Home
- 2002 RTDA Report - Rob and Paul's Excellent Adventure
The common mans view of the happenings at and around the 2002 RTDA in Las Vegas.
- Best of 2002 Awards at Top25Cigar.com
The results from our "Best of 2002" poll at Top25Cigar. See which cigars were voted the best of 2002.
- A Day at the Graycliff Hotel and Cigar Company
Rob Shibata visits the Graycliff Hotel and Cigar Company, and finds old world hospitality can be found today as well.
- Jorge and Orlando Padron Interview with Top25Cigar
Remember back when your parents told you "if you treat everyone with respect, and work hard every day your going to be successful"? When talking to Jorge and Jose Padron, one gets the feeling not only have they heard that saying, but they live it every day.
- Cano Ozgener, CEO of C.A.O. International Interview with Top25Cigar
Cano A. Ozgener was a very enjoyable and willing interviewee. As you can see by his answer to the final question, Mr. Ozgener is a man dedicated to his passions, namely his family and the business they are in.
- Cano Ozgener, CEO of C.A.O. International Interview with Top25Cigar
Cano A. Ozgener was a very enjoyable and willing interviewee. As you can see by his answer to the final question, Mr. Ozgener is a man dedicated to his passions, namely his family and the business they are in.
- La Aurora 1903 Preferidos No. 3
If you've been sniffing around the industry, you have probably heard quite a bit about this little cigar.
- La Aurora 1903 Preferidos No. 3
If you've been sniffing around the industry, you have probably heard quite a bit about this little cigar.
- La Aurora 1903 Preferidos No. 3
If you've been sniffing around the industry, you have probably heard quite a bit about this little cigar.
- La Aurora 1903 Preferidos No. 3
If you've been sniffing around the industry, you have probably heard quite a bit about this little cigar.
- Excalibur Prensado Oscuro
The latest, or soon to be latest release in the Excalibur line is the Prensado Oscuro, a cigar that longs to get the box pressed attention of a certain line of cigars from Nicaragua.
- Excalibur Prensado Oscuro
The latest, or soon to be latest release in the Excalibur line is the Prensado Oscuro, a cigar that longs to get the box pressed attention of a certain line of cigars from Nicaragua.
- Excalibur Prensado Oscuro
The latest, or soon to be latest release in the Excalibur line is the Prensado Oscuro, a cigar that longs to get the box pressed attention of a certain line of cigars from Nicaragua.
- Excalibur Prensado Oscuro
The latest, or soon to be latest release in the Excalibur line is the Prensado Oscuro, a cigar that longs to get the box pressed attention of a certain line of cigars from Nicaragua.
- Juan Clemente' Grand Corona
None of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon.
- Juan Clemente' Grand Corona
None of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon.
- Juan Clemente' Grand Corona
None of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon.
- Juan Clemente' Grand Corona
None of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon.
- Caballeros Corona
If you like pleasant surprises, have we got a cigar for you.
- Caballeros Corona
If you like pleasant surprises, have we got a cigar for you.
- Caballeros Corona
If you like pleasant surprises, have we got a cigar for you.
- Romeo y Julieta Vintage VI
In the RyJ Vintage VI, were talking about a cigar that used to be the undisputed heavyweight favorite of Dominican cigars...at least for a couple of our folks.
- Romeo y Julieta Vintage VI
In the RyJ Vintage VI, were talking about a cigar that used to be the undisputed heavyweight favorite of Dominican cigars...at least for a couple of our folks.
- Romeo y Julieta Vintage VI
In the RyJ Vintage VI, were talking about a cigar that used to be the undisputed heavyweight favorite of Dominican cigars...at least for a couple of our folks.
- Romeo y Julieta Vintage VI
In the RyJ Vintage VI, were talking about a cigar that used to be the undisputed heavyweight favorite of Dominican cigars...at least for a couple of our folks.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Seleccion Royale Senador (Maduro)
Everyone was impressed by how this cigar looked, it really got the tasting off to a great start.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Seleccion Royale Senador (Maduro)
Everyone was impressed by how this cigar looked, it really got the tasting off to a great start.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Seleccion Royale Senador (Maduro)
Everyone was impressed by how this cigar looked, it really got the tasting off to a great start.
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reseve No. 3
Summary
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reseve No. 3
Summary
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reseve No. 3
Summary
- Montecristo le Cigare des Arts Millennium Double Corona
The Habana 2000 wrapper mystique still fails to materialize for us.
