Cigar Line (Country of origin) "Cigar name" [cigar details] -
Presmoked: [presmoked scent]. Smoked: [draw, burn, smoke scent, and flavor details]. Amount Smoked: [how much of the cigar I smoked].
([date bought] - [price paid] - [date smoked])
Cupido Criollo (Nicaragua) "Doble" [figurado] -
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: tough draw that loosened up pretty quickly,
even burn, and pungently stinky smoke that grew on me. The flavor was mild,
slightly sweet, and very nice.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(2/2003 - $9/5 - 9/2003)
Carlos Torano Reserva Selecta (Honduras) "Torpedo" [claro] -
Presmoked: light sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw, mostly even burn, and
pleasantly sweet smoke. I totally loved the flavor; it was mild, with some
sweetness to it, and it reminded me of the first Leon Jimenes "No. 5" I tried,
only a little better. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(1/2003 - $29.95/part of Torano sampler - 9/2003)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Corona Gorda" [colorado maduro] -
Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and very nicely scented smoke. I was too busy
b.s.ing to pay attention to the flavor, but I definitely thought more than once
while I was smoking it that it was a great cigar. Easily my favorite size in
the VSG line. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Newbie" trade - 9/2003)
Colorado by Don Lino (Dominican Republic) "Coffee Break" [figurado] -
Smoked: perfect draw and even burn. The flavor was mild to medium and while the flavor wasn't
impressive, it was a decent smoke. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(2/2003 - $10/25 - 9/2003)
Cupido Criollo (Nicaragua) "Comandante" -
Presmoked: slightly sweet, powdery scent that was similar to coco. Smoked:
slightly difficult draw, uneven burn, and pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor
was very mild at first, and I was getting more flavor from tasting the actual
wrapper than smoking the cigar. Eventually the flavor got a little stronger,
and had that some somewhat sweet, powdery quality as the scent of the cigar.
At some point the cigar went out by itself, and when I relit it the flavor had
a certain charred quality that made it taste more like coffee. Of the three
larger cigars I've recently smoked (the La Gloria Cubana and Padron) I've
enjoyed this one the most, but I still wasn't impressed with the flavor.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2003 - $17/part of Cupido sampler - 9/2003)
La Gloria Cubana (Dominican Republic) "Glorias en Cedros" [tubo] -
Presmoked: spicy cedar scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn,
and smoke that also had a spicy cedar scent. The flavor was mild to medium,
and also had a spicy cedar scent. The flavor was good, but I'm not that fond
of cedar. Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(6/2003 - $4.75 - 9/2003)
C.A.O. Brazilia (Honduras) "Piranha" [maduro] -
Presmoked: hay scent with a hint of spiciness. Smoked: perfect draw and even burn. Mild to medium
flavor that was decent, but didn't really hold my attention. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Pay It Forward" trade - 9/2003)
Padron (Nicaragua) "Churchill" [maduro] -
Smoked: perfect draw and even burn. The flavor was mild to medium, and had a
kind of toasted cereal quality to it. It was pretty decent, but it didn't really
do anything for me. Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(8/2003 - 4.20 - 9/2003)
Macanudo Maduro (Dominican Republic) "Hyde Park" [maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet earthy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, and even burn. The flavor was medium to full,
and tasted like ass. I did not like it at all. The cigar made the flavor of the Coke I was drinking
taste interesting, but the flavor of the cigar never improved. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(10/2002 - $4.25 - 9/2003)
Indian Tabac Limited Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Buffalo" [natural] -
My humidor was a little dry when I fished this cigar out so I knew the flavor
wouldn't be as good as normal.
Presmoked: sweet moldy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, mostly even burn, and
stinky smoke. The cigar had that unique flavor I've grown accustomed to from
the "Buffalo", but it wasn't as strong as normal. Pretty good flavor, but not
as good as normal. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - $13/10 - 9/2003)
Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 (Nicaragua) "Robusto Grande" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: pungent sweet scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw and even burn. Medium spicy flavor
that I didn't really care for. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(3/2003 - $3.75 - 9/2003)
Romeo Y Julieta Maduro Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw, even burn, and stinky
smoke. The flavor was mild, and decent, but nothing special. I probably would
have enjoyed it more if I could get more smoke out of it.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(6/2003 - $5.50 - 9/2003)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Corona Gorda" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet-spicy scent that was somewhat menacing; it was awesome.
Smoked: perfect draw, almost even burn, and smoke that smelled almost as good
as the VSG "Illusion" (which still ranks as the best smelling cigar to me).
The flavor was mild to medium, and only ok until I drank a Coke. After the
Coke the flavor was creamy with a really great aftertaste. It sort of reminded
me of the way Ashton Aged Maduros "No. 20"s used to taste when they were my
favorite cigar. I'm going to have to have to find a couple of these for special
occasions. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(11/2002 - $8.25 - 8/2003)
Cupido Classic (Nicaragua) "Torpito" [figurado] -
Presmoked: light earthy, chocolate scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and sharply scented
smoke that I enjoyed. The flavor was medium, and not really interesting. The aftertaste was nice,
but I wasn't impressed with the cigar. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar. (It was a very short cigar.)
(7/2003 - $17/part of Cupido sampler - 8/2003)
Padron (Nicaragua) "2000" [maduro] -
Smoked: slightly difficult draw and mostly even burn. Full flavor that had a slight bit of harshness
to it. Medium to full flavor after a Dr. Pepper made the harshness a little more bearable, and after
the first 1/4 of the cigar the harshness went away completely. Even though it's a very good cigar I
decided that the flavor is just too strong for my tastes. Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(8/2003 - 3.55 - 8/2003)
La Gloria Cubana (Dominican Republic) "Wavell" [natural] -
Presmoked: sweet earthy scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn,
and pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was on the mild side, and it had
an indescribable flavor. I like the natural version of this cigar a little
better than the maduro version, but they're both pretty tasty.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(8/2003 - $4.25 - 8/2003)
Trinidad (Dominican Republic) "Fundador" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: sugary scent, too sweet for me. Smoked: slightly tough draw, even
burn, and decently scented smoke. The flavor was mild and not interesting at
all. The flavor didn't get any better or any worse after drinking a Dr.
Pepper. The cigar was a complete waste of money. Amount Smoked: 1/4 of the
cigar. I could have smoked more, but why?
(6/2003 - $10 - 8/2003)
La Gloria Cubana (Dominican Republic) "Wavell" [maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn, and
pleasantly scented smoke. Flavor started medium to full and was pretty nice,
but there was a slight oddness to it. After a Dr. Pepper the flavor was
medium and the oddness went away. Definitely a cigar worth smoking.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(8/2003 - $4.25 - 8/2003)
Cusano Xclusivo (Dominican Republic) "Preferido Grande" [colorado, figurado] -
Presmoked: spiced honey scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and smoke that
was oddly reminiscent of the presmoked scent. The flavor was mild with a little
bit of spice to it. After a drink of Dr. Pepper the spiciness disappeared, but
the cigar still had a nice flavor. Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(8/2002 - $31/5 & $23/5)
Punch Gran Puro (Honduras) "Santa Rita" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: spicy-sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and smoke that
smelled as potent as the cigar tasted. The flavor was full, spicy, and made
my tongue feel like it was on fire. I desperately needed a Coke. The Coke
sucked all the spice out of the flavor, and without the spice the cigar didn't
have much flavor left. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(8/2003 - $4.05 - 8/2003)
Padron (Nicaragua) "Delicias" [maduro] -
Presmoked: spicy-sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw and even burn. Medium flavored, but nothing
interesting to the flavor. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(8/2003 - 3.15 - 8/2003)
Punch Rare Corojo (2003) (Honduras) "Double Corona" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: earthy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and slightly
stinky smoke. The flavor was medium and toasty. I liked it.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 the cigar.
(8/2003 - $5 - 8/2003)
Hoja de Nicaragua (Nicaragua) "Corona" -
Presmoked: honey scent. Smoked: really tough draw, even burn, and stinky smoke. I couldn't really
taste the flavor of the cigar since I could hardly get any smoke out of it from the tough draw. I've
had draw problem with both of the Hoja de Nicaraguas I've tried to smoke now. Not a good sign.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(2/2003 - $5/10 - 8/2003)
Havana Royale (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [claro] -
Presmoked: honey scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and stinky smoke.
There wasn't much flavor in this cigar, and the flavor I could taste I didn't
like. Amount Smoked: almost none.
(2/2003 - $4/5 - 8/2003)
Hoja de Nicaragua (Nicaragua) "Corona" -
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: loose draw, even burn, and stinky smoke.
There must have been a hole in the cigar somewhere because I could hardly get
any smoke out of it. The smoke I did get did taste good though.
Amount Smoked: almost none.
(2/2003 - $5/10 - 8/2003)
Partagas Black (Dominican Republic) "Magnifico" [maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet-earthy scent. Smoked: perfect draw and uneven burn. The
flavor was surprisingly mild, and not something I really cared for, but the
aftertaste was a pleasant sweet-woody flavor. Nice, but nothing special.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Newbie" trade - 7/2003)
Gurkha (Dominican Republic) "Aged Cameroon Robusto" -
Smoked: perfect draw and uneven burn. The flavor started medium to full, and a little harsh. It
mellowed after a little while, but I never really cared for the flavor.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(3/2003 - $27/5 - 7/2003)
Industrial Press (Nicaragua) "Drew Supreme" [maduro] -
Presmoked: spicy chocolate scent (which had to be due to the Natural "Dirt"s
that were also in the same humijar). Smoked: perfect draw, a burn that
alternated between even and uneven, and pungently scented smoke that I actually
enjoyed. The flavor started out full, which I didn't really care for, but the
aftertaste was pretty good. The flavor mellowed a little with a Dr. Pepper,
but it didn't improve. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar. (I didn't smoke the
entire cigar because the cigar was really short, or that I enjoyed it immensely,
but because I was enjoying sitting outside during a storm and the cigar was a
good excuse to stay outside.)
(8/2002 - $14/part of IP sampler - 7/2003)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Monarcha" [natural] -
Presmoked: cedar and spice scent. Smoked: perfect draw and even burn. The
flavor started out mild to medium and tasted like balsa wood. As I smoked the
cigar the flavor got stronger until it was full flavored. The flavor was good,
but not my sort of thing. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(6/2002 - $9.20 - 7/2003)
Padron 1926 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Robusto" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: slightly sweet-spicy tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven
burn that fixed itself, and slightly stinky smoke. The flavor was slightly
papery and very spicy; it reminded me of the El Rico Habano "Habano Club", and
just like the "Habano Club" the flavor really didn't do it for me.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Newbie" trade - 7/2003)
Padron (Nicaragua) "2000" [maduro] -
Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was full with noticeable
cocoa flavors, and a bit too much for me, but it was so good that I couldn't stop smoking the cigar.
The more I smoked it the easier it was though. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2003 - gifted - 7/2003)
Cupido Criollo (Nicaragua) "Doble" [figurado] -
Presmoked: spicy, pungent scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn (most of the
time), and stinky smoke. The flavor was medium, but sort of flat. The flavor
got milder with a Dr. Pepper, but it was only above average. I think this cigar
was a little dry.
Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(2/2003 - $9/5 - 7/2003)
Cusano Xclusivo (Dominican Republic) "Preferido Grande" [colorado, figurado] -
Presmoked: light dry-sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and stinky
smoke. The flavor was mild to medium with a creamy nuttiness and spice. It
gave the Dr. Pepper a very good flavor, and settled to mild without the
spiciness. A very tasty cigar. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar. (I ran out of
soda and would have gotten sick if I didn't stop smoking it.)
(8/2002 - $31/5 & $23/5 - 7/2003)
Cusano Killer Cameroon (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [colorado] -
Presmoked: sweet-musty scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and somewhat
stinky smoke. The flavor was medium to full with a pleasant bit of spice on
the tip of the tongue. It went great with a Coke and had a papery (not in a
bad way) flavor with a nutty finish. Overall a damn tasty cigar.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(4/2002 - $4.15 - 7/2003)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Jucy Lucy" [maduro] -
Smoked: perfect draw and even burn. The flavor started out a little sour, but that disappeared after
a while. Overall the cigar was decent, but not impressive.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $2.75 - 7/2003)
Cusano Killer Cameroon (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [colorado] -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and smoke
that started out stinky, but started smelling pretty good to me after a while.
The flavor was medium and papery, but in a good way.
Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $22/10 - 7/2003)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 20" [maduro] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn, and decently
scented smoke. The flavor started out pretty mild, and it remained pretty
mild after my first sip of Coke. The flavor was nice, but it didn't taste
as good as the "No. 20"s that I love. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(8/2002 - $27/5 - 7/2003)
Arturo Fuente Special Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Chateau Fuente" [maduro] -
Presmoked: spicy-sweet cedar scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and slightly stinky smoke.
The flavor started full with some spice, but after my first sip of Coke it settled down to a damn
tasty medium flavor. At first it also tasted a little papery, but it went away before too long.
