The Expert Review Library
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Bryan - Graycliff Espresso Series02/05/2008
From the first puff, the palate is engulfed with rich, earthy flavors that continue to build as the cigar burns. The wrapper appears to be flawless, showing some tooth and veins, while burning evenly throughout. The strength cannot be under estimated. By the third inch, the cigar is very robust and does give off some slightly sweet nuances. However, these are carefully masked by the intense strength and spice of ligero tobaccos. A full bodied masterpiece. -
Bryan - Hoyo de Tradicion11/06/2007
Corona (5.7"x45) Preferred size. Burns very smooth and even, but the draw is not too tight for a 45 ring gauge. The flavor seemed a bit more consistent from start to finish and there were very few hints of sweetness in the aftertaste.
Toro (6.0"x52) Excellent burn, even from start to finish. Wrapper had no imperfections and the ash held on for almost two full inches. This size seemed a bit richer than the others and definitely had an underlying sweetness in the finish. Actually did taste some woodsy flavors as well, almost like cedar.Epicure (5.2"x50) Noticed a lot more earthy flavors after the first inch, in comparison to the Corona size. This cigar was very easy to puff on and the smoke was milky white, but not excessive. Great aroma.
Toro Grande (6.2"x54) Without a doubt the most complex of all the sizes, probably due to its ring gauge. The flavor was a bit more intense during the first inch in comparison to the others and the cigar was significantly stronger about halfway through. Did burn very cool but was lacking the subtle, pleasant aftertaste present in the other sizes. -
Bryan - Oliva Serie 'V'09/18/2007
Torpedo (6.0"x56) This is the most preferred size in this blend. The stick is very easy to light and draw. It burns cool and the strength is very consistent from start to finish. The ligero qualities are not noticeably dominant until the last three inches. The finish contains many hints of pepper, but is very rich as well. Perfect balance.
Churchill Extra (7.0"x52) Again, very easy to light. The draw was not as loose, but this stick is pleasantly complex. The finish is very strong and hints of cocoa and espresso are evenly experienced throughout most of the smoke. These nuances then transform into strong hints of pepper and earthy undertones which can be easily noticed lingering in the back of the palate. A well constructed cigar producing lots of creamy smoke, this size is only second to the Torpedo.
Double Toro (6.0"x60) Noticed more cedar notes and chocolate nuances in comparison to other sizes. As expected, the draw is very smooth but the strength contains very little bite for being a 60 ring gauge. The smoke is very creamy and has an excellent aroma.
Double Robusto (5.0"x54) This size begins with some intense strength and flavor from the first puff. The nuances of coffee and earth seem accented in comparison to the other sizes. Noticeable spicy nuances are prominent throughout and this cigar has a strong, but pleasant finish.
Special V Figurado (6.0"x60) The shape is unique but causes a hassle when lighting. There is almost no flavor for the first couple of puffs and it gradually increases until the first inch is reached, then this stick really gives off some strength. It is well constructed, like the other sizes, but drastically mellows out after the first 2 inches are surpassed. Coffee flavors are very dominant on the palate and this size did burn very evenly.
Belicoso (5.0"x54) Noticed this stick burns very slow, even, and is incredibly smooth for the amount of peppery flavors it produces. Leaves a subtle taste of wood and cocoa on the lips, but the smoke is not as milky as expected. Burns a bit hotter in comparison to other sizes.
Lancero (7.0"x38) Due to its small ring gauge, the draw is very tight. The stick does burn even and slow but the heat can be felt on the fingertips. Tastes a lot stronger than the other sizes and the spicy notes are more noticeable over the coffee-like flavors.
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Dave - Rocky Patel R409/03/2007
Robusto (5.0"x50) Maduro: Rich from start to finish and burns very evenly. This smoke is very easy to draw and contains rich notes of coffee in which the flavor is consistent throughout. Corojo: Very spicy with many nuances of pepper. The aroma has few hints of spice and the cigar is surprisingly smooth for its strength.
Toro (6.0"x52) Maduro: Contains some acidic flavors and becomes increasingly stronger with each puff. The smoke is very creamy and has a chocolate aroma, but no chocolate flavors. This cigar has a slightly tight draw and provides a noticeable sweetness on the palate. Slightly uneven burn. Corojo: Noticeable spice immediately to the lips. The smoke is somewhat creamy but includes accented notes of pepper. Again, the burn is a bit tight and uneven.
Torpedo (6.0"x52) Maduro: This torpedo burns evenly from start to finish and has a very good draw. Cocoa nuances engulf the palate and this smoke is complex in comparison to the others. The construction is flawless and there is very little acidic content. Corojo: Very complex, especially towards the finish. Many earthy undertones arise from the peppery nuances and this cigar seems to be bland if not for the spice it produces. The smoke does not overwhelm the palate and never gets too strong.
