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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
- Avo Signature Double Corona
Avo Uvezian turned 75 this year. Wouldn't it be nice when we turn 75 if someone made a special cigar for us?
- Avo Signature Double Corona
Avo Uvezian turned 75 this year. Wouldn't it be nice when we turn 75 if someone made a special cigar for us?
- Neptune Force 2 Titanide
Top25Cigar has been accused of pleasantly deceiving our guest reviewers, and we stand guilty as charged!
- Neptune Force 2 Titanide
Top25Cigar has been accused of pleasantly deceiving our guest reviewers, and we stand guilty as charged!
- Neptune Force 2 Titanide
Top25Cigar has been accused of pleasantly deceiving our guest reviewers, and we stand guilty as charged!
- Cusano Corojo Robusto Vintage 1996
The Dominican made Cusano Corojo cigars are the 7th distinct line to come out of the Cusano Brand.
- Cusano Corojo Robusto Vintage 1996
The Dominican made Cusano Corojo cigars are the 7th distinct line to come out of the Cusano Brand.
- Cusano Corojo Robusto Vintage 1996
The Dominican made Cusano Corojo cigars are the 7th distinct line to come out of the Cusano Brand.
- Hoja Yellow Band Robusto
Everybody likes a bargain, and there are no doubts a good $2 cigar would qualify.
- Hoja Yellow Band Robusto
Everybody likes a bargain, and there are no doubts a good $2 cigar would qualify.
- Hoja Yellow Band Robusto
Everybody likes a bargain, and there are no doubts a good $2 cigar would qualify.
- Davidoff 5000
These poor cigars have been lonely...real lonely.
- Davidoff 5000
These poor cigars have been lonely...real lonely.
- Davidoff 5000
These poor cigars have been lonely...real lonely.
- H Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 (Habanos)
A rather non-descript little robusto, the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 goes under the microscope for this review.
- H Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 (Habanos)
A rather non-descript little robusto, the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 goes under the microscope for this review.
- H Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 (Habanos)
A rather non-descript little robusto, the H. Upmann Connoisseur No. 1 goes under the microscope for this review.
- Vegas Robaina Unicos (Habanos)
One of the more recent brands announced out of Cuba, Vegas Robaina is named after one of Cuba's finest farmers, Don Alejandro Robaina.
- Vegas Robaina Unicos (Habanos)
One of the more recent brands announced out of Cuba, Vegas Robaina is named after one of Cuba's finest farmers, Don Alejandro Robaina.
- Vegas Robaina Unicos (Habanos)
One of the more recent brands announced out of Cuba, Vegas Robaina is named after one of Cuba's finest farmers, Don Alejandro Robaina.
- C.A.O. Odyssey
When reviews start coming in, and you start to hear a cigar being compared to Opus X, Ashton VSG, and some of the recently released limited edition Cubans, you take notice...real quick.
- C.A.O. Odyssey
When reviews start coming in, and you start to hear a cigar being compared to Opus X, Ashton VSG, and some of the recently released limited edition Cubans, you take notice...real quick.
- C.A.O. Odyssey
When reviews start coming in, and you start to hear a cigar being compared to Opus X, Ashton VSG, and some of the recently released limited edition Cubans, you take notice...real quick.
- Felipe II Fusion F1
We humbly admit when we are beaten.
- Felipe II Fusion F1
We humbly admit when we are beaten.
- Felipe II Fusion F1
We humbly admit when we are beaten.
- Dos Rios Robusto
Give us some time, there must be something wrong with this cigar.
- Dos Rios Robusto
Give us some time, there must be something wrong with this cigar.
- Dos Rios Robusto
Give us some time, there must be something wrong with this cigar.
- Fonseca Triangulares Maduro
Color us surprised. The Fonseca Triangulares Natural used to be a staple of our smoking rotation...but this was a few years ago, before we started getting plugged cigars and wide variations in quality.
- Fonseca Triangulares Maduro
Color us surprised. The Fonseca Triangulares Natural used to be a staple of our smoking rotation...but this was a few years ago, before we started getting plugged cigars and wide variations in quality.
- Fonseca Triangulares Maduro
Color us surprised. The Fonseca Triangulares Natural used to be a staple of our smoking rotation...but this was a few years ago, before we started getting plugged cigars and wide variations in quality.
- Onyx Reserve Mini Belicoso
After getting some pretty heady reviews in a few of the other rags, we figured it was time to put this new entry in the market to test.
- Onyx Reserve Mini Belicoso
After getting some pretty heady reviews in a few of the other rags, we figured it was time to put this new entry in the market to test.
- Onyx Reserve Mini Belicoso
After getting some pretty heady reviews in a few of the other rags, we figured it was time to put this new entry in the market to test.
- Hendrik Kelner Factory Second Robusto
We wondered...with a smirk...if using these cigars as blind reviews would be fair to our dedicated panel of reviewers.
- Hendrik Kelner Factory Second Robusto
We wondered...with a smirk...if using these cigars as blind reviews would be fair to our dedicated panel of reviewers.
- Hendrik Kelner Factory Second Robusto
We wondered...with a smirk...if using these cigars as blind reviews would be fair to our dedicated panel of reviewers.
- Puros Indios Especial No. 4 Maduro
Pulling the curtains aside, we expose the Puros Indios Especial No. 4 Maduro.
- Puros Indios Especial No. 4 Maduro
Pulling the curtains aside, we expose the Puros Indios Especial No. 4 Maduro.
- Puros Indios Especial No. 4 Maduro
Pulling the curtains aside, we expose the Puros Indios Especial No. 4 Maduro.
