The Expert Review Library
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Dean - CAO Extreme07/27/2016
CAO Extreme became a mainstay in my humidor immediately following the first one I lit up. This flavorful premium features four different doses of ligero tobaccos and a beautiful Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. You’re met with a potent spice, hints of espresso, and a leathery finish making this a perfect full-bodied, after-dinner treat. -
Michael - Zino Platinum Crown Series06/30/2016
From the house that Davidoff built is the Zino Platinum Grand Master. A smooth and complex cigar with notes of rich coffee and cocoa. Made with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Connecticut binder, and fillers from the Dominican Republic and Peru, this mellow to medium-bodied cigar is that one you want sitting on your front porch at sunset with a nice aged rum.
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Dave - Montecristo Classic06/30/2016
When it comes to name recognition, few trump Montecristo, and this smooth blend has been living up to the hype since its grand debut in 1995. While it’s on the mellower side of the spectrum, there is still plenty of flavor and complexity to go around. Rich notes of cedar and spice lead the pack while a select Connecticut Shade wrapper provides a creamy finish.
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Tim - 5 Vegas Gold06/30/2016
Gold is an old favorite of mine. Real old, like back when the Mets were bad and Zima was flowing like water. In fact, I’m enjoying yet another one this evening at my desk, and I have to say this fantastic cigar has only gotten better over time. This chunky Connecticut is creamy and rich, with a hint of spice. 5 Vegas Gold has enough flavor and character to impress any enthusiast.
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Andrew - Alec Bradley Connecticut06/30/2016
Alec Bradley Connecticut features a flawless Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper overtop a Nicaraguan and Honduran filler blend that offers earthy notes as well as a mix of wood, nuts, and spice. Have an Alec Bradley Connecticut after your morning bacon and eggs, maybe a bit of Irish coffee, and your day can’t be anything less than perfect.
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Dean - Punch Grand Cru06/30/2016
Punch Grand Cru has always been a mainstay in my humidor. This carefully aged and masterfully blended cigar from the iconic Punch brand presents hints of vanilla and cedar, with a slight spice on the finish. When I’m looking for a great blend to start off the day, Grand Cru is always top of mind!
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Dave - Camacho Powerband06/30/2016
After enjoying Camacho American Barrel-Aged, I was very eager to try this latest release within the Master Build Series. In typical Camacho fashion, Powerband caters to their core base of full-bodied fanatics. What sets this one apart though is a propriety bunching process which helps to maximize airflow without sacrificing the amount of tobaccos used. The very smooth and easy draw once lit was just the beginning of the excitement. A rich, complex flavor profile of dark roasted coffee, leather, and a slight spice combine to create a full-bodied cigar with all the strength and power you could ever want while remaining incredibly smooth draw after draw. The burn and construction is also top-notch from head to foot. Camacho Powerband is the perfect cigar for those who are looking for a full-bodied experience without any harsh or bitter qualities.
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Michael - Oliva Serie 'G'05/11/2016
The Oliva Serie ‘G’ is one of those cigars you really have to have in your humidor. It’s a great everyday smoke that has a consistent flavor throughout. The African Cameroon wrapper really sets off the Nicaraguan filler with notes of rich coffee and a slight spice. And like a fine wine, it only gets better with age.
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Dave - La Perla Habana Black Pearl Morado05/11/2016
Morado is the highest-rated La Perla Habana blend, and rightfully so. The toothy African Cameroon wrapper is rolled to perfection around a solid core of Nicaraguan long-fillers. This well-balanced, medium-bodied blend has a ton of flavor without all the kick. Smooth flavors of cedar, earth, and light spices mingle throughout, followed by a semi-sweet finish.
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Tim - Rocky Patel Decade Cameroon05/11/2016
Decade is one of my all-time favorites, so I had to try Rocky’s newer Cameroon version. After enjoying dozens since its release, I can tell you this blend delivers and frankly is as good, if not better than the original. There’s a nice sweetness to the smoke throughout and some serious complexity with hints of caramel, coconut, and peanut. Another KO from Rocky!
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