- Montecristo le Cigare des Arts Millennium Double Corona
The Habana 2000 wrapper mystique still fails to materialize for us.
- Sosa Piramide No. 2
Nothing blew up for us here, good or bad. Just a relatively solid cigar at an acceptable price.
- Sosa Piramide No. 2
Nothing blew up for us here, good or bad. Just a relatively solid cigar at an acceptable price.
- Sosa Piramide No. 2
Nothing blew up for us here, good or bad. Just a relatively solid cigar at an acceptable price.
- Punch Grand Cru Punchito
The latest from the Punch "Grand Cru" line is the "Punchito".
- Punch Grand Cru Punchito
The latest from the Punch "Grand Cru" line is the "Punchito".
- Punch Grand Cru Punchito
The latest from the Punch "Grand Cru" line is the "Punchito".
- La Tradicion Cubana Torpedo
La Tradicion Cubana is not one of the best known brands of cigars, but after reading the rest of this review, it may become one.
- La Tradicion Cubana Torpedo
La Tradicion Cubana is not one of the best known brands of cigars, but after reading the rest of this review, it may become one.
- La Tradicion Cubana Torpedo
La Tradicion Cubana is not one of the best known brands of cigars, but after reading the rest of this review, it may become one.
- Neptune Oceanides
Why another Neptune? Why not, we liked it the first time and went back for seconds.
- Neptune Oceanides
Why another Neptune? Why not, we liked it the first time and went back for seconds.
- Neptune Oceanides
Why another Neptune? Why not, we liked it the first time and went back for seconds.
- Leon Jimenes No. 1
This was a tough review to write. Here I thought we would share some secret with the world. There'd be people dancing in the streets all across the globe.
- Leon Jimenes No. 1
This was a tough review to write. Here I thought we would share some secret with the world. There'd be people dancing in the streets all across the globe.
- Leon Jimenes No. 1
This was a tough review to write. Here I thought we would share some secret with the world. There'd be people dancing in the streets all across the globe.
- Montecristo Habana Selection Robusto
Hmmm, another limited edition cigar, dressed up with a gold accented second band, rich looking cocoa wrapper, and of course a price befitting these beauty pageant additions. So what do you get?
- Montecristo Habana Selection Robusto
Hmmm, another limited edition cigar, dressed up with a gold accented second band, rich looking cocoa wrapper, and of course a price befitting these beauty pageant additions. So what do you get?
- Montecristo Habana Selection Robusto
Hmmm, another limited edition cigar, dressed up with a gold accented second band, rich looking cocoa wrapper, and of course a price befitting these beauty pageant additions. So what do you get?
- El Rey Del Mundo Rectangulares (Maduro)
How can you not like a cigar when it comes gift wrapped in cloud-like white tissue?
- El Rey Del Mundo Rectangulares (Maduro)
How can you not like a cigar when it comes gift wrapped in cloud-like white tissue?
- El Rey Del Mundo Rectangulares (Maduro)
How can you not like a cigar when it comes gift wrapped in cloud-like white tissue?
- Padron Londres
When we went looking for a very inexpensive cigar for this month's staff review, the thought was that a lower priced Padron would do our readers a service.
- Padron Londres
When we went looking for a very inexpensive cigar for this month's staff review, the thought was that a lower priced Padron would do our readers a service.
- Padron Londres
When we went looking for a very inexpensive cigar for this month's staff review, the thought was that a lower priced Padron would do our readers a service.
- Axis Echo
First, there was Lars Tetens cigars, then a not so disguised copy of them called Acid. Lets add to the confusion with the new "Axis Cigars".
- Axis Echo
First, there was Lars Tetens cigars, then a not so disguised copy of them called Acid. Lets add to the confusion with the new "Axis Cigars".
- Axis Echo
First, there was Lars Tetens cigars, then a not so disguised copy of them called Acid. Lets add to the confusion with the new "Axis Cigars".
- Por Larranaga Torpedo
Let's call this the "new" Por Larranaga.
- Por Larranaga Torpedo
Let's call this the "new" Por Larranaga.
- Por Larranaga Torpedo
Let's call this the "new" Por Larranaga.
- Felipe Dominicana Boa
Without a doubt we are looking at Marlin Perkins favorite cigar, Wild Kingdom has crept into the cigar world.
- Felipe Dominicana Boa
Without a doubt we are looking at Marlin Perkins favorite cigar, Wild Kingdom has crept into the cigar world.
