Winter 98/99
Volume IV
Issue 1

TopCubans.Com

SMOKE Cigar Ratings
RatingQuality
  
0-2.0Poor
2.1-2.9Fair
3.0-3.5Good
3.6-4.4Excellent
4.5-5.0Superior
Price Codes
A$1.00 to $2.50
B$2.51 to $3.75
C$3.75 to $5.75
D$5.76 to $7.50
E$7.51 to $10.50
F$10.51 to $14.99
G$14.99 and above

Hooked on Cigars - Figurados


Churchills | Toros | Robustos | Figurados


Back Issues!




Figurados...
ESTAVAN CRUZ Belicoso (Maduro)
Country: Costa Rica Wrapper: Sumatra Binder: U.S.
Manufacturer: Estavan Cruz Tobacco Filler: Nic/DR/Braz/Mex Price: $7.50
Panelist #1This is one of the more incredible cigars in the review. It's pure smoking pleasure, despite some bitterness at the end. SCORE: 4.4
Panelist #2While this cigar doesn't have the lush complexity of a Cuban Montecristo No. 2, I found it a worthy substitute. Not bad! SCORE: 3.8
Panelist #3A Miami-style of cigar, possibly a product of El Credito or Nick Perdomo. I love maduro torps, and this didn't disappoint. SCORE: 4.2
Panelist #4A very good cigar that was great as a morning smoke. This should be in everybody's humidor - it'll be in mine. SCORE: 4.3

ASHTON AGED CABINET Pyramid
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: Holt's Cigar Company Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $9
Panelist #1One of the prettiest torpedoes I have ever seen. I wish it had more flavor, but for a mild cigar, it's a winner. SCORE: 3.9
Panelist #2Light and pleasant describes this cigar best. It offers a problem- free smoking experience, but the taste is limited. SCORE: 3.5
Panelist #3A good cigar to keep around to clean your palate and to give away to your friends. Its easygoing style won't scare anybody away. SCORE: 3.7
Panelist #4A classic torpedo that is exquisitely made, but delivers a modest degree of flavor. A pleasant cigar, for mild smokers only. SCORE: 3.6

SAINT LUIS REY Torpedo
Country: Honduras Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Honduras
Manufacturer: Hollco-Rohr Filler: Honduras Price: $5.75
Panelist #1My guess is that this is a Saint Luis Rey. (Good guess! Ð Editor) I enjoyed the spicy and robust flavor. It's a keeper. SCORE: 4.0
Panelist #2This is the best torpedo I have ever smoked. It's a great after-dinner treat, or a perfect complement for a snifter of brandy. SCORE: 4.6
Panelist #3The large size of this torpedo is deceiving, but don't be afraid. It's a good all-around stogie for the adventurous smoker. SCORE: 3.7
Panelist #4After the first inch, this cigar's flavor excels. Along with a smooth scotch, this cigar provided for a relaxing evening. SCORE: 3.9

JOYA DE NICARAGUA Torpedo
Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua
Manufacturer: Hollco-Rohr Filler: Nicaragua Price: $5
Panelist #1Overall, this cigar is an excellent effort on the part of its maker. If it is priced under $7, I say it's worth picking up. SCORE: 3.8
Panelist #2A damn fine smoke! Quoting Charles Graves: 'Nothing will replace the torpedo. Its fat belly gives the most refreshing smoke.' SCORE: 4.6
Panelist #3This is a good cigar. I Iiked its smooth and sweet flavor, which has a definite Nicaraguan quality. Too bad about the bitter end. SCORE: 3.5
Panelist #4A well-made torpedo that doesn't have very good flavor. Maybe in a pinch, but I probably wouldn't purchase this. SCORE: 2.5

ARISTOFF Special Perfecto 550 (Maduro)
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Brazil Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: CigarAmerica Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $8
Panelist #1This cigar rivals the A. Fuente Hemingway series. It's that good. I just hope they are priced right and available. SCORE: 4.4
Panelist #2An excellent cigar noted for its great shape, smokability, and a complex array of flavors that constantly evolves. SCORE: 4.0
Panelist #3If this isn't a Hemingway, it sure comes close, and may even give the Fuentes a run for their money. A big thumbs-up! SCORE: 4.9
Panelist #4This is an outstanding cigar. It's smooth, never harsh, and still manages a very robust, spicy, and interesting flavor. SCORE: 4.3

C.GARS LTD

LA FLOR DOMINICANA El Jocko No. 1
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: La Flor Dominicana Filler: Nic/Mexico/DR Price: $5.90
Panelist #1This cigar is 30 minutes of fun. Despite a developing bitterness on the finish, the blend here is unbelievably smooth. SCORE: 3.9
Panelist #2This is a very well-made cigar with appealing flavor and aroma. Those who favor well-aged, rich tobacco will enjoy this. SCORE: 3.9
Panelist #3A well-made, intriquing cigar that held a lot of promise, but the taste was not my cup of tea. Others may appreciate this better. SCORE: 2.3
Panelist #4This is a wonderful little cigar that provides a lot of flavor for such a small size. Ideal for a quick, tasty smoke. SCORE: 4.2