Overall a damn tasty cigar. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(11/2002 - $3.95 - 7/2003)
Cusano Selection (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" [colorado] - The only
other cigar that I remembered being reminiscent of the Padron 1964 Anniversary
"Monarcha" was the Cusano Selection so I had to smoke one to compare it to the
Cossack. I liked the Cossack better.
Presmoked: sweet hay scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and great smelling
smoke. The cigar had a mild to medium floral flavor that was good, but not as
delicious as the Cossack.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(1/2003 - $10/5 - 7/2003)
Cossack Double Scimitar (Nicaragua) "Lonsdale" -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn,
and great smelling smoke. I finally figured out what it is I like about the
flavor of this cigar! The sweet component was obvious, but I always have a
hard time identifying floral flavors even though I really like them. This cigar
was extremely similar to the best Padron 1964 Anniversary "Monarcha"s I've had
(except that the wrapper on this cigar is extremely thin, and the cap always
comes off). This is easily the best cigar I've ever had that cost less than $1.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 the cigar.
(2/2003 - $10/25 - 7/2003)
La Luna African Fuerte (Honduras) "#4 Perfecto" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw and slightly uneven burn.
There was a strong flavor of toasted rice before I took a sip of my Dr Pepper.
After the Dr Pepper the flavor settled down to a decent sort of medium. It
wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.
Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $35/part of LL sampler - 7/2003)
Onyx Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Torbusto" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: spiced honey scent. Smoked: tough draw, uneven burn, and pleasantly
scented smoke. The flavor was an indescribable sort of medium that made the
Dr Pepper I was drinking with it taste really good. The wrapper on the cigar
had a hard time staying lit. Next time I think I'll keep the cigar a little
drier. Amount Smoked: 1/3 the cigar.
(3/2003 - $15/5 - 6/2003)
Cossack Double Scimitar (Nicaragua) "Lonsdale" - One of the most unusual
(in a good way) cigars I've smoked.
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, uneven burn, and smoke
that had a distinct pine aroma. The flavor was sweet, but there was a unique
tang to it that made it interesting. I'll be happy to smoke another one of
these some day soon. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(2/2003 - $10/25 - 6/2003)
Havana Reserve by Don Lino (Dominican Republic) "Lonsdale" [maduro] -
Presmoked: light sweet and earthy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and
pleasantly scented smoke. The cigar had a mild earthy flavor that wasn't bad,
but wasn't great either. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(2/2003 - $7/5 - 6/2003)
Cusano Xclusivo (Dominican Republic) "Preferido Grande" [colorado, figurado] -
Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was
mild to medium, and very tasty, but I can't describe it.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar. (I had to be somewhere otherwise I would have smoked more.)
(8/2002 - $31/5 & $23/5 - 6/2003)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Jucy Lucy" [maduro] -
Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and very nicely scented smoke. The flavor started out a little
spicy and a little rough, but eventually it settled into a sweet nuttiness. It was nice, but seemed
to be missing some of its previous complexity. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $2.75 - 6/2003)
Cuesta-Rey Centenario (Dominican Republic) "Belicoso No. 11" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: a pungent sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and great
scented smoke. The flavor started out terrible; kind of like wet carpet. After
a while it got better, but it never got good enough that I wanted to smoke it.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(5/2003 - $5.70 - 6/2003)
Cupido Criollo (Nicaragua) "Doble" [figurado] -
Presmoked: sweet earthy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and pungent
smoke that I really liked. The flavor was on the mild side with a creamy
nuttiness that went well with a Dr. Pepper. I was amazed how good this cigar
still was even after all the abuse it suffered going to Japan and back with me.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(2/2003 - $9/5 - 6/2003)
Partagas (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw, even burn, and
great scented smoke. The flavor was kind of musty (which I know wasn't due
to my humidor since it was on its dry cycle), but the aftertaste was very
pleasant. It was creamy with a light wood flavor. If it wasn't for the musty
flavor I would have thought this was a great cigar. Halfway through smoking
the cigar it heated up and the musty flavor decreased, but so did the
aftertaste. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(12/2002 - Christmas present - 6/2003)
Leon Jimenes (Dominican Republic) "No. 5" -
Presmoked: light sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and
decently scented smoke. The flavor was mild, light, and a little sweet. It
was pretty good, but I wasn't quite in the mood for it.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(2/2003 - $7/5 - 6/2003)
El Rico Habano (Dominican Republic) "Habano Club" -
Presmoked: slightly sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw, and even burn. The
flavor was decent and pretty smooth, but nothing I would consider special.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Newbie" trade - 6/2003)
Nicarao (Nicaragua) "Flecha" -
Presmoked: pungent tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw and even burn. The flavor was somewhat mild
and decent, but it might have been better if I wasn't drinking a root beer.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(2/2003 - $16/25 - 6/2003)
Dictador (Nicaragua) "Torpedo" [natural, figurado] -
Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and decently scented smoke. The flavor was on the mild side and only
decent, but then I took a drink of my Coke; the flavor of the cigar combined with the Coke is a
definite winning combination.
Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(1/2003 - $25/25 - 6/2003)
Mr. B's Embassy Nicaraguan "Cetro" [maduro] -
Presmoked: cocoa scent with a hint of cinnamon. Smoked: tough draw, even burn,
and very nicely scented smoke. The flavor was mild to medium, and it had a
nice bit of leather that would turn sweet. I really enjoyed this cigar, and
my only complaint was the draw.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Newbie" trade - 5/2003)
Cabanas (Dominican Republic) "Royale" [maduro] -
Presmoked: chocolate scent. Smoked: tough draw, even burn, and tasty scented smoke. This was one
of the ugliest cigars I've smoked in a while, but it had a sweet maduro flavor that I enjoyed a lot.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar. I would have smoked more if it wasn't for the draw.
(3/2003 - $2.25 - 5/2003)
Cuesta-Rey Centenario (Dominican Republic) "Belicoso No. 11" [natural, figurado] -
Presmoked: very sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn, and
great scented smoke. The cigar smoke had a strange astringency to it that I
didn't like, and I couldn't really taste the flavor. I didn't like this cigar
at all, but it might have been due to the humidity of the store humidor so I'll
let the other Cuesta-Rey Centenario I bought from the same place sit in my
humidor a lot longer before I smoke it. Amount Smoked: 1/2 of the cigar.
(5/2003 - $5.70 - 5/2003)
Carlos Torano Nicaragua Selection (Old Blend) (Nicaragua) "Cetro" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: spicy tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and
pleasantly scented smoke. I fished this cigar out of my coolerdor during the
its dry cycle so the cigar didn't taste as good as it could of. The flavor
was pretty good, but on the mild side. I'm sure it'll taste better when the
humidity is a little higher. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(1/2003 - $7/5 - 5/2003)
Indian Tabac (Dominican Republic) "Teepee" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, almost even burn, and
pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was on the mild side and had that
indescribable maduro flavor. It was ok by itself, but tasted better with a
Coke. While the flavor was good, I was left wanting something more.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(3/2003 - $2.50 - 5/2003)
Ras Tafari (Dominican Republic) "Afrika" -
Presmoked: grassy tobacco scent. Smoked: stinky smoke and almost impossible
draw. Amount Smoked: I couldn't smoke the cigar since it was plugged.
(2/2003 - $5/5 - 5/2003)
Punch (Honduras) "Rothschild" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: light grassy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and ok scented smoke. This cigar
started full flavored and spicy, and kept it up for so long that I couldn't wait to drink some Coke
to cut some of the spice. Overall not a bad cigar, but the flavor was a little too much for me.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(12/2002 - Christmas present - 5/2003)
Sancho Panza (Honduras) "Quixote" [maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet scent, and a nice oily look to the wrapper (I do have to
mention it since it didn't look nearly that nice when I bought it). Smoked:
an ok draw, even burn, and average scented smoke. The flavor was on the mild
side, a little woody, and nothing really interesting.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 the cigar.
(11/2002 - $6.80/part of Sancho Panza sampler - 5/2003)
Don Tomas Cameroon Collection (Dominican Republic) "Perfecto #1" [figurado] -
Smoked: slightly difficult draw and uneven burn. The flavor was a little on
the harsh side, and sort of seemed like it was slightly over humidified. I'll
wait until I try another one to make up my mind about it, but I didn't like the
one I had. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(3/2003 - $8/5 - 5/2003)
Flor de A. Allones (Honduras) "Belicoso" [natural, figurado] -
Presmoked: pungent tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and ok
scented smoke. The flavor was mild to medium and nothing special.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(11/2002 - $5.75 - 5/2003)
Cuesta-Rey Centenario (Dominican Republic) "No. 60" [natural] - A very
tasty cigar.
Presmoked: spiced honey scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and really
nicely scented sweet smoke. There was a medium flavor that was a mix between
woody and sweet that I really enjoyed. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(3/2003 - $5 - 5/2003)
Montecristo Serie V (Dominican Republic) "#4" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: easy draw, even burn, and very
pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was woody with some spice, but the
flavor was kind of hollow to me so I didn't really care for it.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(4/2003 - $6.?? - 4/2003)
Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970 (Nicaragua) "Robusto Grande" [colorado maduro] -
Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn, and stinky smoke. The flavor
was on the medium side, but pretty unremarkable.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(4/2003 - $4.?? - 4/2003)
Cusano Killer Cameroon (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [colorado] -
Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and stinky smoke. This is the first time I
could remember smoking one of these without a soda. It had a nice medium
flavor that got spicy the more I smoked it. I didn't like the flavor of the
wine I was drinking with the cigar so I eventually switched to Dr. Pepper, and
flavor became more woody and nutty. Either way it was a great cigar.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(1/2003 - free from CusanoCigars.com - 4/2003)
Mr. B's Nicaraguan Selection Sungrown (Nicaragua) "Torpedo" [oscuro, figurado] -
Presmoked: no real scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw and an even burn.
My least favorite vitola of all the ones I've tried. The flavor was good, but
much milder than the other three vitolas. It might have been due to the
recent fluctuations my humidor went through when I was out of town.
Amount Smoked: 1/4 of the cigar. (I had to be somewhere so I didn't have a
lot of time, but it's not like I really wanted to finish this cigar anyway.)
(1/2003 - $10.95/part of Mr. B's NSS sampler - 4/2003)
Carlos Torano Nicaragua Selection (Old Blend) (Nicaragua) "Robusto" [colorado maduro] -
Smoked: tough draw, uneven burn, and excellently scented smoke. The flavor
was pretty good, but I'm sure all the problems were due to what my cigars
went through while I was out of town.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - $9/5 - 4/2003)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Egg" [figurado] -
Presmoked: moldy scent. It was pretty nasty. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven
burn, and stinky smoke. The cigar started with a great woody flavor, then it
contained a hint of vanilla. As the cigar smoked down the flavor had different
aspects of toastiness, creaminess, peanut butter, and a hint of ash. Overall
I thought the cigar was really good. Halfway through the cigar (in the middle
of the large lump) it would become hot after a few drags so that it was too
much of a pain in the ass for me to smoke.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(3/2003 - $8 - 3/2003)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Monarcha" [natural] -
Presmoked: no real scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and pleasantly
scented smoke. The flavor wasn't that interesting; it was sort of papery and
woody. Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(6/2002 - $9.20 - 3/2003)
Onyx Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Torbusto" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: very grassy scent with a hint of chocolate. Smoked: loose draw,
uneven burn, and stinky smoke. The flavor was spicy in the same way the El
Rico Habano was. I didn't like it. I think it probably had something to do
with the icecream I had earlier.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(3/2003 - $15/5)
Arturo Fuente Special Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Flor Fina 8-5-8" [maduro] -
Presmoked: light sweet scent. Smoked: loose draw, even burn, and pleasantly
scented smoke. This cigar had a nice mild to medium flavor, but I didn't think
it was nearly as good as the "Chateau Fuente". Actually there wasn't anything
about this cigar that really made me want to smoke it.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - $4.97 - 3/2003)
Aromas de San Andres (Mexico) "Sceptors" [maduro] - An above average cigar.
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and pleasantly
scented smoke. Very nice medium flavors made this a cigar I enjoyed smoking.
Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(3/2003 - $4/10 - 3/2003)
Ras Tafari (Dominican Republic) "Afrika" - An above average cigar.
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, mostly even
burn, and stinky smoke. Excellent medium toasty flavors that I totally dug.
The Coke kind of dulled the flavors a bit, but not too much to keep me from
enjoying it. This one's a keeper.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar. Towards the end the cigar took on an ashy flavor.
(2/2003 - $5/5 - 3/2003)
Calle Ocho (Dominican Republic) "Corona" -
Presmoked: a spicy-cedar tobacco scent that's exactly like the scent you love
to smell when you walk into a humidor. Smoked: loose draw, even burn, and
papery stinky smoke. The flavor was on the mild side of medium, and something
that didn't make much of an impression.
Amount Smoked: 1/5 of the cigar.
(2/2003 - $5/5 - 3/2003)
Estavan Cruz (Dominican Republic) "Churchill" [maduro] - A good cigar.
