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Fall 1997
Volume II
Issue 4
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Autumn
Smokes
Photographs by Jeff Schnorr
The weather's a little cooler. The leaves are starting to change. There's football on the tube... So spark it tip! Fall is here, and with it the biggest SMOKE Cigar Review yet, providing the latest on what's cool for the new season. Reviewed in this issue is a smorgasbord of sizes to tempt your palate, including Torpedos and Pyramids, Toros, Coronas, and Gigantes. Some new but not unfamiliar names have entered the cigar fray. Tough guy Chuck Norris and funnyman Jim Belushi unveil LONE WOLF, while fashion designer Nicole Miller introduces her new cigar line. Both these and other new smokes scored well with SMOKE's panelists, as did some trusty veterans like DIPLOMATICOS and MACANUDO.
Check 'em out!
"Light a cigar and let me expound" - Sherlock Holmes
Torpedos/Pyramids...
CUBAN CIGAR FACTORY Traditionale Torpedo
A split vote on this well-constructed torpedo from The Cuban Cigar Factory, of San Diego. One-half of our panel was thrilled with the construction, appearance, and full-bodied flavors provided by the Brazilian wrapper with a blend of Mexican and Honduran filler and binder. Another panelist enjoyed them for their mild and straightforward character, although a few felt that this cigar was made with under-aged tobacco.
TAMBORIL Torpedo
Tamboril, known for making milder high-quality cigars, certainly lives up to its stellar reputation (and possibly surpasses it) with this solid torpedo, made from Dominican Olor binder, Cuban-seed Dominican-grown filler, and a perfect Connecticut shade wrapper. Our panelists, who raved about all aspects of this cigar, from the great construction to the tantalizing flavors, were happy to be smoking these smooth and flavorful sticks. Even those panelists who usually prefer far stronger cigars enjoyed them. Highly recommended.
LONE WOLF Signature Select Pyramid
Spearheaded by Jim Belushi and Chuck Norris, 'The Lone Wolf Cigar Co. plans to launch a chain of upscale cigar lounges across the country in the near future, so you will have a comfortable place to relax and smoke the company's own line of Lone Wolf premium cigars. Exhibiting great construction and the smooth, mellow flavors of a top-of-the-line Dominican cigar, the Lone Wolf kept most of our panelists very happy. Mild in body, these smokes did leave a couple of our more jaded panelists asking for more flavor. Nevertheless, the Lone Wolf is certainly a crowd pleaser. Recommended.
DIPLOMATICOS No. 2 Torpedo
Most premium Cuban cigars usually receive a few negative comments from panelists who aren't used to the full-bodied style, but not the Diplomaticos No. 2, which received the "clean sweep" from the panel - meaning every review was akin to a love letter to the cigar gods. Attribute this to a construction that demonstrates the finest Cuban craftsmanship and to a body slightly milder than many other premium Cuban cigars. Of course any lover of fine, full-flavored Cuban stogies will savor these as well, and if you age them, they'll get even better. What more could you want? Highly recommended.
MORRO CASTLE Torpedo
The Morro Castle offers a very straightforward, mild, and moderately flavorful cigar. Made with Nicaraguan filler and binder and an Ecuadorian wrapper, the Morro Castle received very few negative comments from our panelists, who felt that it provided a pleasurable smoking experience and was a solid performer all the way around. Those looking for a super-complex smoking experience should probably search elsewhere. Those looking for a cigar that is made to please the palate rather than overwhelm it, can stop right here.
VICTOR SINCLAIR Belicoso Maduro
Not only a hit with our panelists, these beautiful, dark belicosos have also been disappearing from the humidor in the SMOKE offices. Of course this isn't difficult to understand, once you take a took at these consistently constructed cigars, made from a blend of Cuban-seed and Dominican filler and an Indonesian-grown Sumatra wrapper. It is even easier to understand once you try them. Medium-bodied and delivering a rich and robust flavor profile, the Victor Sinclair should please most smokers. Now, excuse us, as we have a thief to catch!
PUROFINO BLUE LABEL Pyramid
The Purofino Blue Label provides a winning combination with its blend of six tobaccos from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico, wrapped in an Ecuadorian-grown Sumatra wrapper. Despite one dissenter on the panel, all of our reviewers were taken by the rich, well-balanced, and slightly sweet flavors delivered by these well-made cigars, that are also a joy to look at, right on down to the attractive band. Recommended.
