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Keep on Smoking
We’ve
compiled the collective impressions and scores from our latest motley crew of professional tobacconists and amateur smokers who evaluated blind samples of cigars for the latest installment of the world-famous Smoke Cigar Review. Following are a sampling of this issue’s top-ranking cigars:
Ventura Cigar Company, a recently established California-based firm that’s partnered with Central American cigar maker Nestor Plasencia to launch several premium brands within the past year, makes its second appearance in our review with its Honduran-made Estilo Cubano, which was sampled in the 5 3/4 x 54 Toraso size. Panelists took a liking to its rich Honduran maduro wrapper, rabo de cochino (pigtail) cap, and three-nation filler blend, bestowing it a final score of 94. “Very much a smoker’s cigar - complex, no candy,” said one panelist. “This was a big, bold cigar that might not fare well with the newbies, but seasoned smokers will love it,” said another.
A.J. Fernandez, the young, Cuban-born-and-raised cigar maker who’s established new roots in Nicaragua, draws on two generations of farming experience - his grandfather first began growing tobacco in pre-Castro Cuba in the family’s hometown of San Luis. Today, the Fernandez family grows all of its own filler leaf in Nicaragua for the A.J. Fernandez blends, noting it uses only “proprietary, prized seeds.” Our panelists agree the results are worth the effort, awarding the San Lotano Oval Piramides a 94. “A delightful cigar to smoke with initial hints of caramel twisted with anise. Burns evenly, flavors of mint and cedar,” summarized one panelist.
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SMOKE Cigar Ratings |
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| Rating | Quality |
|---|
| 96-100 | Superior |
| 91-95 | Excellent |
| 86-90 | Very Good |
| 80-85 | Good |
| 70-79 | Average |
| 60-69 | Fair |
| Under 59 | Poor |
Buena Vista Cigar Company has its own intriguing story. A startup operation that created its first factory from scratch and staffed it with veteran rollers and supervisors from modern Cuba, company founders intruiginglu selected Cancun, Mexico as the location for their facility. Each step of the manufacturing process was meticulously established to adhere to the industry’s “best practices,” and then exceeded. The company farms all of the tobaccos used in the Buena Vista Edición Limitada line itself in Ecuador. “A little spice and a floral aroma,” noted one reviewer of the Presidente size sampled; “nice wood and spicy flavor,” added another.
The Aging Room series from Habana Cuba/Oliveros Cigars are limited production blends made in small batches, tapping limited-availability tobaccos. Reviewers sampled the first release in this series, M356, and liked the earthy, nutty flavors of this all-Dominican blend, which earned an averaged score of 93.
Venture on to read through our full results of this panel’s tasting, and enjoy a cigar, whether it’s during a quiet moment, or a festive occasion (like the Famous Smoke Shop Cigar Expo 2011 shown here). Happy smoking! - E.E.H.
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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!
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 |  | LA PALINA EL DIARIO Churchill | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
La Palina Cigar Company | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Ecuador | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Overall I loved this cigar. I would invest in a box if the price was right. It was consistent and enjoyable.
92 excellent | | Panelist #2 | A decent cigar with a good balance, but it lacked more complexity. A good middle-of-the-day smoke.
91 excellent | | Panelist #3 | All samples were consistent. Smoked with coffee would give them a try again. Very nice, but not fantastic.
88 very good |
 |  | PAUL STULAC Skull Salomone | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Paul Stulac | Size:
7 x 58 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Although it finished a tad bitter, I did enjoy this cigar. I would add it to my rotation if the price is right.
88 very good | | Panelist #2 | A very nice smoke! I enjoyed it with a glass of red wine. The combo worked perfect. Would recommend to others.
95 excellent | | Panelist #3 | A cigar that is worthy to give to your best friends. Would probably pair well with a good single malt Scotch.
91 excellent |
 | | ROLANDO REYES SR. LIMITED EDITION Toro Oro | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
Father & Son Cigars | Size:
6 x 53 | Filler:
DR, Nic, Brazil | Binder:
Indonesia | Wrapper:
Indonesia | | Panelist #1 | Get past the unattractive appearance to a pleasant, mild smoke. Vanilla sweetness paired well with a morning coffee.
86 very good | | Panelist #2 | A fine after-dinner cigar accompanied by an XO Cognac. I nubbed this one down to my fingernails. Delicious.
93 excellent | | Panelist #3 | I would definitely buy more of these. Enjoyed with a Sierra Nevada IPA. Would definitely recommend. Well done!
95 excellent |
 |  | AGING ROOM M356 SERIES Rondo | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Habana Cuba Cigars | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | This one is a winner! I'll be interested if some humidor time could improve this cigar, although it won't take much.
94 excellent | | Panelist #2 | Once going, this cigar had earthy, woody flavor. Lots of tobacco flavor in the finish. Will certainly try again.
95 excellent | | Panelist #3 | Nothing really impressed me about this smoke, still I was fairly satisfied. Might be a good smoke for mowing the lawn.