Presmoked: pungent tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, mostly even burn,
and pleasantly scented smoke. Nice medium flavors which I liked, but I wasn't
blown away by. It's an above average cigar.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar (it was a large cigar).
(2/2003 - $12/5 - 3/2003)
Gurkha (Dominican Republic) "Aged Cameroon Robusto" -
Presmoked: slight stinky scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, mostly even
burn, and stinky smoke. The flavor started out slightly spicy, but hollow.
After a swig of Coke the flavor lost it's spiciness, but it developed into a
somewhat papery nutty flavor. It was nice, but for the money and the flavor
I prefer the Cusano Killer Cameroon.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(3/2003 - $27/5 - 3/2003)
Mr. B's Nicaraguan Selection Sungrown (Nicaragua) "Churchill" [oscuro] -
Presmoked: couldn't really get a scent on this one. Smoked: slightly
difficult draw, even burn, and stinky smoke. This cigar had the same great
dark flavors that I've come to expect from the Selection Sungrown line, but
the flavor wasn't as strong as the other two vitolas I tried. I would have
liked this one better if I didn't know the flavor could be stronger.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - $10.95/part of Mr. B's NSS sampler - 3/2003)
Ramon Allones (Dominican Republic) "Gustoso" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: very subtle scent that reminded me of some sort of juice. Smoked:
perfect draw, mostly even burn, and decently scented smoke. Medium to full
flavor to start, but as soon as I took a sip of Dr. Pepper it tasted like ash.
Changed to a Coke and things were a little better, but the flavor was still
only a fraction of what it was before the Dr. Pepper. Neither soda seemed
especially suited for this cigar, but even though the flavor of the cigar wasn't
that good the aftertaste ws very nice. I can't help but feel that I would have
liked the cigar more with a different drink.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(11/2002 - $3 - 3/2003)
Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 Silver (Honduras) "Toro" [maduro] - A good,
but not great cigar.
Presmoked: slightly sweet, stinky scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and
stinky smoke that smelled pretty good at times. The flavor was nice, but like
most Torano cigars, a little too mild for my tastes.
Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(1/2003 - $29.95/part of Torano sampler - 3/2003)
La Gloria Cubana (Dominican Republic) "Wavell" [colorado maduro] - This
was a really good cigar which surprised me considering my experience with the
Serie R. Presmoked: a sweet scent that made me think "cigar candy". Smoked:
perfect draw, mostly even burn, and extremely stinky smoke with a pleasant
floral aroma underneath the stinkiness. The flavor was actually a really good
medium floral flavor. I liked this cigar, but I have about 14 Cusano Selections
that taste pretty similar and zero room in the humidors so it's unlikely I'll
get any more of these anytime soon.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar. I would have smoked more, but I had other
things to do.
(12/2002 - Christmas present - 3/2003)
Don Tomas (Honduras) "Cetro #2" [candela] -
Presmoked: grassy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and pleasantly
scented smoke. This was my first candela wrapper, and it'll most likely be
the last too. The cigar wasn't bad; it had a mild somewhat nutty flavor.
Occassionally the smoke would take on a "green" flavor that I didn't like. I
think if Don Tomas makes a cameroon wrapped cigar it might be pretty tasty.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(2/2003 - gifted - 3/2003)
Astral Cameroon (Honduras) "Lujo" -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: loose draw, mostly even burn, and
smoke that smelled like burning paper. The flavor was mild, and it tasted
like burning paper so I didn't like the cigar at all. The odd flavor might
have been due to the fact that I smoked the Astral immediately after the
Aroma de Cuba.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Pay It Forward" trade - 3/2003)
La Aroma de Cuba "Corona" -
Presmoked: sweet hay scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn,
and alright scented smoke. The flavor started full with a pleasant amount of
spice. After I drank some Coke the cigar tasted like ash. I ditched the Coke
and tried a Dr. Pepper instead. The flavor didn't taste like ash any more, but
it was mild to medium, and only ok. Apparently soda is not the thing to drink
with this cigar. The draw gradually got more difficult the longer I smoked
the cigar. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Pay It Forward" trade - 3/2003)
Fidalgo Negro (Dominican Republic) "Corona" [oscuro] - A piece of crap
dyed cigar. I'm throwing away my other four. There should be a warning on
the label about the dye.
Presmoked: funky scent. I noticed the wrapper was very thin and fragile. I
also noticed that it was too black. I suspected that it was dyed. Smoked:
perfect draw and an uneven burn. The flavor had the same funky characteristic
about it that the scent did. Amount Smoked: 1/5 of the cigar. That's as far
as I got when I asked Lynn if my lips were turning brown, and Lynn answered
yes.
(2/2003 - $5/5 - 3/2003)
5 Vegas (Nicaragua) "Torpedo" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: pungent scent. Smoked: difficult draw, even burn, and pungent smoke
that could be pleasant or stinky depending on how you feel. The flavor started
medium to full with something I couldn't identify. It wasn't bad. At almost
the halfway point the cigar burned through whatever it needed to and the draw
became a lot easier. Not long after the draw got better the flavor decided to
mellow out. It was so mild it couldn't keep my interest.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(2/2003 - $11/5 - 3/2003)
Montague (Indonesia) "Lancero" [colorado] - An ok cigar.
Presmoked: spicy hay scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and pleasantly
scented smoke. An indescribable sort of medium flavor. It was only ok; there
was nothing about the flavor that made me want to smoke the cigar.
Amount Smoked: 1/4 of the cigar, but it was a very long cigar.
(1/2003 - $5/5 - 3/2003)
Cupido Criollo (Nicaragua) "Doble" [figurado] - A kick butt cigar.
Presmoked: kind of a stinky scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and very
nicely scented smoke. As I smoked the cigar the scent got stinky, but I didn't
mind one bit because the flavor was really good and really smooth. It was
medium and different from anything else I've tried before.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(2/2003 - $9/5 - 2/2003)
Arturo Fuente Hemingway (Dominican Republic) "Short Story" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: tough draw, even burn, and pleasantly scented
smoke. I had to cut quite a bit of the tip off to get a good draw. The flavor
started strong with spice, paper, and ash, but it settled down to a manageable
medium flavor which still tasted of paper and ash. I hated it, and thought it
was worse the Biarritz I smoked the night before. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the
cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Pay It Forward" trade - 2/2003)
Biarritz (Dominican Republic) "Coffee Break" [colorado, figurado] - An ok
cigar. Presmoked: no strong scents. Smoked: perfect draw and even burn.
Medium flavor that was ok and sort of papery. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(2/2003 - $22/25 - 2/2003)
El Mejor Gran Reserva (Nicaragua) "Robusto" [maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn, and very
nicely scented smoke. The flavor started full and reminded me of expresso
even though it wasn't a coffee flavor. I think my mind attached to that
description because of the strength of the flavor. Not too long into the cigar
it started tasting like tar, and it never stopped.
Amount Smoked: 1/4 of the cigar.
(2/2003 - $8/5 - 2/2003)
Mr. B's Nicaraguan Selection Sungrown (Nicaragua) "Double Perfecto" [oscuro, figurado] -
A kick butt cigar.
Presmoked: medium-spice scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, mostly even
burn, and smoke that alternated between pleasant and stinky. The flavor
started a tasty medium to full, and very creamy. I totally loved it, and it
made my Dr. Pepper really creamy too. After a while the medium flavor mellowed
to a creamy mild, but that may have been because the wrapper started giving me
problems burning.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar, but it was a huge cigar.
(1/2003 - $10.95/part of Mr. B's NSS sampler)
Bohemian Red (Dominican Republic) "North Beach" -
Presmoked: sweet-pungent scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, mostly even
burn, and somewhat pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was mild, but pretty
decent. I would have enjoyed it more if the flavor was stronger. As it was
it was too mild and too much trouble for me to smoke. (I should have known
better than to buy a cigar with over a 50 ring gauge, but I was feeding my
compulsion at the time. Thankfully I'm over that now.)
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(2/2003 - $10/5 - 2/2003)
Mr. B's Embassy Nicaraguan "Enanos" [maduro] -
Presmoked: hay scent. Smoked: perfect draw, mostly even burn, and pleasantly
scented smoke. The flavor started out full with dark spice. Eventually it
mellowed to a medium toasty flavor. Overall a very good cigar, but I like
the "Nicaraguan Selection Sungrown" better. Both are worth buying though.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Pay It Forward" trade - 2/2003)
H. Upmann (Cuba) -
Presmoked: spicy scent on a very ugly looking little cigar. Smoked: perfect
draw, mostly even burn, and pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was somewhat
mild flavor and very nice, but not impressive.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar (which wasn't hard considering it was cigrillo
size).
(1/2003 - from "Newbie" trade - 2/2003)
Cusano Xclusivo (Dominican Republic) "Preferido Grande" [colorado, figurado] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent combined with a spice I recognized, but couldn't name.
Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn, and stinky smoke. I was surprised because
the flavor was a little spicy this time. I dug it.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar. (I ran out of soda.)
(8/2002 - $31/5 & $23/5 - 2/2003)
Vieux Carre (USA) "Cafe" -
Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn, and somewhat stinky smoke. There was a good
flavor from the cameroon wrapper, but overall the flavor was sort of hollow.
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 of the cigar.
(12/2002 - $22.50/part of Cigar Factory sampler - 2/2003)
Punch (Honduras) "Punch" [maduro] -
Presmoked: a great sweet spicy scent. Smoked: really tough draw, even burn,
and pleasantly scented smoke. The found the cause of the draw problem, and
when I just off enough of the tip I got loads of smoke. The medium flavor of
this cigar was really good. It's interaction with Dr. Pepper was interesting
too; it caused my tongue to tingle, and gave the Dr. Pepper a spicy flavor.
I can't believe after all this time I've finally found a Punch that I like.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar. The cigar was still tasty, but the wrapper had
a vicious tar taste that made my lips want to jump off of my mouth.
(7/2002 - $20/part of "full flavor" sampler - 2/2003)
Carlos Torano Signature Collection (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and ok scented smoke.
The flavor was a little more than mild, but nothing I really cared for.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(1/2003 - $29.95/part of Torano sampler - 2/2003)
Colorado by Don Lino (Dominican Republic) "Coffee Break" [figurado] -
Presmoked: very light sweet scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and ok
scented smoke. This cigar felt a little dry when I punched it, and (not
surprisingly) it was. It tasted pretty dry when I smoked it so I just let it
go out. Amount Smoked: barely any.
(2/2003 - $10/25 - 2/2003)
Mr. B's Nicaraguan Selection "Petite Corona" -
Presmoked: a grassy, moldy scent. The scent worried me because it made me
wonder if the cigar was overhumidified. Smoked: difficult draw that eventually
eased up, even burn, and pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor started out mild,
but after I started drinking Dr. Pepper it got a little stronger. It was tasty,
but it wasn't too long before there was an undercurrent of ash present in the
flavor. I believe the cigar was overhumidified. This is the first cigar I've
pulled from the bottom of the cooler so it looks like I'll have to keep the
cooler drier.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - from "Pay It Forward" trade - 2/2003)
Cusano Selection (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" [colorado] -
A very tasty mild cigar. I'll have to keep some of these around.
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw and an even burn. The
flavor of the cigar was mild and floral. It reminded me of the flavor of the
last couple of Padron 1964 Anniversarys I've had without the exorbitant prices.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(1/2003 - $10/5 - 2/2003)
El Rico Habano (Dominican Republic) "Habano Club" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: uniquely pungent scent that almost stung. Smoked: perfect draw, even
burn, and pleasantly scented smoke. The cigar was full flavored, and completely
different from anything else I've ever had. The flavor was spicy, but extremely
smooth. It also had a certain metallic twang that made it weird. I wish this
cigar had some deeper or darker flavors to balance out the spiciness.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar. I just wasn't in the mood for this particular cigar.
(1/2003 - $14/5 - 2/2003)
Nestor Reserve (Honduras) "Torpedo" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw, mostly even burn, and
I couldn't really smell the smoke because it kept being blown away by the wind,
but what I could smell wasn't bad. The cigar had a mild to medium generic
maduro flavor, with a slightly papery taste. It went really well with a Dr.
Pepper. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - $10/5 - 2/2003)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Torpedo" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: spicy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn, and stinky smoke.
The flavor of the cigar was ok, but not at all worth the money.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(6/2002 - $15.70 - 2/2003)
Trilogy Exotic Maduro (Honduras) "Torpedo" [maduro, figurado] -
Smoked: perfect draw, slightly uneven burn, and somewhat pleasantly scented
smoke. The flavor was medium, and only ok, but it did do really nice things
with a Coke. The cigar is somewhat cheap, but I'm not going to be buying
another of these.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(11/2002 - $3.95 - 1/2003)
Carlos Torano Nicaragua Selection (Nicaragua) "Toro" [colorado maduro] -
I was disappointed when I looked at the cigar and noticed it was the
discontinued Nicaragua Selection blend. [I later found out from someone at Torano
that this wasn't the discontinued blend, but the new blend which didn't receive the
boxpressing the new ones normally do.]
