The Expert Review Library
-
John - CAO Flathead V660 Carb12/28/2017
This is not only one of my top picks for 2017, it's also one of my go-to cigars. This '95' rated box-pressed beauty sports a well-aged Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers beneath. Its notes of cocoa, black pepper, and earth are always an absolute pleasure.
-
Andrew - Ave Maria Divinia Toro12/28/2017
Truly a work of divine inspiration. I love anything AJ Fernandez makes, and this is no exception. Made primarily with Nicaraguan tobacco, this medium to full-bodied cigar opens with heavy spice, which mellow to notes of leather and earth. This blend will carry you on angel's wings until the end.
-
John M - Enclave Broadleaf by AJ Fernandez11/16/2017
AJ Fernandez is a very busy man–and that may be putting it lightly. Recently, he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business to make some absolute gems, and he’s somehow found the time to craft some new premiums to add to his own illustrious portfolio.
Among the brand new additions is an extension to his Enclave line. AJ created the original Habano-wrapped beauty with the help with his father, Ismael, and the cigar received a well-deserved ‘92’ rating and Top 25 honors.The newest iteration of Enclave was brought about by a simple curiosity–AJ wanted to know what the blend would taste like wrapped with a Connecticut Broadleaf, and I’ve never been so grateful for Mr. Fernandez’s inventive and adventurous approach to making cigars.Don’t get me wrong, the original Enclave is nothing shy of exquisite, but when Nicaraguan fillers from Pueblo Nuevo, Estelí, and the Jalapa Valley are encased by a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, what you get is a brand new profile with a deeper flavor and full-body. Enclave Broadleaf is visibly darker than the original, and the unlit tobaccos have a spicier aroma with a slight hint of hay and caramel–an indication that this cigar has been aged very well.
When the cigar is first lit, there is a fair amount of spice with notes of earth, espresso, some toasted almonds, and slight citrus on the finish. As the burn continues, the peppery notes remain present, but the flavors develop into a creamy leather with notes of cocoa and a natural sweetness. Enclave Broadleaf is a solid full-bodied cigar, and it has complexity to spare. Of course, the original will always be a regular in my rotation of premiums, but this new addition will definitely find its way into the mix as well. -
Andrew-Inca Secret Blend Tambo11/02/2017
A truly unique blend as not many use Peruvian tobacco; this solid, medium-bodied premium brims with tones of leather, wood, and earth, with some floral notes on the finish. Make sure you discover this secret for yourself—but don't tell too many others because they may disappear!
-
Michael-Gurkha Warpig XO11/02/2017
Warpig is a must! Its striking Nicaraguan maduro wrapper and mix of Dominican and Honduran fillers create complex undertones of cocoa, espresso, and cinnamon, matched with powerful black pepper and oak. This cigar is irresistible with impeccable construction, emitting thick clouds and satisfying flavor.
-
Daniel-Nica Libre Silver 25th Anniversary11/02/2017
A dark, oily Habano wrapper blended with Nicaraguan fillers creates tons of flavor in this personal favorite. Tasting notes are consistent from foot to finish, with cocoa, black pepper, earthiness, and a hint of sweet tobacco. Medium to full-bodied with a host of flavor, Nica Libre 25th is a must-try!
-
Bella-Torano Exodus Gold 20th Anniversary11/02/2017
Toraño Exodus Gold 20th Anniversary is a cigar that will awaken the taste buds! Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers are encased in a spicy, bold Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper. Enjoy hints of espresso, cedar, and smooth spice as you experience a myriad of flavors from start to finish with this outstanding cigar.
-
John - CAO Flathead V66011/02/2017
This unique '95' rated gem is full-bodied with a beautifully complex profile. Flathead's Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers are bound with a well-fermented Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Notes of black pepper, cocoa, and earth are nothing short of a holiday treat.
-
John M - CAO Fuma Em Corda10/15/2017
CAO may be one of the most adventurous cigar brands in the business. Its blends take enthusiasts off the beaten path with tobaccos procured in regions not often utilized by most cigar brands. A prime example of this is CAO’s Fuma Em Corda, literally translated to “smoke on a rope.” Named for a process native to Brazil, part of Fuma Em Corda’s blend of long fillers consists of Brazilian Arapiraca tobacco that is twisted into a braid and left to ferment. This tobacco is combined with long fillers from Nicaragua, Honduras, and Brazil, and encased by a Honduran Colorado Oscuro wrapper.
Something that strikes me as brilliant about this cigar (and all of the cigars in the CAO Amazon Basin Series) is the branding. Each cigar has a rustic appearance with a thin string of bound tobacco replacing the band. I tend to gravitate toward cigars with little details like this, because it shows a real appreciation for the tobaccos used, plus it just looks cool.
As for the cigar itself, the flavor is as unique as its aesthetic. Notes of espresso, caramel, and black pepper give this medium to full-bodied premium a truly unique profile with exquisite complexity. What’s really unique about this cigar is the fact that you can actually burn through the “band” without any adverse effects, because as mentioned, it’s made of tobacco.
CAO has definitely cornered the market when it comes to exotic cigars and Fuma Em Corda is a prime example of this. Well-made with flavor to spare, this cigar is an absolute gem that will certainly impress any aficionado looking for something a little different.
-
John M. - Rocky Patel Super Ligero Robusto09/19/2017
As advertised, Rocky Patel Super Ligero is brimming with Nicaraguan and Costa Rican triple ligero fillers, all hidden by a St. Augustine Habano wrapper. A complex profile with notes of leather and spice make this premium bold, balanced, and an absolute pleasure after a big meal.
Our Experts
