Expert Reviews for January 2011

From the oldest factory in the Dominican comes this classic Cameroon wrapped cigar. Long before Fuente, there was La Aurora. If I had to pick one cigar to smoke for the rest of my life, this very well may be it. Close to perfect - mellow to medium in body, flawless construction, and a consistent nutty/sweet character. This cigar is an old stand by for me, and possibly a new favorite for you! …

When in the mood for a full-bodied cigar, I usually think of Antano first. Honestly, I enjoy this blend's finish the most - It's smooth and creamy with a spicy feel that coats your palate with oily goodness. With an all-Nicaraguan filler and binder masked by a spicy Nicaraguan-grown Habano wrapper, this is one blend you'll never get sick of. Be warned, if you light this up in the morning you may …

An amazingly complex cigar, with notes ranging from vanilla cream to peppery-leathery nuances and even coffee; any cigar lover will enjoy this delight. This roll is firm, but draws very well and is very consistent. Media Noche is one of my favorite maduros. It is a bit on the higher end of hip national bank, however if you want the "goodness" of a blend made with luxury in mind, then …

With over a century of exposure, 5 Vegas Classic still remains a staple in my wheelhouse. The blend carries a '90' rating so how could you complain? With an exceptional earthy flavor masked by many hints of pepper and spices, this is a great morning blend for all you full-bodied fans. I enjoy 5 Vegas Classic as it's well-constructed, carries a heavy ash and pleasantly shocks my palate. …

One of the oldest but still one of the greatest in the industry. This classic blend is more reliable than Ole Faithful and never fails to disappoint. When I have some time to relax on a Sunday morning I love to enjoy these after a nice breakfast and a hair of the dog from the night prior. This subtle blend is nice and smooth, slightly woody with a just a few notes of black pepper. For the price …