The Expert Review Library
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Andrew - Oliva Serie 'V'05/27/2014
Why He Likes It: This Oliva blend is the apex of strength and beauty. Serie ‘V’ is a potent cigar, but never over-powering, with cascading, savory notes of cedar and leather and a commanding, spicy finish. The ‘94’ rating only adds to the allure of this legendary blend. Passing this one over would be a crying shame, although it would leave some more for me. -
Sean L - My Father Le Bijou 192205/27/2014
Why He Likes It: My Father Le Bijou 1922 is one of the finest blends from Tabacalera My Father. This beauty is draped in a flawless Ecuadorian-grown Habano Oscuro wrapper, which imparts succulent notes of cedar, earth, and spice. From start to finish, this blend is complex and satisfying—like father, like son.
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Sean G - CAO Extreme05/25/2014
CAO is one of my favorite brands out there. In fact, CAO Brazilia was the first cigar I’ve ever had and still one I go back to from time to time. The problem has been that their most recent releases haven’t lived up to my expectations. So when CAO Extreme hit our docks, I was a little skeptical. But the brand has done me enough good over the years to warrant me picking up a 5 pack to try…
The packaging and band, while great-looking, really plays up the four ligeros they use in the blend. For me, that’s usually not a good thing and I usually take that as “we’ve stuffed a lot of strong tobaccos in here because we couldn’t find a blend that worked.” But all of those reservations quickly subside as soon as I light it up. Powerful? Yes, but incredibly balanced. Frankly, I’m shocked how much I love this blend. I can only liken it to a powerful cup of coffee that you’re not sure you like at first but soon realize you can’t live without it. Notes of cedar, espresso, cashews and a subtle spice on the finish having me burning up this 5 pack real quick. -
Alex - Macanudo Cafe04/14/2014
We all know that a mellow-bodied cigar isn’t normally my thing, yet, I still find myself coming back to a Macanudo Hyde Park. The ultra-smooth blend is perfect for any occasion. The smooth Dominican blend is a classic and loaded with notes of almonds, cedar, and vanilla. You can see why this is the best-selling cigar in the world…
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Sean G - Rocky Patel Signature Series04/14/2014
Rocky Patel’s other Connecticut-wrapped blends get all the notoriety but RP Signature is the true gem. This well-balanced cigar is loaded with Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers then topped off with a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Rich plumes of smoke offer notes of cedar, cashews, and vanilla that top off one of the most satisfying cigars you’ve ever had.
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Tim - Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real04/14/2014
While sorting through our list of mellow-bodied blends, I kept coming back to Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real. Even though it’s listed as a mellow to medium-bodied blend, the cigar packs a ton of flavor. The Nicaraguan fillers meld effortlessly with the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and pair perfectly with a light frappuccino.
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Andrew - Alec Bradley Connecticut04/14/2014
Looking for something light but with lots of flavor? Well look no further and pick up one of these Alec Bradley Connecticut. This gem is loaded with a ton of cedar notes and just a touch of natural sweetness on an overall rich, creamy background. This blend will pair perfectly with a pilsner and can’t be beat for the price.
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Sean L - Ave Maria Immaculata04/14/2014
Ave Maria has been one of the most exquisite and well-known blends to come out of Tabacalera Fernandez within the last decade. The Ave Maria Immaculata comes draped in a flawless Nicaraguan Connecticut, lending to this blend’s creamy nuances. With an extraordinary amount of depth and flavor, no other Connecticut compares.
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Alex - Montecristo Media Noche03/03/2014
With so many exciting boutique blends on the market, Montecristo can often get overlooked. The brand is a classic that can never be replaced and blends like Media Noche prove that. Comprised of Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Peruvian tobaccos, Media Noche delivers notes of cedar and cashews with a rich espresso finish. A truly balanced blend.
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Sean G - Man O' War Ruination03/03/2014
I don’t consider myself an enthusiast who only enjoys full-bodied blends. I enjoy all types of flavor profiles especially since its part of my job. And even after firing up a myriad of cigars on a daily basis, I find myself coming back to Man O’ War Ruination. One of the finest full-bodied cigars out there, AJ’s blend is teeming with rich flavors of cedar, spice, and hints of espresso.
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