89 very good |
 | | VILLIGER 1888 FUERTE Robusto | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Villiger Stokkebye | Size:
5 x 50 | Filler:
not disclosed | Binder:
not disclosed | Wrapper:
Mexico | | Panelist #1 | This smoke was great. Consistent from start to finish. The taste was smooth all the way. A must-try.
97 superior | | Panelist #2 | A "lawn care" cigar for when you want a smoke as you cut the grass. A decent everyday cigar for me at best.
82 good | | Panelist #3 | This cigar did not disappoint. Definitely one I will smoke again. You'll want to sit and think about this one.
91 excellent |
 | | PERDOMO ESTATE SELECCION VINTAGE 2002 SUNGROWN Epicure | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Tabacalera Perdomo | Size:
6 x 54 | Filler:
Nicaragua | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Nicaragua | | Panelist #1 | This cigar had a very memorable second act, but wound up being more of a beast than initial impressions would indicate.
87 very good | | Panelist #2 | Paired with a single barrel Bourbon and it was the right fit. I would like to see what it would taste like with some aging.
91 excellent | | Panelist #3 | This is just what the doctor ordered. A nice robust, manly cigar that you could feel putting some fuzz on your chest.
94 excellent |
 |  | SANTOS DE MIAMI Alma | Country:
DR | Manufacturer:
Jameson Cigar Co. | Size:
5 x 46 | Filler:
DR | Binder:
DR | Wrapper:
DR | | Panelist #1 | I usually like a larger cigar, but this one still did the job. This made a great impression on me. A keeper for sure.
92 excellent | | Panelist #2 | Smokes beautifully, toasty tobacco and creamy smoke. Exquisite cigar. This would complement anything.
97 superior | | Panelist #3 | The lack of complexity was disappointing and at times the bitterness outweighed the strengths it had.
88 very good |
 | | DON CERVANTES PRESIDENTE Churchill | Country:
Ecuador | Manufacturer:
Achievement Cigar Co. | Size:
7 x 50 | Filler:
Ecuador, DR | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Enjoyed the hell out the cigar, and will be making a purchase real soon. This is one I would recommend to all of my cigar cult.
90 very good | | Panelist #2 | Nonstop enjoyment. Smoked cool with a full complement of tobacco and sweet spice. A must-have in your humidor.
96 superior | | Panelist #3 | Ended up being a pleasant, long lasting cigar. An excellent choice for a younger smoker looking to refine their pallet.
89 very good |
 |  | CASA MAGNA COLORADO Sanchos | Country:
Nicaragua | Manufacturer:
Segovia Cigars / SAG Imports | Size:
4 1/4 x 60 | Filler:
Nic | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Nicaragua | | Panelist #1 | I've enjoyed a lot of cigars and this one ranks near the top. I'd absolutely buy this again, no matter the price point.
95 excellent | | Panelist #2 | This cigar was great. Consistent smoke right up to the end. I would definitely recommend this.
96 superior | | Panelist #3 | Very slow burning. The draw seemed a little tight at times, but this never distracted me from enjoying this smoke.
93 excellent |
 |  | ROOM101 LDT NAMAKUBI EDITION Tiburon | Country:
Honduras | Manufacturer:
Room101 Cigars | Size:
6 x 44 | Filler:
DR, Hon | Binder:
Hon | Wrapper:
Ecuador | | Panelist #1 | Beautiful looking cigar, but it was not quite what I usually look for in a cigar. Others might enjoy it more than me.
84 good | | Panelist #2 | Easy on the palate. I would smoke it again for a quick puff. I would only buy this cigar it if the price was right.
91 excellent | | Panelist #3 | I enjoyed this after a steak dinner with a cup of black coffee. I would definitely smoke this one again.
93 excellent |
 | | PUROS INDIOS CIGARS 2012 SERIES Churchill | Country:
USA | Manufacturer:
Puros Indios Cigars | Size:
7 x 49 | Filler:
DR, Nic | Binder:
Nicaragua | Wrapper:
Nicaragua | | Panelist #1 | All of the samples were very tasty and went great with seltzer water with a slice of lime; a keeper.
95 excellent | | Panelist #2 | The quality problems ruined this cigar for me. It's just not my cup of tea. I probably wouldn't buy these at any price.
88 very good | | Panelist #3 | Some good flavors, but had a bad draw. Still, despite its flaws, It would pair well with a Guinness on my back porch.
87 very good |
 | | SANCHO PANZA Molinos | Country:
Cuba | Manufacturer:
Habanos S.A. | Size:
6 1/2 x 42 | Filler:
Cuba | Binder:
Cuba | Wrapper:
Cuba | | Panelist #1 | This was a very good cigar. But I have a hankering it would be even better with just the right amount of aging.
94 excellent | | Panelist #2 | This paired well with a smokey Scotch. I would definitely buy these again if the price wasn't too far out there.
92 excellent | | Panelist #3 | There was a lot to like about this cigar, but the tightness of the draw stopped it from being a true superstar.
90 very good |
 Continued on next page...
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