Presmoked: light, sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: easy draw, uneven burn, and
pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was mild to medium and very nice. Towards
the end it took on a papery flavor.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - $29.95/part of Torano sampler - 1/2003)
Mr. B's Nicaraguan Selection Sungrown (Nicaragua) "Robusto" [oscuro] -
A great cigar at a great price; looks like I'm going to have to stock these.
Presmoked: light scent, halfway shiny cigar with a rough look. Smoked: perfect
draw and mostly even burn. Full flavored and spicy with a long finish before
I had to reach for a Dr. Pepper, afterwards it had lost the spiciness but it
had rich dark flavors that reminded me of eating a creme pie.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(1/2003 - $10.95/part of Mr. B's NSS sampler - 1/2003)
Camacho (Honduras) "Diploma" [colorado maduro] - Since I just bought
someone a box of these, and gave one away to someone else I thought I'd smoke
one to remind me what they tasted like. I wasn't impressed.
Presmoked: nice sheen to the cigar and an excellent spicy scent. Smoked: easy
draw, uneven burn, and stinky smoke that occasionally smelled good. (Lynn
mentioned that it smelled like burning plastic. Sometimes it did!) Nice spicy
flavor before I tried it with a Dr. Pepper, but it was also flat. After the Dr.
Pepper the spiciness disappeared, and there were medium sort of dark flavors
left, but it was still flat. It was a nice cigar, but not worth the money.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(11/2002 - $6.25 - 1/2003)
La Luna African Fuerte (Honduras) "Luna Park" [colorado maduro] - A
decent mild cigar that I will not be buying again.
Presmoked: very light spiced honey scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw, uneven
burn, and pleasantly scented smoke. There wasn't much to the flavor, but there
was a nice mild aftertaste. The cigar went well with a Dr. Pepper, but I had
to stop smoking it when it started making my stomach turn. This is one of the
few times the nicotine in a cigar has affected my stomach.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $35/part of LL sampler)
Leon Jimenes (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" [maduro] -
Presmoked: honeyed scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw, even burn, and stinky
smoke. The flavor was nice between mild and medium, but it didn't take it long
to mellow out to almost nothing. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar. I wasn't
in the mood for a mild cigar.
(11/2002 - $15/5 - 1/2003)
Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 (Honduras) "Toro" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: honeyed tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and somewhat
stinky smoke. There didn't seem to be an initial flavor, but a good mild to
medium aftertaste. It was decent, but nothing I'm crazy about.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(11/2002 - $15/5 - 1/2003)
C.A.O. Brazilia (Nicaragua) "Gol!" [maduro] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent. Normally I don't comment on the appearance of cigars,
but I'm proud to say that the Brazilia was all shiny after eight months in my
humajar. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and stinky smoke. Mild to medium
flavor with a decent aftertaste, but nothing special. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the
cigar.
(4/2002 - $4 - 1/2003)
Macanudo Gold Label (Dominican Republic) "Duke of York" - I decided to
smoke the cigar the same day I bought it since the shop I bought it from seemed
to have a very good humidor (they had lots of shiny cigars, and shiny cigars
are happy cigars). When I was punching the hole in the back of the cigar it
was a little spongy even though the cigar itself was firm so the cigar might
have been a little overhumidified.
Presmoked: sugary scent with a hint of tobacco. Smoked: tough draw, even
burn, and pleasantly scented smoke. Mild sweet flavor with a nutty aftertaste.
The cigar brought a very sugary flavor to the Coke I was drinking, and after I
drank the Coke the cigar had a sugary aftertaste instead of a nutty aftertaste.
It was an interesting change of pace, but the sugary taste was too odd for me.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar (the tough draw was too much to contend with).
(1/2003 - $5.81 - 1/2003)
Carlos Torano Nicaraguan Selection (Nicaragua) "Petite Corona" [colorado] -
I had to smoke a Torano immediately after the Fiesta Bowl to mourn Miami's loss to OSU.
Presmoked: spicy, hay-like scent. Smoked: easy draw, even burn, and smoke
that alternated between a very nice and stinky scent. The cigar started with a
full spicy flavor that disappeared as soon as I took a swallow of Coke. I
suddenly remembered that Dr. Pepper was the drink for this cigar, not Coke (and
believe me, it does make a difference). The Coke started out ok with the cigar;
the really nice aftertaste was still present, but it only took a couple more
swallows to taste the difference the Dr. Pepper made. Halfway through the cigar
started tasting ashy and I had to stop smoking it. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(10/2002 - free from Torano.com - 1/2003)
Maria Mancini (Honduras) "De Gaulle" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: spicy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and decent smelling
smoke. There was a mild to medium flavor, but there was also a paper taste
that I couldn't stand. Blah. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(10/2002 - $2.50 - 12/2002)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 50" [maduro] - A good mild
cigar. Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and very
pleasantly scented smoke. Mild with woody flavors. Nice, but too mild for my
tastes. In the end it got an ashy flavor that forced me to stop smoking it.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(10/2002 - $8.25 - 12/2002)
Oliva "O" (Nicaragua) "Orion" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: spicy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and ok scented smoke
that grew on me the more that I smelt it. Good medium flavor with a nice
aftertaste. The cigar went well with a Coke, then after I finished the Coke I
tried it with a Dr. Pepper, and it was only ok. I guess cigars can only be
good with one or the other, but not both.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar. It took me over an hour and a half to get that
far, and Dragon Ball was coming on, otherwise I would have finished the cigar.
(7/2002 - $23/5 - 12/2002)
Flor de A. Allones (Honduras) "Allones No. 7" [natural] -
Presmoked: very pungent, sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: easy draw, uneven burn,
and smoke that smelled exactly like the cigar smelled; I liked it. The flavor
was mild, and good with a Coke, but it was ultimately only ok. This isn't a
cigar I'll be buying again. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(11/2002 - $4.25 - 12/2002)
Henry Clay (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: no real scent. Smoked: tough draw, even burn, and decently scented
smoke. The flavor started out medium to full with a nice aftertaste, but as
soon as I had a sip of Coke the flavor became very mild. The cigar was
delicious with the Coke though. I stopped smoking the cigar sooner than I
normally would have because the tough draw was making me work too hard to
actually enjoy the cigar. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $20/part of "full flavor" sampler - 12/2002)
Camacho (Honduras) "Monarcha" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: interesting, sweet and pungent scent. Smoked: slightly difficult
draw, uneven burn, and great smelling smoke. The flavor was mild to medium,
and pretty good. So was the aftertaste. The cigar was even pretty tasty with
a Coke, but it had serious burn problems that kept me from enjoying it as much
as I should have. I'll try another one in the future to see if the burn problem
is common, or limited to the cigar I was smoking. It's worth finding out because
the "Monarcha"'s smoke reminded me of the Ashton Virgin Sun Grown "Illusion",
only in a more flavorful cigar.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(11/2002 - $6.?? - 12/2002)
Black Bull Cigar (Dominican Republic) "Cazadores" [maduro] -
Smoked: slightly tough draw, uneven burn, and decent smelling smoke. Flavor started full and stinky.
I was tempted to put it out immediately, but I decided to stick it out for a while. After the first
half inch I was rewarded because it mellowed to a pleasant medium flavor with a nice aftertaste. This
cigar also went pretty well with a Coke.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(12/2002 - $8.50 - 12/2002)
1492 (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" -
Presmoked: grassy tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw, even burn, decent scented smoke. The
cigar started with a great medium flavor that also had a great aftertaste. The flavor became milder,
but it was still excellent with a Coke and worth smoking. I did notice towards the end that there
were three small holes in the wrapper, and they accounted for the problem with the draw. It was weird
since it was an otherwise beautiful looking cigar.
Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(12/2002 - $5.75 - 12/2002)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 20" [maduro] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and nicely scented smoke. I was on
vacation, and relaxing so I didn't pay too much attention to the flavor, but I do remember that it
was mild to medium and very tasty. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(8/2002 - $27/5 - 12/2002)
Carlos Torano Nicaraguan Selection (Nicaragua) "Petite Corona" [colorado] -
A great little cigar! Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw,
even burn, and excellently scented smoke. The flavor started out full with a
nice amount of spice and a flavor that I've never tasted before. The flavor
was still present after I had my first sip of Dr. Pepper (I didn't have a Coke
handy). It turns out the unique flavor of the cigar matched perfectly with
the Dr. Pepper, and I noticed a very pleasant aftertaste. About halfway
though the cigar the flavor mellowed out, but I still enjoyed it a lot. This
looks like another cigar I'm going to stock regularly in my humidor.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(10/2002 - free from Torano.com - 12/2002)
Montecristo (Dominican Republic) "No. 1" [natural] -
Presmoked: sweet, spicy scent probably directly attributable to the fact that it
was being stored next to a few "Virgin Sun Grown"s. Smoked: good draw, even
burn, and ok scented smoke. The flavor started out very well; spicy and
very full flavored. The flavor became a mild once I drank some Coke. I liked
the cigar a lot more before the Coke, but after the Coke it was only ok, and
then I noticed a papery flavor which I didn't care for.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $20/part of "full flavor" sampler - 11/2002)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 30" [maduro] - A very fine
mild cigar. Presmoked: I didn't smell it, but it looked halfway shiny.
Smoked: good draw, uneven burn, and excellently scented smoke. The flavor
was on the mild side, but it was very enjoyable. I would smoke this cigar
again, but not if I had to pay for it. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $7.65 - 11/2002)
Cusano Xclusivo (Dominican Republic) "Preferido Grande" [colorado, figurado] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: good draw, uneven burn, and stinky smoke. Excellent nutty flavor.
Tasted more like a Cusano Cameroon Legend than an Xclusivo. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar, but it was
30º outside and windy, so what do you expect?
(8/2002 - $31/5 & $23/5 - 11/2002)
Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 (Honduras) "Toro" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: tough draw and even burn. This cigar had a delicious mild flavor
that was a milder version of the Arturo Fuente "Chateau Fuente". Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(11/2002 - $15/5 - 11/2002)
Arturo Fuente Special Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Chateau Fuente" [maduro] -
It's been years since I've smoked an Arturo Fuente (because they're too mild
for my tastes), but Dan told me about his favorite cigar, a sun grown Fuente,
and I'd been looking for it to try it ever since. The sun grown Fuentes are
pretty scarce in Phoenix so I hadn't found any in the year or so that I'd been
looking. Recently I went to a new cigar shop and finally found some Arturo
Fuente Sun Growns, so I bought a few so that I could smoke them with Dan. To
my surprise these are really great cigars with a lot more flavor than I've
come to expect from a Fuente.
Presmoked: sweet tobacco/cedar scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, mostly
even burn, and stinky smoke. The flavor started out with a little spice, then
settled into some nice dark flavors. This was a really great cigar.
Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(11/2002 - $3.95 - 11/2002)
Indian Tabac Limited Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Buffalo" [natural] -
Just like the "Bison", only better. Basically it's a really tasty, "meaty"
cigar with a great draw. Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect
draw, mostly even burn, and really stinky smoke. This cigar had the exact
same flavor as the "Bison"; the only differences were that the "Buffalo" had
stinkier smoke and a better draw. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar, but it's
difficult to tell when the cigar is seven inches long.
(11/2002 - $11/5 - 11/2002)
Leon Jimenes (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" [maduro] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent with a hint of sweetness. Smoked: slightly tough draw,
mostly even burn, and smoke that started out quite pleasant. The flavor started
out very well; it was mild and kind of sweet. After I took my first sip of Coke
it seemed to have affected the flavor in a way I've never experienced before
because the flavor suddenly went away. It never really came back after that
either. It was still a decent smoke, but towards the end (halfway through the
cigar) the smoke got stinky and there was an ash flavor I couldn't get rid of.
I'll let the other four sit a while longer since I smoked this one only a couple
of days after I received it. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(11/2002 - $15/5 - 11/2002)
Maria Mancini (Honduras) "De Gaulle" [maduro] - A pretty good cigar,
especially considering the price.
Presmoked: tobacco, sweet scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw, uneven burn,
and smoke that alternated between stinky and quite pleasant. The flavor was
good with some occasionally bad flavors sneaking in, but the aftertaste was
what made this cigar worthwhile. The reason I stopped smoking this cigar was
the ash flavor that was apparent. I'm really looking forward to tasting the
non-maduro version of this cigar, but I'll be sure to leave it in the humidor
for a while so it can be properly humidified.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(11/2002 - $2.50 - 11/2002)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Dirt" [maduro] -
Smoked: prefect draw, even burn, and great chocolate scented smoke. Lynn was
actually smoking this one, and she was trying it with a port for the first time
and loving it so I wanted to give it a try. The flavor was nice and chocolaty
as it was, then I tried it with the port and I couldn't really taste the port.
I then tried it with my Coke and it was excellent; creamy and chocolaty.
Amount Smoked: just had about 8 drags.
