|
 
Smokin' in the Cold (cont.)
|
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!
|
 |  | CIBAO Lonsdale | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Indianhead Sales | Size:
6 x 44 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | A perfect smoke to unwind with after a rough day at work. You look forward to every next puff. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | It’s thinner than my usual smokes, but I like it! This would be great to get my head straight in the morning. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I couldn’t quite figure out what this one was trying for. I’m not sure I’d buy it, but I’d give a free one a shot. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | I can’t think of a better first cigar of the day. It would match up perfectly with a good cappuccino. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PUROS INDIOS VIEJO #4 Especiale | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios | Size:
5 1/2 x 49 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Braz | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar, quite simply, kicked ass. It is one of the best I’ve had in recent memory. Everyone should try. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The samples weren’t consistent; it’s an OK cigar to start the day, but I wouldn’t break down doors for it. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | Loosen up the draw and you have an award-winner. This one’s flavors are actually worth the extra effort. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I smoked all of these down to the roach clip stage. This pleasant cigar, is great for morning or midday. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | FIGURADO #300 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Costa R | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Costa R | | Panelist #1 | A superior cigar for any time of day, though it’s best suited to late evening and after a big dinner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar made an impressive statement. Be prepared to devote an entire evening to enjoying it. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A consistent cigar, it would make for a good midday smoke, possibly paired up with a nice cognac. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Send the kids to the mother-in-law, put in a Dean Martin CD, pour a martini, and light this baby up! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | DON JUAN COLORADO Juanito | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tropical Tobacco | Size:
4 1/2 x 46 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A small but powerful cigar. I’d smoke one of these in the mid-day or late evening, perhaps with an Armagnac. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | It looked better than it tasted, but this little cigar has great potential with some time in the humidor. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | This one didn’t quite live up to its potential, but it’s a decent smoke, and would surely benefit from age. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #4 | It burned a bit hot - to be expected of this size - but everything else about this stick was top-notch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | BOHEMIAN North Beach | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Victor Sinclair | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Braz | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | I spent a pleasant hour with this cigar and a dram of my favorite single malt. And I’d happily do so again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This one looked like a beast, but behaved itself well. The medium body never overpowered. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | I had this pegged for a cognac cigar, but it’s more of a pale ale cigar. At the right price, I’d have one again. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I’m not a fan of the open-foot, pigtail cap look, but I can’t say it marred my enjoyment of this one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | CIGAR KING WORLD BLEND Corona Maduro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cigar King | Size:
6 x 44 | Filler:
Nic/Hon/DR/Braz | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | A decent cigar to have with a late-evening espresso after a large meal. That draw has to loosen up, though. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Some age could give these some complexity. As is, I’d buy a few for fishing if they’re priced right. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | The taste was good after I fought that draw for it. A looser roll might make these a daily go-to cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Finally, a cigar just the right taste to stand up to a heady pint of Guinness. I hope the price is right. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA FLOR DOMINICANA Tubo No. 200 | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Flor Dominicana | Size:
6 x 44 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Layers of balanced flavor and a floral aroma made this lonsdale a cigar I would happily spend time with. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | For a lover of big, bold maduros like me, this was a pleasant change of pace. It’s good with a light beer. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Loosening the roll just a smidgen would make these near-perfect. The great flavors deserve recognition. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | If a fine champagne were a cigar, it would be this one. Veterans and newcomers alike will love it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | SAN CRISTOBAL La Fuerza | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos SA | Size:
5 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This is the perfect match for an after-dinner glass of vintage port. Definitely an evening cigar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I like this shape and size, but I felt the tobacco tasted I would try these cigars again after some aging. MAY RECOMMEND | | Panelist #3 | I would smoke this in the evening or late afternoon. Non-smokers might be put off by the lingering aroma. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Whoever rolled this knew what he was doing. Flavors build and never stay flat... the sign of a great blend. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | BAHIA GOLD White Label Churchill | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bahia Cigars | Size:
6 7/8 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | In a word, great. I smoked this cigar while watching The Sopranos, and it made for a perfect evening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A good cigar to have outdoors, while grilling burgers or chicken on the patio. And share these with friends! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A superior smoke! I puffed these samples all the way to the nub. One went well with a winter brew. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | It lacked in some areas, but this cigar smoked well and had good flavor. It was good with a hoppy ale. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CARLOS TORAÑO RESERVA SELECTA Torpedo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
6 1/4 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Nic | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This was an outstanding cigar, and one I would heartily recommend to others. Construction was perfect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I enjoyed this cigar with a glass of cognac, which helped bring out more of its flavors. A wonderful reward! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | It even appealed to a heavy, dark-wrapper guy like myself. I would have this as a daily morning smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar, to put it mildly, kicks ash! I would smoke this only on special occasions. It’s the top of the heap! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ZINO PLATINUM Chubby Especial | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
7 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Peru | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | I feel like I’ve gone ten rounds with this cigar. It takes a lot out of you, but leaves you wanting more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The finish was a bit heavy, but there is lots of complex flavor here. Some age will really make this one sing. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A smoky single malt paired up nicely with this perfecto. It’s a serious smoke for a serious smoker. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar will announce its presence in a room before it even gets lit. For a veteran, this one is a godsend. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
SMOKE - Winter 2002/2003
HTML Copyright © 2002 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.
|
|