The Expert Review Library
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Sean G - Man O' War Puro Authentico05/15/2012
Corona (5.0”x42): Wow. That’s all we have to say...
Ok, we can’t leave it like that. As AJ’s go to blend, you know this sucker is good. The small 5.0”x42 packs a flavor that you’d expect from a bigger cigar and will leave you more than satisfied after your last puff. It’s like ordering a Happy Meal and getting a Big Mac instead. The blend leads in with strong notes of spice and leather that transforms into notes of espresso as the blend progresses. Hands down, one of the best blends we’ve smoked. -
Sean G - CAO OSA Sol04/20/2012
Lot 50 (5.0”x50): Unique and satisfying from start to finish. The flavor is slightly complex but maintains itself for the majority of the burn. An effortless draw adds to the allure and the box presentation is exception. Overall, a good blend by CAO but you must decide if the special tobaccos featuring in this stick are worth the high price.
Lot 58 (6.5”x58): Wow. Impressive burn and draw. Quite complex with ever-changing flavor. This enormous cigar burns forever, remains cool, and release a plethora of thick smoke with a fantastic aroma. A long finish rests with you for a solid 30 minutes after you're through.
Lot 54 (6.0”x54): Good, but nothing special. Not as complex as Lot 58 and too boring compared to Lot 50 because the flavor characterists are nearly identical. This size keeps a steady flavor and burn from head to foot, with small amount of complexity. No problems with burn, draw, or construction. This one simply lost points because we were expecting a bit more complexity, based on the size. -
Sean G - Gurkha Genghis Khan03/27/2012
Churchill (7.5”x52): It's been a while since we touched base with this blend so we wanted to go ahead and give it another review. By this point in time, the cigars have been aging for a few years due to the lack of new production, and this churchill is tasty. Definitely not as potent as it originally was, but the super smooth and creamy flavors you receive are worth the exchange. The sweetness in this blend presents itself a bit more while the hearty, spicy finish remains rather mellow - perfectly balanced. Many cigars age better than others and this is one of them. Only issue with the churchill is by the 5th inch, the balance begins to fade away and you're left with a stout, robust character and builds in strength until the finish. Some may find that good, others not so much. Personally, this is a great blend that got better with age.
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Dave - Rocky Patel Vintage '03 Cameroon03/15/2012
Robusto (5.5”x50): A really great start to testing the blend. The size is very conducive to the blend and the rich, semi-sweet Cameroon wrapper shines the most here.
Churchill (7.0”x48): Definitely the surprise of the bunch. The 48 ring gauge allowed for a ton of flavor and it only got stronger as the cigar burned. While it’s a long smoke, you’ll enjoy it right down to the nub.
Torpedo (6.25”x52): The shorter size seems to work better with the 52 ring gauge for some reason. Flavors seem to be more pronounced and this is a solid hour and half smoke.
Toro (6.5”x52): The fatter 52 ring gauge allows for a cooler smoke than the 50 ring gauge. Flavors are nice but slightly muted.
Sixty (6.0”x60): Blend tastes very watered-down with this size. Easily the size with the least flavor in the line, yet, we could see this being a nice blend for the golf course due to the long smoking time and light flavors. -
Tim - CAO Gold02/27/2012
I met a CAO rep a few years ago. Asked about his favorite CAO, without hesitation he replied, "CAO Gold." I thought he was just trying to move a slow seller to a gullible, albeit handsome salesman like myself. However, I've since smoked scores of these and he wasn't lying. One of the best mellow cigars I've ever had! Call and I'll set you up with one of these samplers today.
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Andrew - 5 Vegas Gold02/27/2012
A great new size! The fat 60-ring lends a subtle yet discernable and smooth, almost creamy characteristic. This lovely Connecticut brings in woody, nutty notes mixed with just a hint of pepper that balances perfectly on your palate. Certainly worth its weight in gold, pick up some Bullions today and I promise they won't depreciate in value.
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Tina - Rocky Patel Connecticut02/27/2012
We're in the final stretch of our frigid days in PA, and only a Guinness in one hand and a Rocky Patel Connecticut in the other will get me through. This smooth and crisp handmade was one of my first cigars, and remains one of my favorite go-to. If you haven't tried this yet, you're missing out!
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Josh - Oliva Connecticut Reserve02/27/2012
Connecticut wrappers are delicate leaves. If not properly applied, they'll easily burn uneven or split due to improper humidity. You won't find these problems with Oliva-made cigars, especially Connecticut Reserve. Construction is key. You'll get all those earthy, subtle flavors you love but you're guaranteed a proper burn and draw. 'Nuff said.
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Alex - Mark Twain02/27/2012
Value, value, value. Connecticut wrapper leaf isn't cheap and finding a great value can prove quite difficult. Mark Twain caught my attention due to its delicious appearance and its economy-balanced price point. As soon as I fired one up I found an awarding, premium experience for a fantastic value. I've lit up more expensive cigars that haven't treated me this well.
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Bryan - San Lotano Habano02/16/2012
Robusto (5.0"x54): A great size to start this line off with. A nice mixture of cream and spice right up front will instantly get your palate’s attention. The size is good for about 45 minutes of enjoyment; just enough for a nice break in your day.
Toro (6.0"x54): The Toro builds on what the Robusto started. This size is definitely one of the best cigars that have come out lately. Rich spice and cream floods your palate with notes of cedar throughout.
Toro Gordo (6.0"x60): The hefty 6.0”x60 will water down the blend a bit and won’t be as gripping as the smaller sizes. This cigar is still perfect for a long summer day where you can casually smoke one of these while barbecuing in your back yard.
Torpedo (6.5"x54): Pretty nice size. The ring gauge still offers the notes you’d get from the Robusto or Toro. The longer size makes the blend start to burn a little hot though. But that’s just being nit-picky.
Churchill (7.0"x54): Suffers from the same problem the Torpedo has. But at this point, we’re just trying to look for issues. Still an excellent cigar.
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