(11/2002 - $4.25 - 11/2002)
Indian Tabac Limited Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Bison" [natural, figurado] -
Smoked: tough draw, uneven burn, and smoke that I liked, but could be
interpreted as stinky by people not smoking it. Great meaty flavor that made
me wish that I had eaten a steak before I smoked this cigar.
Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $21/10 - 11/2002)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "China 5" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: chocolate scent. (I'm pretty sure that came from the "Dirt"s that
were in the humidor.) Smoked: even burn and somewhat stinky smoke. The flavor
tasted like crap. I think it was due to the fact that I believe the particular
cigar shop I bought this cigar from over humidifies their cigars. I think it
didn't affect the "Diploma" as much since it was in a different humidor that's
a little drier. Amount Smoked: 1/4 of the cigar.
(10/2002 - $4.50 - 11/2002)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Jucy Lucy" [maduro] -
Presmoked: vanilla scent. Smoked: slightly loose draw, even burn, and great
scented smoke. This cigar still kicks butt, with complex flavors and a sweet
aftertaste. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $2.75 - 10/2002)
Flor de Oliva Grand Cameroon (Nicaragua) "Diademas" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: spicy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn that approached even
right before I stopped smoking the cigar, and ok scented smoke. This cigar
was so mild and tasteless that I'm going to get rid of the other three of these
cigars in my humidor. They're taking up valuable space. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of
the cigar.
(7/2002 - $11/5 - 10/2002)
Camacho (Honduras) "Diploma" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw, uneven burn
(probably due to the fact that I just recharged my humidifying element), and
great smelling smoke. The flavor started out very well. It was a medium sort
of something I can't describe, with a really good aftertaste. After a while
the flavor went away, but the aftertaste remained. Toward the end it started
taking on an ashy taste so I stopped smoking it. I think I'm going to have to
try another one of these to make up my mind how I feel about them. Amount
Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(10/2002 - $6.25 - 10/2002)
Industrial Press (Nicaragua) "Five Point Figurado" [maduro, figurado] - An ok cigar.
Presmoked: smelled like chocolate. It absorbed the scent of the Natural "Dirt"s
that I had in the same humidor. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn, and
nicely scented smoke. The flavor was a medium sort of so-so. Nothing special.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(8/2002 - $14/part of IP sampler - 10/2002)
Leon Jimenes (Dominican Republic) "Belicoso" [figurado] - It's not
nearly as good as the "No. 5". This one will not be gracing my humidor again.
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and somewhat
pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor started out very similar to the "No. 5",
but soon changed to something flat and indistinctive. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - Free with order from ElFumador.com - 10/2002)
Leon Jimenes (Dominican Republic) "No. 5" - A very nice sweet cigar. I think
I'll try and keep a couple of these around in the future.
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. The foot of this cigar was split in about three
different places, and I was worried that it wouldn't smoke well. Smoked:
perfect draw, even burn, and sweet smoke. The flavor of the cigar was complex
and mildly sweet, but not in a dessert sort of way. I really enjoyed the
flavor and it went very well with Coke. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - Free with order from ElFumador.com - 10/2002)
La Luna Maduro Fuerte (Honduras) "Colanda" [maduro] -
A pretty good mild little cigar.
Presmoked: strong tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and very
pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor was mild, but tasty. This little cigar
has been my favorite of the sampler. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $35/part of LL sampler - 10/2002)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Illusion" [colorado maduro] -
Great scent, but lacking in taste.
Presmoked: spicy/sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and
great smelling smoke. Once again the scent of this cigar was better than the
flavor, which was very mild to nonexistent. There was a very nice aftertaste
to the cigar though. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $9.53 - 10/2002)
Cusano Killer Cameroon (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [colorado] -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and somewhat
unpleasant smoke. Medium flavor that was kind of milky with a hint of something
else. This wasn't the usual flavor, but it was pretty good. This seems to be
a trend and I wonder if all the cigars I have in my humidor will have a milky
taste to them. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $22/10 - 9/2002)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 20" [maduro] -
Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and nicely scented smoke. The flavor wasn't the usual "No. 20"
goodness I'm accustomed to, but it was still pretty tasty. I would elaborate, but I wasn't really
paying attention to the cigar that much. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(4/2002 - $6.90 - 9/2002)
Maria Mancini (Honduras) "Robusto Larga" [colorado] -
Presmoked: no real scent. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn, and nicely
scented smoke. The flavor of the cigar was mild and was reminiscent of
milk. I actually enjoyed it a lot. I think I'll be checking out more
Maria Mancini cigars in the future. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $20/part of "full flavor" sampler - 9/2002)
Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend (Dominican Republic) "Perfecto Grande" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: spiced honey scent. Smoked: perfect draw, uneven burn, and stinky
smoke. The cigar flavor was pretty mild with a nice aftertaste.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $6.95 - 9/2002)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Dirt" [maduro] -
Presmoked: chocolate scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and great
chocolate scented smoke. The flavor of this cigar was basically bland. I
think the way I had it stored in the humidor had it a little dry.
Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $4.30)
Indian Tabac Limited Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Bison" [natural, figurado] -
Presmoked: really nice sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn,
and decent smelling smoke. The flavor started slightly spicy, then after I took
a swig of Coke in changed into something else. For some reason it reminded me
of beef. I totally dug it. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $21/10)
Cusano Xclusivo (Dominican Republic) "Preferido Grande" [colorado, figurado] -
Presmoked: light tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and decent
smelling smoke. The flavor of this cigar was a little milder than usual so I
didn't like it as much as usual, but it was still tasty. Amount Smoked:
3/4 of the cigar.
(8/2002 - $23/5)
La Luna African Fuerte (Honduras) "#4 Perfecto" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
A pretty good little cigar. Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: loose
draw, somewhat even burn, and decent smelling smoke. The flavors started medium
with vanilla, nuts, and occasional bits of spice. As the cigar warmed up the
flavor settled to a mild nutty flavor. This cigar was good, but not as good as
the Natural by Drew Estate "Jucy Lucy". Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $35/part of LL sampler)
Astral Talangn Valley Selection (Honduras) "Pyramid" [(The cigar was very dark brown in
color and certainly looked like a maduro, but the manufacturer states that it's not.), figurado] -
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and great
smelling smoke. The initial flavor of the cigar was ash. The aftertaste was
very good though. The ash taste was present the entire time I smoked the cigar.
This isn't one I'm going to be purchasing again. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $5.85)
Oliva "O" (Nicaragua) "Orion" [maduro, figurado] - An interesting cigar.
Presmoked: smooth, spicy scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn,
and slightly stinky smoke. The flavor of the cigar was an indescribable sort
of medium flavor that was ok. The really good thing about this cigar was the
aftertaste. It was also an indescribable sort of medium flavor, but it was
quite a bit tastier than the smoke. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $23/5)
Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend (Dominican Republic) "Gorilla" [maduro] - Mild, mild, mild.
Presmoked: sweet and spicy scent. Smoked: loose draw, somewhat even burn, and decently scented smoke.
This cigar was pretty mild with a slightly sweet nutty flavor. The flavor was good, but it's too mild
for my tastes. I now feel that the other four of these cigars are just wasting space in my humidor.
Amount Smoked: 1/8 of the cigar. The cigar went out on it's own and I didn't bother to relight it.
(8/2002 - $26/5)
Flor de Oliva Grand Cameroon (Nicaragua) "Diademas" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: spicy scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and spicy scented
smoke. This cigar was a little dry; the end was really brittle when I cut it,
and the other end crackled as I lit it. It's a little weird that this cigar
seemed a little dry since it's been in my humidor for over a month. The was
flavor was mild and ok, but I hope it has a stronger flavor when it's not quite
dry. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $11/5)
Onyx Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [maduro] -
Presmoked: really sweet scent. Smoked: even burn and a tough draw. The
flavor was medium and kind of ashy. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $4.15 - 8/2002)
Camacho Havana (Honduras) "Figurado" [figurado] - A very good medium
flavored cigar.
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw and nicely scented smoke.
This cigar had the same burn problem as the La Luna I just smoked, so I think
it's pretty safe to say that it's my humidor. I think I'll be rotating my
cigars soon. The flavor of this cigar was medium with unidentifiable dark sort
of flavors. It was a very good cigar, but the flavor didn't set off fireworks
for me. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(4/2002 - Free with order from eStix.com - 8/2002)
La Luna African Fuerte (Honduras) "Luna Park" [colorado maduro] -
Smoked: prefect draw and very nicely scented smoke. The burn was perfectly
even except that one side of the cigar didn't burn. I'm beginning to think
it's due to my humidor so I'll keep an eye on how my next couple of cigars burn
and see. The flavor of the cigar was a mild spice with a nice long nutty finish.
After halfway through the cigar it lost the slightly spicy note. Overall I
enjoyed this cigar, but I like the Cusano Killer Cameroon "Toro" better.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $35/part of LL sampler - 8/2002)
Industrial Press (Nicaragua) "Three Kings" [maduro] - A decent mild cigar.
Presmoked: pungent tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw and an even burn.
This small little cigar was the size of a cigarillo. The taste of the cigar
was a nice mild flavor, occasionally tasting of ash. It was a decent little
smoke, but not one I would buy. Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the cigar.
(8/2002 - $14/part of IP sampler - 8/2002)
Onyx Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Torbusto" [maduro, figurado] -
A damn tasty cigar with some problems.
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: tough draw, uneven burn, and
pleasantly scented smoke. The flavor of the cigar was sort of chocolate
and lightly sweet, with a long finish. (It reminded me of "Dirt" without
being a sweet "dessert" cigar.) About halfway through, the flavor became
milder, but it was a tasty floral flavor so I enjoyed it. I would love this
cigar if it didn't have burn and draw problems. Amount Smoked: 2/3 of the
cigar.
(7/2002 - $5.15 - 8/2002)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Enchantment" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Right before I smoked the cigar, I accidentally dropped it on the ground and
pierced the wrapper. The hole in the wrapper caused the cigar to burn unevenly,
and I spent more time trying to fix my cigar than enjoying it. After that
realization I just let the cigar go out.
Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, and a decent flavor.
Too bad about the hole. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $10 - 8/2002)
Occidental Reserve Havana Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Corona Gorda" [colorado maduro] -
A decent cigar. I don't think I'll be buying another one though.
Presmoked: spicy scent. Smoked: loose draw, mostly even burn, and decent
smelling smoke. The flavor was a little spicy and papery, with a long woody
finish. I thought the flavor was pretty decent, but the smoke was a little
harsh on the back of the throat. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $20/part of "full flavor" sampler - 8/2002)
Macanudo Maduro (Dominican Republic) "Duke of Devin" [maduro] - A damn
fine cigar.
Presmoked: strong tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and
pleasant smoke. The flavor of this cigar was floral and kind of sweet with a
clean finish. It reminded me a lot of the Padron 1964 Anniversary "Monarcha",
except that it was half the price! Since this was the cigar that got me
started on maduros and it's been years since I've smoked one, I was worried
that this would be a huge disappointment. I'm glad to say that this is still
a damn fine cigar worth buying. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $5.07 - 8/2002)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Jucy Lucy" [maduro] - This cigar
was over humidified, but it was still great anyway.
Presmoked: the cigar felt spongy. Luckily it still burnt well. Smoked: loose
draw, even burn, and copious amounts of really great smelling smoke. The
flavors weren't as obvious as they were the first time, but the complexity
was still there, and I still picked up on the sweet and mild spice flavors.
Very tasty. Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $2.75)
La Luna Maduro Fuerte (Honduras) "Relampagos" [maduro, figurado] - A very good cigar, but
I don't think this one quite matched my tastes. I've got another one to try, so we'll see.
Presmoked: no really noticeable scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and stinky smoke. The
smoke was thick and full of a maduro (sort of cereal) flavor with hints of chocolate at times. I
thought the cigar was very good, but that sort of cereal flavor reminded me of the Natural "Root".
Obviously it wasn't too bothersome since I liked the cigar enough to finish it.
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $35/part of LL sampler)
Cusano Xclusivo (Dominican Republic) "Belicoso Fino" [colorado, figurado] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and stinky smoke.
The flavor was very similar to the "Preferido Grande", but the smoke didn't
have quite the same "silky" feeling, but the flavor was just as good. Between
the two, I prefer the shape and the smoke of the "Preferido Grande".
Amount Smoked: the entire cigar.
(7/2002 - $7.45)
Onyx Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Mini Belicoso" [maduro, figurado] -
A pretty good cigar, but I don't think I'll be buying it again.
Presmoked: overly sweet, almost artificial scent. Smoked: slightly difficult
draw, almost even burn, and stinky smoke. The cigar had a mild flavor with
a creamy, vanilla finish. If there was more flavor initially then I would
have loved this cigar. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar (the cigar snuffed itself
out).
(7/2002 - $4.15)
Indian Tabac Limited Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Bison" [natural, figurado] -
Presmoked: cedar scent. Smoked: difficult draw, even burn, and stinky smoke.
