Smokin'
in the
Cold
"Virtue itself turns vice misapplied / And vice sometime's by action dignified." - William Shakespeare
The weather outside is frightful indeed, and as the Bard might have said, it is shaping up to be a winter of discontent for cigar lovers far and wide.
California - and no offense to anyone who resides and works in that beautiful state - is already a lost cause, and has been for so long it rarely bothers us anymore. The law banning smoking of any kind in practically any bar and restaurant, pushed through by actor/director/lobbyist Rob "Meathead" Reiner, was ignored for quite a while - too long, perhaps - by cigar smokers and tobacco industry people as an outrageous aberration in a state known for such eccentricities. Surely the rest of the country wouldn't follow this lead, we thought. Surely the overreaching unfairness of this "Big Brother" type legislation would be recognized by other governing bodies, especially in areas where tobacco has traditionally been a large part of the economy and the culture?
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.9 | Good |
| 4.0-4.5 | Excellent |
| 4.6-5.0 | Superior |
Then came - of all places! - Florida.
The home of Carlos Fuente and the Tobacco Museum. The state boasting the largest Cuban-American population in the country. The state slated - no longer - to host yet another Retailer Tobacco Dealers of America show. The trade show's organizers have hastily moved 2003's venue from Orlando to Nashville due to the impending indoor smoking ban.
Yet as shocking as the Florida decision was to those of us who love Florida's cigar history and culture, we could at least console ourselves with, “Well, at least it's Florida and California - those states have warm weather most of the time. Cigar smokers still have outdoors to light up year 'round, right?" And I've always wanted to see Opryland more than Disneyland anyway.
Now, it’s New York City.
Where I live, in a strict no-smoking apartment, and work, in a strict no-smoking office. As of this morning, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, already infamous for his staggeringly high cigarette tax increase, is reportedly within days of an agreement that will ban smoking from practically all public places, including restaurants and bars. And if you’ve ever experienced winter in NYC, you know the idea of sitting outside to have a cigar during those months is just not feasible at all. The only silver lining seems to be that cigar bars - still a fixture here in the Big, Frozen Apple - will be exempt from the law, and bars and restaurants just may be permitted to have enclosed smoking rooms. A slight bone thrown to those of us who don't feel we should have to give up our still-perfectly-legal hobby just because the weather gets inhospitable.
The New York of the future looks to be a far cry from the New York you see in the old movies .- men in hats and suits enjoying cigars in offices, taverns, even barbershops. And while no one necessarily wants a return to those days, where the rights of nonsmokers were practically nonexistent, there is a such thing as taking a righteous cause too far. just look at Prohibition. I daresay no one on either side of the debate - except, perhaps, criminal profiteers - wants to live through an era like that again anytime soon.
What makes it all the more frustrating is that many cigars coming into the market continue to be uniformly high in quality. This issue's Cigar Review panelists placed a great majority of the entrants in the "Very Good" range or better, and most fell in the "Excellent" category One cigar, the Carlos Torano Reserva Selecta Torpedo, garnered a coveted "Superior" rating (4.5).
Other standouts included the coveted White Label Churchill from Bahia (4.3) and another very exclusive smoke from Davidoff of Geneva, the Zino Platinum Chubby Especial (4.4). La Flor Dominicana made a triumphant return to the Review, earning a 4.2 with their elegant Tubo No. 200. Savinelli's Nicaragua Reserve just seems to be a winner in any size; the Toro snapped up a 4.2. And our two Cuban contenders (did I say, "perfectly legal" before? Oh, well ... ) racked up scores of 4.1 and 4.2, respectively, for the San Cristobal La Fuerza and the Bolivar Immensa, proving that quality control is back in high gear on the island. Full results. from the tasting begin below.
Thanks to all our panelists, and congrats to our online "Become a Reviewer" contest winner, Michael Adverse from the U.S. wrapper capital of Connecticut (where to my knowledge you can still smoke in a bar). We're always looking for cigar mavens with strong opinions and decent writing skills to take part in future reviews. If that describes you, click here to enter.
Me, I’ll be in my garage... lighting up a wintertime stogie of my own.
- Mark Bernardo
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Want more? For the full details of each review, including all the panelists views on aesthetics, construction, flavor, and more, subscribe now - or pick up a copy of SMOKE Magazine at a Tobacconist near you!
