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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
- La Gloria Cubana Wavell (Maduro)
Just when you start losing hope, along comes the La Gloria Cubana Maduro Wavell!
- La Gloria Cubana Wavell (Maduro)
Just when you start losing hope, along comes the La Gloria Cubana Maduro Wavell!
- Romeo y Julieta 125th Anniversary Churchill
The black band sets this cigar apart from any of the ordinary RyJ's. Even the "Tabacalera" lower band is set against black, making you think you're in for the unexpected if used to the standard RyJ line.
- Romeo y Julieta 125th Anniversary Churchill
The black band sets this cigar apart from any of the ordinary RyJ's. Even the "Tabacalera" lower band is set against black, making you think you're in for the unexpected if used to the standard RyJ line.
- Romeo y Julieta 125th Anniversary Churchill
The black band sets this cigar apart from any of the ordinary RyJ's. Even the "Tabacalera" lower band is set against black, making you think you're in for the unexpected if used to the standard RyJ line.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drew Estate Natural China 5
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.
- Drew Estate Natural China 5
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.
- Drew Estate Natural China 5
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.
- 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.
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reserve A
The Perdomo Reserve line is always rich looking, clean lines, dark, deep wrapper and perfect caps.
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reserve A
The Perdomo Reserve line is always rich looking, clean lines, dark, deep wrapper and perfect caps.
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reserve A
The Perdomo Reserve line is always rich looking, clean lines, dark, deep wrapper and perfect caps.
- 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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It isn't often that everyone agrees on one of our cigar reviews, but this was one of the closest we have every seen. We're currently checking to find out if our crack gang of guest reviewers somehow has designed a communications network based upon the Hogan's Heroes television show. All things said, it seems the Fonseca 799 has the reviewers holding hands and singing Kumbaya.
The appearance of the maduro Fonseca had most singing it's praises. As you can see from the photo, it's a very dark maduro, with the only wrapper drawback mentioned being a dry and papery feel. This isn't your classic roll for cigars, as it looks a bit lopsided, and a couple soft spots can be found. Combine the appearance and the construction of the Fonseca 799, and you have a cigar that passes grade.
One of the few cigars that has had across the board overwhelming grades on aroma. Our dark Fonseca received across the board "A's" from the judges, with the exception of one "A-" from a panelist wanting to play "East German" judge. With comments like "it gave off a fabulous perfume, toasted nuts, a little chocolate, and some spice to boot, it was great!" and "aroma was that of very mild coffee. I was pleasantly surprised." the Fonseca seemed to earn its high marks.
The flavor didn't score a Romanian Gymnast level of rating, but shouldn't be considered a slouch. With mixed B's, and one A+, there were flavorful aspects to be highlighted. A "mild spice" was often mentioned, with a couple of reviewers mentioning how nice it was to find a maduro cigar that maintained a mellow and consistent flavor. A staple draw and what seems to be a myriad of flavors established the Fonseca 799 with all who reviewed it.
Give this cigar a chance. Coming in at around $4, it can be an enjoyable break to the maduros we have all gotten used to. If it weren't for the dryness of the wrapper, and the noted construction issues, this cigar would have easily been higher rated.
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Grand Corona
Length=6 1/2" RG =46
Wrapper = Conn. Brdleaf
Filler = Dom. Rep.
Binder = Mexico
Estimated Cost = $4.00 |