The Expert Review Library
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Alex - Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary10/08/2012
I don't burn many of Rocky Patel's cigars. There's so much out there right now it's hard to keep to my original staples. I loved the Vintage blends so I must say, RP 15th met my expectations. The richness and complex flavors are bold and exciting. Definitely rolled for the experienced. -
Tim - J. Fuego Origen10/08/2012
Brazil. Home to beautiful women, tiny bathing suits, and the world's best tobacco. Proof is in the ligero pudding; San Lotano Habano, Maxx Brazilian, and my pick for this issue's sampler: J. Fuego Origen. Check out that Brazilian Habano wrapper. Don't you just want to eat it? Go ahead, just don't eat too many or you won't fit into that speedo.
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Dave - Punch Bareknuckle09/11/2012
Potent, spicy, but incredibly smooth on the finish, this is one of the best Punch cigars we've ever experienced. From the packaging to the bands to the blend, everything is top notch here. Expect a massive complexity that builds and builds into a finale of epic earthiness followed by pepper and a hearty aroma.
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Sean G - Fighting Cock07/18/2012
Toro (6.0"x50): Consistent in flavor from head to foot with a smooth, clean finish. Creamy notes of spice and pepper swirl about while the well-balanced character creates an enjoyable aroma. For the price, this blend really impressed us. Well-constructed.
Torpedo (6.2"x52): Slightly more complex than the toro size but the draw remains quite tight. We suggest cutting the head down a bit further than usual on this one. Expect a strong flavor with the same enjoyable aroma as this size creates a lot more in terms of pepper and spice. Still remains medium-bodied from head to foot and burns slow.
Robusto (5.0"x52): A great 45-minute smoke but it remains rather one dimensional througout. Maintained an effortless draw but burned slightly uneven due to a thick vein in the wrapper. Produces plumes of thick smoke but this size doesn't represent the blends full potential.
Churchill (7.0"x48): Bold yet unbalanced is the theme of this churchill. If you're looking for more of a full-bodied experience, this is your size. The blend builds in strength as it burns but doesn't release as much smoke as the other sizes. It also burns slightly hot after 3 inches. -
Dave - Fighting Cock07/18/2012
Toro (6.0"x50): Consistent in flavor from head to foot with a smooth, clean finish. Creamy notes of spice and pepper swirl about while the well-balanced character creates an enjoyable aroma. For the price, this blend really impressed us. Well-constructed.
Torpedo (6.2"x52): Slightly more complex than the toro size but the draw remains quite tight. We suggest cutting the head down a bit further than usual on this one. Expect a strong flavor with the same enjoyable aroma as this size creates a lot more in terms of pepper and spice. Still remains medium-bodied from head to foot and burns slow.
Robusto (5.0"x52): A great 45-minute smoke but it remains rather one dimensional througout. Maintained an effortless draw but burned slightly uneven due to a thick vein in the wrapper. Produces plumes of thick smoke but this size doesn't represent the blends full potential.
Churchill (7.0"x48): Bold yet unbalanced is the theme of this churchill. If you're looking for more of a full-bodied experience, this is your size. The blend builds in strength as it burns but doesn't release as much smoke as the other sizes. It also burns slightly hot after 3 inches. -
Sean G - Man O' War Puro Authentico05/15/2012
Corona (5.0”x42): Wow. That’s all we have to say...
Ok, we can’t leave it like that. As AJ’s go to blend, you know this sucker is good. The small 5.0”x42 packs a flavor that you’d expect from a bigger cigar and will leave you more than satisfied after your last puff. It’s like ordering a Happy Meal and getting a Big Mac instead. The blend leads in with strong notes of spice and leather that transforms into notes of espresso as the blend progresses. Hands down, one of the best blends we’ve smoked. -
Sean G - CAO OSA Sol04/20/2012
Lot 50 (5.0”x50): Unique and satisfying from start to finish. The flavor is slightly complex but maintains itself for the majority of the burn. An effortless draw adds to the allure and the box presentation is exception. Overall, a good blend by CAO but you must decide if the special tobaccos featuring in this stick are worth the high price.
Lot 58 (6.5”x58): Wow. Impressive burn and draw. Quite complex with ever-changing flavor. This enormous cigar burns forever, remains cool, and release a plethora of thick smoke with a fantastic aroma. A long finish rests with you for a solid 30 minutes after you're through.
Lot 54 (6.0”x54): Good, but nothing special. Not as complex as Lot 58 and too boring compared to Lot 50 because the flavor characterists are nearly identical. This size keeps a steady flavor and burn from head to foot, with small amount of complexity. No problems with burn, draw, or construction. This one simply lost points because we were expecting a bit more complexity, based on the size. -
Sean G - Gurkha Genghis Khan03/27/2012
Churchill (7.5”x52): It's been a while since we touched base with this blend so we wanted to go ahead and give it another review. By this point in time, the cigars have been aging for a few years due to the lack of new production, and this churchill is tasty. Definitely not as potent as it originally was, but the super smooth and creamy flavors you receive are worth the exchange. The sweetness in this blend presents itself a bit more while the hearty, spicy finish remains rather mellow - perfectly balanced. Many cigars age better than others and this is one of them. Only issue with the churchill is by the 5th inch, the balance begins to fade away and you're left with a stout, robust character and builds in strength until the finish. Some may find that good, others not so much. Personally, this is a great blend that got better with age.
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Dave - Rocky Patel Vintage '03 Cameroon03/15/2012
Robusto (5.5”x50): A really great start to testing the blend. The size is very conducive to the blend and the rich, semi-sweet Cameroon wrapper shines the most here.
Churchill (7.0”x48): Definitely the surprise of the bunch. The 48 ring gauge allowed for a ton of flavor and it only got stronger as the cigar burned. While it’s a long smoke, you’ll enjoy it right down to the nub.
Torpedo (6.25”x52): The shorter size seems to work better with the 52 ring gauge for some reason. Flavors seem to be more pronounced and this is a solid hour and half smoke.
Toro (6.5”x52): The fatter 52 ring gauge allows for a cooler smoke than the 50 ring gauge. Flavors are nice but slightly muted.
Sixty (6.0”x60): Blend tastes very watered-down with this size. Easily the size with the least flavor in the line, yet, we could see this being a nice blend for the golf course due to the long smoking time and light flavors. -
Tim - CAO Gold02/27/2012
I met a CAO rep a few years ago. Asked about his favorite CAO, without hesitation he replied, "CAO Gold." I thought he was just trying to move a slow seller to a gullible, albeit handsome salesman like myself. However, I've since smoked scores of these and he wasn't lying. One of the best mellow cigars I've ever had! Call and I'll set you up with one of these samplers today.
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