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SMOKE Magazine's Cigar Reviewer's Contest!

WINTER SMOKES (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!

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

SmokeShop Finder

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


The House of Grauer


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