 |  | PLAYBOY BY DON DIEGO Robusto
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Consolidated/Tabacelera | Filler: Brazil/DR | Price: $6.50
|
| Panelist #1 | A very enjoyable cigar for early in
the day, or after lunch. Its light
and agreeable character makes
it easy to like. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #2 | A light-bodied robusto that has
enough character to keep the
smoker interested. A good, basic
Dominican cigar. SCORE: 3.5
|
| Panelist #3 | A hearty cigar that is never overpowering. It's very consistent in
construction and flavor. Overall,
a great performance. SCORE: 4.2
|
| Panelist #4 | This is a pleasant cigar with a
good array of flavor. Some bitterness creeps in that detracts, but
overall, it's good. SCORE: 3.7
|
 |  | HOYO DE MONTERREY Epicure No. 2
|
| Country: Cuba | Wrapper: Cuba | Binder: Cuba
|
| Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. | Filler: Cuba | Price: Above $12
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar is exactly what we all
want. Serious complexity for the
expert, with enough smoothness
for the beginner. SCORE: 4.8
|
| Panelist #2 | The pure strength of this cigar is its
best trait. It tasted good at first, but
lost its luster. I'll try it again, after
some humidor time. SCORE: 3.4
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar is so potent it comes off
as being one-dimensional. Those in
the know will set these aside for a
year, then enjoy. SCORE: 4.4
|
| Panelist #4 | Smoking this cigar is a superlative
experience. If I can get these I will
clear out everything in my humidor
to make room. SCORE: 4.6
|
 |  | OROSI 550
|
| Country: Nicaragua | Wrapper: Sumatra | Binder: Nicaragua
|
| Manufacturer: Felipe Gregorio | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: $3.40
|
| Panelist #1 | This is a very flavorful cigar that
wages a battle with bitterness.
Fortunately, the good flavor
prevails. SCORE: 4.0
|
| Panelist #2 | I'm guessing this is a Dominican
cigar, but the lushness of the smoke
almost made me think that it is
from Havana. SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #3 | An inoffensive cigar with no major
flaws, but it doesn't have much
to set it apart, either. If priced low,
it's worth a try. SCORE: 2.9
|
| Panelist #4 | I expected a strong cigar, but it's
very mild; and just as I began to
appreciate the flavor, bitterness
took over. SCORE: 2.5
|
 |  | PUNCH GRAN CRU Superiores Deluxe
|
| Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Honduras
|
| Manufacturer: Danby/Villazon | Filler: Hon/DR/Nic | Price: $5
|
| Panelist #1 | No beauty contest winner, but this
cigar excels where it counts. It's a
wonderful stogie that has earned a
space in my humidor. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #2 | Not an exceptional cigar, but it's
a good, consistent smoke that I
particularly enjoyed with a hearty
German wheat beer. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #3 | A good cigar for those looking for a
well-made package that gives little
in the way of strength or complexity.
A good starter cigar. SCORE: 3.3
|
| Panelist #4 | A bit small for a robusto, but a
wonderful smoke nonetheless.
It's full-flavored, complex, and
very smooth. SCORE: 4.2
|
 | | THE GRIFFINS Robusto
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $6.50
|
| Panelist #1 | I expected a Macanudo-like experience, given this cigar's mild
appearance, but the spicy finish
surprised me. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #2 | This mellow and consistent stogie
is ideal for turning on a newcomer
to the world of cigars. It's a mild,
legendary smoke. SCORE: 4.1
|
| Panelist #3 | This solid smoke won't knock your
socks off, but it impresses with
a quiet and steady performance.
Two lighters up! SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #4 | This is a cigar you can give out
to any level of smoker, and never
be embarrassed. It's clearly a
quality offering. SCORE: 4.2
|
 | | ARTIGAS VINTAGE 1995 Robusto
|
| Country: Mexico | Wrapper: Mexico | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: Artigas S.A. de C.V. | Filler: Mexico | Price: $3.95
|
| Panelist #1 | Not my favorite of the review.
The tightening draw hampered
my enjoyment of an otherwise
tasty cigar. SCORE: 3.4
|
| Panelist #2 | Taste, construction, and blend are
good. Initial grassiness develops
into a robust, satisfying, and
appealing flavor. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #3 | An enjoyable cigar with an appealing
sweet flavor. The messy ash caused
some problems, but taste is what
counts in my book. SCORE: 3.6
|
| Panelist #4 | A very consistent cigar that is
recommended particularly for
lovers of fine maduros. Great
flavor and finish. SCORE: 4.2
|
 |  | AVO DOMAINE (10) Robusto
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Davidoff of Geneva | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $6.25
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar proves you don't have
to go to Cuba to get a cigar with
strength, complexity, and smooth
character. SCORE: 4.5
|
| Panelist #2 | The best cigar in the review. This
is surely a classy little number that
I will snatch up as soon as I find out
what it is. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #3 | Satisfying flavor and aroma abounds
once this cigar is lit. I would guess
this to be an expensive Honduran
or Dominican classic. SCORE: 4.5
|
| Panelist #4 | I relished this cigar. While it is
suitable for any time of the day,
I enjoyed it after dinner, with a
fine single malt. SCORE: 4.4
|
 | | ROMEO Y JULIETA Rothschild
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Connecticut
|
| Manufacturer: Hollco-Rohr | Filler: Brazil/DR | Price: $4
|
| Panelist #1 | I have enclosed my card, please
send me a box or two. This is a
great cigar that you can enjoy
any time of the day. SCORE: 4.8
|
| Panelist #2 | A great cigar for the beginner, and
especially for the pro. I will sell
this in my store when I find out
what brand it is. SCORE: 4.1
|
| Panelist #3 | I reviewed this cigar first and it's
going to be a tough act to follow.
