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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flor de Florez "Cabinet Selection" Florez-Florez
It must be the month of December. Everybody is happy, making sure their real nice so Santa brings them lots of presents.
- Flor de Florez "Cabinet Selection" Florez-Florez
It must be the month of December. Everybody is happy, making sure their real nice so Santa brings them lots of presents.
- 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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Remember the days when the Juan Clemente' Churchill headed up the TOP25 rankings here at TOP25CIGAR? Probably not, as it was early 1997, and we didn't exactly have 2000 different cigars ranked as we do now.
Now comes the Juan Clemente' Grand Corona. We picked up a box of these over the internet, and kept them stored a couple months to assure they were properly humidified. We may have been better off smoking them right away, because none of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon.
The burn was very uneven on a couple of the cigars, and the flavor was uniformly described as "hot", "tinny", and "dreadful". One smart-aleck even described it as "tasting like burnt leather, way burnt leather." We did let him know that his expertise in the different tastes of leather was curios. Most of the cigars burnt very quick, with a few even coming unraveled as they were smoked. Remember, these were perfectly humidified!
Although Juan Clemente' cigars have come down in price a bit, it seems that the quality has come down as well. As you can see by our "grade" for this cigar, we are a bit harsher in our review than most of you. The current T25C rating comes from a sample of over 50 ratings we have received to date. Our review was from 5 guys testing 3 cigars a piece. Save your money.
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Long Corona -
Length = 6" RG = 42
Wrapper = US, Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler = Dominican Republic
Binder = Dominican Republic
Estimated Cost = $6.25 |