The Expert Review Library
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Andrew - Man O' War Puro Authentico05/23/2011
Another winner from the man with the golden touch. This corona brings in similar flavors to Ruination — all in a nice little package. You'll find some extra spice in this lil' firecracker as the blend of earthy, peaty notes mixes perfectly with the leathery, cedar tones. The stronger, thicker tobaccos used for this flavorful blend also lend it a nice slow burn so it smokes like a robusto. This little lovely is worth its weight in gold so give it a shot. -
Tim - Cain Daytona by Oliva05/23/2011
"What the hell is this?" My father asked as I handed him the new Cain Daytona. I explained it's the newest offering from Oliva — a mellower version of their original Cain Habano. "Daytona? Like the race track and the beach where the girls go wild?" he said. Yes sir, pop — that's co'rect. Except this girl is a bit more mellow than wild. "Not bad, kiddo. Not bad at all. Now when are you going to help me clean the gutters?" Right after this cigar, dad.
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Josh - La Gloria Cubana Serie N05/23/2011
I'm a huge maduro fan so when I heard LGC was working on a special cigar featuring a limited Oscuro wrapper, I could barely contain my excitement. My new favorite maduro, this stick is gorgeous. The wrapper looks so oily and rich your mouth will instantly water. The smoke? So thick you can basically chew it. A full-bodied core of rich tobacco will overwhelm your senses with only a hint of sugar on the finish. Your dad DESERVES this cigar.
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Bryan - Ave Maria Reconquista05/19/2011
An elegant, super premium that competes with OpusX, God of Fire, and even Graycliff's most expensive sticks, Ave Maria Reconquista will change your perception of super premium cigars - we guarantee it.
Ave Maria Reconquista is simply the real deal packed in beautiful boxes of 12, each cigar in an individual coffin for the ultimate experience in quality, presentation, flavor, and aging. Only 16,000 boxes have ever been created, as the blend's Brazilian Habano Oscuro wrapper is so limited that this is the only cigar in the world to feature it. That's right, no other cigar in the world sports a Brazilian Habano Oscuro wrapper - which puts Ave Maria Reconquista in a league of its own.
Lift the heavy lid of this special box and you'll find a stunning presentation of 12 individual coffin boxes under a beautiful, hand-drawn vista. Inside each coffin lay a Reconquista - a Cuban-seed beauty packed full of premium Nicaraguan tobaccos from Condega, Jalapa, and Esteli - the country's most premier growing regions. To finish the blend, a dark, oily, toothy, rich and potent Brazilian Habano Oscuro leaf rests on the outside, concealing a premium Honduran leaf as a binder.
What should you expect with Reconquista? A whirlwind of complex flavors that intermingle with every single one of your taste buds. You'll find tons of different spices, a core of tobacco flavors, earth, pepper, some sweet nuances and a toasty finish - just for starters. This blend is so complex and well-aged that you could have a slightly different, yet unique experience with every different Reconquista you light up. Expect only the finest in quality as this tasty, balanced, full-bodied blend tantalizes your palate and soothes your mood. If you had to choose one cigar as your final smoke - something you've never even tried before - we promise you that Ave Maria Reconquista will not only surprise but thoroughly satisfy you to your core. -
Alex - Cain 'F' Nub by Oliva04/11/2011
I'm a big fan of corona-sized, full-bodied cigars. I find the small ring-gauge produces a heartier flavor and a stronger body than what you would find in a bigger gauge of the same blend. While Cain 'F' Nub doesn't have a small ring gauge, it's so well blended that is creates the same sensation, flavor and character I get from my corona-sized, full-bodied sticks. Bold, powerful while elegant and smooth – you'll love it.
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Tim - Ave Maria04/11/2011
What a name. What a band. What a BOX. WHAT A BRAND! Light up this stout stick – a slow, slow burn and a full wallop of flavor. This is not JUST a cigar. This is elegant, refined, something special. Medium-bodied, true tobacco flavor. I bet this is what cigars tasted like back in the good ol' days. Ave Maria is my new favorite - the new standard upon which I judge all others. Now judge it for yourself!
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Josh - Cuba Libre04/11/2011
Cuban-seed Nicaraguan and Honduran long-leaf tobacco – that's all I need to say. This stick comes packed to the brim with full-flavored goodness while the 60-ring gauge produces ample flavor and allows for an effortless draw. If you're like me and enjoy thick, creamy smoke with tons of peppery aromas, you'll love Cuba Libre. Don't be afraid of it: you'll find a smooth, enjoyable finish from head to foot despite its full flavor and stout ring.
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Andrew - Nub by Oliva04/11/2011
Loads of flavor in a little package. This guy is the pit bull of the cigar world and must not be underestimated! Great Cuban-esque flavor that yields a medium to full-bodied smoke with notes of leather, spice and wood. For as short as it is, it will last you the better part of an hour if not longer. Give this stubby lovely a try – it's more than worth the sticker price.
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Sean G - Man O' War Armada03/02/2011
Fantastic. Easily AJ's best cigar to date. Incredibly similar to Cuban cigars from flavor to construction and releases thick, creamy smoke with a complex aroma. Full-bodied. You will burn this one down to the nub, guaranteed.
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Dave - Cuba Libre One03/01/2011
Robusto (5.0"x52) Very nice cigar. Full-flavored and full-bodied but it doesn't overwhelm your senses. You'll notice ample spicy characters and a semi-sweet finish for a well-balanced experience.
Churchill (7.0"x52) Due to the 7-inch length, you'll find the power of this cigar continues to increase as the blend burns. By the time you reach the fourth inch, you're palate will be coated with oily notes of pepper and you won't find any sweetness. Recommended for experienced aficionados.
No. 2 Belicoso (6.1"x52) Great size but not for this particular blend. It delivers complex flavors and keeps your interest from head to foot but avid enthusisasts may consider this a medium-bodied cigar since it's super smooth. We recommend cutting a lot off the head of this belicoso as it'll create a stronger, full flavor and an easier draw.
Toro (6.0"x52) Great size for everyday enjoyment or to hand out. Offers the best in terms of balance as you'll find sweetness, pepper, spice, earth, and cedar. Only downfall is the fact that this stick never progresses into a stout, super-complex and full-bodied blend such as the robusto and churchill sizes.
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