This is an evening cigar, to enjoy
with a fine port. SCORE: 4.5
|
| Panelist #4 | This is the last cigar I reviewed,
and what a way to finish! I would
share these with my friends, and
even my boss. SCORE: 4.6
|
 | | SOSA Wavell
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Honduras
|
| Manufacturer: Antillian Cigar Corp. | Filler: DR/Brazil | Price: $3.80
|
| Panelist #1 | If this is not a Cuban cigar, it makes
for an ideal substitute. It tastes
great and left me in a heightened
state of awareness. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #2 | Based on the construction and complex flavor, I say this is a Cohiba
robusto. It's a bit young, but still
a great cigar. SCORE: 4.2
|
| Panelist #3 | A well-made cigar, but the flavor
didn't work for me. Some may like
it, but the big, grassy taste was
not to my liking. SCORE: 3.1
|
| Panelist #4 | This is a good, medium-strength
cigar that is suitable for any time
of the day. It's nothing special,
but it does the job. SCORE: 3.3
|
 |  | MACANUDO VINTAGE 1993 No. V
|
| Country: Jamaica | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Mexico
|
| Manufacturer: General Cigar | Filler: DR/Mexico | Price: $11
|
| Panelist #1 | I couldn't get enough of this cigar!
I smoked every sample to the nub
and never tired of its smooth, ever
improving flavor. SCORE: 4.8
|
| Panelist #2 | This cigar is a little boring for my
tastes, but others may enjoy it.
The mild, smooth, and creamy flavor lacks definition. SCORE: 3.1
|
| Panelist #3 | This smoke is a real cigar experience.
Multiple levels of cream and spice
dazzle the palate, but more body
would be welcome. SCORE: 4.2
|
| Panelist #4 | This cigar reminds me of an above-
average, well-rolled Cuban cigar.
I'll buy them in a heartbeat, if
they are legal. SCORE: 4.0
|
 | | LA AURORA Robusto
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Cameroon | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: La Aurora S.A. | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $4.50
|
| Panelist #1 | The length and complexity of its
flavor makes this a superior smoke.
It lacks finesse, but the overall
experience is positive. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #2 | A high-quality robusto with great
character and flavor. All of the
samples were very consistent. I
would buy this. SCORE: 4.4
|
| Panelist #3 | This cigar offers up plenty of flavor
and style, and will surely please
even the most discriminating of
palates. SCORE: 3.8
|
| Panelist #4 | This cigar is well-made and
aesthetically pleasing, but the
flavor was disappointing. Some
age might settle it. SCORE: 2.8
|
 |  | FUENTE FUENTE OPUSX Robusto
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Dominican Republic | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $10.50
|
| Panelist #1 | An excellent cigar that managed
to satisfy my appetite for strong
cigars. A bit more strength and it
would be perfect. SCORE: 4.6
|
| Panelist #2 | This cigar earns high scores in all
categories. I thoroughly enjoyed
its full and well-balanced taste. It's
a purebred smoke. SCORE: 4.4
|
| Panelist #3 | A very pleasant smoking experience.
You didn't send me an OpusX, did
you? Whatever it is, all smokers
should try this one. SCORE: 4.4
|
| Panelist #4 | This is a Hall of Fame cigar that
should be in everyone's humidor.
Thank you, SMOKE, for letting
me review this one. SCORE: 4.8
|
 |  | EMIGRANTE Robusto
|
| Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic
|
| Manufacturer: Santiago Cigar | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $4.00
|
| Panelist #1 | This cigar smokes much better
than it looks. I was impressed by
its spicy complexity and full-
bodied pizazz. SCORE: 3.7
|
| Panelist #2 | A raw and powerful little robusto
with a good array of interesting
flavors. Smoke this in the morning,
it'll get you going. SCORE: 4.4
|
| Panelist #3 | I greatly enjoyed this spicy treat.
Its growing complexity and bold,
unique flavor make for a most
interesting smoke. SCORE: 4.3
|
| Panelist #4 | Warning! This is a raw, in-your-face cigar that doesn't let up
once it grabs your palate. Sound
good? It is! SCORE: 4.2
|
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