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- 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
- Aristoff Millennium Reserve Robusto
Marketing. The marketing geniuses have virused into cigars.
- Aristoff Millennium Reserve Robusto
Marketing. The marketing geniuses have virused into cigars.
- Baccarat Casino Vintage Selection Robusto
Many people were not happy. Some accused me of trying to kill them. See what I get for trying to review a more affordable cigar.
- Baccarat Casino Vintage Selection Robusto
Many people were not happy. Some accused me of trying to kill them. See what I get for trying to review a more affordable cigar.
- Baccarat Casino Vintage Selection Robusto
Many people were not happy. Some accused me of trying to kill them. See what I get for trying to review a more affordable cigar.
- Baccarat Casino Vintage Selection Robusto
Many people were not happy. Some accused me of trying to kill them. See what I get for trying to review a more affordable cigar.
- 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?
- 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.
- Punch Coronations (Habanos)
Boy oh boy are all the Cuban cigar fanatics going to be mad at us.
- Punch Coronations (Habanos)
Boy oh boy are all the Cuban cigar fanatics going to be mad at us.
- Punch Coronations (Habanos)
Boy oh boy are all the Cuban cigar fanatics going to be mad at us.
- Indian Anniversary Ltd. Reserve Buffalo
The Indian Anniversary Limited Reserve Buffalo was a disappointment from the moment most of our reviewers started smoking.
- Indian Anniversary Ltd. Reserve Buffalo
The Indian Anniversary Limited Reserve Buffalo was a disappointment from the moment most of our reviewers started smoking.
- Indian Anniversary Ltd. Reserve Buffalo
The Indian Anniversary Limited Reserve Buffalo was a disappointment from the moment most of our reviewers started smoking.
- Arturo Fuente "Exquisito"
No reviewer liked this.
- Arturo Fuente "Exquisito"
No reviewer liked this.
- Arturo Fuente "Exquisito"
No reviewer liked this.
- JR Ultimate Toro
We've gotten about 10-15 emails in the last couple of years begging us to try the JR Ultimate line of cigars. The emails run pretty much the same, always prompting us to stray from the "name brands" and give a cigar that provides "real value" a try. Okay, we will.
- JR Ultimate Toro
We've gotten about 10-15 emails in the last couple of years begging us to try the JR Ultimate line of cigars. The emails run pretty much the same, always prompting us to stray from the "name brands" and give a cigar that provides "real value" a try. Okay, we will.
- JR Ultimate Toro
We've gotten about 10-15 emails in the last couple of years begging us to try the JR Ultimate line of cigars. The emails run pretty much the same, always prompting us to stray from the "name brands" and give a cigar that provides "real value" a try. Okay, we will.
- Mayorga Parejo Trios
Want to here a bunch of PO'd gorillos rake a cigar over the coals? Check out a cigar that didn't agree with many people.
- Mayorga Parejo Trios
Want to here a bunch of PO'd gorillos rake a cigar over the coals? Check out a cigar that didn't agree with many people.
- Mayorga Parejo Trios
Want to here a bunch of PO'd gorillos rake a cigar over the coals? Check out a cigar that didn't agree with many people.
- Dri-Damp
File this gadget under "G" for garbage. Your fingers are a better judge than this toy.
- Dri-Damp
File this gadget under "G" for garbage. Your fingers are a better judge than this toy.
- Dri-Damp
File this gadget under "G" for garbage. Your fingers are a better judge than this toy.
- Dri-Damp
File this gadget under "G" for garbage. Your fingers are a better judge than this toy.
- Dri-Damp
File this gadget under "G" for garbage. Your fingers are a better judge than this toy.
- Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream
We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go.
- Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream
We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go.
- Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream
We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go.
- Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream
We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go.
- Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream
We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go.
- Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream
We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go.
- CAO LX2 TO DEBUT AT IPCPR 76TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW
New CAO Cigar Targets “Full-Bodied” Market Segment
- Cantankerous Punch Puppet Protests Retail Celebration
Gear up to celebrate the birthday of the premium cigar category’s one-and-only pot-bellied, trash-talking character, Mr. Punch.