FELIPE II RESERVA B Belicoso
Felipe Gregorio, which scored a grand-slam in our Summer issue review with its churchill-sized Suntuoso, scores again with this wonderfully made, medium-to-full-flavored pyramid. Exhibiting strength and complexity that is difficult to find in non-Cuban cigars, the entire Felipe Gregorio line has been winning fans for quite some time. Despite a few draw problems, all of our panelists loved this cigar's complex and accessible flavors, which induced that special cigar euphoria that keeps us all coming back. Recommended.
MONTECRISTO NO. 2 Torpedo
While our panelists were unanimous in their praise of the complex flavors and robust character of these Cuban beauties, a few of them cited construction problems with some samples. Despite the occasional difficulty, this smoke lived up to its legendary reputation as a sublime and smooth, yet powerful stogie, and left our panelist begging for more. Heed the power of these stogies - they are not for the novice smoker. Recommended.
TABACALERA Pyramid
Mirroring the review of the lonsdale size of this Filipino brand in the Summer issue of SMOKE, panelist opinions were widely split on the merits of this cigar. While they were all in agreement on this beefy torpedo's stellar construction, the unique flavors of the Filipino tobacco threw some panelists for a loop. This cigar is best summed up as a superbly constructed, very mild cigar that offers a unique range of spicy and slightly salty flavors. At $2.75/stick, they're worth checking out, and if the flavor is to your liking, you've found a perfect everyday cigar.
EL REY DE FLOREZ Torpedo
The Flores brothers have received plenty of accolades over the years from knowledgeable cigar enthusiasts for their Flor de Florez line of cigars. Once again they are at the top of their game with their latest release, the El Rey de Florez, which is made with all Dominican-grown tobacco. This beautiful torpedo has everything going for it, from its consistently flawless construction and big flavor, to its pleasant aroma. Our panelists all agreed that this is a superb smoke destined to please any smoker, and we can't help but concur. Highly recommended.
LEON JIMENES Torpedo
A remarkably consistent torpedo, the Leon Jimenes sports a flawless, golden colored Connecticut shade wrapper around an exquisite blend of properly aged Dominican tobaccos, providing a mild and smooth smoke of tremendous character. All of our panelists recognized the merits of this cigar and were effusive in their praise. While this smoke may bore those looking for explosive flavor and hard-core strength, the cool and sophisticated nature of the Leon Jimenes torpedo will surely satisfy novice smokers, as well as advanced smokers who appreciate what a tasty, mild cigar can do for you. Highly recommended.
DON TOMAS Torpedo
The popular Don Tomas brand scored a moderate hit with our panelists with this torpedo. Smooth and medium-bodied, the Don Tomas was appreciated for its solid construction and straightforward flavor profile, and all of the panelists commented favorably on the rich aroma these smokes produced. Although a few panelists felt the flavor was a bit thin and undeveloped, those who liked it LOVED IT. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Don Tomas or a new recruit, you can be assured you are getting a consistently good cigar at a nice price.
LA REGENTA Pyramid
While panelist opinions varied widely on this long and narrow pyramid, it is not difficult to see why. The cigar is extremely mild in body and flavor and is not suitable for smokers who prefer a lot of "in your face" strength, as one reviewer succinctly noted. This is a good cigar for beginners, or for people looking for something light, that is perfect for smoking in a crowded place or alone on a windswept beach. Our panel especially liked this cigar's construction and smokeability. Recommended.
DON RENE DE CUBA Torpedo
Introduced in 1996, the Don Rene de Cuba is made from a blend of Cuban seed Dominican and Nicaraguan filler, a Honduran binder, and an Ecuadorian wrapper. All of our panelists were awed by this well-constructed and flavorful torpedo. A great cigar for any type of smoker and for any time of the day. You can't argue with a unanimous panel. Highly recommended.
INTERNATIONAL Belicoso
The job of compiling all the panelist responses for the SMOKE Cigar Review can be a daunting task, but it is always made easier when you have cigars like this one, which everybody loved. All of the panelists raved about the International having a super-smooth and medium- to full-bodied flavor profile that dazzled their palates. Interestingly, one experienced panelist was convinced this cigar was made in Havana. International Cigar Corporation has made a cigar that simply must be tried. Highly recommended.
MAC CIGARS Figurado
Made in Tamboril, the town where the Dominican cigar industry has its roots, the MAC is another of this tasting's torpedos that simply wooed our entire panel. Made from a blend of Dominican Piloto and Olor filler and binder, with a smooth Sumatran wrapper, the MAC torpedo is a mild- to medium-bodied stogie that offers plenty of smooth, spicy, and lightly sweet flavors in an exquisitely made cigar. Recommended.
