The Expert Review Library
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Quinn - CAO Italia Robusto09/24/2021
As one the only cigars that utilizes Italian-grown long-filler tobaccos, CAO Italia delivers a truly unique experience. The Habano Maduro wrapper shimmers in the light, while also displaying a damp, oily texture. Upon ignition, this medium-bodied beauty burns like a dream, providing thick, creamy smoke. Italia is a profoundly quintessential, yet distinctive CAO experience.
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Lindsay - Diesel Whiskey Row Robusto09/24/2021
Featuring Mexican San Andrés binder leaves aged in former Rabbit Hole bourbon barrels, AJ Fernandez devised a proprietary process to impart residual nuances evenly among the tobacco. The result? A medium-bodied blend with notes of oak, cream, white pepper, baking spice, and sweet cedar. Cheers to AJ, and here's hoping he continues being an innovator!
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Bella - Brick House Maduro Gordo08/13/2021
JC Newman kicks it up a notch with this bolder, zestier version of the original Brick House cigar. Featuring a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan long-fillers, this beauty is encased in a dark, spicy Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper. From first draw until finish, this cigar delivers with notes of cocoa, spice, pepper, and hints of natural sweetness.
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Quinn - Southern Draw Cedrus Belicoso08/13/2021
Cedrus easily takes the throne as Southern Draw's most distinct cigar blend. Beneath its Indonesian wrapper is a gorgeous medley of aromatic tobaccos which impart complex notes from start to finish. A considerable amount of spice complements notes of cocoa, espresso, and a sweet, fruity finish that is simply divine. Cigars like Cedrus never disappoint!
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Kelly - HC Series Connecticut Churchill08/13/2021
I was pleasantly surprised with the '92' rated HC Series Connecticut. Well-rounded, complex flavors within the tri-country blend of tobaccos from Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua certainly made up for the full-bodied profile I have grown accustomed to, while the Ecuador Connecticut wrapper kept the smoke smooth on the palate—a risk worth taking!
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Michael - La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial Robusto08/13/2021
La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial is '94' rated for good reasons. Medium to full-bodied, a high-priming Ecuadorian Habano wrapper gives intense woody notes. The Nicaraguan binder and fillers round it out well, with deep flavors of cocoa and espresso. As the nights start to get chilly, Edicion Especial would pair nicely with a Sazerac.
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Lindsay - E.P. Carrillo Seleccion Oscuro Roubsto08/13/2021
The boldest within the Elite Series, the '94' rated Selección Oscuro was the #4 Cigar of 2016 with good reason: its nuanced profile and impeccable construction remind long-time fans of EPC's Little Havana days. Notes of spice, chocolate, cedar, and dried-fruit sweetness all remain balanced, because only a true master is capable of such harmony.
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Quinn - Room101 FARCE. CT Churchill07/02/2021
As the summer looms closer, I get excited at the idea of kicking back on a hot afternoon with a cold drink and a great cigar. Enter the mellow to medium-bodied Room101 FARCE. Connecticut, with its seamless Ecuador Connecticut wrapper and smooth, earthy sweetness. Paired with your favorite whiskey or bourbon, this cigar optimizes relaxation.
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Michael - La Palina Red Label Robusto07/02/2021
La Palina Red Label is a ‘92’ rated gem from the Dominican Republic. This mellow-medium-bodied beauty features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Ecuadoran binder, and aged long-fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. There is subtle spice with notes of pepper, wood, cocoa that make this cigar a summertime treat, especially with a nice Rye cocktail.
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Kelly - Mark Twain Riverboat Churchill07/02/2021
New to the Mark Twain portfolio, Riverboat is the perfect summertime selection. With both a Connecticut and Maduro wrapper, this barber pole-style premium presents robust Nicaraguan binder and long-fillers — experience notes of earth, toast, cedar, and sweet spice. Medium in body, this blend brings forth a subtle boldness that inspires both your palate and senses.
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