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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
- Romeo y Julieta Vintage III
An old favorite of ours was dug out from the back of the humidor, and we figured worthy of a review.
- Romeo y Julieta Vintage III
An old favorite of ours was dug out from the back of the humidor, and we figured worthy of a review.
- Ramon Allones Specially Selected (Habanos)
The long distance runner of cigars has been found! After reviewing as many cigars as we have, you think you've seen it all; it's refreshing to be surprised.
- Ramon Allones Specially Selected (Habanos)
The long distance runner of cigars has been found! After reviewing as many cigars as we have, you think you've seen it all; it's refreshing to be surprised.
- Ramon Allones Specially Selected (Habanos)
The long distance runner of cigars has been found! After reviewing as many cigars as we have, you think you've seen it all; it's refreshing to be surprised.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway series existed as a premium cigar before premium cigars were cool.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway series existed as a premium cigar before premium cigars were cool.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway series existed as a premium cigar before premium cigars were cool.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 (Habanos)
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is an oft mentioned, and seemingly popular Cuban smoke.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 (Habanos)
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is an oft mentioned, and seemingly popular Cuban smoke.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 (Habanos)
The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1 is an oft mentioned, and seemingly popular Cuban smoke.
- Romeo Y Julieta Belicoso (Habanos)
Scene One, Act One - Romeo lights a Cuban Romeo y Julieta Belicoso as he bids for sweet Juliet's eternal adoration.
- Romeo Y Julieta Belicoso (Habanos)
Scene One, Act One - Romeo lights a Cuban Romeo y Julieta Belicoso as he bids for sweet Juliet's eternal adoration.
- Romeo Y Julieta Belicoso (Habanos)
Scene One, Act One - Romeo lights a Cuban Romeo y Julieta Belicoso as he bids for sweet Juliet's eternal adoration.
- CAO Anniversario Cameroon Petit Belicoso
The right time and the right cigar, it's usually the combination that will make for a memorable smoking moment.
- CAO Anniversario Cameroon Petit Belicoso
The right time and the right cigar, it's usually the combination that will make for a memorable smoking moment.
- CAO Anniversario Cameroon Petit Belicoso
The right time and the right cigar, it's usually the combination that will make for a memorable smoking moment.
- 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.
- Te-Amo Anniversario Perfecto
It wasn't long before the old industry standby Te-Amo gave the "Anniversario" marketing routine a try.
- Te-Amo Anniversario Perfecto
It wasn't long before the old industry standby Te-Amo gave the "Anniversario" marketing routine a try.
- Te-Amo Anniversario Perfecto
It wasn't long before the old industry standby Te-Amo gave the "Anniversario" marketing routine a try.
- Henry Clay H2000 Mirabelle
Henry Clay is an old brand, named after a United States politician from Kentucky in the early 1800's.
- Henry Clay H2000 Mirabelle
Henry Clay is an old brand, named after a United States politician from Kentucky in the early 1800's.
- Henry Clay H2000 Mirabelle
Henry Clay is an old brand, named after a United States politician from Kentucky in the early 1800's.
- Fonseca 799 Maduro
It isn't often that everyone agrees on one of our cigar reviews, but this was one of the closest we have every seen.
- Fonseca 799 Maduro
It isn't often that everyone agrees on one of our cigar reviews, but this was one of the closest we have every seen.
- Fonseca 799 Maduro
It isn't often that everyone agrees on one of our cigar reviews, but this was one of the closest we have every seen.
- Cuesta Rey No. 7 Maduro
You review enough cigars and you start wondering...wondering if you really do have to pay big cake to get a decent smoke. Cuesta Rey kindly reminds us, the answer is no.
- Cuesta Rey No. 7 Maduro
You review enough cigars and you start wondering...wondering if you really do have to pay big cake to get a decent smoke. Cuesta Rey kindly reminds us, the answer is no.
- Cuesta Rey No. 7 Maduro
You review enough cigars and you start wondering...wondering if you really do have to pay big cake to get a decent smoke. Cuesta Rey kindly reminds us, the answer is no.
- Maria Mancini Magic Mountain
When you bring up the term "Magic Mountain", the first thing most people think about is a place in Florida where people are running around wearing funny ears.
- Maria Mancini Magic Mountain
When you bring up the term "Magic Mountain", the first thing most people think about is a place in Florida where people are running around wearing funny ears.
- Maria Mancini Magic Mountain
When you bring up the term "Magic Mountain", the first thing most people think about is a place in Florida where people are running around wearing funny ears.
- Acid Nasty
Check out the name, check out the looks, take a whiff, and you won't know whether to smoke it, hide it, or plant it.
- Acid Nasty
Check out the name, check out the looks, take a whiff, and you won't know whether to smoke it, hide it, or plant it.
- Acid Nasty
Check out the name, check out the looks, take a whiff, and you won't know whether to smoke it, hide it, or plant it.
- Don Tomas Cameroon Robusto
A natural looking wrapper with a very light sheen, the Don Tomas will look good in any humidor.
- Don Tomas Cameroon Robusto
A natural looking wrapper with a very light sheen, the Don Tomas will look good in any humidor.
- Don Tomas Cameroon Robusto
A natural looking wrapper with a very light sheen, the Don Tomas will look good in any humidor.
