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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
- 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.
- 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.
- El Incomparable Robusto (Single Malt Scotch)
If your a cigar traditionalist, read no further. Wait scratch that, if your a cigar traditionalist, read on! No, that's not right either.
- El Incomparable Robusto (Single Malt Scotch)
If your a cigar traditionalist, read no further. Wait scratch that, if your a cigar traditionalist, read on! No, that's not right either.
- El Incomparable Robusto (Single Malt Scotch)
If your a cigar traditionalist, read no further. Wait scratch that, if your a cigar traditionalist, read on! No, that's not right either.
- CAO eXtreme Churchill
What is the CAO eXtreme Churchill? We'll let Cano explain that with an excerpt from his interview:
- CAO eXtreme Churchill
What is the CAO eXtreme Churchill? We'll let Cano explain that with an excerpt from his interview:
- CAO eXtreme Churchill
What is the CAO eXtreme Churchill? We'll let Cano explain that with an excerpt from his interview:
- Leon Jimenes Robusto Maduro
The last of Aprils cigars bring us to the new Leon Jimenes Maduro line, more specifically in this case, the Robusto.
- Leon Jimenes Robusto Maduro
The last of Aprils cigars bring us to the new Leon Jimenes Maduro line, more specifically in this case, the Robusto.
- Leon Jimenes Robusto Maduro
The last of Aprils cigars bring us to the new Leon Jimenes Maduro line, more specifically in this case, the Robusto.
- La Tradicion Cubana Pyramid
We thought of no better way to open this review than to share some of the opening quotes we saw from our 3 guest reviewers.
- La Tradicion Cubana Pyramid
We thought of no better way to open this review than to share some of the opening quotes we saw from our 3 guest reviewers.
- La Tradicion Cubana Pyramid
We thought of no better way to open this review than to share some of the opening quotes we saw from our 3 guest reviewers.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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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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.
We stumbled across a box of JR Ultimate Toro's with a natural wrapper in a local tobacconist, and bought them up...for the first and last time.
One of our guest reviewers received only these cigars in his sampler kit due to a partial oversight on our part. He must think we hate him...Mark it's not true! Nobody liked these cigars, nobody.
Of the 14 cigars we distributed, the reviews came back indicating that 6 of them could not even be finished they were so bad. Not one feature of the JR Ultimate Toro was rated higher than a "C" grade.
Just as no cigar can attain a perfect level of performance and consistency, we don't think these cigars could possibly all be this bad. If they are, JR better think up some new names, if this is the "Ultimate", we'd hate to see the "Average".
Okay, getting back to the cigar. A tinny and metallic taste was often mentioned when describing the taste, especially toward the end of the cigar, if you made it that far. The cigar didn't always start out nasty, but tried to get there as quickly as possible.
Ultimately (pun intended) the JR Ultimate made mouthwash a prized commodity. The musty metallic taste did nothing for our reviewers, and an aftertaste that hung on like a bad date was enough to turn people off for good. There are better $3 cigars on the market, in fact there are better $2 cigars. We suggest you find them.
Leave JR in Dallas.
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Toro
Length=6" RG =50
Wrapper = Connecticut
Filler = Honduras
Binder = Connecticut
Estimated Cost = $3.75 |