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The Value Factor
What’s a cigar worth to you?
All consumers tend to perceive quality through two factors: name recognition and merchandise cost, Whether it is true or not, the more something costs, the more quality we ascribe to it. A BMW that costs $75000 is often viewed as being ‘better than a car that costs $50,000 less. Kobe beef, which can cost hundreds of dollars for a single steak, is considered the penultimate cut of meat. The question is, how much of this is true and how much of this is a truth created by marketing? Does this same axiom exist in the cigar world?
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
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| 0-5.9 | Poor |
| 6.0-6.9 | Fair |
| 7.0-7.9 | Average |
| 8.0-8.5 | Good |
| 8.6-9.0 | Very Good |
| 9.1-9.5 | Excellent |
| 9.6-10.0 | Superior |
Earlier in this issue. Richard Carelton Hacker investigated the trend of so-called Ultra Cigars (page 52). Cigars can cost upwards of $100 each, but what about the difference between a $3 cigar and a $15 cigar? Is there a vast difference in quality, or do we believe there is a difference in quality based on how much we are willing to pay for it? Would you know the difference between an expensive cigar and a less expensive one if you did not know how much it cost or who made it?
Quality versus price is always one of the more interesting undertones to our blind cigar reviews, In the pages that follow, our 20 intrepid panelist smoked 32 different brands of cigars without the benefit (or crutch) of knowing what they were smoking or how much each cigar cost. The scores are even more interesting when you take price into consideration, or look at the price first, and see how it scored second.
Kobe beef and fancy cars may do great, but what if you’re OK with skirt steak and a Saturn? Whether you spend a little or a lot, the real question is, does the price match the quality?
- Charles Schrager
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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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 |  | DAVIDOFF MILLENIUM BLEND Short Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
4 1/4 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
USA | | Panelist #1 | I tend to prefer a stronger cigar, probably fine for a newbie or to be eaten after a light meal.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Good after-dinner smoke. Not strong enough to overpower the flavor of your meal. A very good smoke.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Very well constructed and a nice unassuming flavor. Great combination for this cigar.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Great construction and roll with rich flavor and a good finish. An excellent cigar that I would smoke again.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | HAVANA ROSE Presidente | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Bucanero Cigars | Size:
8 x 50 | Filler:
Dr/Nic/Hon | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A little too light for me. For those who like mild, though, this would suit them very well.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | An excellent cigar that I happily paired with a nice cool beer. Takes a while to smoke though.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | It’s an excellent cigar in taste, but you have to set aside a good hour to smoke it all the way through.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Very nice cigar. I don’t think I would buy it because it is a bit silly looking, but wouldn’t toss out a free one.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 |  | JOYA DE NICARAGUA ANTAÑO 1970 Perfecto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Tabacos Puros de de Nicaragua | Size:
6 5/8 x 58 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Rough start but an enjoyable evening smoke with a lager to bring out its full, earthy flavors.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | It finished better than it started. I would smoke it again but only at the right price, but such is true of most.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Occasional draw problems that could be cured by more humidor time. I suggest this cigar for veterans.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Despite the uneven draw this is a fantastic cigar with lots of good flavors to savor and enjoy.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 |  | LUCKY 8 Belicoso | Country:
ECU | Manufacturer:
Puros de Armando Ramos | Size:
5 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Ecu | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Not a bad after dinner smoke. I did have to re-light it a few times which was a turn off.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A solid smoke to end the day with. It wakes you up and then puts you to sleep at the same time.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A bold, assertive cigar that is not for the newbies. I don’t know that I would pay for this but others would.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | A rich cigar but the tight draw and strong start are a little tough to get through. Once you do it mellows.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 |  | ROCKY PATEL OLDE WORLD RESERVE Torpedo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Rocky Patel Premium Cigars | Size:
5 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A bold cigar with a lot of flavor. Too strong for a beginner, but not overpowering for a veteran smoker.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Not my usual smoke, a little dark and bold for me, but the flavor and build overcame my bias.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Despite its short size there is a great deal of rich, bold flavor. I highly recommend this cigar for anyone.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | I look forward to finding out what these cigars are. I would only suggest them to a “real smoker.”
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 | | FITTIPALDI GOLD SERIES Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Corporacion Cigar Export | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Consistent but not impressive. An even smoke that did not make too much of an impression, good or bad.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | My palate tends towards stronger, more assertive cigars, this is neither, but for what it was, it was good.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Enjoyable cigar with decent intensity and strength. The longer you smoke the richer and more intense it got.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Slightly disappointed by how dry it was and the messy ash. The complex, peppery flavors made up for it.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | SAVINELLI FUERTE Corona | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Savinelli USA | Size:
5 3/4 x 44 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | A very average cigar. Good for a quick “throw-away” but not something to suggest to friends.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This little cigar is a real gem. It would make a nice mid-afternoon smoke at work.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | It’s alright, certainly nothing I would spend a lot of money on, but a nice quick smoke.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I like a good strong looking, strong tasting cigar. This is not it, but it is also not a bad smoke.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 |  | CHAMUCO PLATINUM Belicoso | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Chamuco Cigars | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Hon/Nic | Binder:
Mexico | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | Cigar started out a bit overwhelming but mellowed a few puffs in and became very nice.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | The flavor was smooth but the aroma was a little harsh and bitter for me. Poorly constructed.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A reasonably good smoke, though the flavors were a little overshadowed by a poor scent.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | There was a nice overall flavor to this cigar, but due to its construction I would not spend much on it.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | CUBAN CRAFTERS CABINET SELECTION Toro | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Cuban Crafters | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecu | | Panelist #1 | A strong cigar with superior character. I recommend to all who enjoy bold smoke that isn’t overbearing.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A rich and bold cigar that is a little strong in my book. That said, if you like a strong stick, pick one up.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A full-bodied cigar that maintained an even flavor for the duration. I’d buy it if the price was right.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | A flavorful cigar that had lots of creamy smoke and thick body. The construction was flawless.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 | | MONTECRISTO EDICION LIMITADA 2006 MADURO Robusto | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
4 7/8 x 50 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | The cigar was strong but at the same time relaxing. It would be a great way to unwind after work.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A good cigar that would certainly appeal to many smokers, I am not that smoker though.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A dry, hot smoke that burned quick and strong. I would want to smoke it with something sweet to balance it.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Don’t be fooled by its small stature, this is a little powerhouse stick that will knock a newbie on his butt.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | OLIVA SERIE O Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Oliva Cigar Co. | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | Nothing great. If you know cigars this would be average smoke. A very good cigar for beginners though.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A clean-flavored smoke. The taste and construction are both very good and I wouldn’t mind buying them.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A delicious cigar. I would buy a box for myself but would be nicer if someone bought them for me.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I enjoyed the flavors but had to take it outside because the smoke itself was a little funky smelling.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 | | ADAN Y EVA Torpedo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Eden's Gate | Size:
6 1/8 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This was a great after-dinner cigar until the bitter finish. The finish and aftertaste were both overpowering.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | A real tough cigar to get through. It had sweet, rich flavors but got very hot. I would not buy one.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I’m certain that someone would be a fan of this cigar, personally I prefer a more relaxed/subtle smoke.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Not my favorite cigar, but I tend to like a mild smoke. Great for people who like strong smokes.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 Continued on next page...
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