WINTER
SMOKES
Great minds think alike, we’re told… and educated cigar palates tend to reach a consensus a lot of the time, too. To wit: the results of our Winter 2003-2004 Cigar Review, which reveals both a narrower-than-usual field of scores and an apparent high benchmark of quality across the board. The great majority of this issue’s entrants came in above the 4.0 “Excellent” mark, with only a few breaking the magical 4.5 “Superior” category. At a glance, here are the top performers in the various size categories represented:
Churchills
Only a few large cigars that fit the Churchill category (around 7” x 48 ring gauge) were tasted this time around, with a strong showing (all 4.2) by the top three. The Bahia Blu U700, the latest blend from Tony Borhani, is an all-Cuban seed Nicaraguan puro which debuted last summer. A few panelists found it milder than expected, but those that appreciated it did so in a big way, thus the high final score. La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve Cameroon “C” is a line extension of the popular brand, with a genuine African Cameroon wrapper. One panelist deemed it “a cigar to save for a special occasion.” The Vega Talanga Corojo Series Blanco, from U.S. Cigar’s tercio-aged line incorporating a blend from Honduras’s Talanga Valley, reminded one taster of a good Habano.
Robustos
The second-highest score in the Review went to a cigar in this popular size, the Fonseca Serie “F” Robusto (4.5). This represents the highest score garnered in quite some time by the reliable Fonseca brand, made in the Dominican Republic by cigar master Manuel Quesada. The Robusto size was added last year to the fuller-bodied Serie F line extension, which is set apart from the milder-bodied Fonseca line by a good dose of tercio-aged Cuban-seed ligero filler.
|
SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
|---|
| 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 |
Corona Gordas/Toros
A rare 4.6 score, the highest in the Review, was awarded to the Trilogy Ovation Maduro Monarch, from the second wave of Alec Bradley Cigar Company’s Trilogy line. Whereas the first releases from this line sported the intriguing triangle-box-press design, the Ovation is rolled in a more traditional parejo shape. The blend is at least as bold and interesting as its three-sided predecessors, however, with long filler not only from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, but also from Italy, a nation not well-known these days as a font of tobacco for premium cigars. Our panelists were wowed by the unorthodox blend, commenting on the cigar’s “broad flavor spectrum,” “subtle flavor changes,” and “heady aroma.”
Figurados
Quite a few of these shaped cigars made it into the tasting this time around, and most scored very respectably. The standout was another Nicaraguan offering, namely the La Tradicion Exclusivo Maravilla (4.4), a cigar manufactured exclusively for J.R. Cigars by Esteli, Nicaragua-based Tabacalera Perdomo. Following up on the success of previous JR/Perdomo team efforts like the ISOM and the Genuine Counterfeit Cuban, the Maravilla’s creamy, bold character - the result of a masterful mixture of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos - proved impossible to resist.
Lonsdales
The Partagas Spanish Rosado Ramon y Ramon (4.3), while technically a little thick for this category at 6 1/2 x 45, merits the top (non-Cuban) spot here. The deliciously reddish-brown wrapper is a Honduran Shade leaf grown exclusively for General Cigar in Honduras’s San Agustin Valley. The soil imparts a distinctive spiciness to the wrapper, as well as a clean whiteness to the ash. Reviewers were impressed with its “spicy, cedar taste,” “sweet undertones,” and “smooth finish.”
Contraband
As always, we managed to taste a pair of hard-to-get Cubans in this issue’s Review, both of which placed highly in their respective categories. The Saint Luis Rey lonsdale (a true classic lonsdale size at 6 1/2 x 42) scored a 4.3. A lesser-known Cuban brand, it nevertheless impressed our experts with its flavor complexity, not usually a hallmark of this long, thin frontmark. Back in the robusto section, the Romeo y Julieta Exhibition No. 4 (4.3) also belied its tame look and slightly small ring gauge (48), proving itself a “little powerhouse” with “pepper, and chewy, spicy notes” and “hints of dark wood, anise, and cedar.”
Read on for our online summary of the results. Once again, we’d like to offer our thanks to our latest trusty corps of cigar reviewers, joined this month by first-timers Chad Crowley of Florida, John Flynn of Wisconsin, Roland Gomez of California, and Ken Morris of Tennessee - all winners in the online "Become a Reviewer" contest. We’re always looking for new blood on the panel, so if you love cigars and have an interest in evaluating them, enter now!
