The Expert Review Library
-
Andrew - 5 Vegas Series 'A'08/26/2013
Series ‘A’ is a classic stand by for me and one I often have in my humidor. Featuring a Costa Rican maduro wrapper, this stogie is very rich in the 5.5”x55 box-pressed frame, coming in with a nice light sweetness and notes of coffee and chocolate with a good bit of creaminess. All to boot with a pretty-looking price tag, this one is a must-try. -
Dave - General Grant08/08/2013
Corona (5.0"x42): For an inexpensive handmade, General Grant does the job. Don't expect a well-balanced, super-premium character here. Instead, you'll be met with complexity, some sweetness, but mostly a gritty earthiness that is far from refined. And this is a good thing. For being rolled freehand without the use of molds, the construction holds up and the cigar burns quite nicely. The blend does present some changes in flavor and leaves behind a medium finish with quite a rich aftertaste. In our opinion, for the price, this is a good corona for those who prefer the gritty, real taste of tobacco.
-
Dave - Duck Commander07/19/2013
Duck Commander Toro (6.0"x50): Decent blend with some tasty complex nuances. It remains a solid medium body from head to foot and does offer some sweetness on the finish. It performs well and tastes great, yet it doesn't astound you. The blend itself would be great to enjoy every day but isn't priced as an everyday cigar. For the high price point, there are better options out there.
-
Bryan - Sam Leccia Black07/07/2013
Toro (6.0"x50): A complex flavor profile shines through the well-blended, well-aged blend. With a smoky, toasty character throughout, this stick is simply unique and delicous. Perfectly constructed, there's so much to experience here that you'll never tire of burning this stick.Impressive. 91/100 [Buy Now]
XO (6.0"x60): Looking for an even more complex experience? The XO will serve you well. The size shoots out plumes of thick smoke with a fantastic aroma that won't offend even the most discerning enthusiasts. You really taste the changes in flavor here with more of the whiskey aroma on the finish. 91/100 [Buy Now]
Robusto (5.0"x52): Not as enjoyable as the other sizes since it lacks the same amount of complexity. But still, this size is great for a quick preview as to just how boldly complex the blend can get. 90/100 [Buy Now]
Corona (4.0"x46): Really zesty with very little sweetness. Nearly tastes like a completely different blend. Not for everyone, but those who love a really quick smoke in a super bold, robust format will die for this corona. -
Dave - Gurkha Black Ops Maduro05/30/2013
Robusto (5.0"x52): Really creamy and smooth for a semi-hearty maduro. Easily medium-bodied with a touch of extra strength when cycling the smoke through your nostrils. Well-balanced, the blend remains consistent in flavor from head to foot with a mellow finish. A pleasure to burn.
Toro (6.0"x50): Maintains that smooth, creamy character while adding a bit more strength to the finish. Although this stick is longer, the blend is no more complex than in the robusto size, so this size will treat any enthusiast well. Burns long, slow, and even with a cool smoke. The finish is slightly more robust.
Torpedo (6.2"x52): If you're looking for a thoroughly robust experience, then pick up this torpedo and only cut a little off the cap. When you provide yourself a small ring gauge, the cigar really heats up, bringing forth powerful heartiness that almost turns into a full body. The blend is still creamy, but packs a bit more punch and offers more complexity. Of course, if you want a similar experience to the robusto or toro, then simply cut more off the head. -
Josh - Cohiba Red Dot05/28/2013
I’m not a huge Cohiba fan and I typically dislike Cameroon wrapper, but this is one Cameroon-wrapped cigar I actually enjoy. It’s bold and slightly spicy but well-balanced and incredibly smooth. And if my discerning palate likes it, then that means you might just like it as well. Medium to full-bodied but with a mellow character. Very good.
-
Alex - AVO Classic05/28/2013
I’m a premium cigar guru. I don’t usually enjoy "run of the mill" cigars. I love blends that hail from boutique cigar factories and I don’t focus on price. That said, AVO hails from the Davidoff factory and is simply one of the best tasting, Connecticut-wrapped cigars I’ve ever had. It offers full flavors but remains incredibly smooth. Truly perfect for anyone, any time.
-
Tim - Man O' War Puro Authentico05/28/2013
Full-bodied and full of spice, Puro Authentico is the perfect blend in the perfect size for me. This may be AJ’s personal cigar, but it is now my evening cigar. Every evening. I hope AJ’s OK with me taking a chunk out of his stash. Tasting notes: Tastes good … real good. Buy the sampler and try this cigar, it’s the right thing to do.
-
Andrew - Nica Libre05/28/2013
Padrón is nice and all, but hard to come by. Enter Nica Libre by AJ. Of course we all know the love I hold for his blends. This one being incredibly smooth and exhibiting rich coffee and chocolate notes with a bit of cedar and spice make for a perfectly rounded taste. Free yourself and your wallet from overpriced stogies with this jewel.
-
Andrew - 601 La Bomba04/19/2013
601 La Bomba is the newest addition to the 601 line. Produced by Don Pepín García, this stogie is quite literally “the bomb.” Lots of ligero produces strong spice with a good measure of cedar along with some muddy espresso notes. Be warned, only experienced aficionados can diffuse this full-bodied vitola; beginners may need rescuing.
Our Experts
