The Expert Review Library
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Dave - Varina Farms Breakfast Blend12/20/2012
Toro (6.0”x52): The toro really allows for the flavors to open up. The fatter ring gauge allows for a cooler burn and emits a smoother smoke than the robusto. Not overly complex, the blend is perfect as a cigar to pass the time but flavorful enough to really focus on the depth of the flavor. Pair this with a nice cup of coffee and you’ll be in heaven.
Churchill (7.2”x54): Jumping up a ring gauge again, the Churchill loses a little bit of flavor that makes the Toro so good. But the same principles apply here. Smooth consistent flavor that’s perfect to pass the time. Even though we’re in the middle of winter, keep this on your radar for a round of golf or tailgating. The flavorful, consistent blend is mellow enough for when you’re socializing yet flavorful enough if you have a moment to yourself. Plus, the aroma is fantastic.
Robusto (5.2”x50): Don't let the wrapper color fool you. It's darker than most Connecticut cigars but still presents those smooth Connecticut flavors you enjoy. If you're not a fan of spicy cigars, you'll love this robusto. A robust, earthy sensation will stimulate the tip of your tongue while the finish encapsulates your entire palate with earth and a hint of cedar. This pairs incredibly well with your morning cup of coffee. -
Sean G - Varina Farms Breakfast Blend12/19/2012
Toro (6.0”x52): The toro really allows for the flavors to open up. The fatter ring gauge allows for a cooler burn and emits a smoother smoke than the robusto. Not overly complex, the blend is perfect as a cigar to pass the time but flavorful enough to really focus on the depth of the flavor. Pair this with a nice cup of coffee and you’ll be in heaven.
Churchill (7.2”x54): Jumping up a ring gauge again, the Churchill loses a little bit of flavor that makes the Toro so good. But the same principles apply here. Smooth consistent flavor that’s perfect to pass the time. Even though we’re in the middle of winter, keep this on your radar for a round of golf or tailgating. The flavorful, consistent blend is mellow enough for when you’re socializing yet flavorful enough if you have a moment to yourself. Plus, the aroma is fantastic.
Robusto (5.2”x50): Don't let the wrapper color fool you. It's darker than most Connecticut cigars but still presents those smooth Connecticut flavors you enjoy. If you're not a fan of spicy cigars, you'll love this robusto. A robust, earthy sensation will stimulate the tip of your tongue while the finish encapsulates your entire palate with earth and a hint of cedar. This pairs incredibly well with your morning cup of coffee. -
Dave - Las Cabrillas11/13/2012
Cortez (4.7”x50): Medium-bodied from start to finish with light complexities throughout. Expect a creamy finish from the Connecticut wrapper with some hints of black pepper and cedar in the aroma. Robust yet balanced.
DeSoto (6.8”x50): The draw remains a bit tight as this size expels light puffs of smoke. Much more robust than the Cortez, greatly building in heartiness as you progress past three inches. Expert more notes of pepper and earth instead of cedar while the finish remains with you for a while after extinguished.
Balboa (7.5”x54): Excellent draw and burn, releasing thick clouds of hearty smoke with an excellent earthy, cedar aroma. Not as creamy as the other sizes due to the extra Mexican fillers needed to fill the 54 ring gauge, so you'll lose some of the great flavors from the Connecticut wrapper. For those who want a less refined, bolder experience.
Columbus (8.2”x52): We were looking forward to enjoy this size but unfortunately it simply didn't perform. It burned hot with a super tight draw and felt rather unbalanced. Strong and hearty but offered a bittnerness some may enjoy. If you're all about body and long burn times, this size is for you. But if you prefer a refined, well-balanced blend, stay away. -
Sean G - Ramon Bueso Genesis The Project11/01/2012
Toro (6.0”x50): Simply stunning. We barely hand out 95 ratings. In fact, this is one of the only blends we've ranked so high but we're proud to do so because we've never tasted something so consistent, flavorful, yet mellow. All of our experts agree here too. This is a cigar you can enjoy one right after the other. It doesn't destroy your palate but it constantly keeps your interest. Mellow, medium, and full-bodied enthusiasts will find something special about this cigar so it really is the epitome of "the perfect blend."