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 |  | FLOR DEL CARIBE Martinique Maduro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Arango Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Overall, a good smoke with some construction inconsistencies. Some humidor time will even its temper. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This was a good-tasting cigar whose enjoyment level was marred slightly by those burn problems. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I could comfortable smoke this to the halfway point, then it gets hot. Not a terrible smoke, however. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | This is a good cigar to relax with, preferably in the late afternoon or evening, with your favorite brew. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | BUCANERO Full Sail | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bucanero Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Italy | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Costa R | | Panelist #1 | I smoked this one all the way down. The nice sweetness stays throughout the finish. Not great, but very good. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Too much testosterone, not enough art. Strength overwhelms the good flavors that are struggling to emerge. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | This was a good cigar whose flavors stayed one-dimensional, though not enough to put me off too much. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This is a real man’s cigar! It felt good in my mouth and the only disappointment was putting it out. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | HELIX X652 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar Sales | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Braz | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | A very good choice from the mild end of the spectrum; perfect in the A.M. with cappuccino & crossword. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A mild cigar, perfect for a certain time of day - for me, it made my morning and early afternoon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | These are very consistent, well-made cigars. They make for a good morning smoke, with some coffee. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | OK, so looks aren’t everything. This stick is a flavor bomb that keeps delivering right to the end. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | FONSECA Serie “F” | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Two things I look for in a cigar: smooth flavor and a great finish. And this one had ‘em both. I’d buy it. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I enjoyed this cigar from start to finish; its character makes it a perfect match for a morning cup of coffee. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | She’d better be a cheap date; I’d take her home, but this one isn’t what I’d call Surf-n-Turf material. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This is a very relaxing smoke. I enjoyed mine on the back porch with a Belgian triple ale. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA PERLA HABANA Churchill Maduro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Perla Habana | Size:
7 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Java | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I would smoke just about any maduro, but this one truly kicked ass. This is an after-dinner treat. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Don’t be scared of its appearance. This decent smoke that felt right at home with a glass of Baker’s. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | It’s a little lacking in complexity for a cigar this big, but at the right price, this is a good overall smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A pungent aroma makes this one ideal for patio or boat. Match it up with a dark ale or stout. RECOMMENDED |
 | | SANCHO PANZA DOUBLE MADURO Escudero | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
General/Villazon | Size:
7 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Hon/Nic/DR | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This is a maduro lover’s delight; sit back and get ready for about 75 minutes of no-nonsense smokin’! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This is a good “anytime” cigar that I would keep in my humidor. I would also pass them out to good friends. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | If you don’t have hair on your chest, this big, assertive cigar will certainly put it there. Newbies beware! MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | If you’re looking for a good, all-around cigar, look no further. Just make sure you’ve got time! RECOMMENDED |
 | | OLD POWDER KEG Torpedo | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Conn. Valley Tobacconist | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/Conn | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | An unidentified author once wrote, “Oh, their lives are sweet but all too brief... my well-beloved cigar!” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Just a good, solid cigar. In fact, this one has “leather recliner and oak-paneled room” written all over it. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This is a youngster in need of some naturity. It jumps out to a good start but doesn’t develop much depth. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This rough customer turned out to be a very refined smoke that I believe would appeal to all smokers. RECOMMENDED |
 | | NATURAL BY DREW ESTATE Green Hero | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Drew Estates | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Various | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | With the gimmicky foot, I was expecting much less. This is a fine choice for your first cigar of the day. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Some would be looking for more body, but most smokers would find something very likeable about this. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Though I generally prefer more robust smokes, I find this stick oddly appealing as a change of pace. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Not the right companion to a whisky, but an ideal partner for a big California Cabernet or Merlot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | THE GRIFFIN’S FUERTE Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
6 1/2 x 60 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar blends agreeable mellowness with a slow, steady build. it reminds me of an Avo No. 2. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one is not my cup of tea, but I would recommend it to a newcomer or for anyone to try in the morning. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | A great all-day smoke; complex enough to hold my attention, mellow enough to smoke at breakfast. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This is one that experienced smokers can enjoy as much as beginners. It performed well, start to finish. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | VEGA TALANGA Reserva Tercio | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar Sales | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | A crisp football Sunday, a steak on the grill, an uncorked Cabernet, and this cigar waiting... priceless. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The enjoyable flavor will improve with time. At a fair price, this would find a place in my humidor. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The construction was intriguing, and kudos for the consistent draw and burn. Not a bad cigar. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | This one went down quite well after a hearty dinner. I’m a huge maduro fan, and I’d definitely buy this one. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CAMACHO H2 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Caribe Imports | Size:
4 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | A definite sleeper, but for the stout-hearted. Have it after a hearty meal, or your head will swim. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The acidity I noted was probably young tobacco. Some humidor time will bring this one to its potential. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | If you’re seeking a gift for a cigar lover, you’ve found it. This was a pleasure to smoke, and relaxing. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This mean heater packs a wallop! The Buena Vista Social Club could pass this out at their gigs. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
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