The Expert Review Library
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Punch Golden Era01/05/2024
If you know anything about the history of the El Corojo farm in Cuba, then you’ll understand why what the Eiroa family did with this blend is so important. The adherence to old Cuban tradition transplanted to Honduras resulted in a multi-dimensional cigar that speaks cleanly on the palate. A perfect pairing with my afternoon coffee.
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Punch Golden Era - Oscar01/05/2024
Julio and Justo Eiroa used non-hybrid seeds, meaning what grew the leaves for this blend genetically originate from Cuba without any cross-straining: this is almost like being able to enjoy a classic Cuban-style cigar without any of the legal issues. Of the three vitolas, the Toro is my preference day or night.
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PunchGolden Era - Kelly01/05/2024
I’ve enjoyed other Punch cigars regularly, but Golden Era having received a ‘90’ rating upon release from Cigar Aficionado caught my attention. The Honduran Havana Seed Corojo wrapper was as silky on the palate as it was in my hands; perhaps the most enjoyable experience was each nuance never overpowering the other.
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Punch Golden Era - Bella01/05/2024
For me personally, I enjoy spice but in a tempered way. Punch Golden Era is refined, and after I smoked one Churchill with water, I wanted to amplify the underlying cinnamon note, so I grabbed another cigar and some Sazerac Rye. The candied spice note in my whiskey harmonized perfectly with this blend!
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Crowned Heads Mil Dias (NEW Expert Picks) - Bella09/29/2023
There’s something wonderful about a blend which can be appreciated by enthusiasts of all levels – it’s also a rare occurrence in today’s market. Someone more experienced will pick up on its complexity that firmly remains balanced, while a lesser-experienced individual will revel in its profile, appearance, and burn. Mil Días grabs your attention and never lets go.
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Crowned Heads Mil Dias (NEW Expert Picks) - Lindsay H09/29/2023
If good things come to those who wait, then I’d happily wait 1,000 days for these cigars. My preference is for the Double Robusto, as I enjoy the more nuanced interplay between sweeter and spicier notes in that vitola. You’ll often catch me celebrating “Mil Días Mondays” to start my week off right, and I suggest you do the same!
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Crowned Heads Mil Dias (NEW Expert Picks) - Kelly L09/29/2023
Fun fact: The ‘M’ logo on the band is not only an abbreviation for Mil Días, but it’s also the Roman numeral for 1,000. Since the cigar’s name literally means 1,000 days in Spanish, you can tell the Crowned Heads team really put a lot of thought into every possible detail for this blend.
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Crowned Heads Mil Dias (NEW Expert Picks) - Oscar09/29/2023
A seamless Ecuador Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and long-fillers from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Peru: this blend was well thought-out. I prefer the Sublime size, but also how this cigar never overpowers my palate while providing a constant evolution of flavor. Cedar, nuts, sweet cream, earth, spices, and cocoa pair well with coffee in the morning and bourbon at night.
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Bella - H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez05/29/2023
You can't beat a combo like H. Upmann and AJ Fernandez. This hearty long-filler blend of Criollo 98 and Piloto Cubano tobaccos gets finished with smooth Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper provides notes of roasted nuts, spice, and cocoa. Very Cuban-esque, it's easy to see why this one has a '90' rating. Pair it with an Old-Fashioned and see why this legendary brand is so well respected.
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Quinn - Camacho Triple Maduro05/29/2023
As one of Camacho's best-selling blends, this one is always in my rotation. Rumor has it, it took 84 attempts to perfect the final blend and it shows. The all-Maduro blend packs a ton of flavor. The uber-rich delivers notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and hints of spice on the finish. Pairs well with coffee, but save this one for dessert after you have a big, juicy steak. Pair with a red wine for maximum benefits.
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