- Mayorga Crystal Rounds
The third in our expanding foray into blind reviews was the Mayorga Crystal Round.
- Mayorga Crystal Rounds
The third in our expanding foray into blind reviews was the Mayorga Crystal Round.
- Mayorga Crystal Rounds
The third in our expanding foray into blind reviews was the Mayorga Crystal Round.
- Bucanero El Capitan Maduro & Natural
A couple of good looking brothers showed up for Blind Review cigars 4 and 6.
- Bucanero El Capitan Maduro & Natural
A couple of good looking brothers showed up for Blind Review cigars 4 and 6.
- Bucanero El Capitan Maduro & Natural
A couple of good looking brothers showed up for Blind Review cigars 4 and 6.
- 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.
- The Big Smoke - Part Two
Part Two of the Big Smoke Experience
- The Big Smoke - Part Two
Part Two of the Big Smoke Experience
- The Big Smoke - Part Two
Part Two of the Big Smoke Experience
- El Centurion Emperadores
Don Pepin Garcia continues to produce one after another world class cigars.
- El Centurion Emperadores
Don Pepin Garcia continues to produce one after another world class cigars.
- El Centurion Emperadores
Don Pepin Garcia continues to produce one after another world class cigars.
- El Centurion Emperadores
Don Pepin Garcia continues to produce one after another world class cigars.
- El Centurion Emperadores
Don Pepin Garcia continues to produce one after another world class cigars.
- Variety Samplers from Tabacos de la Cordillera
For Undecided Smokers, Tabacos de la Cordillera Offers New Fundacion Ancestral Variety Samplers
- Variety Samplers from Tabacos de la Cordillera
For Undecided Smokers, Tabacos de la Cordillera Offers New Fundacion Ancestral Variety Samplers
- “Our Roots Run Deep” Is Theme of New Toraño Ad Campaign
One of only a handful of truly authentic cigar-industry stories, the Toraño family is now in its fourth generation, and only eight years away from a century of producing fine tobacco and premium cigars.
- “Our Roots Run Deep” Is Theme of New Toraño Ad Campaign
One of only a handful of truly authentic cigar-industry stories, the Toraño family is now in its fourth generation, and only eight years away from a century of producing fine tobacco and premium cigars.
- Last Minute Christmas Gifts!
Here are some suggestions for some cigar gifts for you last miunte shoppers.
- Last Minute Christmas Gifts!
Here are some suggestions for some cigar gifts for you last miunte shoppers.
- Montecristo Sublimes Edicion Limitada 2008
A nice surprise from the 2008 Edicion Limitado Montecristo Sublimes.
- Montecristo Sublimes Edicion Limitada 2008
A nice surprise from the 2008 Edicion Limitado Montecristo Sublimes.
- Montecristo Sublimes Edicion Limitada 2008
A nice surprise from the 2008 Edicion Limitado Montecristo Sublimes.
- Montecristo Sublimes Edicion Limitada 2008
A nice surprise from the 2008 Edicion Limitado Montecristo Sublimes.
- A Visit To Top25Cigar
Rob Shibata writes about his visit to T25C ad Minneapolis.
- A Visit To Top25Cigar
Rob Shibata writes about his visit to T25C ad Minneapolis.
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We have been receiving a lot of ratings lately that have been all over the board. Perhaps our staff of guests and regular reviewers were going schizophrenic on us? Well rest assured, they all agreed on the Cuban El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme! These cigars were kindly donated to the "Canadian Branch" of T25C by Ho Park Cigars in Hong Kong.
The El Rey del Mundo line was established in Cuba over 150 years ago by Antonio Allones. “The King of the World” brand has 10 shapes and is made in 7 factories at last count.
The ERDM Choix Supreme is a robusto sized cigar measuring 5” long with a 48 ring gauge. The Choix Supreme is a good looking Habano with a beautiful smooth, reddish wrapper free of major defects. A tad on the rustic side, but being from 1998, we'd have to say they aged quite well!
A nicely firm construction, again free of major defects, the ERDM Choix Supreme showed well as it was smoked. All samples seemed to burn a touch on the hot side, but as was expected the ash remained perfect on all samples.
Once lit, many of the comments revolved around the lack of an overpowering aroma. A slight floral smell was noticed. We're not sure that many of our reviewers spent much time assessing the aroma, as the excitement to get smoking was evident in the reviews.
"I had 3 samples of the ERDM and they all smoked a little differently. The first was very spicy and earthy with quite a bit of power. A great full bodied smoke. The second was spicy along with a dark roasted coffee taste (Like a double espresso). A medium bodied smoke. The third was somewhere in between the first two. The spice and earthiness were pretty light, but the dark roasted coffee taste came through with a dry finish. The third was also a medium bodied smoke. None of the cigars had a lot of aftertaste."
I always get a bit worked up when smoking a Habano. Perhaps my expectations were to high. Don't get me wrong, this was good, just not quite as earth shattering as I expected.
There you have it, those above quotes are very representative of what we have been seeing in the reviews of the Cuban El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme. The cigars were good, they had good construction, but didn't blow anyone away. perhaps this last quote sums it up best...and adds a bit of humor!
"Okay, I'll bite, I'm not afraid to ask...what's the big deal about Habanos? A very good cigar, with good construction, good flavor, and good just about everything. I guess since this was my first Habano I was expecting an experience like the first time I made lo....whoops, to much information!
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Robusto
Length=5" RG =48
Wrapper = Cuba
Filler = Cuba
Binder = Cuba |