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WINTER SMOKES (cont.)
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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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 |  | BAHIA BLU U700 | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Bahia Cigars | Size: 7 x 48 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Nic | | Panelist #1 | A fine cigar for a relaxing respite in the late afternoon or evening. Simply perfect with a glass of Knob Creek. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would've gotten more out of this one if it offered a bit more complexity. A decent cigar that will age well. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A good-quality cigar that stayed consistent but never grabbed my interest. Not for fans of the "heavies." MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar made a wonderful companion to a glass of Jim Beam Black and some smooth jazz. Send more! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GRAYCLIFF ESPRESSO Pirate | Country: Bah | Manufacturer: Graycliff Cigar Co. | Size: 6 x 52 | Filler: Hon/Braz/CR | Binder: Ecu | Wrapper: Costa R. | | Panelist #1 | This rough-looking torp turned out to be a real man's cigar. Smoke it with a best friend and an espresso. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | If strong spice is what you're looking for, this could be a go-to stick. And it's a good-looking cigar, too. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A pleasant surprise; I didn't want this one to end. You'll definitely find this ugly duckling in my humidor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Any coffee beverage would pair ideally with this cigar, as would a good full-bodied red wine or port. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | OLIVEROS CLASSIC COLLECTION Cameroon Torpedo | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Habana Cuba | Size: 6 1/4 x 50 | Filler: DR/Nic | Binder: DR | Wrapper: Cam | | Panelist #1 | This would be great poker cigar; not too light, not too heavy. A good marriage with a Scotch and spring water. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | My expectations were low, but they were met and exceeded. A good cigar for any time of the day. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A great taste, but an unfortunate aftertaste. Try it, but have a good strong drink between puffs. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A good one for the novice or those who prefer a mild smoke. The musty aroma makes it good for the yard. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | CUSANO "18" Toro | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Dom Rey Cigars | Size: 6 x 46 | Filler: DR | Binder: Conn | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | This cigar would cap off an evening well. Recommended for smokers who go for consistency over complexity. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | It didn't bring as much to the table as its looks promised, but this cigar would be good for the golf course. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar lacked "kick," but novices would appreciate its topnotch construction and mellow character. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | A great companion to a morning coffee and the financial pages. A new smoker would enjoy this a lot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ROMEO Y JULIETA RESERVE MADURO Belicoso | Country: DR | Manufacturer: Altadis USA | Size: 6 1/8 x 52 | Filler: DR/Nic/Peru | Binder: Conn | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Consistent and magnificent. I have no other comment except "Wow!" Looking forward to more of these... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Loved the construction, wasn't wild about the aftertaste. I might have it on the golf course with a dark ale. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar was flawless as I enjoyed it with a snifter of Hine's Cognac. A worthy addition to any humidor. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I would recommend a strong cup of coffee with this one, and to precede it with a good, heavy meal. RECOMMENDED |

 |  | SAINT LUIS REY Lonsdale | Country: Cuba | Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. | Size: 6 1/2 X 42 | Filler: Cuba | Binder: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | | Panelist #1 | More complexity than I expected out of this shape and size. Pair it with a dark rum for a relaxing hour. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would lay this one down for a while to even out the roughness in the taste; it's got a bright future! RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The flavors were pretty good when I could detect them through the harsh heat. A tighter roll would help. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar delivered the goods. Try it with a top-shelf tequila. It might even make you a lonsdale convert. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ELOGIO Corona Gordo | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Elogio Cigars | Size: 6 1/2 x 46 | Filler: Nic? | Binder: Nic? | Wrapper: Nic? | | Panelist #1 | Fairly one-dimensional in flavor, but a perfectly nice cigar. Very easy to smoke, especially for a novice. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I was expecting this big boy to bring more to the table. Next time I'll try matching up with a glass of port. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | This cigar would fit many occasions, but I see it best with a morning cup of coffee and the Sunday newspaper. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I highly enjoyed this cigar as my first smoke of the day, even paired up with plain old spring water. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | C.A.O. L'ANNIVERSAIRE Maduro Belicoso | Country: Nic? | Manufacturer: C.A.O. International | Size: 6 x 54? | Filler: DR/Nic | Binder: Ecu | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | This cigar was an absolute pleasure to smoke, and a perfect companion to a Maker's Mark bourbon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Very enjoyable for any time of day. I would recommend it with either a strong lager or a single malt. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Purchase these if the price is right. Flavors are tremendous and time in the humidor should fix the draw. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | These cigars were consistent, and are best enjoyed with a bold red wine and a rich chocolate dessert. RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GRAN HABANO BLEND NO. 1 Gran Robusto | Country: Hon | Manufacturer: STC Cigars | Size: 6 x 54 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Impressive in every aspect, I smoked this one down to the "two fingers" point. A real winner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This big boy was consistent in flavor and strength. I'd give it some age for more "oomph" but that's just me. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The nutty flavor was a perfect match to a Knockando Scotch. Have this after a fish or chicken lunch. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | An excellent choice any time of day; not a bold cigar, but a very consistent and comfortable one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | LA TRADICION EXCLUSIVO Maravilla | Country: Nic | Manufacturer: Tabacalera Perdomo | Size: 6 1/2 x 54 | Filler: Nic | Binder: Nic | Wrapper: Conn | | Panelist #1 | A slow-burning, relaxing smoke, ideal for pairing with your favorite bourbon or single malt Scotch. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Not as bold as its defiant appearance indicates, this cigar would be approachable for a new smoker. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This one is undeniably an after-dinner cigar. It matches with a whiskey, espresso, or even a bold ale or lager. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I enjoyed one with a Kahlua, the other with a tawny port. Both were excellent, and should age very well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |

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