MANHATTAN CIGAR COMPANY Pyramid
From the state of New York comes The Manhattan Cigar Company torpedo, which, like the city it is named after, provides a diverse and sophisticated array of tastes. Additionally, the panelists commented favorably on the consistent construction, although some felt the mild flavors might not be enough to satisfy more experienced smokers. Comprised of Dominican long-leaf filler and Dominican binder, with a Connecticut shade wrapper, these stogies provide a quality, easygoing smoke that should satisfy most smokers. Recommended.
LA PANTERA Predator
Clearly our panelists were frustrated by this nice looking cigar that showed potential, but was too often hampered by draw problems. Although several panelists commented positively on the earthy flavors that "could have been," others complained of "green" tobacco. Keeping in mind that it is never fair to vilify an entire brand based on one box of samples, and that some favorable remarks were made about the flavor, the best advice here is that if you have an urge to try these, you should probably sample a couple first to make sure you don't encounter the problems mentioned by our panelists.
CAONABO Gran Jefe Torpedo
There aren't too many sure things in life, so when one comes along it's best to grab it while you can. That philosophy certainly applies to the Caonabo cigar from Cigar Club International, which received unanimous high praise from our panelists. On the market since 1996, the Caonabo line is made with aged Dominican filler and binder, with a flavorful Cameroon wrapper and offers a complex, full-flavored smoke amidst near flawless construction. The robust yet smooth character of this stogie is sure to please any smoker looking for a can't lose" smoke. Highly Recommended.
NICOLE MILLER Gran Amour
Nicole Miller, the famed fashion designer, steps into the premium cigar business with her own line of elegantly crafted cigars, to accompany her fine of cigar accessories. Sourced out of a well-known factory in the Dominican Republic (no, Nicole did not roll them herself, the Nicole Miller line is made from Cuban-seed Piloto Cubana filler, Dominican Olor binder, with a Sumatran wrapper. Flavorful and well-balanced, this cigar is all but guaranteed to draw comments from women, once they see the Nicole Miller name on the band. Positive comments will also be heard from anybody who appreciates a fine cigar. Recommended.
LA SULTANA Torpedo
The overwhelming majority of the panelists praised the Sultana torpedos for their fine construction, smooth draw, and complex flavor profile. Manufactured in Esteli, Nicaragua, these sticks come from the same company that produces the well-reviewed Golden Sun (SMOKE, Summer '97). It is nice to see a new cigar company that seems to care about quality construction and tobacco blends - especially when their cigars retail for under five bucks. Highly Recommended.
Toros...
GRAND NICA Toro
This Nicaraguan puro, made by the folks at Torafio Cigars, scored well despite some draw problems reported by our panelists, who were largely pleased by the rich, well-balanced flavors that this cigar provided. While a number of the panelists felt this was a very good, but not great cigar, almost all said they would purchase them if the price was right. At roughly $5 a stick, our panel should be pleased. The Grand Nica is a good choice for those seeking good value in a tasty, medium-bodied cigar, and for those who appreciate the flavors of quality Nicaraguan tobacco.
PURO PLACER Toro
While the panel was evenly split on whether or not they would recommend the Puro Placer, the varied impressions it left on our panelists are more puzzling. While some panelists thought it was "mild and light," others felt it was "full-bodied and strong." And while another panelist felt it was perfectly made, another could not draw on their samples. The bottom line is that most of our panelists liked the flavors it had to offer, whether they thought it was strong or mild.
QUINTIN Q ORO Toro
The Quintin Q Oro received wide ranging marks from our panel, mostly due to inconsistencies in construction. While a couple of the panelists loved the cigar and had nothing but good things to say, others felt that variances in construction and flavor from sample to sample were a hindrance to enjoying the cigar. Most did agree that when these stogies were on, they smoked awesome, and exhibited very strong flavors for a Dominican cigar.
TOPPER Nicaraguan Selection Toro
Topper Cigars, an American cigar institution which celebrated their 100th anniversary in 1996, scores well with their Nicaraguan toro, which many panelists felt was a great, medium- to full-bodied smoke with very complex and inviting flavors. All of this is achieved through quality craftsmanship and with aged Nicaraguan filler and binder leaf that is encased by a smooth-burning Indonesian wrapper. If you are looking for a solid, full-bodied smoke for under five bucks, this is a worthy contender for your humidor.
