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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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 |  | LEONINOS Belicoso | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
La Aurora | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Braz | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | Smoke this one in the boardroom when you celebrate the latest acquisition. It compares well to a Cuban. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | This cigar did not leave me with all that memorable an impression, but if priced right, I would buy it. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | A complex, tasty stick that should appeal to a wide variety of smokers. Reminded me of a Cuban Bolivar. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This cigar made a perfect match with a black-and-tan after a beef brisket dinner. Good as it looked. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ADAN Y EVA Belicoso | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Cuban Desire | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This gorgeous little cigar can only be described as Cuban-like. Pour some single malt and light up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Some cigars are too good to share with anyone. These aren't there yet. Give one to your brother-in-law. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | A pleasant smoke for a novice or moderate smoker. I might have one on the golf course or while fishing. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A nice companion to a breakfast espresso or to follow up a hearty lunch. Complexity belies the size. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | ROMEO Y JULIETA Exhibition No. 4 | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
5 X 48 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This was a little powerhouse, worth spending an hour with and taming with your favorite bourbon. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | More consistency in the construction would help this one perform to its potential. It's OK for the golf course. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | My only qualm with this cigar is that it wasn't larger. I would smoke this again, preferably with a cognac. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Good things sometimes come in smaller packages. This cigar is a great follow-up to a barbecue meal. RECOMMENDED |
 | | BUCANERO Salsa | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bucanero Cigars | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/DR | Binder:
DR? | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Kick the tires on this baby and hang on! This one's a flavor train that will impress even the pickiest smoker. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I would marry this one up with a lager beer or a fresh mint tea. A great mid-day or mid-meal smoke. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This cigar is suited to those whose taste runs toward the mild; also an ideal cigar for the morning. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A great cigar for the morning paper along with an espresso. At the right price, a possible everyday smoke. RECOMMENDED |
 | | ZINO PLATINUM Scepter Series Grand Master | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
DR/Peru | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Would I buy this cigar? Certainly, and I would let a friend in on it too. It would be perfect any time of day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | The samples were consistent. I had these as my first smokes of the day, and they were well-suited to it. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The best of the lot. It would pair perfectly with a good Burgundy. Even a beginner would appreciate this. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This extraordinary cigar would go perfectly with a '77 vintage port - if only I could afford one! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | J.L. SALAZAR Y HERMANOS Torpedo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cuban Crafters | Size:
6 1/4 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | This cigar just feels opulent. It's a perfect choice for after dinner, with a brandy or Grand Marnier. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Call some friends, open up a bottle of Scotland's finest, sit back, and enjoy these consistently good cigars. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | My kind of cigar. The great draw, ample smoke, and robust flavor make this one a real pleasure. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | I could scarcely find anything wrong with this powerful torpedo. A great dessert for the seasoned smoker. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 |  | GARO HABANO Los Lectores Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Robusto | Size:
4 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I sampled this cigar with coffee, and after both heavy and light meals. It did not disappoint in any instance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Samples were consistent, but I wish this one tasted as good as it looked. I hope the price is reasonable. FAIR | | Panelist #3 | I was sorry to see it end. This little cigar is perfect for a lunch break, except it's hard to have just one! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | This one's perfect for that walk in the park when you have to be home for dinner. Good down to the nub. RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA VIEJA HABANA: THE EARLY YEARS Platinum Star | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Drew Estate | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Consistent and quite enjoyable, this cigar reminded me of a Henry Clay maduro, one of my favorites. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | I'm anxious to discover this one's true identity. This reminds me of top-notch Honduran tobacco. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | The samples were all consistent, and all could use some humidor time to acquire flavors and lose harshness. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A hearty treat from first puff to finish. I smoked it down to the band. Match it up with a well-aged port. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LUSITANIA Churchill | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Mike's Cigar Co. | Size:
6 7/8 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A nice alternative to traditional shapes and sizes. Here's a chance to show off your sophistication. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | If I was in the mood for a big smoke that didn't leave me reeling, I would reach for this one, at the right price. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This one didn't push my buttons much, but at the right price, I could go for it as a golf course cigar. FAIR | | Panelist #4 | From this cigar's look, I wasn't expecting such a great performance. Definitely worth adding to your list. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LONE WOLF Signature Select Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Lone Wolf Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Great quality in every detail of this stogie. A must-try for anyone looking for a very good mild cigar. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | A little too tame for my palate, but a good cigar to have with a cup of espresso and a good friend. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | Consistency and reliability; this one would end up in my humidor. Try it with any good American beer. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | Very tasty without being overwhelming. A good anytime cigar, even if you prefer a stronger smoke. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
 | | LA TRADICION PERDOMO RESERVE CAMEROON "C" | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera Perdomo | Size:
7 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This one would bludgeon a novice, but veterans will appreciate its well-balanced power and complexities. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #2 | Settle back for a good hour-and-a-half with this one, and pair it up with a good single barrel bourbon. RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #3 | This one needs a drink to combat the strong aftertaste. The aroma also makes it ideal for outdoors. MILDLY RECOMMENDED | | Panelist #4 | A cigar to save for a special occasion, owing not only to its large size, but its singularly awesome flavors. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |
SMOKE - Winter, 2004
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