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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.
- 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
- CAO Anniversaire Napoleon (Maduro)
The CAO Anniversaire Napoleon definitely grew on most of the rating group.
- CAO Anniversaire Napoleon (Maduro)
The CAO Anniversaire Napoleon definitely grew on most of the rating group.
- CAO Anniversaire Napoleon (Maduro)
The CAO Anniversaire Napoleon definitely grew on most of the rating group.
- Avo Domaine <20>
Okay, so we complain about cost quite a bit, but I think you'll eventually be able to get some bargains on this smoke. If so, snap them up, this was a good cigar.
- Avo Domaine <20>
Okay, so we complain about cost quite a bit, but I think you'll eventually be able to get some bargains on this smoke. If so, snap them up, this was a good cigar.
- Avo Domaine <20>
Okay, so we complain about cost quite a bit, but I think you'll eventually be able to get some bargains on this smoke. If so, snap them up, this was a good cigar.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
It's what all figurados should be measured by. There we said it.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
It's what all figurados should be measured by. There we said it.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
It's what all figurados should be measured by. There we said it.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
It's what all figurados should be measured by. There we said it.
- Cuesta-Rey No. 7 Robusto
It's hard to find a major flaw in this cigar.
- Cuesta-Rey No. 7 Robusto
It's hard to find a major flaw in this cigar.
- Luis Sanchez of La Tradicion Cubana interview with Top25Cigar
We were first introduced to this brand 3-4 years ago at a street fundraiser in San Francisco for one of their many orchestral artistic groups. During this day long celebration we noticed a guy at a small booth rolling cigars for people. Not wanting to speak with the "artsy" crowd much longer, we sauntered off and got ourselves a freshly rolled stogie, and a business card.
- H. Upmann "2000" Torbusto
Here is a good looking cigar with a twist on the recent trend towards figurados, or shaped cigars.
- H. Upmann "2000" Torbusto
Here is a good looking cigar with a twist on the recent trend towards figurados, or shaped cigars.
- H. Upmann "2000" Torbusto
Here is a good looking cigar with a twist on the recent trend towards figurados, or shaped cigars.
- H. Upmann "2000" Torbusto
Here is a good looking cigar with a twist on the recent trend towards figurados, or shaped cigars.
- Macanudo "Maduro" Diplomat
Look out world, it has finally happened. Macanudo has made a cigar that talks back!
- Macanudo "Maduro" Diplomat
Look out world, it has finally happened. Macanudo has made a cigar that talks back!
- Macanudo "Maduro" Diplomat
Look out world, it has finally happened. Macanudo has made a cigar that talks back!
- Macanudo "Maduro" Diplomat
Look out world, it has finally happened. Macanudo has made a cigar that talks back!
- Montecristo Le Cigare Des Arts Rothschild
Add a little spice to the regular Montecristo line and you get the "le Cigare Des Arts".
- Montecristo Le Cigare Des Arts Rothschild
Add a little spice to the regular Montecristo line and you get the "le Cigare Des Arts".
- Montecristo Le Cigare Des Arts Rothschild
Add a little spice to the regular Montecristo line and you get the "le Cigare Des Arts".
- Montecristo Le Cigare Des Arts Rothschild
Add a little spice to the regular Montecristo line and you get the "le Cigare Des Arts".
- 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.
- Juan Y Ramon Short Churchill
The JyR Short Churchill has a pale Connecticut wrapper, and lit like a charm.
- Juan Y Ramon Short Churchill
The JyR Short Churchill has a pale Connecticut wrapper, and lit like a charm.
- Juan Y Ramon Short Churchill
The JyR Short Churchill has a pale Connecticut wrapper, and lit like a charm.
- Juan Y Ramon Short Churchill
The JyR Short Churchill has a pale Connecticut wrapper, and lit like a charm.
- Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Belicoso
The following are directions for smoking an Ashton VSG Belicoso.
- Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Belicoso
The following are directions for smoking an Ashton VSG Belicoso.
- Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Belicoso
The following are directions for smoking an Ashton VSG Belicoso.
- Neptune Naides
Never having heard of the Neptune line of cigars, we were curiously looking forward to getting these puppies and reviewing them.
- Neptune Naides
Never having heard of the Neptune line of cigars, we were curiously looking forward to getting these puppies and reviewing them.
- Neptune Naides
Never having heard of the Neptune line of cigars, we were curiously looking forward to getting these puppies and reviewing them.
- Neptune Naides
Never having heard of the Neptune line of cigars, we were curiously looking forward to getting these puppies and reviewing them.
- El Rey del Mundo Robusto
The name in Spanish means "King of the World", and this cigar made us believers.
- El Rey del Mundo Robusto
The name in Spanish means "King of the World", and this cigar made us believers.
- LA UNICA CIGARS LAUNCHES NEW HEARTY TORO
The successful premium cigar expands to maduro
- REYES FAMILY CIGARS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW BRANDS PREMIER AND CLASSIC
Reyes Family Cigars, the manufacturers of the world-renowned Puros Indios & Cuba Aliados brands, is proud to announce the official launch of two new premium cigars
- REYES FAMILY CIGARS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW BRANDS PREMIER AND CLASSIC
Reyes Family Cigars, the manufacturers of the world-renowned Puros Indios & Cuba Aliados brands, is proud to announce the official launch of two new premium cigars
- ESPINOSA Y ORTEGA INTRODUCES THEIR NEW CUBAO
Espinosa y Ortega (EO Brands), distributor of 601, announces their new brand, Cubao
- ESPINOSA Y ORTEGA INTRODUCES THEIR NEW CUBAO
Espinosa y Ortega (EO Brands), distributor of 601, announces their new brand, Cubao
- GENERAL CIGAR SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN
Second Quarter Promotions Set the Stage for an Exciting IPCPR
- GENERAL CIGAR SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN
Second Quarter Promotions Set the Stage for an Exciting IPCPR
- THE GREAT PYRAMID RETURNS FROM LA TRADICION CUBANA
La Tradicion Cubana Inc., re-introduces “The Great Pyramid".
- THE GREAT PYRAMID RETURNS FROM LA TRADICION CUBANA
La Tradicion Cubana Inc., re-introduces “The Great Pyramid".
- CAO LX2 TO DEBUT AT IPCPR 76TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW
New CAO Cigar Targets “Full-Bodied” Market Segment
- 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.
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If you can't beat them, join them. This seems to be the motto adopted by Hoyo de Monterrey with their new 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. This cigar earns the right to be in the Excalibur family, with good looks and genuine taste. I'm concerned about the cost, as it looks like this cigar may become the higher costing end of the Excalibur family. Box pressed (not nearly as tightly done as a Padron Anniversario) and at 48 RG by 6 1/2", this cigar was fun to smoke.
Young, did I say young? The Prensado Oscuro was about as young as they get. We have a box, and look forward to checking these babies out after about 3 months of sleep. It pains me to say, but I wholeheartedly agree with CA's comments that this cigar was bitter on the finish! I'm not sure they have the 'nads to say how bitter, but it's kinda like kissing your mother in law bitter, not something you look to repeat often.
I could be wrong, but as I understand it, this cigar is due for a full release around Christmas. Depending on the price, this could be a hit, or overshadowed by the rest of the Excalibur line. I paid about $10 a stick, and there are a a few sub $10 cigars I would smoke before this one. If $10 is the number they shoot for, the Excalibur Prensado Oscuro may just be a one time wonder.
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Churchill
Length = 6 1/2 RG = 48
Wrapper = US, Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler = Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Binder = US, Connecticut Broadleaf
Estimated Cost = $6.00
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