After I was finished with 1/4 of the cigar the draw got close to perfect. The
flavor of the cigar was mild to medium and kind of papery, but more complex
than that with a sweet finish. The first 1/8th of the cigar the flavor actually
reminded me of the cold noodles in hot chile sauce that I just had for dinner.
I really liked this cigar and I'm glad I've got nine more left.
Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $21/10)
Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend (Dominican Republic) "Perfecto" [maduro, figurado] -
This was a good cigar with some problems, but I'm looking forward to the
"Perfecto Grande" I have in the humidor.
Presmoked: spiced honey scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, slightly
uneven burn, and smoke that alternated between smelling really good and kind
of stinky. The flavor was an indescribable sort of good, but occasionally it
would have a bitter aftertaste. I liked the cigar, but I think it was a
little too moist (resulting in the burn and taste issues). I'll dry the
next one just a tad before smoking. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $6.10)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "Pyramid" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: a woody tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, even burn,
and slightly stinky smoke. This cigar had a strange woody flavor. It wasn't
flat so much as hollow. It wasn't a good taste. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(5/2002 - $10.25)
Hoyo de Monterrey (Honduras) "Rothschild" [oscuro] - A decent
maduro. Presmoked: slightly spicy tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw,
somewhat even burn, and pleasant smoke. The cigar had a flavor that I can
only describe as maduro with a long finish. It tasted good, but I would have
preferred a more complex flavor. Basically I smoked it just to get the taste
of the "Root" I just smoked out of my mouth, and it did but it's not a cigar
I'll be buying again. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $3.14)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Root" [maduro] - A decent cigar,
but not my sort of thing.
Presmoked: chocolate scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, initially even
burn, and cocoa scented smoke. The flavor of the cigar was creamy and cocoa
with a long finish. For some reason I wasn't really into the taste. A burn
problem also suddenly developed halfway through smoking, going from an even
burn to canoeing, but it was easily fixed. Eventually there was a slight ash
flavor to the cigar which caused me to stop smoking it. I doubt I'll buy this
one again. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
[I realized that this cigar tasted like soggy Coco Puffs, and it wasn't a
creamy flavor I was tasting but milky. That would explain why I didn't like it.]
(7/2002 - $5)
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur (Honduras) "No. III" [maduro] -
Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, almost even burn, and pleasant
smoke. The flavor was charred, disgustingly charred. Eventually it mellowed
out to a very, very mild woody flavor with a char finish. It wasn't good.
Amount Smoked: about 1/2 the cigar.
(5/2002 - $4)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 30" [maduro] - A really tasty
cigar that was ruined by burn problems.
Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, canoed burn, and stinky smoke.
The cigar was smooth with a complex flavor and a slight chocolate aftertaste.
It would have been great if only it didn't only burn on one side. Amount
Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(6/2002 - $7.60)
Cusano Xclusivo (Dominican Republic) "Preferido Grande" [colorado, figurado] -
A different cigar smoking experience. I dug it.
Presmoked: pungent scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and stinky smoke.
The flavor was
mild and sort of woody without being tasteless. The mild flavor was deceptive
since it was a really strong cigar. My eyes were swimming after I'd smoked
less than half of it. The flavor was so smooth that I would say it was almost
liquid. Not like anything I've ever smoked before, it has earned a place in
my humidor. Amount Smoked: 3/4 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $8.45)
Industrial Press (Nicaragua) "Brickk" [maduro] - Not bad. I may have to
try other sizes in the Industrial Press line.
Presmoked: strong tobacco scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and stinky
smoke. It had a medium flavor that was something I couldn't identify followed
by a sort of sweet finish that lingered. Strange thing though, the
cigar started with an even burn for a while and suddenly went uneven for no
particular reason and never evened out again. Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $6.45)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Mixed Elements" [colorado maduro] -
Not a cigar I'll be buying again.
Presmoked: chocolate pipe tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw,
stinky smoke, and somewhat even burn. There was a paper and nutty flavor to
the cigar that I didn't hate, but I didn't really like it either. I'm not
going to buy this cigar again. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $7.15)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Blackout" [maduro, figurado] -
A medium flavored cigar that I didn't like.
Presmoked: slightly spicy and sweet chocolate pipe tobacco scent. Smoked:
perfect draw, even burn, and smoke that bordered on stinky. There was a
toasty flavor that I eventually figured out I disliked. Amount Smoked:
1/3 of the cigar.
(7/2002 - $6)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "China 5" [colorado maduro] - Pretty
damn good, but there were some construction flaws the kept the draw tough.
Presmoked: sweet chocolate scent. Smoked: tough draw, even burn, and pleasant
smoke. Excellent nutty and creamy flavor. Amount Smoked: 1/3 of the cigar.
I would have smoked more if the draw was better. I think I'll have to keep
a couple of these in the humidor.
(7/2002 - $5.90)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Leche" [natural, figurado] - A decent medium flavored
cigar. Presmoked: slightly sweet scent. Smoked: good draw, even burn, and pleasant smoke. Light
balsa wood flavor that was flat. Another decent cigar from Drew Estate. (At least it's a better
value than the La Aurora Preferidos "No. 2", which is similar.) Amount Smoked: 1/2 the cigar.
(7/2002 - $5)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Clean Robusto" [colorado maduro] -
Not as good as the smaller Natural cigars.
Presmoked: light vanilla scent. Smoked: good draw, even burn, and a pleasant
scent that would have hints of vanilla in it every once in a while. Flat, sweet,
papery flavor which lingered. Not bad, but no where near great either. Amount
Smoked: 1/4 of the cigar. (I wasn't in the mood for a merely ok cigar.)
(7/2002 - $4.75)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Jucy Lucy" [maduro] - A
brilliant little cigar.
Presmoked: slight chocolate scent. Smoked: perfect draw, even burn, and a
scent that alternated between chocolate pipe tobacco, light spice, and exactly
the same scent as my Cusano Killer Cameroon "Toro". The flavor also alternated.
It would sometimes be woody, sweet, or slightly spicy and it always had a long
finish. I totally dug it. The cigar's diminutive size made for a different
cigar smoking experience that I enjoyed, but at the same time I wished the
cigar was bigger so I could enjoy it longer.
(7/2002 - $2.75)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Green Hero" [figurado] - Not for me.
Presmoked: pepper scent combined with something else I definitely didn't like.
A couple of people said the other scent was grass or hay. Smoked: tough draw,
even burn, and smoke that bordered on stinky. Mild to medium flavor, but distinctive.
Sort of hay flavor in the beginning that worked up to a peppered hay flavor when
I put it out.
(7/2002 - $5.50)
Perdomo The Cigar (Nicaragua) "Torpedo" [figurado] -
Smoked: tough draw, uneven burn, and ok smoke. The flavor was a medium sort of
ok, but nothing great. I stopped smoking this one fairly quickly.
(5/2002 - $4.15)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Root" [maduro] - A decent mild cigar.
Presmoked: light vanilla scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw, uneven burn, and great
vanilla scented smoke. The smoke smelled so good on this cigar that it was hard to believe
it wasn't flavored. The actual flavor of the cigar was mild, but not tasteless. It was
decent, but I enjoyed "Dirt" a little more.
(6/2002)
Natural by Drew Estate (Nicaragua) "Dirt" [maduro] - Very nice mild cigar
with great scented smoke.
Presmoked: chocolate pipe tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly difficult draw,
even burn, and beautifully chocolate pipe tobacco scented smoke. The mild flat
flavor wasn't impressive, but this is a cigar you would want to smoke around
people who don't like cigar smoke. The smoke is definitely it's most
attractive quality.
(6/2002 - $4.30)
Cusano Killer Cameroon (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [colorado] - Still #2 although it
is close to #1 in my top three cigars.
Presmoked: soggy plant material scent. Smoked: easy draw, even burn, and nicely scented
smoke (and a lot of it too). Nutty/slightly woody flavor that lingered. A great cigar; I
need to buy a box of these!
(4/2002 - $4.15)
Indian Tabac Super Fuerte (Honduras) "Robusto" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: light sweet scent. Smoked: downright tough draw, even burn, and
smoke that started with a bad scent, but went sweet. I had a hard time
getting enough smoke in my mouth to really taste it, but what I tasted was
a general mild to medium flavor I couldn't place. Eventually I got tired of
dealing with the draw and I just let the cigar go out.
(5/2002 - $6.15)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Principe" [natural] -
Presmoked: light sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: easy draw, even burn, nicely scented smoke,
and lots of it. It started with a flat woody taste, and developed a floral taste in the
beginning of the flat woody taste. Eventually it was slightly bitter with a papery taste
that convinced me that I was through smoking this cigar. The good flavor was reminiscent
of the "Monarcha", but not as good. Considering the "Monarcha" is at least twice as long
and more flavorful, it's the much better deal. (Too bad this cigar never repeated the
interesting performance it gave the very first time I smoked it. I'm done
giving it chances.)
(5/2002 - $9.75)
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur (Honduras) "Epicure" [maduro] - A nice mellow cigar.
Presmoked: tobacco and cocoa scent. Smoked: slightly hard draw, even burn, and
nicely scented smoke. Mild flavor was better than most mild cigars, but not something
I'd go out of my way for.
(5/2002 - $4.90)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Monarcha" [natural] - An excellent cigar.
Presmoked: light tobacco and cedar scent. Smoked: slightly hard draw, even burn, and
nicely scented smoke. This cigar changed flavors a couple of times. It started with
a balsa wood taste, turned into a spicy start with a balsa finish, changed to a nasty
ash taste, and finally it had a good floral flavor. I'll definitely buy this cigar again,
I'll probably buy 3 or 4. (After the "Torpedo" I was worried that the Padron Anniversaries
weren't interesting anymore, but this cigar proved otherwise.)
(5/2002 - $9.20)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Torpedo" [maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: smelled like cedar, but I think it acquired that scent in my travel
humidor. Smoked: easy draw, slightly uneven burn, and nicely scented smoke.
This cigar delivered vast amounts of smoke, too bad it wasn't spicy like the
first time I had it. Ultimately it just had an ok taste.
(4/2002 - $15)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" [colorado maduro] -
Smoked: difficult draw, uneven burn, and excellent scent to the smoke. The
flavor of the cigar was ok, but the smoke had a perfumy quality about it like
the VSG "Illusion", but the "Illusion" was a better cigar.
(2/2002 - $8)
Unknown bundle cigar (Nicaragua) "Toro" [maduro, bundle] - An ok cigar.
Smoked: good draw, even burn, and somewhat stinky smoke. Mild woody taste with a short finish.
(2/2002 - $1.75)
Cusano Corojo (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [colorado] - A very decent mild
to medium flavored cigar. Presmoked: sweet tobacco. Smoked: good draw, even
burn, and good scented smoke. It started with a decent medium flavor, but it
went out after I had to leave it alone for a couple of minutes. I relit it and
the flavor was milder, but still good. It went out a second time and I relit
it, and the flavor was milder still. This isn't one of my favorite cigars,
but it was good enough to finish.
(4/2002 - $3.55)
Puros Indios Maxima Reserva (Honduras) "Robusto" [colorado] - A decent medium flavored
cigar. Presmoked: sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: hard draw, even burn, and nice smelling smoke.
The flavor was decent, nothing that made me think it was great or horrible, just decent.
(4/2002 - $7.05)
Cusano Killer Cameroon (Dominican Republic) "Corona" [colorado, figurado] - An
excellent mild cigar. Presmoked: smelled like wet hay. Smoked: easy draw, even burn, and
great smelling smoke. The flavor was a milder version of the "Toro", which means I may
keep a couple of these around for when I'm in the mood for a mild cigar.
(4/2002 - $3.95)
La Aurora Preferidos (Dominican Republic) "No. 2" [figurado] - Decent, but not
really worth the price. Presmoked: a very light sweet tobacco scent. Smoked: good draw,
even burn, and very good smelling smoke. The flavor started out a little ashy, but that
stopped less then a third of the way through the cigar. The cigar ended up having a
decent papery sort of flavor which wasn't too mild.
(4/2002 - $9)
Cusano Corojo (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" [colorado] - Nasty little bugger.
Presmoked: nice sweet tobacco scent. It smelled like pipe tobacco to me. Smoked: easy
draw, even burn, and stinky smoke. From the second I lit this one up it tasted bad. There
were odd flavors and varying levels of bitterness. I smoked as much of it as I could, hoping
it would improve, but it didn't.
(4/2002 - $3.30)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Illusion" [colorado maduro] -
Presmoked: pungent scent. Smoked: good draw, even burn, and great smelling
smoke. The flavor started out medium and flat, then quickly just trailed off
to flat. The smoke had a great sort of perfumy quality that made the cigar
interesting.
(4/2002 - $12.10)
Matador (Mexico) [maduro] -
Presmoked: light tobacco scent. Smoked: tough draw, even burn, and somewhat stinky smoke.
It started out well with some mellow, dark flavors, but less than halfway through it
tasted charred.
