The Expert Review Library
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Matt - Diesel02/28/2011
Diesel rocketed up the ranks to quickly become one of our best-selling brands. For good reason too; the Nicaraguan long fillers covered by a silky PA Broadleaf Maduro wrapper produce amazing flavors with a complex spiciness. A true testament to the skill of AJ Fernandez, if you haven't tried the Diesel yet, now's your chance. I promise you won't be disappointed. -
Josh - Punch Deluxe02/28/2011
I'm a big fan of consistency. There is nothing worse than finding that special cigar you thoroughly enjoy, only to realize that every time you stock up, you're met with a different flavor. For this reason, Punch Deluxe Maduro is one of my top 5 favorite maduros. I first tried this blend over four years ago and it still tastes the same today – no matter where I find them. Medium-bodied, full-flavored and consistent, this fails to disappoint. -
Alex - Alec Bradley Tempus02/28/2011
I love the feel of this cigar, the box-pressed shape lends to a perfect draw of heavy, sweet smoke. Alec Bradley is one of the most underrated brands out there with production at the world's top factories. The new Tempus Maduro has become a staple for me. I find this cigar pairs very well at the beginning of a heavy meal with a medium-bodied red wine.
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Tim - Montecristo Media Noche02/28/2011
May be the perfect Maduro. Heavy in hand, beautiful to the eye, and dark as night – Media Noche draws you in and makes you a believer even before you light it. Flame to foot creates clouds of blueish grey smoke. A little spice reminds you this is a medium to full-bodied blend, but it's the subtle nuances of chocolate, coffee, and berries that really make this a special cigar. Perfect construction solidifies this as a classic. Enjoy!
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Andrew - La Herencia Cubana Oscuro Fuerte02/28/2011
This is one of AJ's finest. I know I say that about everything the man makes but it's so true – every one is a gem. This dark and gorgeous cigar showcases a light sheen on its PA broadleaf wrapper, offering up sweet chocolate and cedar notes with just a hint of leather. This one is a beauty and for the price, it can't be beat. Give Oscuro Fuerte a shot today. You will not be disappointed.
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Bryan - Nica Libre02/17/2011
Double Robusto (5.0"x54) Incredible. Super full and superiorly balanced. Burns cool while expelling thick smoke and maintains a fantastic aroma. Very complex with a ton of spice through the nostrils.
Torpedo (6.0"x56) Best way to describe this size compared to the others? Elegant. Instead of blasting your palate with robust flavors from head to foot, the blend seems to build in this 6"x56 frame. Past the 3-inch mark, you'll find a mellowing cedar flavor with an earthy finish. Perfect draw with a strong finish.
Double Toro (6.0"x60) We recommend this double toro for those who want to experience a true, well-balanced, full-bodied blend that could last 2 hours. This bulbous cigar releases an intoxicating aroma and a plethora of complexities. Definitely a jaw breaker, you may not be able to feel your lips when you're finished.
Churchill Extra (7.0"x52) Interested in strength, complete strength, and nothing but strength? If so, you'll love the churchill extra. This stick tastes about the same from head to foot: tons of pepper and tons of earth with light complexities throughout. Be warned, the last two inches may burn hot and create an incredibly hearty finish.
Belicoso (5.0"x54) Great 60-minute smoke in terms of flavor and balance. Not quite as strong as the churchill extra yet just as flavorful as the double toro. Don't cut too much off the head - you'll find yourself with a very loose draw and the stick could burn unevenly. -
Sean G - La Diferencia Cubana02/02/2011
Toro (6.0"x50) Mellow in body but thoroughly complex. The flavor builds and builds while the blend burns, leaving you with a fantastic, long-lasting yet smooth finish. Creamy and finished with light spices.
Robusto (5.0"x50) If you're looking for a medium-bodied La Diferencia, this size is it. The size allows for a hearty character that presents itself after one inch, while the ring gauge maintains a steady, consistent and effortless draw. You'll pull a ton of smoke into your palate with this robusto while tasting earth, pepper and cedar.
Churchill (7.0"x50) Slightly unbalanced. We expected this blend to build in strength even more so than the robusto. However, after 3 inches, the cigar actually mellows out transitioning from medium to mellow. An inch later, you'll find yourself tasting some rich complexities. Burned slightly hot.
Torpedo (6.5"x52) Really flavorful with a ton of spicy nuances throughout and a super smooth finish. This stick presents many different earthy sensations with a hint of sweetness. Balanced and slightly one dimensional. -
Matt - Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 197001/03/2011
When in the mood for a full-bodied cigar, I usually think of Antano first. Honestly, I enjoy this blend's finish the most - It's smooth and creamy with a spicy feel that coats your palate with oily goodness. With an all-Nicaraguan filler and binder masked by a spicy Nicaraguan-grown Habano wrapper, this is one blend you'll never get sick of. Be warned, if you light this up in the morning you may be in for a rude awakening.
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Matt - Montecristo Media Noche01/03/2011
An amazingly complex cigar, with notes ranging from vanilla cream to peppery-leathery nuances and even coffee; any cigar lover will enjoy this delight. This roll is firm, but draws very well and is very consistent. Media Noche is one of my favorite maduros. It is a bit on the higher end of hip national bank, however if you want the "goodness" of a blend made with luxury in mind, then pick up a sample today.
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Alex - 5 Vegas Classic01/03/2011
With over a century of exposure, 5 Vegas Classic still remains a staple in my wheelhouse. The blend carries a '90' rating so how could you complain? With an exceptional earthy flavor masked by many hints of pepper and spices, this is a great morning blend for all you full-bodied fans. I enjoy 5 Vegas Classic as it's well-constructed, carries a heavy ash and pleasantly shocks my palate.
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