- Sancho Panza Caballeros
Let's put this in perspective, a 93 from CA puts the Sancho Panza Caballero in the same class as the following cigars that CA rated in 2000;
- Sancho Panza Caballeros
Let's put this in perspective, a 93 from CA puts the Sancho Panza Caballero in the same class as the following cigars that CA rated in 2000;
- Sancho Panza Caballeros
Let's put this in perspective, a 93 from CA puts the Sancho Panza Caballero in the same class as the following cigars that CA rated in 2000;
- Sancho Panza Valiente
Our second Staff Review experience with Sancho Panza this month is the "Valiente", a box-pressed robusto.
- Sancho Panza Valiente
Our second Staff Review experience with Sancho Panza this month is the "Valiente", a box-pressed robusto.
- Sancho Panza Valiente
Our second Staff Review experience with Sancho Panza this month is the "Valiente", a box-pressed robusto.
- Mayorga Robusto Maduro
Our Mayorga Robusto Maduro review is a month late because three of the five reviewers never turned in reviews!
- Mayorga Robusto Maduro
Our Mayorga Robusto Maduro review is a month late because three of the five reviewers never turned in reviews!
- Mayorga Robusto Maduro
Our Mayorga Robusto Maduro review is a month late because three of the five reviewers never turned in reviews!
- Padron 4000
That's a big old cigar hanging out there to your right, in fact it's almost two hours of monster Padron 4000
- Padron 4000
That's a big old cigar hanging out there to your right, in fact it's almost two hours of monster Padron 4000
- Padron 4000
That's a big old cigar hanging out there to your right, in fact it's almost two hours of monster Padron 4000
- Cifuentes Rothschild
If you look up the word schizophrenic in the dictionary, it will have a group picture of the five folks that reviewed this cigar for us.
- Cifuentes Rothschild
If you look up the word schizophrenic in the dictionary, it will have a group picture of the five folks that reviewed this cigar for us.
- Cifuentes Rothschild
If you look up the word schizophrenic in the dictionary, it will have a group picture of the five folks that reviewed this cigar for us.
- La Flor Dominicana El Jocko No. 1
How do you review a cigar when the only consistent comment throughout the reviews was the beauty of the band?
- La Flor Dominicana El Jocko No. 1
How do you review a cigar when the only consistent comment throughout the reviews was the beauty of the band?
- La Flor Dominicana El Jocko No. 1
How do you review a cigar when the only consistent comment throughout the reviews was the beauty of the band?
- La Gloria Cubana "Series R" No. 5
The La Gloria Cubana Series "R" is supposed to be a more aggressive smoke from the famed La Gloria line of cigars, if our experience is any proof, LGC has hit their mark.
- La Gloria Cubana "Series R" No. 5
The La Gloria Cubana Series "R" is supposed to be a more aggressive smoke from the famed La Gloria line of cigars, if our experience is any proof, LGC has hit their mark.
- La Gloria Cubana "Series R" No. 5
The La Gloria Cubana Series "R" is supposed to be a more aggressive smoke from the famed La Gloria line of cigars, if our experience is any proof, LGC has hit their mark.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature
A classic cigar with classic good looks, that's what most reviewers expected with the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature
A classic cigar with classic good looks, that's what most reviewers expected with the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature
A classic cigar with classic good looks, that's what most reviewers expected with the Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature.
- 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.
- 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.
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Covering both ends of the spectrum this week, first we gave you "Nasty", now we calm down a bit, take a muscle relaxant, and give "Natural" a shot.
Hmmm, check out their own description of "Natural":
"In the small city of Esteli, Nicaragua there is a Tabacalera that is taking the art of cigar making to a whole new level. Using tobaccos from places as far off as Turkey and Syria, Jonathan Drew is producing blends unlike anything you've tasted to date. Jonathan took the cigar industry by surprise when he introduced Acid cigars and the latest of his progressive line of cigars is named the “Natural”. These adventurous smokes are definitely in a class of their own. Drawing from a secret curing and aging process, the “Natural” line utilizes an inimitable array of tobaccos from around the world. Once rolled, the cigars are aged in rooms few men have entered due to the sensitive nature of the aging process. The result of the secret blending and progressive aging process is a cigar as unique in flavor as it is in appearance. If you’re ready to take your smoking experience to the next level, then you’re ready for “Natural”."
I don't know about you, but I was expecting Indiana Jones to jump out any second and sever the head of a snake that crept over my neck as I read it. Now that you've read the hype, your ready for some wild cigar aren't you?
You'll be disappointed if that's the case. Not that this is a bad cigar, but pairing up that marketing material with this cigar is like forcing Jesse Ventura to the alter with Amy Grant.
This was a mellow smoke, there were sweet sugary hints throughout the cigar, prompting the following comments. "There was a sweet something that I still can't place my finger on. All that came to mind was the flavored reed of a Swisher Sweet".
It burns quiet, is unobtrusive as a Buddhist monk, and mellower than a 60's war protester with a new found stash. We searched and searched through all the folks reviews looking for something, anything to add personality to this cigar. It wasn't there.
The Drew Estate Natural China 5 is light, mellow, easy to smoke, with hints of sweetness, and absolutely no aftertaste. This was just generally pleasant, like when you wake up early thinking you have to go to work, and then realize its Saturday. Great feeling, but forgotten once you fall back asleep.
All five reviewers thought this was a cigar worth trying, and keeping around for your infrequent cigar smoking buddies who might like a lighter, sweeter taste. Don't fool yourself though, beyond the nice clothing, this cigar is not going to win any personality contests.
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Grand Corona
Length=5" RG = 43
Wrapper = Top Secret!
Filler = Top Secret!
Binder = Top Secret!
Estimated Cost = $5.00 |