The Expert Review Library
-
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.
-
Josh - Don Sixto by Nestor Plasencia04/19/2013
I’ve always enjoyed Nestor Plasencia’s cigars. The guy knows how to grow tobacco, what can I say? But his Don Sixto blend is more than just another well-made premium. Thick plumes of creamy smoke waft from the Connecticut wrapper as cedar, nuts, and earth overwhelm your senses. The kicker? A Nicaraguan Habano binder that amps up the strength!
-
Tina - Man O' War Side Projects04/19/2013
Since I know this cigar is full-bodied with pepper and spice, I handed it over to my Italian sweetie since he’s fond of the occasional robust cigar. Some say food is the way to a man’s heart, but I’m going to have to disagree. This Pennsylvania Broadleaf masterpiece had him singing, “That’s Amore” after just a few puffs. It’s safe to say this one is a keeper, both the cigar and the Italian.
-
Dave - Don Pepin Garcia Legado de Pepin04/05/2013
Belicoso (6.1”x52): With the longer body and a slightly bigger ring gauge, the Belicoso size really amps things up. The first inch of the cigar sets the tone with a medium-bodied flavor of cedar and spice. But after the first inch, the blend amps up and bombards your palate with rich flavors of espresso and caramel while finishing with a hearty black pepper spice. Blends like these are what made Pepin what he is today.
Churchill (7.0”x50): The Churchill adds another 30 minutes of enjoyment and remains very similar to the Belicoso. If you loved the Belicoso, the Churchill just gives you more. It’s a nice Churchill like this that is perfect to enjoy after work on your Friday and completely sets up a relaxing weekend.
Robusto (5.0”x50): What we have here is really just an appetizer. Don’t get me wrong, the blend is delicious but as soon bursts of espresso, cedar, caramel, and black pepper hit their sweet spot, the cigar is almost done. Highly recommended for quick enjoyment but stick to the larger sizes to get the full effect of the blend.
Our Experts
