Don't be
Afraid
of the
Dark
photos by Jeff Schnorr
Whether or not we'd care to admit it, we all had that admonishment directed towards us as children. While this childhood fear of the unknown was easily remedied through kindly parents and the dull glow of a night light, it stays with us, in different forms, well into adulthood. We encounter it nearly every day: A new job opportunity. Investing in a neighbor-hood dubbed "up-and-coming" by a real estate agent, or in the booming stock market. Trying maduro cigars.
The word "maduro" itself refers to maturity, a pre-requisite for any new venture. In our Winter issue, which celebrates both the ubiquitous Millennium and SMOKE's fourth anniversary, we take a look at the finest maduro cigars available. I personally can't think of a better partner for a pint of dark microbrew in a dark, smoky bar.
|
SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
|---|
| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 0-2.0 | Poor |
| 2.1-2.9 | Fair |
| 3.0-3.7 | Good |
| 3.8-4.4 | Excellent |
| 4.5-5.0 | Superior |
And if you still can't handle the dark, not to worry; we've got a stash of non-maduros in the review as well. We won't make fun of you.
Standing out amidst the maduros is the El Original Toro, tak-ing top honors with a 4.4 score. Manufactured by Island Smoke Shop in Florida, the El Original wowed our finicky panelists with an exotic blend of filler from five different countries. At just under $5, it's a steal. just behind the El Original were the Habano Primero, robusto and the Hoja Cubana XXO, both clocking in with 4.3’s.
That same score was good enough to run the table among the non-maduros, as the ST Dupont Churchill bested all comers, including a cache of Cuban interlopers. As one panelist said of the ST Dupont, "This is a cigar that says, 'Welcome home. Sit back and relax."' We suggest you do the same.
Doing just that in the new cigar room of her Beverly Hills mansion is the staggeringly sexy Tia Carrere, our Celebrity Panelist. You've seen this exotic
Hawaiian beauty, who combines almost as many nationalities as the El Original, in Wayne's World, True Lies, and the new TV program "Relic Hunter," in which she plays a globe-trot-ting treasure-hunter. Check out what treasures Tia unearths in the Winter review. Thanks for the help, Tia, and thanks also to Scott Smith, of Santa Monica, California. He's the winner of the Winter "Become a Reviewer Contest," which you too can enter by visiting the SMOKE contest page at this site.
Besides the premium cigars, you'll also find a handful of machine-made smokes in our magazine’s Winter review. This dirty dozen offers some tasty selections at affordable prices, giving you, quite literally, some bang for your buck. Because you never know when your up-and-coming neighborhood will put in a nuclear reactor, or the booming stock market will crash to earth.
- Michael Malone
Still want more?
Order the Smoke & Ash CD from Enthuse Publishing for a comprehensive database of ALL of SMOKE Magazine's famous cigar reviews! Smoke & Ash features full search capabilities, photos, a custom cigar journal, rating system, and more!
Maduros...
 |  | EL ORIGINAL Toro | | Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Mexico | Binder: Nicaragua
| | Manufacturer: Island Smoke Shop | Filler: DR/Hon/Nic/Mex/Per | Price: $4.95
| | Panelist #1 | There are tons of smoke with every
draw. It's a good cigar with plenty
of kick. Herfers take note:, this one
has it all. SCORE: 4.1 | | Panelist #2 | This hearty, peppery cigar is better
suited for later in the day, perhaps
with your favorite drink. It's a guaranteed special moment. SCORE: 4.7 | | Panelist #3 | This one is as smooth as a baby's
bottom! Consistent throughout ...