MAYORGA Toro
To say that our panel was enamored with this cigar is probably an understatement. Made from a blend of well-aged Nicaraguan filler and binder leaf, bound by a rich, Sumatran-seed Indonesian wrapper, the Mayorga gave our panelists plenty of good things to talk about. Comments were especially favorable regarding the robust flavors that exploded onto the palate and continued to develop in complexity as the cigar was smoked. Tack on a dozen or so comments about the superior construction and you pretty much can understand what the panel was trying to tell us. At under five bucks each, you simply can't go wrong with these. Highly recommended.
MILLENIUM Toro
In today's ever-competitive premium cigar market, a good value is hard to pass up. At under four bucks each, the Millenium, by Private Label Cigar Co., is an absolute steal. While not an earth-shattering smoke, its remarkable consistency and pleasant flavors were a recipe for success in our panelists' eyes. Comments were consistently on the positive side regarding all aspects of these cigars, which is more than can be said for many smokes at twice this price.
SOL Y MAR Toro
Our panel definitely liked these smooth toros, which are made with a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican filler, Mexican binder leaf, and topped off with an Indonesian wrapper. The panel liked the way these cigars started off smooth and creamy, and then delicately added layer upon layer of subtle, spicy flavors with each puff. Add to the equation the solid construction, which provided for an even burn and smooth draw, and you have a winner. Recommended.
DON SALVADOR Toro
These smokes won a few fans on the panel, especially among those who value a good, smooth-smoking, mild cigar. While some panelists struggled with construction problems, most notably a firm draw on some of the samples, most others fared better. This is another cigar that probably will not satisfy those who want strength with their flavor, but for those who like a choice in mild cigars, this may be one for your list.
ROSA BLANCA RESERVE Toro
Another smoke that seemed to fall somewhere in the middle, with some panelists praising its mildly spicy flavors and others wishing for more "umph" in the flavor department. Some of the panelists also commented on an inconsistent flavor profile that seemed stronger and spicier on some samples and extremely mild on others. Virtually all of the panelists liked the good construction, which made this an easy cigar to smoke.
LA LUNDA Toro
Made in a 75-year-old factory in Panama from 100% Cuban-seeded Nicaraguan tobacco, and then aged for two years before shipping, the La Lunda is a good smoke that received some solid praise from the panel. While the cigar was labeled by a number of panelists as a good "middle of the road" smoke, a few felt it could have been much better if it weren't for some draw problems. Mild in body and flavor, the La Lunda is a good smoke for beginners who don't want to overwhelm their palates with formidable flavors.
MACANUDO Hyde Park Maduro
While some experienced smokers thumb their noses at it as a "beginner" cigar that is too mild for their "sophisticated" palates, the Macanudo continues to go about its business by outselling everybody else on the market. The bottom line is that you will not find many cigars that can match a Macanudo in terms of consistency, both in construction and flavor. Interestingly enough, most of the "experienced" palates on our panel, who might normally snicker at the thought of smoking and enjoying a Macanudo, found it to just to their liking. If you haven't tried a Macanudo in awhile, maybe you should. Highly recommended.
VALDRYCH Toro
All panelists raved about the Valdrych's smooth and easy style, and how the flavors steadily grew as the cigar progressed. Made from three-year-old Dominican filler and binder, the near flawless construction allows for a slow and even-burning, easy-drawing smoke that beefs up in the flavor department the further you get into the smoke. While a few panelists wished the increase in flavor had happened sooner, this well-made smoke pleased most everybody.
Coronas...
FIGHTING COCK Fly Boy
Fighting Cock, one of the more popular brands from the Philippines, comes packaged in a beautiful, vanilla-colored, varnished wooden box, complete with a genuine hand-woven cloth on the inside to cushion the cigars. Certainly a nice package. Fortunately, the cigars are worthy of such niceties, as these coronas proved to our panelists. Widely lauded for their smooth and full smoke and their mild yet spicy flavors, the Fighting Cock earned most of our panel's recommendation. Recommended.
NAPA RESERVE Corona
Napa Cigar Co., which has made a name for itself with its well-made and flavorful line of Dominican and Nicaraguan cigars, scores again, this time with this corona from their Canary Islands label. Despite several complaints about the appearance of these cigars, all of the panelists raved about the complex flavors these stogies provided, and one panelist still swears these were Cuban cigars. Made with a blend of Canary Islands and Dominican filler and binder and encased with a silky Indonesian-grown, Sumatran wrapper, the Napa is a solid performer. Highly recommended.
