The Expert Review Library
-
Sean G - Arturo Fuente Hemingway05/27/2014
Why He Likes It: This ‘93’ rated Dominican puro from Fuente never lets me down. The initial blast of flavor from the perfecto tip sets the tone for a smooth, flavorful blend ripe with flavors of leather, earth, and hints of spice. Limited in production, these beauties are a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. -
Tim - E.P. Carrillo Cardinal Natural05/27/2014
Why He Likes It: E.P. Carrillo’s Cardinal Series is one of the most complex blends I’ve experienced in a long time. With so many nuances, it’s tough to specify each one. Balanced is the word. Strong, yes, but this might be the smoothest full-bodied cigar on the market today. Nothing is out of place with this masterful blend.
-
Andrew - Oliva Serie 'V'05/27/2014
Why He Likes It: This Oliva blend is the apex of strength and beauty. Serie ‘V’ is a potent cigar, but never over-powering, with cascading, savory notes of cedar and leather and a commanding, spicy finish. The ‘94’ rating only adds to the allure of this legendary blend. Passing this one over would be a crying shame, although it would leave some more for me.
-
Sean L - My Father Le Bijou 192205/27/2014
Why He Likes It: My Father Le Bijou 1922 is one of the finest blends from Tabacalera My Father. This beauty is draped in a flawless Ecuadorian-grown Habano Oscuro wrapper, which imparts succulent notes of cedar, earth, and spice. From start to finish, this blend is complex and satisfying—like father, like son.
-
Sean G - CAO Extreme05/25/2014
CAO is one of my favorite brands out there. In fact, CAO Brazilia was the first cigar I’ve ever had and still one I go back to from time to time. The problem has been that their most recent releases haven’t lived up to my expectations. So when CAO Extreme hit our docks, I was a little skeptical. But the brand has done me enough good over the years to warrant me picking up a 5 pack to try…
The packaging and band, while great-looking, really plays up the four ligeros they use in the blend. For me, that’s usually not a good thing and I usually take that as “we’ve stuffed a lot of strong tobaccos in here because we couldn’t find a blend that worked.” But all of those reservations quickly subside as soon as I light it up. Powerful? Yes, but incredibly balanced. Frankly, I’m shocked how much I love this blend. I can only liken it to a powerful cup of coffee that you’re not sure you like at first but soon realize you can’t live without it. Notes of cedar, espresso, cashews and a subtle spice on the finish having me burning up this 5 pack real quick. -
Alex - Macanudo Cafe04/14/2014
We all know that a mellow-bodied cigar isn’t normally my thing, yet, I still find myself coming back to a Macanudo Hyde Park. The ultra-smooth blend is perfect for any occasion. The smooth Dominican blend is a classic and loaded with notes of almonds, cedar, and vanilla. You can see why this is the best-selling cigar in the world…
-
Sean G - Rocky Patel Signature Series04/14/2014
Rocky Patel’s other Connecticut-wrapped blends get all the notoriety but RP Signature is the true gem. This well-balanced cigar is loaded with Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers then topped off with a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Rich plumes of smoke offer notes of cedar, cashews, and vanilla that top off one of the most satisfying cigars you’ve ever had.
-
Tim - Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real04/14/2014
While sorting through our list of mellow-bodied blends, I kept coming back to Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real. Even though it’s listed as a mellow to medium-bodied blend, the cigar packs a ton of flavor. The Nicaraguan fillers meld effortlessly with the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and pair perfectly with a light frappuccino.
-
Andrew - Alec Bradley Connecticut04/14/2014
Looking for something light but with lots of flavor? Well look no further and pick up one of these Alec Bradley Connecticut. This gem is loaded with a ton of cedar notes and just a touch of natural sweetness on an overall rich, creamy background. This blend will pair perfectly with a pilsner and can’t be beat for the price.
-
Sean L - Ave Maria Immaculata04/14/2014
Ave Maria has been one of the most exquisite and well-known blends to come out of Tabacalera Fernandez within the last decade. The Ave Maria Immaculata comes draped in a flawless Nicaraguan Connecticut, lending to this blend’s creamy nuances. With an extraordinary amount of depth and flavor, no other Connecticut compares.
Our Experts
