Winter Review - Maduros A/R ROBAINA Double Corona Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: Puros de Armando Ramos Filler: Ecuador/CR Price: $6.00 Panelist #1 A very well-made cigar; all samples were flawlessly constructed and had outstanding burning qualities. A very good Churchill. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #2 It left something of a bitter taste in my mouth. I would choose many entry level cigars before I'd opt for this one. SCORE: 2.6 Panelist #3 Aside from a tight draw and slightly bitter flavor, it really was quite a likeable cigar. A good, lengthy stogie, for long sits in the bar. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #4 Not my style. I like a heavy cigar now and then, but it needs to be rich and flavorful. This was not. Unrefined and rustic.SCORE: 2.7 BUCANERO Corona Gigantes Country: Costa Rica Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Ecuador Manufacturer: Bucanero Cigar Co. Filler: DR/Nicaragua Price: $10.50 Panelist #1 I enjoyed the complexity this cigar offered, and that it wasn't overpowering. It's well-suited for after dinner, with a drink. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #2 Overall, this is a well-crafted and blended cigar that is whole-heartedly recommended to maduro fans ... and the rest. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #3 This is a good everyday cigar. There's nothing super-special about it; it's more like ground beef than steak. Good ground beef. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #4 It's a well-made and good smokin' cigar, one you won't go wrong with. I'd recommend these if the price were right. SCORE: 3.9 LA PLATA Pyramid Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: La Plata Cigar Co. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.75 Panelist #1 This is a consistent, can't-go-wrong, after-dinner smoke, which would go well with a Porterhouse. Well-made and consistent. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #2 This isn't my favorite shape, but it won me over with its zesty flavor. I would feel confident giving these to friends. SCORE: 4.4 Panelist #3 It's a fine cigar that would be a good choice for someone who likes the mild smokes, and likes some flavor as well. SCORE: 3.3 Panelist #4 You won't go wrong with this one. It's a well-made, consistent smoke that won't overpower, but wins you with subtlety. SCORE: 4.0 MATCH PLAY Augusta Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Davidoff Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $6.95 Panelist #1 While this cigar is undoubtedly well-made, it lacks the flavor and punch that I crave. I'd keep a few around for the A.M. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #2 Someone who likes the less-than full-bodied cigars will go nuts for these creamy and smooth cigars. Thumbs-up. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #3 This is a robust, hard-core smoke, not for the faint of heart. Seasoned palates will appreciate the healthy dose of flavor. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #4 The construction was superb, and the flavor was quite good, though not as good as the construction led you to believe. SCORE: 4.0 ESTAVAN CRUZ Pancho Country: Costa Rica Wrapper: U.S. Binder: Sumatra Manufacturer: Estavan Cruz Filler: DR/Nicaragua Price: $6.35 Panelist #1 The cigar is full-bodied, and stays so throughout the smoke. It's a cigar for the seasoned veteran … newbies stay away. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #2 I'm pretty disappointed. Things were going so well! It's a sheep in wolf's clothing. It looks too good to taste so ordinary. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #3 This was, unfortunately, pretty forgettable. Had it been rolled better, it would've been a good cigar for golf or yardwork. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 It scored some decent marks but, when you add them up, it comes out to a pretty pedestrian stick. Maybe for rookies. SCORE: 3.4 PLAYERS AUTOGRAPH Robusto Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: U.S. Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: La Gloria Cubana Filler: DR/Ecu/Nic Price: $5.50 Panelist #1 It's a good, can't-go-wrong smoke for any time of the day. This is easily enjoyed with one's favorite beverage. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 Of all the cigars in the review, this was the only one I couldn't finish. If they got better at the halfway point, I wouldn't know. SCORE: 2.5 Panelist #3 This is a fine mild smoke that reminds me of some of the cigars I smoked early in my career. I recomcommend it. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #4 This little robusto falls somewhere between good and ordinary. There was some good flavor, but not a lot of complexity. SCORE: 3.4 MACANUDO MADURO Duke of Devon Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Connecticut Manufacturer: General Cigar Filler: DR/Mexico Price: $4.80 Panelist #1 This stick is subtle and nuanced, and it's agreeable and well-made. It might not satisfy the Havana crowd, but it's solid. SCORE: 3.9 Panelist #2 An indulgent way to start your day. I've found a new reason to get out of bed! Add coffee, and it's the breakfast of champions.SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #3 It's a good, down-to-earth smoke. After a rough start, these little guys came through with a respectable performance. SCORE: 3.4 Panelist #4 I'd call this a rather enjoyable little smoking experience … I'd buy it in a minute. Stayed consistent throughout. SCORE: 4.3 CUESTA REY Robusto #7 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: JC Newman Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $4.75 Panelist #1 It's a pretty mediocre cigar that will not likely find a home in my humidor. Still, it's smooth and simple enough for a newbie. SCORE: 3.0 Panelist #2 This is a good everyday cigar. It's consistent and enjoyable, and made for a mellow cigar experience. What a cigar should be. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #3 This cigar is a little on the dry side, but packed with some earthy flavors. It doesn't have the sickly sweetness of some maduros. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #4 I'm not convinced I would shell out money for this one but, if it were given to me, I'm in. Did some things well. SCORE: 2.8 FLOR FINA 8-5-8 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: A. Fuente Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $3.50 Panelist #1 It's a milder cigar than I'm accust- omed to, but the draw was a dream and the flavor subtle. A wise choice for mild cigar fans. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #2 It reminds me of a Fuente 8-5-8. I will make sure to smoke this again. If I recommend them, there will be less for me. SCORE: 4.1 Panelist #3 A very good, very well-made maduro, aged just right. Add a little more flavor, and we have a real winner. Earthy, spicy flavors. SCORE: 4.2 Panelist #4 It may not look handsome, but it smokes beautifully. Perfect for a novice who recently graduated to stronger sticks. SCORE: 3.8 ASHTON #60 Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Holt's Cigar Co. Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $8.75 Panelist #1 Despite being a big cigar, this Churchill seemed to smoke itself. Extremely tasty, and leaves behind a pleasant reminder. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #2 Let this baby age a little, and you'll be glad you did. Some moisture made it burn slightly hot, but the flavor made up for it. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #3 Any time of day, this cigar works for me. It has it all, with a mild to full progression, great construction, and a nice aroma. SCORE: 4.5 Panelist #4 First, the plusses. It's smooth. Its color and size are impressive. But it's just too mild for my tastes. Not for veterans. SCORE: 2.9 DON JUAN Churchill Country: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Manufacturer: Tropical Tobacco Filler: Nicaragua Price: $4.50 Panelist #1 Those that enjoy strong cigars will find much to like about these, while the faint of heart will not. A solid performer. SCORE: 2.8 Panelist #2 Good flavor, poor roll. It's not for the weak … you gotta be strong to get along with this free-spirit. Has some considerable flaws. SCORE: 3.2 Panelist #3 I wanted more body from this smoke. The slightly dry finish was a detriment. It's delicate, but it's also a cunningly complex 'gar. SCORE: 3.8 Panelist #4 A very well-made cigar that I enjoyed in the afternoon. I'd like to see more oomph added to the filler. A sweet wrapper. SCORE: 3.4 LA VIEJA HABANA Series A Torpedo #1 Country: Nicaragua Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Cameroon Manufacturer: Holt's Cigar Co. Filler: Nic/DR Price: $7.60 Panelist #1 Light a cigar, and watch it grow. Is this a Perdomo product? Let the box-press wear off and it will burn cool and straight. Trust me. SCORE: 4.0 Panelist #2 This is a small cigar that's sure to attract a big following. I wanted to love it more than I did, but it's still a beautiful stick. SCORE: 3.5 Panelist #3 I was really looking forward to smoking these, but the sweetness was off-putting. If you don't mind that you'll enjoy this cigar. SCORE: 3.6 Panelist #4 I was pleasantly surprised by this cigar - looks aren't everything. With it's spicy, ample flavor, this is one of the best yet. SCORE: 3.8 Continued on next page... CURRENT ISSUE ARCHIVES SUBSCRIBE REVIEWS CIGAR FORUM SEARCH CONTEST SHOPPING HTML Copyright © 1999 by Keys Technologies and SMOKE Magazine. All rights reserved.