5 VEGAS Corona
Handmade in Nicaragua, the 5 (Cinco) Vegas exhibits the best characteristics of fine cigars from that part of the world. Medium in body and filled with smooth, creamy, and spicy flavors, the 5 Vegas thrilled just about all of our panelists, who frequently commented on the complexity and fine balance of its flavors. While these smokes are tasting very good right now, a few weeks (or months) in the humidor should improve them even further.
DAVIDOFF Grand Cru No. I
There was a time in the not so distant past when the Davidoff line was one of the most expensive cigars around, but with the deluge of premium cigars on the market, all of a sudden they don't seem quite so high. At least with Davidoff, you know you will always get a superbly constructed smoke, made from top-quality, properly aged tobacco, and that in itself speaks volumes these days. While not a powerhouse, these Dominican beauties pack plenty of delicious flavors that any experienced palate will savor. Highly recommended.
YUMURI Corona
Introduced in 1995, the Yumuri is a mild-bodied cigar made with Dominican filler and binder and bound with a Connecticut shade wrapper. This is another of this tasting's cigars that received some negative comments from our panelists because of an occasional tight draw, which inhibited their ability to enjoy this smoke. When the cigars smoked well, the panelists admired the smooth and light character, and two on the panel gave them their highest marks.
DON ALBERTO Corona
Our panelists were evenly split in their praise of the construction and flavors of the Don Alberto corona. Made from a blend of Dominican filler and binder and bound with an Indonesian wrapper, the construction and flavor inconsistencies of these cigars kept some of our panelists from recommending them. It is clear that when these smokes were cooking, they won over more than a few fans with their mild and smooth flavors.
HOYO DE MONTERREY Corona
While this cigar had an inconsistent appearance due to wide variations in
wrapper color and some rough looking wrapper leaf altogether, there is no
doubt after light-up that you are dealing with a major-league stogie here.
Most of the panel recognized the unique qualities of these smokes and raved
endlessly about them, although some panelists let the knockdown strength
intimidate them into a "no recommendation." This is a full-bodied, spicy
cigar with complex flavors that lovers of fine Havana cigars will devour.
Recommended.
GEOFFREY RED Corona
A poor draw on too many of the samples ultimately sealed the fate of this corona in a few of our panelist's eyes (and palates). While some felt there were too many problems to recommend this cigar, others commented that when the cigars smoked well, they provided enough straightforward and mild flavors to warrant a nod if the price was right.
RG SANTIAGO Corona
The RG Santiago scored an overall 'thumbs up" from the panel for its consistency and straightforward Dominican flavors. While not an earth-shattering flavor bomb, these smokes are smooth and pleasant, offering no harshness or bitterness on the palate. These probably would have scored higher if they had produced more kick in the flavor department, but overall, not too bad!
CLASSICO DE CONTINENTAL Corona
Overall positive remarks for this Nicaraguan stogie from most panelists who appreciated the solid construction and excellent tobacco flavors from start to finish. One panelist did have problems with his samples, complaining of plugged cigars and below average flavors, although he was definitely in the minority. Medium-bodied and possessing a nice complexity of flavor, these cigars delivered enough to earn several recommendations.
PROVIDENCIA Corona
Overall, our panelists enjoyed these pretty and dark coronas, with their medium-body and flavor profile that increased as the cigar was smoked. Not many negative comments were spent on these smokes, other than the usual hard-core panelist looking for more flavor. The rest of the panel was happily content smoking this well-made cigar, and just about everyone placed it on their "recommended" list. Sounds like a good idea. Recommended.
EL CAMPEON Corona
While our panelists' comments on the El Campe6n were consistently good, there was some disagreement about the cigar's character: Some felt it to be an extremely mild, light-bodied cigar that lacked flavor and complexity, while others felt it was a medium-bodied, flavor powerhouse. Suffice it to say that they all agreed on the excellent construction and the easy, relaxed smoking experience this stogie provides.
C.A.0. GOLD Corona
C.A.0. Gold, the newest line from C.A.0. International, garnered an impressive showing with our panelists, who all loved the lively flavors this cigar
provided for their palates. Creamy, mildly spicy, and medium in body, these cigars are typical of the entire line from C.A.0. - smooth, flavorful,
well-made, and a good value. Recommended.