(2/2002 - $4)
Cusano Killer Cameroon (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" [colorado] -
Presmoked: wet hay/sweet scent. Smoked: good draw and even burn. The flavor
started it slightly spicy and bitter with a long nutty finish. Half way through
it changed to a flatter nutty taste, then finally turning into a flat paper
sort of taste. I didn't like this one nearly as much as the "Toro".
(4/2002 - $3.35)
Hoyo de Monterrey 135th Anniversary (Honduras) "Rothschild" [maduro] -
Presmoked: great looking sheen (just like the cigars I saw at Tinder Box last
night), and a slight sweet and pungent scent. Smoked: good draw, and a slightly
uneven burn. The flavor started out as light wood with a flat finish, but
half way through the cigar a ashy and bitter taste developed. I didn't smoke
it very long after that.
(3/2002 - $3.75)
Cusano Killer Cameroon (Dominican Republic) "Toro" [natural] - Wow! This is
a great cigar. Presmoked: scent of wet hay with a sweet undertone. It wasn't a
pleasant aroma and I wouldn't have bought the cigar if I could have smelt it through
the cellophane wrapper. Smoked: easy draw, even burn, and I thought the smoke was
edging towards smelly, but the person I was with thought it smelt pretty good. The
flavor was predominately nutty, with a little bit of spice, and a long finish. There
was more complexity there, but I couldn't figure out the flavors. Towards the very end
of the cigar the flavor changed to something thin and flat, not at all like the full, thick
flavors I was enjoying earlier, so I let it gracefully put itself out. I highly
recommend this cigar.
(3/2002 - $4.15)
Fuente Fuente OpusX (Dominican Republic) "Belicoso" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: didn't really smell it. Smoked: good draw, uneven burn, and the
smoke was stinky. The flavor was nice, but the cigar kept going out on me.
I had to relight it about 8 times and I didn't even get half way through the
cigar! It's ridiculous how much I've paid for two cigars that didn't burn
properly. I'm never smoking an OpusX again (unless they're free).
(4/2002 - $22)
Fuente Fuente OpusX (Dominican Republic) "PerfecXion #4" [colorado maduro] - The most
expensive cigar I've ever smoked, or probably ever will smoke, it made an
impression. Too bad it wasn't worth the money. Presmoked: the part of the
cigar covered with the cedar sleeve smelled of cedar and another scent I
couldn't place (not necessarily pleasant). The part of the cigar that
wasn't covered in the cedar sleeve had a very nice, sweet scent. Smoked:
loose draw, uneven burn, and good scent to the smoke. The taste started out
great, with a manageable amount of spice. The cigar started tunneling and
tasted like tar. Had to relight to get the wrapper burning again. Once it was
relit the good flavor returned. It tunneled again. I relit it a second time,
but the flavor was ruined. It was a very good cigar when it was lit, but not
worth the money. The flavor was good enough that I'll definitely try cheaper
OpusX cigars though.
(4/2002 - $32.50)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Imperial" [natural] - A good cigar, but not worth
the money. Presmoked: very light tobacco scent. Smoked: easy draw, slightly uneven burn, and
pleasant scent to the smoke. There was a nice medium flavor, but it had a short finish.
(3/2002 - $13.05)
Carlos Torano Signature Collection (Dominican Republic) "Torpedo" [colorado, figurado] -
A mild cigar that I couldn't smoke due to the draw being too tight. Smoked:
decent smoke and tough draw. I didn't get very far with this cigar since the
draw was so tight that I got tired of trying to get any smoke out of it. The
flavor was mild, but pleasant.
(3/2002 - $4.??)
Indian Tabac Super Fuerte (Honduras) "Petit Belicoso" [maduro] - A very nice medium
flavored cigar. Presmoked: smelled like hay. Smoked: good draw, uneven burn, and decent
smelling smoke. It had a good flavor I couldn't really describe and I was smoking happily
when halfway through the cigar snuffed itself out. I relit it but it had the usual flavor
of a relit cigar; nasty. That's too bad since I wasn't ready to stop smoking it yet.
(3/2002 - $5.65)
Genuine Counterfeit Cuban (Nicaragua) "Torpedo" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Very bad cigar. Might be due to slight overhumidification. Presmoked: very nice
spicy/sweet scent. Smoked: even burn, easy draw, and ok tasting smoke. Before
long the smoke tasted really nasty. The cigar was a little soft, and I had to
throw out the El Rey Del Mundo due to fungus, so it was probably over humidified.
(2/2002 - $2.75)
El Rey Del Mundo (Honduras) "Robustos Large" [oscuro] -
[I had to throw this cigar out because it had a fungus problem.]
(2/2002 - $3.75)
C.A.O. Brazilia (Nicaragua) "Samba" [maduro, figurado] - Very mild cigar.
Presmoked: smelled green just like the other two Brazilia's. Smoked: tough draw,
even burn, and pleasant smoke. The cigar was very mild. Not something I really
enjoyed.
(1/2002 - $4.75)
Perez Premium/Aromas de San Andres (Mexico) "Churchill/??????" [maduro] -
I swear these two cigars tasted almost exactly the same. They were very good
smooth, medium flavored cigars. Presmoked: I don't remember the scent of either
one. Smoked: pleasant smoke and mostly even burn. The Perez had a tough draw while
the Aromas draw was perfect. The Aromas was dry, but it didn't affect the taste
too much. Both were smooth with a medium flavor.
(2/2002 - $8.95/6.75)
Rosa Cuba (Nicaragua) [maduro, figurado, bundle] - A pretty decent mild
cigar. Presmoked: smelled like hay, but I think that was because it was being
stored with my C.A.O. Brazilias. Smoked: tough draw and a somewhat even burn.
The smoke was odd, with a sweetness to the scent that I enjoyed though. The
cigar itself was extremely mild. The flavor was just as good as other mild
cigars I've had that are priced a lot higher, but looking at this cigar you'll
never mistake it for one you paid more for.
(1/2002 - $1.50)
C.A.O. Brazilia (Nicaragua) "Amazon" [maduro] - A good mild cigar.
Presmoked: just like the "Gol!" it smells like hay. Smoked: good draw, even
burn, but I didn't really like the scent of the smoke. The flavor was very
mild and minerally.
(1/2002 - $5.50)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Sorcerer" [colorado] - A very good mild
cigar. Presmoked: rich, woody tobacco scent, slightly sweet. Smoked: good draw, even burn,
and excellent scent to the smoke. The cigar had a pleasant mild flavor. Halfway through
the cigar snuffed itself out, and when I relit it it didn't taste good so I was forced to snuff
it out.
(1/2002 - $8.75)
Indian Tabac Super Fuerte (Honduras) "Toro Maduro" [maduro] - A good, mild,
nutty cigar. Presmoked: strong tobacco smell. Smoked: tough draw, even burn,
and stinky smoke. The flavor was milder than I expected, with a nice nuttiness.
The draw only got harder the more I smoked. If it weren't for the draw, I'd
recommend this cigar.
(1/2002 - $4.95)
C.A.O. L'Anniversaire (Nicaragua) "Cameroon Toro" [colorado] -
An ok cigar. Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: good draw and there
was an odd scent to the smoke. Not unpleasant though. The flavor started
slightly spicy, then finished with a papery taste. Not a flavor I enjoyed.
It wasn't unsmokable, but it wasn't something I would look for either.
(1/2002 - $5.25)
Ashton Cabinet Selection (Dominican Republic) "No. 7" [claro] - A so-so cigar.
Presmoked: rich tobacco smell. Smoked: tough draw, slightly uneven burn, but pleasant
scent. The flavor was mild with some cream and a little spice. Not worth the money though.
(1/2002 - $8)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 10" [maduro] - I thought I should try it
one more time from a different source to make sure what it tasted like because I didn't think
any of the Aged Maduro line could taste bad. Now I know for certain; the "No. 10" is a very
bad cigar. Presmoked: tobacco scent. Smoked: slightly tough draw with bad smelling
smoke. It quickly developed an ash taste that made it unsmokable. Different source, but exact
same outcome as the other "No. 10"s I've smoked. I would stay very far away from this cigar.
(1/2002 - $7.50)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Exclusivo" [maduro] - Not sure what
to make of this one. I would have highly recommended it as a great mild cigar,
but then the char taste appeared and ruined the cigar.
Presmoked: very light tobacco scent. Smoked: Perfect draw and pleasant smoke.
Started medium spicy and mellowed out to a mild, creamy spiciness. Eventually
a charry aftertaste developed (without the cigar getting hot) and I had to put
it out.
(1/2002 - $12.45)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Principe" [natural] - Not at all like
the cigar I smoked the first time. Presmoked: nice tobacco scent. Smoked: an
easy draw and a good scent. The first drag almost killed me. It was full of
spice and harsh enough to make me cough. After that it mellowed considerably,
but it still contained a medium amount of spice with a long finish. There was
also another flavor that I couldn't place, but my companion said it tasted like
wood. Even though it was very smooth, it lacked the creaminess that I enjoyed
so much the first time. I'll give it one more try to see if it'll retain it's
#2 spot on my top three list.
(1/2002 - $9.75)
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) "Robusto" [colorado maduro] - A
quality mild cigar. Presmoked: sweet, slightly spicy scent. Smoked: tough draw, and the
smoke bordered on stinky. The flavor was mild, smooth, and very creamy.
Reminded me of the Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend.
(1/2002 - $9.15)
C.A.O. Brazilia (Nicaragua) "Gol!" [maduro] - A steal for the price.
Presmoked: smelled very green, like hay. Smoked: perfect draw, and the smoke was ok.
The flavor was medium spicy with a short finish. A pepper taste would appear
randomly throughout the smoke. I haven't run across another cigar that tastes
this good at such a cheap price.
(1/2002 - $3.75)
La Perla Habana (Dominican Republic) "Perfecto" [maduro, figurado] -
Over humified by yours truly, but even so it proved that it was worth another try.
Presmoked: a very dark, woody scent. Smoked: good draw, but the smoke stank. The
flavor had a mild spice with a flat finish. Eventually the flavor turned and it had
to be snuffed out, but it was good enough to merit another try with a cigar in much
better condition.
(11/2001 - $4.99)
Bahia Gold (Costa Rica) "Robusto" [robusto] - A bad cigar in many ways.
Presmoked: a very light, sweet scent. Smoked: very good draw. Stinky smoke.
The burn was uneven and the flavors which weren't good to begin with, got even
worse.
(12/2001 - $6.95)
Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend (Dominican Republic) "Perfecto" [maduro, figurado] -
This cigar was very pleasant, until the uneven burn made it unsmokable.
Presmoked: a nice bitter chocolate scent. Smoked: very good draw. The flavor
was mild and there was an aftertaste that was a little spicy. It was a good
cigar for someone who likes a little more flavor (such as myself). If I get
another one, hopefully it'll burn evenly so I can finish the cigar.
(12/2001 - $6.90)
Cabanas Habana 2000 (Dominican Republic) "#2 Habano Maduro Torpedo" [maduro, figurado] -
I'm not sure what to make of this one. I'll have to smoke another one to make a decision.
Presmoked: almost no scent. [Before I smoked it, I smelled it again, and it had a very
rich tobacco/cedar scent.] Smoked: the draw was a little loose, but I liked it. The cigar
started out a little spicy, then mellowed out. I didn't have a lot of time to smoke it,
but right before I was going to put it out anyway it started to taste bad.
(10/2001 - $3.25)
Arturo Fuente Hemingway (Dominican Republic) "Best Seller" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
A very good, mild cigar. Presmoked: rich tobacco scent. Smoked: It's definitely an Arturo
Fuente. It was mild with a cedar flavor, but very good.
(11/2001 - $6.99)
Te-Amo Aniversario (Mexico) "Vintage 98 Toro" [maduro] - A strange cigar that I wouldn't
recommend. Presmoked: light tobacco, sweet scent. Smoked: The smoke was a little harsh on the
back of the tongue, and there was a weird spice taste to it that took a while before I figured
out that I didn't like it.
(12/2001 - $6)
Onyx Reserve (Dominican Republic) "Mini Belicoso" [maduro, figurado] - A fine medium
flavored cigar. Presmoked: light honey, overly sweet scent. Reminded me of the "honey sauce"
that's served at KFC. Smoked: medium flavored. It had a leather taste I actually
enjoyed.
(12/2001 - $6)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 10" [maduro] - Bad
cigar. Presmoked: light tobacco scent. Smoked: great draw,
but there was a taste of ash in the cigar that I couldn't stand. There was
also a light taste of spice, but it was hard to taste anything over the ash.
By the way, I took four of these on my trip because I thought they would be
really good cigars seeing as the other two cigars I've tried in the Ashton
Aged Maduro line have been very good, but all of them were bad. [I have
considered the possibility of the cigars being over humidified at the shop I
purchased them from so I may try the "No. 10" again later. Of course I'll
write the results.]
[Addendum: This cigar wasn't over humidified, it's just bad. Very bad.]
