The Expert Review Library
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Tim - Black Ops Berserker09/21/2016
Black Ops has won fans over with their clever packaging, rugged theme and, more importantly, their outstanding premiums all at an attractive price point. When Black Ops Berserker was in the works, I couldn’t help but scout around the office, trying to find first-hand information—and by first-hand information I mean when the cigar was going to hit our shelves. When I had the opportunity to get first dibs and light up this premium blend, I knew Black Ops provided another sought-after boutique with Black Ops Berserker.
This Nicaraguan puro lives up to its name. More than a one-dimensional cigar, Black Ops Berserker makes its mark in terms of flavor. Maintaining the balancing act of its medium to full body, Berserker immediately released bold notes of toasty tobaccos and zesty spice. Hints of rich dark chocolate soon appeared, complementing the other flavors lingering on the palate. With immaculate construction and rich, bold flavors Black Ops Berserker will take aficionados by storm.
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Michael - Trinidad Reserve09/20/2016
You can taste the Cuban tradition in this Honduras blended Trinidad Reserve. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper encases a robust blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers that make this full-bodied cigar smooth and complex with a hint of sweetness. This is a great cigar for after lunch. Just break off the pigtail, light it up and enjoy.
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Dave - Macanudo Cafe09/20/2016
This Dominican blend is a classic and one of the world’s best-selling cigars. If you thought mellow-bodied cigars weren’t your thing, there’s a good chance Macanudo Café will prove you wrong. It’s one of the most consistent cigars ever made and delivers an ultra-smooth experience from start to finish. Perfect for any occasion, Macanudo Café offers creamy notes of almonds, cedar, and vanilla.
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Tim - Punch09/20/2016
I know a thing or two about getting punched, let’s just say I have one of those faces. That said, this Bareknuckle blend from Punch is enjoyable through and through. Featuring an oily and redolent sungrown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and aged ligero long-leaf fillers, Punch Bareknuckle provides layers of spicy nuances and a strong yet pleasant aroma. You’ll be glad you got in the ring with this hard hitter.
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Andrew - CAO Italia09/20/2016
A favorite from CAO’s popular world collection, Italia utilizes a habano seed that was brought to Italy from Cuba nearly fifty years ago. Featuring a complex blend of Italian, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian fillers topped off with a Honduran binder and wrapper, this full-bodied blend offers a unique aroma and flavor you won’t get anywhere else. I often find myself pairing this classic with a hearty red wine. You can’t go wrong CAO Italia.
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Dean - Rocky Patel Vintage '03 Cameroon09/20/2016
Vintage 2003 begins with a perfectly balanced blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers that offer a wonderful aroma and flavor. The icing on the cake is a Cameroon wrapper, aged for eight years, which adds a nice hint of sweetness with some lighter notes of pepper and cedar. Enjoying this cigar with your favorite Octoberfest style lager will make for a great evening on any fall day.
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Dave - Hoyo La Amistad08/24/2016
Developed by the Cuban cigar maker, AJ Fernandez, who has produced some of the finest cigars in Nicaragua, Hoyo La Amistad is a bold move for the legendary Hoyo de Monterrey brand. I have to admit, when I first heard that AJ Fernandez was teaming up with Hoyo for a release, it had me scratching my head, but at the same time I couldn’t wait to light one up. After hearing that AJ Fernandez and his family grew up very near to the Hoyo de Monterrey farm in Cuba I knew he had put his all in this one.
The cigar features perfect construction. Once lit, you know you’re in for a bold and full-bodied treat. While the cigar is strong, it is nowhere near overpowering and there are some nice sweet and spicy notes mixed in that help to balance out the palate. While I didn’t find the blend to be overly complex or change much throughout, Hoyo La Amistad certainly lives up to its historic branding and delivers a classic, Cuban-esque experience that even the most discerning aficionados can enjoy.
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Dave - Ramon Bueso Olancho Vintage07/27/2016
Featuring an oily, Sun Grown Ligero wrapper, purposely under-fermented to create a unique flavor, the latest from Ramón Bueso will instantly grab your attention. It begins with a blast of pepper. As it settles down, notes of chocolate and spice appear with slight hints of raisin. This medium to full-bodied cigar has an aroma that sets it apart from any other cigar I’ve had.
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Dave - Latitude Zero Excursion07/27/2016
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Michael - Dunhill Heritage07/27/2016
Dunhill Heritage is wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano ligero wrapper, which encases a Nicaraguan Jalapa binder and fillers from Ometepe and Honduras. Blended in Honduras, with Cuban heritage, this cigar pairs fantastic with a single malt scotch. Watch the pairing video at CIGAR.com/HERITAGE
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