The Expert Review Library
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Bella - Ave Maria Holy Grail Churchill04/08/2022
The medium-bodied Ave Maria Holy Grail is rich, refined, and full in flavor. Beneath the golden Connecticut leaf and San Andrés binder are rich Nicaraguan long-fillers which lends their way to subtle notes of cream, cedar, oak, and hints of buttery toast on the finish. Another divine blend from Ave Maria—satisfying on every level.
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Quinn - Drew Estate ACID 2004/08/2022
Having tried most ACID blends, 20 was not only unique compared to the rest of the portfolio, but also considerably more luxurious. Medium-bodied with a sweet-tipped Mexican San Andrés wrapper, this box-pressed beauty exudes notes of milk chocolate, cinnamon, and welcomed natural tobacco flavors. ACID 20 is an appropriate homage to the brand's eminent history.
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Kelly - 601 Blue Label Robusto02/25/2022
The complexity of the Cuban-seed Nicaraguan long-fillers presents bold notes on the palate, which are complemented by a natural sweetness thanks to the cigar's Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper. This richly-balanced, box-pressed premium delivers a slow, even burn with a long finish—a '93' rated blend that is sure to have you falling head over foot!
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Lindsay - La Aurora Preferidos Cameroon Platinum No.2 No Tube02/25/2022
Comprised of top crops aged four years plus an extra year in rum barrels, it's an exotic mix of Dominican, Brazilian, and Cameroonian tobaccos capped with a Cameroon-seed wrapper grown under Ecuadorian skies. Notes of black peppercorn are underscored by wheat, leather, and sugar, culminating in a warm, salt-and-pepper-like finish. This medium-bodied Perfecto never disappoints.
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Michael - Hoyo La Amistad Gold Robusto02/25/2022
Another winner from cigar industry icon, AJ Fernandez, Hoyo La Amistad Gold is a '90' rated medium to full-bodied smoke packed with flavor. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper drapes a complex Nicaraguan binder and filler producing earthy notes of spice, cocoa, and pepper—perfect for an early evening smoke paired with a vodka Ruby cocktail.
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Bella - Graycliff 10-Year Vintage Maduro Torpedo02/25/2022
Graycliff always delivers, and their 10-Year Vintage Maduro is no exception! This medium-bodied beauty is comprised of Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers that are masterfully-wrapped in an almost seamless, dark, oily and gorgeous wrapper. A creamy smoke from start to finish with notes of cedar, espresso, and cocoa throughout. A must-try!
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Quinn - Partagas Legend Toro Leyenda02/25/2022
At first glance, the oily Connecticut Broadleaf covering Partagas Legend tells a story about the luxurious experience it delivers. I was completely enthralled in the rich, spicy, leathery notes exuded by the Dominican Piloto Cubano long-fillers, followed by some delightful sweetness on the finish. Pairing these premiums with your favorite bourbon is also highly recommended!
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Lindsay - Alec Bradley Black Market Vandal 'The Con' Toro01/07/2022
The team at Alec Bradley realized a mellow to medium-bodied blend was missing within the Black Market portfolio: enter Vandal "The Con". Utilizing a Connecticut-seed wrapper grown on Honduran soil, this smooth premium showcases coffee bean, roasted almonds, citrus peel, and hints of black pepper that will satisfy the palates of enthusiasts and aficionados alike.
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Michael - Gurkha Governor's Private Blend XO Gordo01/07/2022
Governor's Private Blend is another Gurkha gem. This cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Dominican binder, and Columbian Corojo filler. Once lit, this medium to full-bodied smoke features complex notes of cedar, spice, and coffee. Very smooth, well-rounded, and perfect to enjoy with hot Spiced Apple Twinings of London Chai Tea with Jim Beam Whiskey.
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Bella - Session by CAO Garage Double Robusto01/07/2022
A medium-bodied blend from CAO that is perfect for any time of day? Yes, please! The perfectly-aged Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos are masterfully nestled beneath a decadent Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. From start to finish, I love the richness and underlying hints of chocolate throughout—one of my "go-to" maduro's and must-have for my humidor.
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