The Expert Review Library
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Sean L - Ave Maria01/13/2014
If you like a complex, yet smooth cigar, this one is for you. With its flawless Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and delicious well-aged Nicaraguan fillers, this cigar will please even the most scrupulous veteran cigar enthusiasts. With notes of toast, cedar and leather, along with the billowing plumes of white smoke, I just couldn’t put this masterpiece down. -
Sean G - Alec Bradley Mundial01/07/2014
Yes, this is that cigar. The blend garnered a lot of attention at this year’s IPCPR for being the first cigar shot into space. And unless you can tell me that shooting a cigar into space makes the blend better, I could really care less. Regardless, I still felt the need to try the cigar because of all the goodwill the brand has built up with all of their legendary blends.
PL#5 (5.1”x52): The blend is described as being loaded with ligero leaves and it proves that right out of the gate. Notes of a dark espresso and leather are prevalent up front while hints of spice are present on the finish. After about half an inch, the cigar mellows and gives off more of a medium to full-bodied profile. To me, it’s definitely not a complex cigar and tastes a little bit like everything else that Alec Bradley makes. That being said, tasting like every other Alec Bradley isn’t really a bad thing but when you factor in all the great blends they’ve made. -
Dave - Rocky Patel Royale11/17/2013
Robusto (5.0”x52): Naturally the best size to start with any cigar line, the robusto comes out of the gates flawlessly. A rich aroma mirrors the almond and espresso notes up front and I’m thinking this could be my new favorite Rocky blend. After about an inch, however, the cigar starts to burn hot and the rich flavors of before are replaced by an unbalanced harsh smoke. What happened? 87/100 [Buy Now]
Toro (6.5”x54): In my opinion, the Toro size doesn’t stray too much from the robusto. Starts off amazing, ends up being disappointing. The last two-thirds just emits a harsh, light smoke that I can’t imagine too many enthusiasts will find appealing. 86/100 [Buy Now]
Colossal (7.0”x62): Naturally, I wasn’t too pleased to fire this size up as my last sample. Am I just going to get more of the same? In a way, yes. The cigar starts off magnificently and then turns. Yet, with the monstrous ring gauge, the harsh smoke of the smaller sizes burns cooler. And while the strength is still amped up, it’s pretty appealing. If you have a lot of time on your hands, this will pair nicely with a rum and coke. -
Josh - E.P. Carrillo New Wave10/15/2013
I'm a medium to full-bodied Habano/maduro guy. When I reach for a Connecticut blend, I find myself leaning towards E.P. Carrillo's New Wave. It's not overly strong, but offers a full-flavor profile while its chestnut brown Connecticut wrapper is quite rich and enchanting. A thoroughly satisfying morning blend!
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Alex - La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale10/15/2013
Easily one of the strongest Connecticut cigars on the market and also one of the creamiest blends I've ever encountered. I like when cigars change in flavor and this blend hits the spot. Complex with bold flavors transitioning from inch to inch, its aroma and flavor are both thoroughly delicious.
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Tim - San Lotano Connecticut10/15/2013
Leav it to AJ Fernandez to make a Connecticut that will make you pause, sit, and enjoy like the world has stopped around you. Commanding your attention from first puff, San Lotano Connecticut starts with some light spice and builds in strength and flavor while maintaining a creamy, velvety essence.
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Sean G - Perdomo Reserve Champagne 10th Anniversary10/15/2013
I love a good morning cigar. There's nothing better than starting your day off with a smooth, mild-bodied blend and a nice cup of coffee. I remain true to Perdomo Reserve 10th Champagne because it's graced with an exquisite Connecticut-shade wrapper and provides ample flavor while maintaining a mellow profile.
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Bryan - Tatuaje 10 Year Anniversary10/15/2013
Belle Encre (5.4”x48, Perfecto): Full disclosure: I’m not a big Tatuaje fan. Don’t get me wrong, the cigars are made with supreme tobaccos, construction, and an incredible attention to detail. After going through a big Tatuaje phase two years ago, it’s hard for me to get excited about another blend from this brand. With Tatuaje 10th Anniversary, I was peer-pressured into picking one up. Immediately upon lighting it up, I knew this was something different; something special. While the perfecto isn’t normally my size of choice, any enthusiast will enjoy this straight down to the nub.
Bon Chasseur (5.4”x52): I found this size to be where the blend really shines. Even on both sizes, once you light it up, you can tell how much time and effort went into fermenting the perfectly even Nicaraguan tobaccos. Strong notes of coffee, earth, leather, and spice provide a thick, chewy smoke that saturates your palate in the best way possible. After enjoying cigar after cigar for my profession, this blend was a breath of fresh air and one of the finer cigars this reviewer has had in a while. -
Dave - Camacho Triple Maduro10/02/2013
Corona (5.5”x44): I always like to start a blend off with the corona size if possible. Even with all the “you-can-taste-the-components-better” argument, I think the coronas offer an enthusiast a nice appetizer of what’s to come from the blend. The corona size doesn’t disappoint. Wafting waves of spice and rich espresso sweetness, this size offers a nice kick start to your relaxation. 90/100 [Buy Now]
Robusto (5.0”x50): Jumping up in ring gauge, the robusto size offers a semi-diluted taste to what the corona brings. The spice is toned down but the espresso qualities shine through more. Overall though, you’d expect more from a cigar dubbed “Triple Maduro”. 88/100 [Buy Now]
6.0”x60 (well, I’m sure you can guess): To me, this is where Triple Maduro shines. There’s minimal spice on the finish and your palate is bombarded by rich, maduro flavors. While any copy will tell you this is a full-bodied cigar, this size is so smooth and chocolaty you barely recognize the strength. This blend is something you can get lost to and truly relax. -
Sean G - Oliva Saison08/31/2013
Robusto (5.0"x50): Simply delicious. You're met with a toasty flavor of earth up front while the blend maintains a smooth, creamy character throughout. Expels a solid medium and although the blend isn't too complex, it's straight forward profile keeps your interest from head to foot. This is a cigar you get lost in and at the end, you'll find yourself enjoying the creamy finish while determining when you'll be lighting up another. 93/100 [Buy Now]
Toro (6.0"x50): Perfectly blended and incredibly balanced from start to finish. The toro size presents the same flavor profile and creamy character you get with the robuso, except the finish is slightly heartier when you get to the last inch. 92/100 [Buy Now]
Churchill (7.0"x50): This size allows for a bolder character but still maintains a creamy finish. You'll notice a bit more complexity and some slight changes in flavor when compared to the toro and robusto but again, the blend is so well-balanced that its integrity is never compromised. Usually there's a rather big difference in flavor from robusto to Churchill but with Saison, you simply get some more exaggerated changes from first puff to the last with a slightly longer finish.
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