Until then, enjoy the Review, make the most of the remaining winter days, and join all of us in the smoking-restricted climes in anxiously awaiting the coming of spring. - Mark Bernardo
|
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!
|
 |  | INDIAN TABAC VINTAGE 1990 Toro | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Indian Tabac | Size:
5 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | The cigar is consistent where it counts: in the flavor. It pairs well with a port or Maker's Mark. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I was leery of the shape, but this cigar proved to be a pleasurable smoke on a cold night's walk. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A roller coaster ride of a smoke, it went from bland to flavorful. Some time in the humidor could help. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Consistent from beginning to end, this box-pressed beauty is a wonderful smoke. Just shy of perfection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | VEGA TALANGA COROJO SERIES Blanco | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
U.S. Cigar | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | I couldn't find a fault with this cigar. Pair it with a good rum and enjoy. From the forbidden island, maybe? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This is a good autumn/winter smoke, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to a discerning friend. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | If you can get past the tough draw, this is an excellent after-dinner cigar, ideal with a fine port. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This blend is great, making for a relaxing smoke. The pleasant spice doesn't leave you feeling drugged. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | MACANUDO ROBUST Hyde Park | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
5 x 49 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Nic | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | The aroma reminded me of the good sticks my dad's business associates used to puff when I was a kid. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A perfect way to end a long, busy day. Have it with a premium coffee and you can't go wrong. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Despite some flaws, I generally enjoyed this cigar. It's a good choice to go with coffee and the paper. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This proved to be a good "evening" cigar. I would definitely buy it, and recommend it to friends. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CARLOS TORANO 1916 Cameroon Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Torano Cigars | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/Hon | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Cam | | Panelist #1 | This one was hard to put down. It would complement any outdoor leisure activity very well. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The cigar didn't particularly remind me of anything, but I enjoyed it with a Coke. I'd buy it at the right price. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | All samples were consistent.Not my style, but this smoke is pleasant and approachable enough for a novice. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | My absolute favorite of the tasting. This well-rounded cigar makes a good smoke for Happy Hour. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | NAT SHERMAN Metropolitan Selection Explorer | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Nat Sherman | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | I found these cigars to be very consistent: have one with strong coffee for a little early morning kick-ass. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I admire the beefiness of this stick, but it took forever to get the foot lit. At least the flavor mellowed out. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar had its moments, but overall didn't live up to its impressive appearance. All that glitters, etc.... MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Don't be afraid of this big boy's size and dark color; a very approachable smoke for newbies and vets alike. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | PUROS INDIOS Piramide No. 3 | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Braz/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | The cigar reminds me of a fine piece of Italian marble. I enjoyed it with a glass of Fonseca Bin 27 porto. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Excellent in construction and consistency, its building flavor stops just short of being overpowering. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A rich, decadent smoke for fans of the fuller-bodied type. Light up after a prime rib dinner, and savor slowly. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Consistent and enjoyable, this cigar was a torcedor's work of art. It almost seemed a shame to burn it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | SAVINELLI NICARAGUA RESERVE Special Selection Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Savinelli, LTD | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A great afternoon smoke, with a Mudslide or White Russian in your hand and a lady by your side. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Unbalanced flavors make this one a challenge. It's a good "beer cigar," which should improve with age. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | These were reminiscent of a Padron, but in need of more age to build flavor. I would try one of these again. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Not something to smoke on an empty stomach, but perfect to follow up a hearty steak dinner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | FONSECA SERIE "F" Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
SAG/Matasa | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | If this isn't a Cuban, it should be. A substantial cigar, not for beginners, it will enhance any situation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | 90 minutes of smoking nirvana. These kicked my ass with flavor, and now I'm bummed that they're gone. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | One of the best mild cigars I've ever smoked; perfect sweetness. Skip dessert and pull out one of these. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | The effortless draw, solid feel, and outstanding ash had me sold an this kick-ass cigar. Not for beginners! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | PARTAGAS SPANISH ROSADO Ramon y Ramon | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar | Size:
6 1/2 x 45 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Mex | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | All samples were excellent. I would hand these out to my very best friends, or just keep 'em to myself. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This turned out to be an excellent smoke, one I would recommend to anyone who appreciates complexity. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | If the price is right, a fine everyday smoke. It reminds me of Eastwood's smokes in the spaghetti westerns. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A very pleasant smoke; I'd buy more. Just the right consistent flavor to round out your evening. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | DON JUAN SPECIAL CUBAN BLEND Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera Tropical | Size:
5 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This cigar's tempered spices would appeal to just about any smoker, at just about any time of day. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Its appearance gave me hope, but this well-made cigar did not deliver the taste complexities I expected. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | Good strength without pain. It could use more balance, but it would compliment an evening beverage nicely. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I enjoyed one with a 10-year-old Irish single malt, another with a Guinness. You'll forget your troubles! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | TRILOGY OVATION Maduro Monarch | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Alec Bradley Cigars | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
CR/Italy/Nic | Binder:
Mex | Wrapper:
Braz | | Panelist #1 | A fine full-bodied cigar; not for an empty stomach, but perfect after a big meal or at the end of the day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A perfect cigar for football, friends, and your favorite beverage. It's balanced enough to please any palate. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | All attributes were perfectly balanced and consistent to the last inch. A cigar for a special occasion. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Enjoy these with a big red wine or port. Also excellent with 10-year-old Bushmills. A definite flavor rocket! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 Continued on next page...
HTML Copyright © 2004 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.
|