Double Corona (7.5"x52) Maduro: The draw is very tight and the wrapper is slightly oily with veins protruding throughout. Some acidic flavors are experienced immediately and then it mellows out into a rich body, with notes of espresso. The ash is very dark and there is a subtle sweet aftertaste which also includes some charcoal flavors. Corojo: This cigar is very mellow at first and then increasingly becomes stronger with spice and pepper flavors that cling to the back of the throat. The burn is even and the draw is very easy. The pepper flavors increase inch by inch, and provide a very long finish.
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Dave - Oliva Serie 'O' Maduro07/02/2007
Perfecto (5.0"x55) An exquisite perfecto that showcases deep, damp and earthy notes of peat with exceptional balance and complexity.
Double Toro (6.0"x60) This big ring cigar burns cool with a slight sweetness and full flavor that includes leathery espresso notes.
Robusto (5.0"x50) Medium to full bodied with a robust and earthy flavor, this robusto is complex and balanced with cocoa, espresso, leather and earthy flavors.
Churchill (7.0"x50) A firm, dark cigar with an oily wrapper, this cigar has is a bit more subtle than the others but maintains complexity with notes of leather and peat. Medium to full bodied.
Torpedo (6.0"x52) A firm and well rolled figurado that had some minor burn issues but overall is a fantastic cigar. Leather notes of espresso are on the palate with a subtle and sweet, moderate finish.
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Dave - Montecristo Media Noche06/18/2007
Edmundo (5.0"x55) This fat robusto has a cool burn that slowly roasts its oily maduro wrapper. Sweet notes of cedar are on the palate with caramel and espresso undertones. Very nice burn.
No. 2 (6.1"x54) This torpedo brings some complexity to the palate with flavors that change over the course of the smoke which include notes of peat, wood and a short sugary finish.
No. 3 (5.5"x44) This corona has the most flavor relative to the other sizes. While the cigar became a bit hot toward the end, it brought complex and balanced flavors to the palate including a sweet coffee aroma that had a moderate finish.
Churchill (7.0"x58) This cigar was a bit difficult to smoke on account of its diameter. Bitter, damp notes of peat with hints of leather were on the palate with some balance issues.
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Dave - 5 Vegas Classic05/15/2007
Torpedo (6.0"x54) Beautiful figurado with an oily wrapper. The draw on this cigar is generous, yielding copious amounts of smoke that bring wood and nut flavors to the palate with hints of spiciness.
Corona (5.5"x44) This petit cigar has the most flavor relative to the other sizes offered in 5 Vegas Classic line. Well made with cedary flavors and a moderate finish. Medium bodied.
Robusto (5.0"x50) Well filled cigar that has a heavy feel in the hand. Dry on the palate with notes of wood and hints of spice and leather.
Double Corona (6.0"x48) A medium bodied cigar with a moderate finish and rich flavor. Cedary, wood notes with hints of nuts and spice. Some sweetness on the palate.
Churchill (7.0"x52) This fat Churchill has an excellent leather, wood and nut flavor that become spicy as the cigar burns. Medium to full bodied with a long finish.
Panatela (6.0"x38) This long and skinny cigar has some draw and burn problems. Spicy with some wood notes. Becomes hot and bitter.
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Sean G - Romeo y Julieta Viejo04/30/2007
'B' (Torpedo) (6.1"x52) Beautiful box pressed torpedo with a dark and oily wrapper. This cigar boasts some bready caramel notes with a sweet finish. Excellent burn and draw.
'R' (5.0"x54) This fat robusto is well filled and heavy in the hand. Strong notes of wood and bread on the palate with a moderate finish.
'C' (7.0"x54) This cigar is a monster. Nice oily wrapper with firm construction. Wood tones accompanied by a caramel sweetness. Lots of flavor and medium to full bodied.
'E' (6.0"x54) This medium to full bodied maduro is very rich with sweet notes of wood and bread on the palate. Burned a bit hot toward the end.
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Bryan - Carlos Torano Exodus Silver04/16/2007
Corona Grande (6.0"x46) Beautiful brown wrapper and pleasant aroma, this medium to full bodied cigar has earthy notes of cocoa. Well balanced with a moderate finish.
Torpedo (6.5"x54) This spicy medium to full bodied cigar has a luscious wrapper and great flavor that is accompanied by some minor burn issues. Notes of leather and cocoa on the palate.
Robusto Corto (4.7"x52) Medium to full bodied with an exceptionally rich flavor that brings espresso and cocoa notes to the palate. Became a bit hot and soft toward the end.
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Sean G - Camacho Pre03/20/2007
A truly excellent cigar with great aging potential. This cigar is medium bodied with a rich full flavor and is very well balanced and well rounded. The Camacho Pre-Embargo 1962 is the perfect cigar, complex yet very smooth.
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