The Expert Review Library
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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. -
Bryan - Don Pepin Garcia Legado de Pepin04/04/2013
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. -
Alex - Diesel Wicked03/18/2013
My favorite figurado? My top 10 list constantly changes on a regular basis so I couldn’t help but recommend the new Diesel Wicked. Expect a fantastic, complex array of bold, deep flavors throughout. Laced with ligeros, you’ll find strong notes of pepper and spice with some relief from the blend’s Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper.
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Tim - Gurkha Beauty03/18/2013
"Schwee Schwoo!" Heads will turn when this Beauty is out and about. Tall and curvy, this is the cigar equivalent to a super model! A silky Connecticut wrapper covers the aged Dominican long leaf that packs this figurado full. Mellow to medium in body, super rich and creamy – you’ll thoroughly enjoy this 2½ hour treat.
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Andrew - Man O' War Ruination03/18/2013
Ruination Belicoso is my all-time favorite cigar. I always have a mass of these in my humidor. Full-bodied yet not over bearing, notes of cedar and leather mix well with earthy tones backed up with just enough spice to keep things interesting and enjoyable. Try it yourself but be warned, you might fall in love with it as well.
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