- Felipe Dominicana Boa
Without a doubt we are looking at Marlin Perkins favorite cigar, Wild Kingdom has crept into the cigar world.
- 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary
A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas
- 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary
A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas
- 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary
A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas
- 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary
A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas
- IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes
Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in.
- IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes
Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in.
- IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes
Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in.
- IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes
Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in.
- IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes
Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in.
- Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum
Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this.
- Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum
Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this.
- Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum
Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this.
- Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum
Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this.
- Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum
Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this.
- Devils Weed Cigars
Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars?
- Devils Weed Cigars
Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars?
- Devils Weed Cigars
Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars?
- Devils Weed Cigars
Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars?
- Devils Weed Cigars
Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars?
- General Cigar Announces Daniel Núñez’ Retirement
General Cigar announced today that Daniel Núñez, president and chief operating officer, will retire during the second quarter of 2009
- General Cigar Announces Daniel Núñez’ Retirement
General Cigar announced today that Daniel Núñez, president and chief operating officer, will retire during the second quarter of 2009
- CAO “TAKES IT TO THE LIMIT” WITH ROCK BAND HINDER
Cutting-Edge Cigar Maker Selected As Exclusive Cigar Sponsor To Hinder Record Release Party
- CAO “TAKES IT TO THE LIMIT” WITH ROCK BAND HINDER
Cutting-Edge Cigar Maker Selected As Exclusive Cigar Sponsor To Hinder Record Release Party
- Dr. Nick's White and Healthy
Can a dentist really be a friend to a cigar smoker? Dr. Nick wants to be.
- Dr. Nick's White and Healthy
Can a dentist really be a friend to a cigar smoker? Dr. Nick wants to be.
- Dr. Nick's White and Healthy
Can a dentist really be a friend to a cigar smoker? Dr. Nick wants to be.
- A Visit to Graycliff
Another visit to Graycliff leaves us as amazed as always.
- A Visit to Graycliff
Another visit to Graycliff leaves us as amazed as always.
- Breaking the Cigar Slump!
Admit it, you have gone through a period where no cigar tastes good. Help is on the way!
- Breaking the Cigar Slump!
Admit it, you have gone through a period where no cigar tastes good. Help is on the way!
- Breaking the Cigar Slump!
Admit it, you have gone through a period where no cigar tastes good. Help is on the way!
- Breaking the Cigar Slump!
Admit it, you have gone through a period where no cigar tastes good. Help is on the way!
- The Big Smoke - Part I
Attending the Big Smoke was quite the experience.
- The Big Smoke - Part I
Attending the Big Smoke was quite the experience.
- The Big Smoke - Part I
Attending the Big Smoke was quite the experience.
|
We crushed some Aristoff products in the past, so are we just looking to punish ourselves, or are we really willing to give a second (or third!) chance? Obviously our hope was not to impart another sub-par cigar smoking experience on our reviewers. Let's see what happened.
Marketing is part of cigar packaging, there is no denying it. It hits the peak with the Aristoff Black Label Robusto. Each smoke is individually packaged with some cute information as to what your going to get inside. As one reviewer aptly noted, "looks nice but is unnecessary if it adds cost." We couldn't agree more. The band is black as coal, with the Aristoff brand name barely visible. Classy and well done in the art department. If your looking to make a visible impression with your cigar's packaging, look no further.
It's hard to deny the construction of this cigar. Clean looking, soft and supple to the touch, and holding a draw that is impressive at the least. She stayed lit throughout, and had our folks going cross-eyed from staring at her. Got to impart high marks for construction.
A medium smoke, could be considered full-bodied by some, but was pleasantly surprising to most. What little aftertaste was noted, was actually enjoyed by a couple of our reviewers. There were taste inconsistencies noted among the samples. Each reviewer received two cigars, and 60% of the reviewers noted some differences from cigar to cigar.
Many reviewers noted really enjoying ONE of their samples. The inconsistencies were commonly noted. Two reviewers mentioned being willing to buy a box if they could assure the flavor of their first sample. Not being able to guarantee this, the consensus was a box purchase would be too risky. I think Aristoff suffers from a perception created by their packaging. Expectations are set fairly high when you see the cigar, as it is obviously being pampered in its own little house. Throw these smokes in a bargain bin, and people would be raving about them. Sell them separately in a nice little package, and the response is ho-hum.
All in all, probably worth a try, but watch for consistency.
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Robusto
Length=5 1/2 " RG=48
Wrapper = Conn./USA
Filler = Dominican
Binder =Dominican Olor
Estimated Cost = $6.50 |