|
 
Peaceful Pursuits
Winter
months can bring a blizzard of chaos at holiday time, plenty of fun in its own right. Who doesn’t enjoy the festivities of friends, family, lots of food, and a tendency to break out the top-shelf treats that might otherwise be held in waiting the rest of the year? Whether it’s fine smokes, favorite spirits, a special coffee - the holidays are the time of year that allow us to justify almost anything. “If not now, then when?” we triumphantly congratulate ourselves as we reach for those otherwise off-limit delights.
|
SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
|---|
| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 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 |
When all the guests have retreated back to their own homes and the parties are over, the restful peace that ensues brings forth an alternate wintertime reality: a time when contemplative moments join the serenity of this most introspective of seasons.
In this issue, Smoke’s ever-industrious cigar review panel shares the results of its own hectic labors spent examining, sniffing, clipping, lighting, puffing, whiffing, and analyzing the subtleties of 34 different cigars from Miami to the Caribbean to Central America. So read on, and whether it’s among the raucous festivities of fellow holiday celebrants, or in the quiet moments of a winter afternoon, grab a cigar and enjoy this season of contrasts for all it’s worth.
- E.E.H. III
|
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!
|
 |  | DAVIDOFF SPECIAL "T" | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Davidoff of Geneva | Size:
6 x 52 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | Everything about this cigar says "quality." I'd give this to a beginner to show'em something nice.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Wonderful flavors. Rich and delightfully full bodied. Pair it with a stellar single malt.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This is a solid performer. The right thing at the end of the day to kick back with and relax.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | This cigar's a bit too intense for me, as I like'em mild. It almost knocked me over at the start.
8.7 VERY GOOD |
 |  | CAMACHO COROJO MADURO Diploma | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Camacho Cigars | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | I really enjoyed this cigar. It felt great to hold and the strength kept me interested throughout.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | It was a treat to smoke this cigar while drinking either spiced rum or single malt scotch for a night.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This is the right line between rich and harsh. A great, well-made cigar for the long night ahead.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This cigar is one for all to enjoy. Compliment this cigar with your favorite beverage, anytime at all.
9.3 EXCELLENT |
 |  | BRUN DEL RE COLONIAL Robusto | Country:
CR | Manufacturer:
Brun del Re | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | I'd call this a decent smoke for the end of the day. Lean back, relax, and light up the reward.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This is a mild cigar that invites you along for a casual and very mellow ride on a lazy day.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | I'd recommend this cigar for someone who likes their cigars to be smooth and easy-going.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Though I tend to like my cigars more full-bodied and spicy, this was a great change of pace.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 |  | ALEC BRADLEY TEMPUS Imperator | Country:
Hon | Manufacturer:
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/2 x 42 | Filler:
Hon | Binder:
Indo | Wrapper:
Hon | | Panelist #1 | This was one seriously enjoyable smoke. I'd share a box of these with my friends in a heartbeat.
9.6 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #2 | This has the hearty flavors without that harsh kick to the back of the throat. Highly recommended.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Great volumes of smoke and the flavor remained interesting for the duration. This is a great stick.
9.4 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Fantastic for the end of the night or after work. Get a cup of coffee and slow down to enjoy it.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 |  | EL REY DE LOS HABANOS Toro | Country:
US | Manufacturer:
El Rey de los Habanos | Size:
6 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This is a satisfying smoke that would be a solid choice to start the day along with some coffee.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | This was a very enjoyable mild cigar. The mellow and creamy flavor is just great for beginners.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | Not super strong, and more experienced palates not looking for a meaty punch have plenty to like.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Never bland and consistently refreshing. A good and dependable stick for every occasion.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 | | EL TIANTE COROJO Robusto | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
El Titante | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This is something that both newbies and knowledgeable smokers will be sure to appreciate.
8.9 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | Lightly complex, this cigar has enough flavor for the experienced and smooth enough for a novice.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | This is not something to give to a full-bodied cigar lover. It's better for those who like 'em mellow.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This stick held its own against a single malt and a gorgeous sunset. A fine way to end the day.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | COHIBA BLACK Corona | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
General Cigar Co. | Size:
5 1/2 x 42 | Filler:
DR/Mex | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
Conn | | Panelist #1 | An all-in-all good cigar that served me well after a big pasta dinner. A very pleasant experience.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | The complexity of the spices and sweet flavors make this cigar compliment a cordial rather well.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This one's a killer with the after-dinner espresso. The flavors are just right, and it's a delight.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | Don't give this one away-hoard them for yourself, and only share if you must. Too good to let go.
9.4 EXCELLENT |
 | | PINAR DEL RIO HABANO SUN GROWN Torpedo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Pinar del Rio | Size:
6 1/2 x 52 | Filler:
Nic/DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | This cigar can compliment a glass of Maker's Mark over ice at the end of a grueling day at work.
9.2 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | This stick was too spicy for me to get in to, but I think it'd be great for those who love the spice.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | A great smoke after a lush, heavy, and rich dinner. It helps to keep the flavors going and smooth out.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I tend to like my cigars less full of spice, but this was an interesting experiment for me. I'd do it again.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 | | CANIMAO ORIGINALES | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Atabey Inc. | Size:
6 1/2 x 54 | Filler:
DR/Nic | Binder:
Ecu | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | A consistent cigar with taste most should enjoy, and the smoke was non-offensive-good for indoors.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | I'd add this to my humidor in a heartbeat. A great Saturday-night smoke with a glass of Remy VSOP.
9.5 SUPERIOR | | Panelist #3 | I tend to like cigars more mild than this. I'd recommend this one to the experienced smokers.
8.7 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | Tons of flavor, this is a great treat. The knowledgeable smoker will really love this kind of cigar.
9.1 EXCELLENT |
 | | CUSANO HABANO LXI Toro Gordo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Cusano Cigars | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | This cigar is a solid performer. It goes great with an Italian espresso and a steak dinner.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | Although this cigar is not complex, none the less, it is a consistent and pretty tasty stick.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #3 | This stick goes equally well with a mellow bourbon as it does with fine a cup of Kenya AA coffee.
9.0 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | I'd recommend this to a smoker who has just started-it's tasty and never overpowers your senses.
9.0 VERY GOOD |
 | | SANCHO PANZA Non Plus | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
5 1/8 x 42 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This isn't my favorite kind of cigar, but I think it'd be a good one for a beginner who wants to learn more.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #2 | I'd recommend this to those smokers who are looking to step their game up with something new.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | I like my cigars to have more spice than sweetness. If you like sweet, then this is for you.
8.8 VERY GOOD | | Panelist #4 | This is a decent stick that went surprisingly well with anything from soda to a single malt whisky.
8.9 VERY GOOD |
 | | OLIVEROS KING HAVANO OSCURO Monarch | Country:
Nic | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba Cigar Co. | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nic | Wrapper:
Nic | | Panelist #1 | This is a nice cigar to pair with a post-dinner cup of coffee with its great soft dark chocolate finish.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #2 | You know it's a good cigar when it doesn't fit the profile of what you usually prefer, but you still like it.
9.1 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #3 | Great after dinner, and compliments a strong cup of black vanilla coffee like nothing else around.
9.3 EXCELLENT | | Panelist #4 | A great cigar. There's something in this stick that everyone, new or experienced, can really get in to.
8.8 VERY GOOD |
 Continued on next page...
HTML Copyright © 2009 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.
|
|