May I have more? Definitely a humidor selection. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #4 | Consistency is the name of the
game with this cigar. It's a big
hitter with sublime flavor, and it
delivered every time. SCORE: 4.3 |
 |  | PUROFINO DOM Robusto | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: U.S.
| | Manufacturer: Purofino Cigars | Filler: DR/Nicaragua | Price: $7.49
| | Panelist #1 | These boys were a real pleasure to
smoke; well-made, with superb
flavor. What more can I say? Give
me more! SCORE: 4.4 | | Panelist #2 | While there were some good points,
this robusto generally lacks consistency. At times they were too loose,
too tight, or just right. SCORE: 3.4 | | Panelist #3 | Next time I'm in the woods, I'll bring
along a few of these. It's the kind of
cigar to enjoy with the boys. Strong
and satisfying. SCORE: 3.3 | | Panelist #4 | There's definitely a beginning,
middle, and end to this cigar. I
liked the end best. Well-made,
a good choice. SCORE: 4.2 |
 |  | PETRUS Churchill | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Honduras | Binder: Honduras
| | Manufacturer: Felipe Gregorio | Filler: Nicaragua | Price: $6.40
| | Panelist #1 | It might go well with an after-dinner drink, but it didn't win me over.
They tried to make it look oscuro,
but it's just plain ugly. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #2 | I need to know the name of this
baby. This one, you could eat after
smoking. Buy them quick, before
they sell out. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #3 | I'm curious to find out what these
are. I can't say I was enamored with
them. The wrapper's bitterness
worked against it. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #4 | This cigar looked great but fell
down when it got lit. I'd give them
out to friends, because they look
great, but that's it. SCORE: 3.7 |
 |  | ARISTOFF Millennium Series | | Country: Domincan Republic | Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: Domincan Republic
| | Manufacturer: Cigar America | Filler: DR/ Brazil | Price: $8.00
| | Panelist #1 | While they don't make them this
dark in Havana, this one still has
all the characteristics of a big, bad
Cuban. I loved them. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #2 | This baby was made by a quality
factory that knows how to blend
leaves and wrap a cigar. Will be one
of my favorites. SCORE: 4.8 | | Panelist #3 | Although this is a pretty and well-rolled cigar, the smoke left a little to
be desired. The aftertaste and aroma
worked against it. SCORE: 3.1 | | Panelist #4 | Overall, it's a great cigar that I
would purchase in a second. It's
not breathtaking, but way better
than average. SCORE: 4.4 |
 | | INDIAN TABAC Toro Maduro | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Nicaragua
| | Manufacturer: Indian Tabac | Filler: Nic/Hon/CR | Price: $6.50
| | Panelist #1 | The construction was a wild card,
but the cigar smoked consistently
well. It would pair well with a cup
of mild roast coffee. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #2 | The soft texture of the stick really
worked against it. Not a bad stick,
but not as good a maduro as many
on the market. SCORE: 3.3 | | Panelist #3 | Not a handsome stick, but it scores
high marks in the important categories. I wouldn't go on looks alone.
I'd recommend it. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #4 | Is this a box pressed Hoyo de
Monterrey? An excellent cigar to
enjoy with bourbon. I will add
these to my humidor.SCORE: 4.3 |
 |  | H. UPMANN Perfecto | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Domincan Republic
| | Manufacturer: Consolidated | Filler: DR/Mexico | Price: $7.00
| | Panelist #1 | This one busts his butt to be a good
cigar, and comes pretty close. Perhaps it needs humidor time. It's
OK, not outstanding. SCORE: 3.6 | | Panelist #2 | If priced correctly, this would be a
good go-to smoke, maybe for quiet
evenings instead of celebratory
events. A decent stick. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #3 | Quite a good cigar … kind of a B+
student. I'd be proud to give these
out to friends … especially the ones
I like. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #4 | This cigar is my New York Mets
cigar … impossible to figure. It's
alternately very good and so-so.
