The Expert Review Library
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Bryan - Tatuaje 10 Year Anniversary10/15/2013
Belle Encre (5.4”x48, Perfecto): Full disclosure: I’m not a big Tatuaje fan. Don’t get me wrong, the cigars are made with supreme tobaccos, construction, and an incredible attention to detail. After going through a big Tatuaje phase two years ago, it’s hard for me to get excited about another blend from this brand. With Tatuaje 10th Anniversary, I was peer-pressured into picking one up. Immediately upon lighting it up, I knew this was something different; something special. While the perfecto isn’t normally my size of choice, any enthusiast will enjoy this straight down to the nub.
Bon Chasseur (5.4”x52): I found this size to be where the blend really shines. Even on both sizes, once you light it up, you can tell how much time and effort went into fermenting the perfectly even Nicaraguan tobaccos. Strong notes of coffee, earth, leather, and spice provide a thick, chewy smoke that saturates your palate in the best way possible. After enjoying cigar after cigar for my profession, this blend was a breath of fresh air and one of the finer cigars this reviewer has had in a while. -
Sean G - Perdomo Reserve Champagne 10th Anniversary10/15/2013
I love a good morning cigar. There's nothing better than starting your day off with a smooth, mild-bodied blend and a nice cup of coffee. I remain true to Perdomo Reserve 10th Champagne because it's graced with an exquisite Connecticut-shade wrapper and provides ample flavor while maintaining a mellow profile.
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Tim - San Lotano Connecticut10/15/2013
Leav it to AJ Fernandez to make a Connecticut that will make you pause, sit, and enjoy like the world has stopped around you. Commanding your attention from first puff, San Lotano Connecticut starts with some light spice and builds in strength and flavor while maintaining a creamy, velvety essence.
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Dave - Camacho Triple Maduro10/02/2013
Corona (5.5”x44): I always like to start a blend off with the corona size if possible. Even with all the “you-can-taste-the-components-better” argument, I think the coronas offer an enthusiast a nice appetizer of what’s to come from the blend. The corona size doesn’t disappoint. Wafting waves of spice and rich espresso sweetness, this size offers a nice kick start to your relaxation. 90/100 [Buy Now]
Robusto (5.0”x50): Jumping up in ring gauge, the robusto size offers a semi-diluted taste to what the corona brings. The spice is toned down but the espresso qualities shine through more. Overall though, you’d expect more from a cigar dubbed “Triple Maduro”. 88/100 [Buy Now]
6.0”x60 (well, I’m sure you can guess): To me, this is where Triple Maduro shines. There’s minimal spice on the finish and your palate is bombarded by rich, maduro flavors. While any copy will tell you this is a full-bodied cigar, this size is so smooth and chocolaty you barely recognize the strength. This blend is something you can get lost to and truly relax. -
Sean G - Oliva Saison08/31/2013
Robusto (5.0"x50): Simply delicious. You're met with a toasty flavor of earth up front while the blend maintains a smooth, creamy character throughout. Expels a solid medium and although the blend isn't too complex, it's straight forward profile keeps your interest from head to foot. This is a cigar you get lost in and at the end, you'll find yourself enjoying the creamy finish while determining when you'll be lighting up another. 93/100 [Buy Now]
Toro (6.0"x50): Perfectly blended and incredibly balanced from start to finish. The toro size presents the same flavor profile and creamy character you get with the robuso, except the finish is slightly heartier when you get to the last inch. 92/100 [Buy Now]
Churchill (7.0"x50): This size allows for a bolder character but still maintains a creamy finish. You'll notice a bit more complexity and some slight changes in flavor when compared to the toro and robusto but again, the blend is so well-balanced that its integrity is never compromised. Usually there's a rather big difference in flavor from robusto to Churchill but with Saison, you simply get some more exaggerated changes from first puff to the last with a slightly longer finish. -
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.
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Sean G - Camacho Triple Maduro08/26/2013
Back in ’07, I was lucky enough to visit the Camacho factory in Honduras. Already home to my favorite cigar at the time (Camacho Diploma), Christian Eiroa had a batch of his new project, the Triple Maduro, rolled up for myself and Alex to try. Long story short, it kicked my ass and blew my mind. Every maduro fan MUST try this cigar.
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Alex - Ramon Bueso Genesis The Project08/26/2013
I met Ramón Bueso a few years back and was thoroughly impressed with his achievements at that time. So in 2012, when Ramón finally released his own maduro blend, I was stoked. I’m more of a Habano guy, but the well-fermented Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper caught my eye and its rich flavor put the nail in the coffin; my favorite maduro.
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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.
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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.
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