definitely not for the faint of heart. You need to buckle your seatbelt for this ride! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED NAT SHERMAN Landmark Vanderbilt Country: DR Manufacturer: Nat Sherman Size: 5 x 47 Filler: DR Binder: Mex Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 Subtle in appearance, kick-ass in expression. A hell of a cigar, perfect for single malt and a fillet. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 A nice little cigar. Consistency, in this case, is definitely NOT the hobgoblin of small minds. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 An inoffensive cigar, good for beginners or the morning. The more I smoked, the more pleasant it got. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This one was hard to get a handle on; didn’t like it at first, loved it by the end. A very good “quick” smoke. RECOMMENDED KATERI Churchill Country: USA Manufacturer: Cigar Connection Size: 7 x 47 Filler: Dr/Nic/Mex Binder: Ecu Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 At home with both a single malt and an ale, this cigar will lower your blood pressure and your golf score. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Better construction and more aging would make this even better. Still, some fine tobaccos in this baby. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 This cigar was quite pleasant. It’s a good one for beginners, but a little too long for a morning smoke. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 A good cigar is a good cigar. This one would be great with a cognac, and for a special occasion with friends. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DON TOMAS DOMINICAN SELECTION Corona Gorda Country: DR Manufacturer: U.S. Cigar Sales Size: 6 x 50 Filler: DR/Br/Mex/Nic Binder: Mex Wrapper: DR Panelist #1 All I can say is, I hope these aren’t too hard to find. Every true cigar lover would appreciate this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 You’ve gotta try this one to believe it! Skip the cake and have this cigar instead; it’s excellent with coffee. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 A conversation piece smoke, with great consistency, it’s ideal in the afternoon after a hearty lunch. RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 Never mind the looks and construction; the taste is the bottom line, and this one had it... big time! RECOMMENDED HOJA XXO Belicoso Maduro Country: Nic Manufacturer: Hoja Cigar Co. Size: 6 x 54 Filler: Nic/DR Binder: DR Wrapper: Conn Panelist #1 Here’s an ideal relaxing evening: me, my Jack Daniel’s single barrel, and this cigar - don’t bother me. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 If you’re into a deep draw, this one’s for you. Though a beer counters the often bitter aftertaste well. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #3 Equally ideal with a strong coffee or an aged tawny port, this is a cigar for just about any time of day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 This stick could’ve been more carefully made, but it’s a solid, manly smoke with a lot of character. RECOMMENDED INDIAN TABAC Cameroon Legend Gorilla Country: DR Manufacturer: Indian Tabac Size: 6 x 58 Filler: DR/Braz Binder: DR Wrapper: Cam Panelist #1 This is a cigar to smoke while having an extended discussion... and a glass or two of port wouldn’t hurt, either. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Overall, a good outdoors-on-the-deck cigar. It’s also ideal for a long, leisurely scotch after a big dinner. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 The cigar’s marginal construction marred the experience a bit, but it wasn’t bad; could be better. MAY RECOMMEND Panelist #4 The big ring gauge may put some folks off of this one, but its qualities are all quite consistent. MAY RECOMMEND DAVIDOFF MILLENIUM BLEND Robusto Country: DR Manufacturer: Davidoff Size: 5 1/4 x 50 Filler: DR Binder: DR Wrapper: Ecu Panelist #1 Superior in construction, flavor, and taste, this cigar fared nicely alongside a glass of fine Merlot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Not for the faint of heart, this is a cigar for watching football or playing cards. Non-smokers will stay away. RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 A unique experience; this cigar reminds me of 1960s Cubans. Get them before the word gets out! RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 A damn fine cigar of superior quality. Smoke it after dinner, somewhere you can enjoy its complex power. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED OLIVEROS GRAN RESERVA Perfecto Country: Nic Manufacturer: Habanos Distributors Size: ?? Filler: Nic Binder: Nic Wrapper: Nic Panelist #1 I don’t get the box-press fad, but I can’t deny these cigars are attractive to look at and fun to smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #2 Wow! Great from start to finish... especially with some smooth jazz and some 12-year-old Dewar’s. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #3 A marvelous cigar, full of chocolatey spice. It’s verything a maduro should be. Have it instead of dessert. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Panelist #4 If Heaven doesn’t have these cigars, I’m not going. I would buy these by the hundreds. A hell of a smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Continued on next page... CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 2002 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.