Roll the dice. SCORE: 3.7 |
 |  | ONYX No. 650 | | Country: Domincan Republic | Wrapper: Mexico | Binder: Indonesia
| | Manufacturer: Lane Limited | Filler: DR/Mexico | Price: $4.25
| | Panelist #1 | All samples had remarkable consistency. Good draw and overall feel, but
a slightly harsh flavor. A big kick on the
back of the throat. SCORE: 3.2 | | Panelist #2 | The pre-light smell was intimidating,
but the rich taste was enjoyable. The
soft aftertaste left my palate wanting
more. A good sign! SCORE: 3.2 | | Panelist #3 | All samples share the same outstanding construction, burning qualities,
and rich flavors. London Broil, aged port,
and this cigar. Stellar. SCORE: 4.4 | | Panelist #4 | Somewhere between middle of the
road and downright classy. Consistent
throughout, and finishing on a higher
note than the start. SCORE: 3.5 |
 |  | HABANO PRIMERO Robusto | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Brazil | Binder: Mexico
| | Manufacturer: UST | Filler: DR/Mexico | Price: $4.65
| | Panelist #1 | Damn, this was GOOD. I was a bit
worried at first, but it kept coming
back to surprise me. I worked them
down till it hurt. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #2 | Reminds me of a Fuente-made maduro with its earthy and spicy-sweet
flavors. This is one fine cigar; enjoy
it with a single malt. SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #3 | Please tell me what this is … it's
going in my humidor. The best in
the review to this point. Just kept
getting better. SCORE: 4.8 | | Panelist #4 | It's a consistent cigar, but it's also
lackluster. Appearance and pre-light construction were better
than the taste. SCORE: 3.0 |
 |  | BERING Inmensas | | Country: Honduras | Wrapper: Costa Rica | Binder: Honduras
| | Manufacturer: Swisher | Filler: Mexico/Honduras | Price: $2.60
| | Panelist #1 | I'm not saying this hefty cigar is
not good. There's just not enough
flavor for my palate. It tasted dry.
Didn't work for me. SCORE: 3.1 | | Panelist #2 | This one might catch your eye as it
sits in the humidor, due to the color
variations in the wrapper. But the
fun stops there. SCORE: 3.2 | | Panelist #3 | This cigar has its best years ahead
of it. For now, it's a rookie with
some rough spots to get out in AAA.
Needs work. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #4 | I saw some of myself in this cigar.
It grew more bitter as the cigar
burned, and so did I. Needs some
humidor time. SCORE: 3.0 |
 |  | MIYARES Torpedo Corto | | Country: U.S. | Wrapper: Connecticut | Binder: Mexico
| | Manufacturer: Miyares | Filler: DR/Indonesia | Price: $6.00
| | Panelist #1 | Please give me a box of these! My
favorite cigar in the tasting. Goes
perfectly with a snifter of XO. I will
own these soon! SCORE: 4.6 | | Panelist #2 | What a distinct pleasure this guy
offered! I really hated to finish it.
Send more. Please! My kudos to the
maker. SCORE: 4.0 | | Panelist #3 | A simple, down-to-earth smoke that
did the job. It's a BTB stick…Before
the Boom, when cigars weren't fancy,
just good. SCORE: 3.8 | | Panelist #4 | Unfortunately, this cigar was not
consistent; nor was it attractive.
I expected much from this torpedo
and felt let down. SCORE: 3.0 |
 |  | LA PERLA HABANA Torpedo | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Dominican Republic | Binder: Indonesia
| | Manufacturer: La Perla Habana | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $6.25
| | Panelist #1 | This fine cigar would be a fitting
end to a steak and port dinner.
I would highly recommend these
without hesitation. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #2 | What a great cigar! Mild cigar fans
need not apply. Slab of beef, Merlot,
and one of these, please. Another
must-add for the box. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #3 | All-around enjoyable. As it progressed, it got more and more like a
classic maduro. Mellow, sweet, and
relaxing. SCORE: 3.9 | | Panelist #4 | This guy tastes and smokes true
to the very end. Highly recommended for the seasoned smoker.
Very well-rounded. SCORE: 4.1 |
 | | BRETON LEGEND Presidente | | Country: Dominican Republic | Wrapper: Indonesia | Binder: Dominican Republic
| | Manufacturer: Gran Reserve | Filler: Dominican Republic | Price: $4.50
| | Panelist #1 | This cigar was extremely enjoyable
because of its consistency in both
flavor and construction. I would enjoy this any time. SCORE: 4.3 | | Panelist #2 | This is a decent cigar to share with
the boys over a couple of dark ales.
Those that like light to medium
body will like 'em. SCORE: 3.5 | | Panelist #3 | This is a great, nutty smoke with
sweet undertones. The light- to
medium-bodied strength makes it
a most useful stick. SCORE: 4.5 | | Panelist #4 | Although it's kind of anemic to
look at, this cigar gave a good
performance. I would smoke it
again, if offered. SCORE: 3.5 |
 Continued on next page...
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