BAUZA Pyramid
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Mexico
Manufacturer: Tabacalera A. Fuente Filler: DR/Nicaragua Price: $6
Panelist #1A bit mild for my tastes, but this cigar has impressive flavor and a heady character that I look forward to trying again. SCORE: 4.3
Panelist #2While sporting substantial flavors, this is a mild cigar that doesn't knock you out, but it's a pleasant and playful diversion. SCORE: 4.1
Panelist #3A cigar with good and bad qualities. I struggled with the uneven burn and messy ash, but the sweet taste makes it passable. SCORE: 3.6
Panelist #4A gorgeous cigar with great eye appeal. The flavor starts strong, then levels off into a delightfully hearty treat. SCORE: 4.6

LA TRADICION 'PERDOMO RESERVE' No. 1
Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua
Manufacturer: Nick's Cigar Filler: Nicaraguan Price: $5.49
Panelist #1A funny looking cigar, but don't judge a cigar on looks alone. This cigar really delivers flavor. I am sincerely impressed. SCORE: 4.5
Panelist #2A perfect breakfast cigar for the full-bodied smoker. The complex flavor is remarkable, given this cigar's small size. SCORE: 4.5
Panelist #3The unique cigar is a notch away from excellence, but it lacks body and finesse. I would love to try this in a bigger size. SCORE: 3.6
Panelist #4This little number blew me away with its big taste. If you like classic Nicaraguan flavor, you'll love this smoke. SCORE: 4.4

CUABA Exclusivos
Country: Cuba Wrapper: Cuba Binder: Cuba
Manufacturer: Habanos S.A. Filler: Cuba Price: $20
Panelist #1This cigar, a fine brandy, a roaring fire, and a comfortable chair...the naked babe on the bearskin rug will just have to wait! SCORE: 4.7
Panelist #2I don't often smoke perfectos, but I would happily smoke more of these. Unfortunately, I suspect they aren't legal. SCORE: 4.2
Panelist #3A perfecto almost surely of Cuban origin. It's good for fans of raw tobacco strength, but give me a Bolivar Belicosos Fino. SCORE: 3.6
Panelist #4I smoked this early in the day, which was a big mistake. This is a very raw, very strong Havana with great potential. SCORE: 4.5

CUPIDO Torpito
Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Sumatra Binder: Nicaragua
Manufacturer: Cupido Cigar Co. Filler: Nicaragua Price: $6.95
Panelist #1This cigar proves that big doesn't mean better. It's a high-quality smoke with a remarkably complex, Nicaraguan flavor. SCORE: 4.1
Panelist #2It's not pretty, but I liked this cigar. It's a very interesting smoke that I would love to tuck in my humidor and try again. SCORE: 3.4
Panelist #3A well-made, unique cigar that is big on flavor. It's perfect if you want a full blend but only have a small amount of time. SCORE: 4.1
Panelist #4A quality cigar with a good, direct taste that is wonderfully spicy. I'd like to meet this little guy's bigger brother. SCORE: 4.0

CigarCyclopedia!

LA CORONA Torpedo
Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic
Manufacturer: Consolidated Cigar Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $7
Panelist #1This is a very nice, mild cigar to keep around, especially if the price is reasonable. It has a very amiable style. SCORE: 3.6
Panelist #2A typical, mild Dominican cigar, which isn't a bad thing. It tastes good, but does it have enough to stand out in a crowd? SCORE: 3.4
Panelist #3I was impressed with this cigar's ability to change and evolve its flavor as I smoked it. It's a fun and interesting smoke. SCORE: 4.1
Panelist #4A great cigar for the morning hours. It's smooth, clean, and easy on the palate, but don't expect too much. SCORE: 3.8

FLOR DE FARACH Momotombo
Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Honduras
Manufacturer: Cigars by Santa Clara Filler: DR/Hon/Nic Price: $2.15
Panelist #1I would like to smoke this cigar again to better judge it. Based on flavor, it's very good, but the draw was problematic. SCORE: 3.3
Panelist #2A pleasant surprise! What looks like a badass cigar is really a tasty and amiable companion, suitable for a relaxing evening. SCORE: 3.6
Panelist #3An inconsistent cigar that is overwhelmingly earthy at first, then it settles a bit before losing itself in a bitter ending. SCORE: 3.1
Panelist #4Not a dainty cigar. Prepare yourself for big taste and an ash that will dirty your shirt. It's good for barroom smoking. SCORE: 3.6



SMOKE - Winter 98/99
The El Original

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