(12/2001 - $5.75)
Punch Grand Cru (Honduras) "Robusto" [maduro, robusto] - It started so well, then turned to
crap. Presmoked: light tobacco, sweet scent. Smoked: very good draw and good aroma. When I lit
this cigar I was impressed. It had a good complex flavor with enough of a spice taste to be
interesting, but not fatiguing. Then, not too far into the cigar, the flavor took on a burnt quality
that forced me to stop smoking it. I would hope this is an isolated incident and not indicative
of all the Grand Cru Robustos, but I'm not going to rush to find out. After my experience with the
Bahia Gold Maduros, I'm more inclined to believe it's the cigar and not my make-shift humidor.
(11/2001 - $4.25)
Acid (Nicaragua) "Acid One" - A very interesting cigar. I'd recommend
trying it yourself if you read the rest of this review and think it sounds
interesting. Presmoked: it smelled like sweet incense. Smoked: good draw.
The smoke had a peculiar odor that I thought was a little weird at first. (It
didn't smell like incense, but it wasn't regular smoke either. It was like decent
cigar smoke combined with something herbal that gave the smoke a strange
character.) As time went on I grew to hate the smell and ended up killing the
cigar half way through because of it. The taste was surprisingly good. It was
smooth, sweet, complex, somewhat mild, ended a little flat, and left a sweet flavor on
the lips. If it weren't for the smoke, I might have finished the entire cigar.
[I forgot to mention that the taste it left in my mouth when I was done with it
was like the incense smell the cigar had before it was burned. I actually thought
that was better than the usual cigar aftertaste.]
(11/2001 - $5.25)
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur (Honduras) "Prensado Oscuro" [oscuro, corona gorda] -
A very good mild cigar. Presmoked: a very light, sweet tobacco scent.
Smoked: firm draw and I didn't particularly care for the scent of the smoke.
The flavor was much better than the smell. It was mild with a cedar taste and
some complexity. Very enjoyable for a mild cigar.
(10/2001 - $4.50)
Grande de Espana (Dominican Republic) "Picadores" [maduro, figurado] -
A flat cigar. Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: good draw and the scent was ok.
The flavor was flat, then there was a hint of spice after you exhaled, and then
it was flat again. Not a cigar I'll be buying again.
(11/2001 - $2)
Bahia Gold Maduro (Costa Rica) "Maduro No. IV" [maduro, corona] - I
tried it again to see if it would repeat the weirdness halfway through the
cigar. It did. Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: good draw and the smoke was pleasant.
The flavor was a little different this time. It lacked the bit of spiciness
that made the first one interesting. Without the spice taste, a woody taste
was apparent. Still not too bad, but I was waiting until I got halfway
through the cigar. At the halfway mark, the scent changed to soap again, the
flavor went to pot, and this time the cigar snuffed itself out. At least it
saved me the trouble. There must have been something wrong with the tobacco
used in that batch. I will probably try another size in the same line at
a later date.
[There was one other characteristic common to both of the cigars I forgot to
mention. Both cigars caused a harshness in the back of the throat. I'm not
sure if that was due to the tobacco being too young or just indicative of the
weird problems both of cigars had.]
(11/2001 - $5.50)
Bahia Gold Maduro (Costa Rica) "Maduro No. IV" [maduro, corona] - An
interesting cigar. Presmoked: sweet scent. Smoked: good draw and the smoke
had a pleasant scent. The flavor was initially spicy in the mouth with a flat
finish. Normally I think spicy cigars are ok and I hate flat cigars, but
the combination of the two worked very well together. This was a very
enjoyable cigar. At least for the first half. Something strange happened
halfway through the cigar. (I might have smoked it all the way if it didn't.)
The cigar suddenly smelt like soap, and worse, it tasted like bread. I didn't
like it and immediately snuffed the cigar. I'll definitely try this cigar
again and hope it doesn't pull a Jeckel and Hyde again.
(10/2001 - $5.50)
Indigo (Dominican Republic) "Torpedo" [colorado, figurado] -
A very good mild cigar. Presmoked: mild, sweet scent. Smoked: a very firm draw and smoke that
smelled pretty good. I enjoyed this one more than a typical mild cigar. There was a flavor to
it that I enjoyed (not as much as my favorites, but it is a mild cigar after all). I liked this
one better than the Ben Hur, which is also made by the Atlantic Cigar Company. I don't know that
I'll ever buy this cigar again for myself, but I would definitely buy it for a friend of mine who
likes mild cigars. I'll have to see if they make a maduro.
[It turns out that Atlantic Cigar Company makes a brand called Grande de Espana which sports
a maduro wrapper. I believe Cigar Warehouse carries these. You'll probably see a review of one in
a couple of months.]
(10/2001 - Free courtesy of Cigar Warehouse)
H. Upmann 2000 (Dominican Republic) "Grand Robusto" [colorado] -
A leathery cigar with some complexity.
Presmoked: I would say it smelled like old, moldy wood chips. (It's one of
those cigars that comes in a plastic sleeve, so I didn't know it smelt this
way until I got it home. Otherwise I wouldn't have bought it based on the
scent.) Smoked: loose draw and I thought the smoke smelled bad. The taste
was of leather, with a very slight undertone of spice. Kind of on the mild
side with a dry finish. Did I mention I didn't really like it?
(10/2001 - $3.75)
Ben Hur (Dominican Republic) "Invictos #1" [colorado, figurado] - A very mild cigar.
Presmoked: sweet, honey scent. Smoked: tough draw on this one. Since it was mild there's not
really much to say about it. If you like mild cigars and you don't want to spend the money
on ones with a little flavor, this isn't bad. Not one I'll be smoking again though.
Addendum: there was a flavor in this cigar that I couldn't place and I forgot to
mention, so the cigar wasn't completely tasteless, just mostly tasteless.
(10/2001 - $1.40)
Cabanas Habana 2000 (Dominican Republic) "Robusto Maduro" [maduro, robusto] - An
excellent woody cigar. Presmoked: cedary tobacco scent. Smoked: good draw, but the
scent of the smoke ranged from ok to bad. Amazingly, the taste was better than
that. When the smoke entered the mouth, it was slightly spicy, then woody with
a dry finish. It didn't give Coke a flavor so much as a sensation. The Coke
would sting slightly and make my tongue tingle. (That's actually the way I like
my Coke. In Belize the Coke comes in bottles and I think they make it a little
stronger too, because it would make your mouth sting and tingle.) Anyway, this
cigar is very similar to the Ashton below with some slight differences in taste
(it also had a better burn than the Ashton), but considering this cigars costs
half as much as the Ashton it makes this quite an achievement. I'd definitely
recommend it if you like a woody cigar.
(10/2001 - $3)
Ashton Aged Maduro (Dominican Republic) "No. 40" [maduro] - An excellent
woody cigar. Presmoked: I didn't really pay attention to the presmoked smell,
other than to verify it smells like an Ashton. Smoked: good draw, but the burn
was a little inconsistent. This isn't the same cigar that I rated as my favorite,
but it shared a lot of the same qualities. They're both mellow, smooth, and
complex. They both give Cokes a creamy and slightly sweet flavor. The only real
difference is the cedar flavor of this cigar. I'd definitely recommend it if
you like a woody cigar.
(10/2001 - $6.25)
La Gloria Cubana (Dominican Republic) "Serie R No. 4" [maduro, robusto] -
An all around bad cigar. Presmoked: smooth dark scent. Smoked: good draw, but the smoke
smelled really bad. The taste wasn't something I liked, and it left my mouth
dry. It didn't take very long for me to stub this one out.
(10/2001 - $3.25)
Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend (Dominican Republic) "Perfecto" [colorado, figurado] -
A very good mild cigar.
Presmoked: there was a nice creamy smell that resembled peanut butter.
Smoked: the draw was tight. A mild cigar with some flavor up front that seemed
to leave your mouth immediately. I couldn't figure out how to describe the taste
until I heard "cedary". That's accurate.
(10/2001 - $7.95)
Unknown bundle cigar (Dominican Republic) [maduro] - One of the most
unusual cigars I've ever had. I hated it. Presmoked: it had a very strong
cocoa smell. I was really looking forward to smoking it.
Smoked: the smoke didn't smell good at all. Now you know I'm not one to
describe cigars as tasting like nuts and berries and shit, but I swear this
cigar tasted like soggy cereal. Cereal + milk + 10 minutes sitting in the bowl +
smoke = this cigar.
(10/2001 - Free courtesy of Cigar Warehouse)
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur (Honduras) "No. V" [maduro] - A smooth, tobacco
flavored cigar. Presmoked: smelled exactly like a Macanudo maduro. Smoked:
Very good draw and a
flavor that I can only describe as tobacco in both taste and smell. I liked it
better than a mild cigar, but not as much as some more complex cigars.
(10/2001 - $3.25)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Exclusivo" [natural] - A quality mild cigar.
Presmoked: it had a really mild smell. Smoked: perfect draw and mild taste. At
first I didn't think it tasted like anything, then a leather flavor came out.
It tasted better than most mild cigars.
(10/2001 - $8.20)
El Rey del Mundo (Honduras) "Rectangulare" [colorado maduro] -
It looked and smelled much better than it tasted. That's twice that's happened
with an El Rey del Mundo (which is disappointing since they have other cigars
that smell really good too, but I don't feel like putting myself through that again).
Presmoked: sweet and creamy with a little spice. Smoked: loose draw and
very good scent to the smoke, but the flavor just wasn't there. It had a
dry finish with a metallic aftertaste.
(9/2001 - Free courtesy of Cigarette & Cigar Outlet)
C.A.O. L'Anniversaire (Nicaragua) "Churchill" [maduro] -
Disappointing in a major way.
Presmoked: it smelled ok. Not the sort of thing I would buy for myself, based
on the scent, but it wasn't my cigar. (I do have to admit that I was curious
about it since I had such a bad time with another cigar from the same line.)
Smoked: tough draw and an uneven burn. The taste was poor. I didn't hate the
cigar, but I didn't want to smoke it either.
(9/2001 - $6.99)
El Rey del Mundo (Honduras) "Flor de Llaneza" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
It looked and smelled much better than it tasted.
Presmoked: light scent with some sweetness and creaminess to it. Smoked: good
draw, but not very tasty. The smoke was very pleasing, but the smoke smelled a
lot better than the cigar tasted. It was ok.
(9/2001 - $6.99)
El Rey del Mundo (Honduras) "Flor de Llaneza" [colorado maduro, figurado] -
Presmoked: light scent with some sweetness and creaminess to it. Smoked: not
reviewed due to the cigar possibly being dry. [Note: yep, the cigar was dry.]
(9/2001 - $8.45)
La Gloria Cubana (Dominican Republic) "Serie R No. 4" [maduro, robusto] -
Presmoked: strong, dark, rich scent. Smoked: not reviewed due to the cigar
possibly being dry. [Note: yep, the cigar was dry.]
(9/2001 - $4)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Torpedo" [maduro, figurado] - A very
fine, spicy cigar. After enjoying the "Principe" as much as I did, I wanted to
try a maduro cigar in the Anniversary line. Like the "Principe" it wasn't what
I expected; for a maduro it had a spicy taste. Excellent, but not one I'd smoke
very often.
(9/2001 - $13)
Padron (Nicaragua) "2000" - A flat cigar. I smoked this the same time as the Anniversary "Torpedo." The first thing I noticed was the fragrance of the smoke was not very appealing. When I tasted this cigar, I noticed that it was quite flat and not very flavorful. It sucked the flavor out of my Coke, and sucked the flavor from my "Torpedo" for about 5 minutes. I would stay away from this one.
For the record, my companion didn't think this cigar was too bad. She said she's
paid more for worse cigars.
(9/2001 - $3.15)
Padron 1964 Anniversary (Nicaragua) "Principe" [natural] - A very tasty cigar. I prefer
maduro cigars, but I would highly recommend this one. The "Principe" blew me away. It had an
excellent taste, slightly creamy, and brought out a spicy, sweet flavor in the Coke. I almost
smoked it down to the very end (which is very unusual for me). Definitely a cigar I'd recommend
to someone with money to spend on a good cigar.
(8/2001 - $13(?))
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown (Dominican Republic) - A very interesting cigar. My companion said it smelled like a bad cigar, but it smelled and tasted just fine to me. It's a spicy cigar and not something I would smoke often, but when I'm in the mood for something different.
(6/2001)
C.A.O. L'Anniversaire (Nicaragua) [figurado] - A poorly rolled cigar. There were plugs in it that kept me from being able to draw from it. I ended up throwing the cigar away.
(6/2001)
Onyx (Dominican Republic) [maduro, figurado] - It's not a bad cigar, but it's very one dimensional. Pleasant, but flat taste.
(5/2001)
Partagas (Cuba) [tubo] - A poorly rolled cigar. It had a runner that ruined the smoking of the cigar, but the cigar didn't really taste like it was worth finishing anyway.
(7/1999)
Lars Tetens (USA?) "Phat Shorty" - A crappy, expensive cigar. Choose whichever reason you need not to buy it.
(I don't remember how long ago I had this cigar, but it made such a bad impression that I had to mention it by name.)