Robusto (5.0”x50): Same great flavor profile as the toro size but in can be enjoyed in under an hour. The only reason why this size lost a few points is due to the fact that it doesn't last as long or become as complex as the toro.
Muy Bueso (6.5”x60): Not usually a big fan of the mammoth cigars but the boldness and richness of this blend is just captivating. While not an everyday cigar, this size is perfect if you’ve got plenty of time to kick back and relax.
Torpedo (6.0”x52): Hey, we have to nitpick somewhere. Don’t get us wrong, this is still an excellent size but we found that some of the cigar’s boldness is a little sharp on the finish when you first light it up. Otherwise, this size is still worthy of the Genesis name and is still nothing to scoff at. -
Andrew - Ramon Bueso Genesis The Project10/08/2012
The best new cigar of 2012. A Connecticut-grown Oscuro wrapper, Jamasatran binder, with masterfully chosen Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers melt perfectly together. Rich in oak and heavy enough on the bittersweet espresso notes that it's chewy with a good measure of spice to hold up to anything with which you'd pair it.
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Alex - Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary10/08/2012
I don't burn many of Rocky Patel's cigars. There's so much out there right now it's hard to keep to my original staples. I loved the Vintage blends so I must say, RP 15th met my expectations. The richness and complex flavors are bold and exciting. Definitely rolled for the experienced.
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Tim - J. Fuego Origen10/08/2012
Brazil. Home to beautiful women, tiny bathing suits, and the world's best tobacco. Proof is in the ligero pudding; San Lotano Habano, Maxx Brazilian, and my pick for this issue's sampler: J. Fuego Origen. Check out that Brazilian Habano wrapper. Don't you just want to eat it? Go ahead, just don't eat too many or you won't fit into that speedo.
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Dave - Punch Bareknuckle09/11/2012
Potent, spicy, but incredibly smooth on the finish, this is one of the best Punch cigars we've ever experienced. From the packaging to the bands to the blend, everything is top notch here. Expect a massive complexity that builds and builds into a finale of epic earthiness followed by pepper and a hearty aroma.
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Sean G - Fighting Cock07/18/2012
Toro (6.0"x50): Consistent in flavor from head to foot with a smooth, clean finish. Creamy notes of spice and pepper swirl about while the well-balanced character creates an enjoyable aroma. For the price, this blend really impressed us. Well-constructed.
Torpedo (6.2"x52): Slightly more complex than the toro size but the draw remains quite tight. We suggest cutting the head down a bit further than usual on this one. Expect a strong flavor with the same enjoyable aroma as this size creates a lot more in terms of pepper and spice. Still remains medium-bodied from head to foot and burns slow.
Robusto (5.0"x52): A great 45-minute smoke but it remains rather one dimensional througout. Maintained an effortless draw but burned slightly uneven due to a thick vein in the wrapper. Produces plumes of thick smoke but this size doesn't represent the blends full potential.
Churchill (7.0"x48): Bold yet unbalanced is the theme of this churchill. If you're looking for more of a full-bodied experience, this is your size. The blend builds in strength as it burns but doesn't release as much smoke as the other sizes. It also burns slightly hot after 3 inches. -
Dave - Fighting Cock07/18/2012
Toro (6.0"x50): Consistent in flavor from head to foot with a smooth, clean finish. Creamy notes of spice and pepper swirl about while the well-balanced character creates an enjoyable aroma. For the price, this blend really impressed us. Well-constructed.
Torpedo (6.2"x52): Slightly more complex than the toro size but the draw remains quite tight. We suggest cutting the head down a bit further than usual on this one. Expect a strong flavor with the same enjoyable aroma as this size creates a lot more in terms of pepper and spice. Still remains medium-bodied from head to foot and burns slow.
Robusto (5.0"x52): A great 45-minute smoke but it remains rather one dimensional througout. Maintained an effortless draw but burned slightly uneven due to a thick vein in the wrapper. Produces plumes of thick smoke but this size doesn't represent the blends full potential.
Churchill (7.0"x48): Bold yet unbalanced is the theme of this churchill. If you're looking for more of a full-bodied experience, this is your size. The blend builds in strength as it burns but doesn't release as much smoke as the other sizes. It also burns slightly hot after 3 inches.
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