- Cantankerous Punch Puppet Protests Retail Celebration
Gear up to celebrate the birthday of the premium cigar category’s one-and-only pot-bellied, trash-talking character, Mr. Punch.
- Tabacos de la Cordillera Announces Price Rollback
Tabacos de la CordilleraTM (Highland Cigars), a Costa Rican tobacco and cigar producer, has made significant price reductions on its exclusive factory-direct Web sales site.
- Tabacos de la Cordillera Announces Price Rollback
Tabacos de la CordilleraTM (Highland Cigars), a Costa Rican tobacco and cigar producer, has made significant price reductions on its exclusive factory-direct Web sales site.
- Tabacos de la Cordillera Debuts New “Vogel” Premium Cigars
Tabacos de la Cordillera™ (Highland Cigars) now offes a new line of premium cigars with unique, revolutionary features.
- Tabacos de la Cordillera Debuts New “Vogel” Premium Cigars
Tabacos de la Cordillera™ (Highland Cigars) now offes a new line of premium cigars with unique, revolutionary features.
- CUBAN IMPORTS ‘WIRED’ IN WITH NEW EXILE® CIGAR
Modestly Priced New Cigar Extension Offers ‘Old World’ Flavor
- CUBAN IMPORTS ‘WIRED’ IN WITH NEW EXILE® CIGAR
Modestly Priced New Cigar Extension Offers ‘Old World’ Flavor
- A Visit with a US Cigar Industry Institution: The JC Newman Cigar Co.
Tampa, Florida. Home of the Buccaneers, Rays and
home also to the JC Newman Cigar Co.
- A Visit with a US Cigar Industry Institution: The JC Newman Cigar Co.
Tampa, Florida. Home of the Buccaneers, Rays and
home also to the JC Newman Cigar Co.
- GENERAL CIGAR PREVAILS IN TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
GENERAL CIGAR PREVAILS IN TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AND COUNTERFEITING SUIT RELATING TO
“COHIBA Caribbean’s Finest” CIGARS AND RUM
- GENERAL CIGAR PREVAILS IN TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
GENERAL CIGAR PREVAILS IN TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AND COUNTERFEITING SUIT RELATING TO
“COHIBA Caribbean’s Finest” CIGARS AND RUM
- A visit to "The King".
Rob Shibata of Top25Cigar visits Cigar King.
- A visit to "The King".
Rob Shibata of Top25Cigar visits Cigar King.
- 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
- 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?
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Top25Cigar reviewed a pair of cigars from Don Tuto for this batch of Staff Reviews. All reviewers received four unbanded smokes, two of each sample.
Don Tuto cigars are made in Costa Rica by the Martinez-Garcia family. The first cigar we reviewed was a first production run from Don Tuto of a 6 x 50 cigar wrapped in a new hybrid tobacco they call “Tuto Habano”. The filler was a combination of Tuto Habano and “JF” tobacco, while the binder was all “JF”. You’re now asking the same question we did: “What in blue blazes is “JF” tobacco. The answer was quite simple, JF tobacco is a Costa Rican tobacco grown by Don Tuto, and named for the son of one of the company founders, Jesse Francisco. All tobaccos, including Tuto Habano and JF are grown in Costa Rica by Don Tuto.
The reviewers struggled to find much they liked with this cigar. The burn was deemed “OK”, and the construction passed initial tests as well.
“The wrapper did not appear oily, but rather dry, though not unappealing. The cigar felt firm and was consistent throughout. The cap was applied well.”
We love to see a smaller brand cigar do well, so we hoped for better results from Don Tuto. Unfortunately, the flavor of this cigar turned away all 5 reviewers. Comments ranged from bad to worse.
“The taste was not really impressively enjoyable. The taste stayed the same down to the last two inches when it turned bitter and left a disagreeable aftertaste in my mouth”
“As I smoked the two samples, I thought of other cigars I could be having by just stepping inside to my humidor. It was hard to get to the second half of the cigar without putting it out.”
“I continually asked why me. I wait this long to be picked a Staff Reviewer, and this is what I get! Please don’t tell me this is a premium cigar or I will make like a lemming and take to the sea.”
Not sure if it pays to add much more to this review. It wasn’t a cigar people would even get close to given a second try. Let’s hope for better luck next time. |