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Surviving the Holidays (cont.)
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 |  | PARTAGAS SPANISH ROSADO Gigante | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 60 | Filler:
DR/Mex/Hon | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | I found this cigar quite refreshing and rich. It would do well in an outdoor setting, like camping or golf.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This is what a cigar should be. I’ll be making more space for these in the humidor first chance I get.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | The powerhouse I’d settled in for did not disappoint. It’s great for a solid hour of cigar smoking fun.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | If ever a cigar was meant to follow up a New York strip steak with a glass of good Scotch, this one is it.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | GRAN HABANO 3 SIGLOS Double Corona | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
STC Cigar Manufacturers Inc. | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
Columbia/Nic/Costa Rica | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | I savored this cigar while burning leaves, and the combination of aromas was wonderful.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | In my view, this cigar could use some additional aging to mellow out the flavors. Construction is great though.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A perfect cigar when you have a good hour-and-a-half and just the right whiskey or brandy to sip.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This cigar should come with a sign to ward off those who are too new to smoking to enjoy it.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | DON LINO AFRICA Tembo | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Miami Cigar Co. | Size:
7 1/2 x 50 | Filler:
DR/Nic/Mex/Cameroon | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This smoked milder than I expected, but it still made for a good cigar to end the day after a great meal.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This was a good cigar — not the best of the bunch, but one with a tremendous potential for aging.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Smoke these with your rowdy friends, with a couple pitchers of beer and some Sunday football.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I would buy this cigar in large quantities. It provides the perfect balance of flavor, strength, and complexity.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 |  | EXQUISITO BALDY Perfecto Long | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Crown David International Cigar Co. | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | Sign me up for a few boxes of these babies. A great anytime smoke that should age wonderfully in the box.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This cigar with a kick was a great after-dinner smoke. I enjoyed it on the deck with a glass of vino.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Quality construction and great tobacco flavors. I’d add this to my humidor in a heartbeat.
9.5 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This cigar can impress anyone with good looks backed up by great flavor. I’m sure it’s got a well-known band.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | OLIVEROS EIGHT ZERO ANNIVERSARY ROYALE Toro Gordo | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
DR/Hon/Nic/Col | Binder:
Costa Rica | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | A little harshness crept in at the end, but up to that point, this cigar was 35 minutes of pure pleasure.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This was one of my more memorable smokes in recent months. I would gladly add one to my collection.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | A satisfying cigar for the newbie or the seasoned smoker; a good rum brings out the subtle sweetness.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Mellow character and unoffensive aroma; I might smoke this on the golf course or with a morning coffee.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | DONA FLOR ALONSO MENENDEZ SERIES Piramide | Country:
Brazil | Manufacturer:
Brazil Cigar and Tobacco | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Brazil | Binder:
Brazil | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Panelist #1 | I’d wager it’s expensive, but well worth it. A good hour-long smoke, perfect for an evening at the club.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | A slow-burner for its size, and powerful enough to be better suited to after dinner than after lunch.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | I was skeptical at first, but by the end this highly addictive cigar was better than the sum of its parts.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This cigar captured my attention with the first puff and held it down to the nub. I would buy one.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | SANTANA Churchill | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Santana Tabacalera | Size:
7 x 48 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | A decent smoke for the middle of the day if you’re outside. Just let the ash fall where it wants.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Good smoke, but could be better. Tighten up the roll and you have a much more appealing cigar.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This one’s smoke and aroma will fill a room pleasantly. I would not smoke it inside or in a suit.
8.6 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I’d offer this one to a new smoker, as it never turned bitter, and became more pleasant as it smoked.
8.6 VERY GOOD |
 |  | LITTLE CIGAR FACTORY ANNIVERSARIO ESPECIAL Toro | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
N.J.W. Cigar Company | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/DR/Columbia | Binder:
Conn | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | This finished stronger than it started, but all in all this was a very rewarding cigar experience.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Well-balanced but low on complexity, this is a fine midday smoke, ideal for enjoying with an espresso.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This cigar was a pleasant surprise, given its mild nondescript appearance. Would I buy more? Yes.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I’ll be trying more of these provided they are within my budget. Sadly I fear the worst in that regard.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 | | LA CAYA CAMEROON Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera La Caya | Size:
5 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Penn | | Panelist #1 | Settle in with Sinatra, your favorite drink, and this cigar, and life will be full. This will win lots of fans.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | I liked this cigar despite the burn problems. Smoke it after a rich, hearty dinner to unwind.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | A pleasure to smoke. This is a very well-balanced cigar that I will be happy to have as a mainstay.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | An incredible full-bodied blend that a seasoned smoker should appreciate. Novices should steer clear.
9.2 EXCELLENT |
 |  | AVALON Honeyboy | Country:
U.S.A | Manufacturer:
Avalon Cigars | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic/DR | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Cameroon | | Panelist #1 | An anytime cigar for any man! Always pleasant; I’d buy ‘em! Aging would do these babies just right.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Not my cup of tea, but I can see how others might enjoy this cigar. I wouldn’t turn it down if offered.
8.5 GOOD | | Panelist #3 | The flavors of this cigar were a little different than I’m used to. They were rich throughout though.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Perfect after dinner with a single malt, this cigar is not for an empty stomach. Consistently enjoyable.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | VILLIGER Export Maduro | Country:
Swiiss | Manufacturer:
Villiger Stokkebye International | Size:
4 x 37 | Filler:
N/A | Binder:
N/A | Wrapper:
Brazil | | Comments: | This compact box-press cigar offers a distinct scent enticingly reminiscent of “southern BBQ” with notes of “hickory, mesquite, and burnt umber.” Seems almost perfect to enjoy while standing over a smoking pit or grill in Texas. Fire it up, and the flavors are almost identical to the aroma, with distinct rich flavors of “meaty, smokey, BBQ” that dominate the palate. Due to its small size the flavor does not last especially long and the burn can be a little hot—as is often a trait of cigars of this size. But for a quick smoke on a cold day or during a coffee break, give this little powerhouse a try. It doesn’t have the all subtle flavors of larger cigars, but the flavors it does have will delight even the most critical cigar lover. |
 | | HEAVENLY Mojito Madness | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Heaven Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/2 x 46 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
Indonesian | Wrapper:
DR | | Comments: | The newest flavor in Heavenly’s expanding portfolio of handmade flavored cigars, Mojito Madness takes inspiration from the rising tide of mojito consumption. And much like the Cuban cocktail when it’s properly made, this cigar’s flavor is “rich and distinct” without being overwhelming. Don’t let the potentially overboard name scare you off, as this smoke delivers a “balanced combination” of tropical lime, refreshing mint, and a “kick” of rum that’s “not too tangy” or to heavy on the citrus flavor. Its “cool, even burn” produces a “firm, white ash” and it produces “lots of rich, aromatic smoke.” Fire one up, and imagine you’re swinging from a hammock in the islands rather than at home on the couch. |
SMOKE - Winter, 2007/2008
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