Gigantes...
DON MARIANO VINTAGE Conquistadores
Made from vintage Dominican filler and binder leaf, with a Connecticut
shade wrapper, the Don Mariano is produced in very limited quantities, and
is thus a higher priced cigar. However, despite some minor complaints about
construction and draw, many of our reviewers would probably consider
these cigars worth every penny, given their overall positive comments emphasizing
the smooth flavor and aroma these cigars delivered.
PENGUIN Emperor
This big cigar struggled a bit with some of our panelists who found it either too young and in need of some humidor time, or just too bland for the size. On the bright side, other panelists frequently commented on the great look and feel of this cigar as they smoked it, the mild and straightforward tobacco flavors, and its rugged durability - all of which make it an ideal accompaniment for active outdoor activities.
CRISPIN PATINO Double Corona
Wow, another cigar that received near unanimous positive reviews from our panelists, who all loved the construction and flavors these Venezuelan stogies delivered. Two of the panelists even named this cigar their favorite of the tasting. Made with Venezuelan filler and binder, and a seven-year-old Honduran wrapper, the Crispin Patino is a great example of some of the world-class cigars coming out of Venezuela, a region to be watched as a source of great smokes. (For more information on Venezuelan cigars, check out the article in this very issue.) Recommended.
LARS TETENS Evolving
From the alleged use of pre-embargo Cuban tobacco in the blends, to the unique sizes, high prices, and incense-like bouquet (achieved through a "secret recipe and process"), Lars Tetens cigars have caused quite a stir on the cigar scene. The reality is that Lars Tetens makes perhaps the most one-of-a-kind cigar you will find, and while these cigars have legions of fans, their unconventional character has thrown many cigar traditionalists into a tizzy, as evidenced by our panelists' mixed comments. Additionally, the unique shape and aroma of these cigars enabled several panelists to guess its identity right away Definitely a cigar that you need to sample for yourself to make up your own mind.
VERACRUZ Magnum
The Veracruz Magnum is probably second to none in terms of intricate packaging. Each cigar comes in a sealed glass tube to ensure maximum freshness. The tube is wrapped in elegant white paper and placed in a handsome, red cardboard box decorated with gold foil-embossed type. The red boxes are then placed neatly into an attractive cedar cigar box. Very nice! This large Mexican puro received mixed reviews from our panelists, several of whom liked its complexity, while others simply did not. These large stogies do offer a unique blend of flavors in a medium-bodied smoke, so if you have been wanting to see what good Mexican tobacco can do for your taste buds, these should satisfy your curiosity.
PARTAGAS Lusitania
Talk about a cigar that can knock you over with its strength and complex flavors, this fine Havana is it. While the Lusitania was certainly too much for some of our panelists, those who recognized its heritage were clearly thankful to be smoking these cigars. They begin deceivingly easy on the palate, but steadily blossom into a cigar of sheer power and explosive flavors. Not suitable for beginners, but there is nothing better for satisfying the experienced palate. Highly recommended.
LEYENDA Churchill
The Leyenda from Cigar International pleased just about all of our panelists, although a couple felt it was too mild for too long. Others praised its easygoing and relaxing style that, coupled with its straightforward spicy character and outstanding construction, provided a pleasant and problem-free smoking experience. A good smoke for those looking for something smooth, delicious, and on the mild side.
CLIPPER GOLD RESERVE Port Royal No. 25
Another cigar in the review that, despite its significant girth, delivers a relatively mild smoke. Our panelists were enthralled with the solid construction, which created no obstacles to their enjoyment of these cigars, and a few more commented favorably on the look and feel. The Clipper Gold Reserve offers a mild and moderately flavorful smoking experience that is probably not suitable for the experienced palate hungry for brash flavors, but that is perfect for most everybody else.
CUSANO ESTATE RESERVE Double Robusto
The Cusano Estate Reserve received overall positive marks from our panel, although some felt that despite its developing flavors, it did not deliver enough for their tastes. Others applauded the cigar's light and leisurely character, and everybody gave these large cigars high marks for their topnotch construction, which made handling and smoking this cigar an easy experience.
Editor's note:
Our online summary of each review serves as a handy guide of our panelist's comments. Any "recommendations" within are made solely by the panelists, and DO NOT necessarily represent the opinions of SMOKE's editorial staff.
For complete details of this month's reviews, see the Fall '97 issue
of SMOKE Magazine - available at a tobacconist near you.
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