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Winter Cigar Tales...
 |  | INDUSTRIAL PRESS Mass | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Drew Estate | Size: 6 x 58 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This one’s a big-timer. Don’t let the shape intimidate you; a very pleasant smoking experience awaits. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | With this objet d’art in hand, you’re sure to spark up conversation. You’ll have a pretty decent smoke, too. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A good, hour-long smoke, it’s perfect for a good book, some jazz on the CD player, and a glass of port. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Extreme goodness abounds in this stick. Not overpowering, but a definite choice for late afternoon. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PUROS INDIOS GENUINE Rothschild | Country: Hon | Manufacturer: Puros Indios | Size: 5 x 50 | Filler: DR | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This turned out to be a great everyday cigar. I burned my fingers trying to get in that one last puff! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Summing up, a pretty “uneventful” smoke. It’s solid, though, and a good choice for a new cigar smoker. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This little brute is a winner. Every sample I had was better than the last. An anytime/anywhere smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Rough looks belie an excellent smoke. Try this one with dark roast, espresso, or a good oatmeal stout. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | COHIBA Siglo IV | Country: Cuba | Manufacturer: Habanos, SA | Size: 5 5/8 x 46 | Filler: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | | Panelist #1 | A consistently satisfying smoke, with some “oomph.” The tobacco equivalent of the Islay scotch I had with it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A little too inconsistent to be a “go-to” cigar, but definitely one to have when I feel like getting a buzz. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This is obviously a product of skilled hands, packed with well-aged tobacco. I want more! Are they legal? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A treat from start to finish, but probably only appreciable by a veteran. Newbies need not apply here. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | THE CIGAR Torpedo | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo | Size: 7 x 54 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | A great full-bodied smoke, with good earthy tones. It would be good anywhere from midday onward. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A beautiful cigar outside and in. Sit back for an hour or so with this and a good bourbon and see if you agree. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Aside from the tight draw and deceptive flavor, this cigar is still a worthy contender. And it looks great! MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | A taste-filled, full-bodied feast. There’s not much better you can get to follow up a hearty steak dinner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ASTRAL Talanga Valley Selection Pyramid | Country: Hon | Manufacturer: U.S. Cigar Sales | Size: 6 x 50 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Cam | | Panelist #1 | A sumptious smoke. I smoked one with a Kona Peaberry Roast, and it made for a wonderful hour! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | These weren’t the prettiest on the shelf, but all smoked well. The building flavors threw me for the loop. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This is not a smoke for the faint-hearted, and I wouldn’t necessarily end my day with it, but worth a try. MAY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar was obviously rolled by an expert, and it’s meant to be enjoyed by a refined, veteran smoker. RECOMMENDED |

 |  | PLASENCIA RESERVA ORGANICA Toro | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Indianhead Sales | Size: 6 x 50 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | With its unique flavor, this makes a great early day smoke, Not strong or overpowering, just refreshing. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This is a fine morning cigar to set your day in motion. It could always be better, but this is a good start. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The samples were very consistent, but I didn’t find anything special here. Good for mowing the lawn. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This baby provided a good hour of pleasure. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better evening companion. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ARTURO FUENTE Flor Fina 8-5-8 | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Fuente | Size: 6 x 47 | Filler: DR | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | A very leisurely smoke. After a bad day, this and a good tawny port in the den will make it all better. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Consistently pleasurable from first puff to last. I would buy a box and save them for special occasions. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | An example of the cover not matching the book; this cigar turned out to be a treat, especially with espresso. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A magnificent smoke, and a solid cigar for topping off a roast beef dinner, with a dark, full-bodied ale. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PADRÓN 3000 | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Padron | Size: 5 1/2 x 52 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | This baby was top shelf; close to perfect, even. It goes extremely well with Remy Martin and Coltrane. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This was a pleasant after-dinner smoke. Some inconsistency in the samples didn’t detract too much. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar is a grand pleasure. I would enjoy this one just about anywhere, except maybe the shower. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I couldn’t find anything wrong with this one. The taste and construction reminded me of something illegal... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CUPIDO Campana | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Cupido Cigar Co. | Size: 5 1/2 x 56 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | A pleasant any-time-of-day cigar. Get a nice red wine, sharp cheese, and light it up. Life is good. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This baby is for evenings, with smooth jazz and that special person. I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | An ideally balanced smoke, packed full of flavor and complexity without knocking you for a nicotine loop. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | No complaints! This is a well-made cigar, on the mellower side, to be enjoyed by the mild cigar lover. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | MONTECRISTO SERIE V Corona Gorda | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Altadis USA | Size: 5 x 46 | Filler: DR/Braz | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Cam | | Panelist #1 | All in all, an appealing short smoke that packs a tasty whallop. Try one of these after a heavy lunch. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | For a little cigar, this one left my head spinning. Not for the morning, but great with an evening cocktail. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The samples were all consistent. Not a bad choice for a lunch break, if you’re willing to fight that draw. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | A charbroiled steak was the lead-in, and a peaty single malt was the partner for this cigar’s main event. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | FLOR DE LOS REYES Extra Corona | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Consolidated Tobacco | Size: 6 x 46 | Filler: DR | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Indo | | Panelist #1 | The best of the batch, in my humble opinion. I pity the folks who haven’t gotten to try these babies yet. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A good newspaper-and-morning-coffee cigar. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a milder smoke. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | The draw stayed tight, but I’d recommend this simply because the flavor was so unique and enjoyable. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Close to perfect in all areas,this cigar makes a fine companion to a Jameson’s. What is it, I wonder... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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SMOKE - Winter 2001/2002
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