The Expert Review Library
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Dave - Cuba Libre One03/01/2011
Robusto (5.0"x52) Very nice cigar. Full-flavored and full-bodied but it doesn't overwhelm your senses. You'll notice ample spicy characters and a semi-sweet finish for a well-balanced experience.
Churchill (7.0"x52) Due to the 7-inch length, you'll find the power of this cigar continues to increase as the blend burns. By the time you reach the fourth inch, you're palate will be coated with oily notes of pepper and you won't find any sweetness. Recommended for experienced aficionados.
No. 2 Belicoso (6.1"x52) Great size but not for this particular blend. It delivers complex flavors and keeps your interest from head to foot but avid enthusisasts may consider this a medium-bodied cigar since it's super smooth. We recommend cutting a lot off the head of this belicoso as it'll create a stronger, full flavor and an easier draw.
Toro (6.0"x52) Great size for everyday enjoyment or to hand out. Offers the best in terms of balance as you'll find sweetness, pepper, spice, earth, and cedar. Only downfall is the fact that this stick never progresses into a stout, super-complex and full-bodied blend such as the robusto and churchill sizes. -
Tim - Montecristo Media Noche02/28/2011
May be the perfect Maduro. Heavy in hand, beautiful to the eye, and dark as night – Media Noche draws you in and makes you a believer even before you light it. Flame to foot creates clouds of blueish grey smoke. A little spice reminds you this is a medium to full-bodied blend, but it's the subtle nuances of chocolate, coffee, and berries that really make this a special cigar. Perfect construction solidifies this as a classic. Enjoy!
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Andrew - La Herencia Cubana Oscuro Fuerte02/28/2011
This is one of AJ's finest. I know I say that about everything the man makes but it's so true – every one is a gem. This dark and gorgeous cigar showcases a light sheen on its PA broadleaf wrapper, offering up sweet chocolate and cedar notes with just a hint of leather. This one is a beauty and for the price, it can't be beat. Give Oscuro Fuerte a shot today. You will not be disappointed.
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Josh - Punch Deluxe02/28/2011
I'm a big fan of consistency. There is nothing worse than finding that special cigar you thoroughly enjoy, only to realize that every time you stock up, you're met with a different flavor. For this reason, Punch Deluxe Maduro is one of my top 5 favorite maduros. I first tried this blend over four years ago and it still tastes the same today – no matter where I find them. Medium-bodied, full-flavored and consistent, this fails to disappoint.
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Alex - Alec Bradley Tempus02/28/2011
I love the feel of this cigar, the box-pressed shape lends to a perfect draw of heavy, sweet smoke. Alec Bradley is one of the most underrated brands out there with production at the world's top factories. The new Tempus Maduro has become a staple for me. I find this cigar pairs very well at the beginning of a heavy meal with a medium-bodied red wine.
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Matt - Diesel02/28/2011
Diesel rocketed up the ranks to quickly become one of our best-selling brands. For good reason too; the Nicaraguan long fillers covered by a silky PA Broadleaf Maduro wrapper produce amazing flavors with a complex spiciness. A true testament to the skill of AJ Fernandez, if you haven't tried the Diesel yet, now's your chance. I promise you won't be disappointed.
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Bryan - Nica Libre02/17/2011
Double Robusto (5.0"x54) Incredible. Super full and superiorly balanced. Burns cool while expelling thick smoke and maintains a fantastic aroma. Very complex with a ton of spice through the nostrils.
Torpedo (6.0"x56) Best way to describe this size compared to the others? Elegant. Instead of blasting your palate with robust flavors from head to foot, the blend seems to build in this 6"x56 frame. Past the 3-inch mark, you'll find a mellowing cedar flavor with an earthy finish. Perfect draw with a strong finish.
Double Toro (6.0"x60) We recommend this double toro for those who want to experience a true, well-balanced, full-bodied blend that could last 2 hours. This bulbous cigar releases an intoxicating aroma and a plethora of complexities. Definitely a jaw breaker, you may not be able to feel your lips when you're finished.
Churchill Extra (7.0"x52) Interested in strength, complete strength, and nothing but strength? If so, you'll love the churchill extra. This stick tastes about the same from head to foot: tons of pepper and tons of earth with light complexities throughout. Be warned, the last two inches may burn hot and create an incredibly hearty finish.
Belicoso (5.0"x54) Great 60-minute smoke in terms of flavor and balance. Not quite as strong as the churchill extra yet just as flavorful as the double toro. Don't cut too much off the head - you'll find yourself with a very loose draw and the stick could burn unevenly. -
Sean G - La Diferencia Cubana02/02/2011
Toro (6.0"x50) Mellow in body but thoroughly complex. The flavor builds and builds while the blend burns, leaving you with a fantastic, long-lasting yet smooth finish. Creamy and finished with light spices.
Robusto (5.0"x50) If you're looking for a medium-bodied La Diferencia, this size is it. The size allows for a hearty character that presents itself after one inch, while the ring gauge maintains a steady, consistent and effortless draw. You'll pull a ton of smoke into your palate with this robusto while tasting earth, pepper and cedar.
Churchill (7.0"x50) Slightly unbalanced. We expected this blend to build in strength even more so than the robusto. However, after 3 inches, the cigar actually mellows out transitioning from medium to mellow. An inch later, you'll find yourself tasting some rich complexities. Burned slightly hot.
Torpedo (6.5"x52) Really flavorful with a ton of spicy nuances throughout and a super smooth finish. This stick presents many different earthy sensations with a hint of sweetness. Balanced and slightly one dimensional. -
Andrew - Partagas01/03/2011
One of the oldest but still one of the greatest in the industry. This classic blend is more reliable than Ole Faithful and never fails to disappoint. When I have some time to relax on a Sunday morning I love to enjoy these after a nice breakfast and a hair of the dog from the night prior. This subtle blend is nice and smooth, slightly woody with a just a few notes of black pepper. For the price they are, it's next to impossible to beat.
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Tim - La Aurora01/03/2011
From the oldest factory in the Dominican comes this classic Cameroon wrapped cigar. Long before Fuente, there was La Aurora. If I had to pick one cigar to smoke for the rest of my life, this very well may be it. Close to perfect - mellow to medium in body, flawless construction, and a consistent nutty/sweet character. This cigar is an old stand by for me, and possibly a new favorite for you!
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