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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
- 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.
- Drew Estate Brooklyn
Fughetabawdit, unh? How can any cigar live up to a reputation as dynamic as Brooklyn, New York?
- Drew Estate Brooklyn
Fughetabawdit, unh? How can any cigar live up to a reputation as dynamic as Brooklyn, New York?
- Drew Estate Brooklyn
Fughetabawdit, unh? How can any cigar live up to a reputation as dynamic as Brooklyn, New York?
- 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".
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Perdomo2 Torfecto
We butchered the Perdomo Reserve line in September, and were bombarded with emails in support of our review...yeah that's right "in support".
- Perdomo2 Torfecto
We butchered the Perdomo Reserve line in September, and were bombarded with emails in support of our review...yeah that's right "in support".
- Perdomo2 Torfecto
We butchered the Perdomo Reserve line in September, and were bombarded with emails in support of our review...yeah that's right "in support".
- Perdomo2 Torfecto
We butchered the Perdomo Reserve line in September, and were bombarded with emails in support of our review...yeah that's right "in support".
- Moore & Bode Brass (Miami Blend)
Moore & Bode can affectionately be called one of the "boutique" cigar brands.
- Moore & Bode Brass (Miami Blend)
Moore & Bode can affectionately be called one of the "boutique" cigar brands.
- Moore & Bode Brass (Miami Blend)
Moore & Bode can affectionately be called one of the "boutique" cigar brands.
- Moore & Bode Brass (Miami Blend)
Moore & Bode can affectionately be called one of the "boutique" cigar brands.
- C.A.O. Brazilia Samba
Does the CAO Brazilia follow in the lofty footsteps of other cigars in the CAO family?
- C.A.O. Brazilia Samba
Does the CAO Brazilia follow in the lofty footsteps of other cigars in the CAO family?
- C.A.O. Brazilia Samba
Does the CAO Brazilia follow in the lofty footsteps of other cigars in the CAO family?
- C.A.O. Brazilia Samba
Does the CAO Brazilia follow in the lofty footsteps of other cigars in the CAO family?
- Padron 2000
I probably need to dispel the rumors before I go any farther. We are not, and never have been related to, or adopted by the Padron family. Now that's not saying we would turn it down if offered.
- Padron 2000
I probably need to dispel the rumors before I go any farther. We are not, and never have been related to, or adopted by the Padron family. Now that's not saying we would turn it down if offered.
- Padron 2000
I probably need to dispel the rumors before I go any farther. We are not, and never have been related to, or adopted by the Padron family. Now that's not saying we would turn it down if offered.
- Padron 2000
I probably need to dispel the rumors before I go any farther. We are not, and never have been related to, or adopted by the Padron family. Now that's not saying we would turn it down if offered.
- Montecristo le Cigare des Arts Millennium Double Corona
The Habana 2000 wrapper mystique still fails to materialize for us.
- Montecristo le Cigare des Arts Millennium Double Corona
The Habana 2000 wrapper mystique still fails to materialize for us.
- Montecristo le Cigare des Arts Millennium Double Corona
The Habana 2000 wrapper mystique still fails to materialize for us.
- La Tradicion Cubana Torpedo
La Tradicion Cubana is not one of the best known brands of cigars, but after reading the rest of this review, it may become one.
- La Tradicion Cubana Torpedo
La Tradicion Cubana is not one of the best known brands of cigars, but after reading the rest of this review, it may become one.
- La Tradicion Cubana Torpedo
La Tradicion Cubana is not one of the best known brands of cigars, but after reading the rest of this review, it may become one.
- Neptune Oceanides
Why another Neptune? Why not, we liked it the first time and went back for seconds.
- Neptune Oceanides
Why another Neptune? Why not, we liked it the first time and went back for seconds.
- Neptune Oceanides
Why another Neptune? Why not, we liked it the first time and went back for seconds.
- Leon Jimenes No. 1
This was a tough review to write. Here I thought we would share some secret with the world. There'd be people dancing in the streets all across the globe.
- Leon Jimenes No. 1
This was a tough review to write. Here I thought we would share some secret with the world. There'd be people dancing in the streets all across the globe.
- Leon Jimenes No. 1
This was a tough review to write. Here I thought we would share some secret with the world. There'd be people dancing in the streets all across the globe.
- El Rey Del Mundo Rectangulares (Maduro)
How can you not like a cigar when it comes gift wrapped in cloud-like white tissue?
- El Rey Del Mundo Rectangulares (Maduro)
How can you not like a cigar when it comes gift wrapped in cloud-like white tissue?
- El Rey Del Mundo Rectangulares (Maduro)
How can you not like a cigar when it comes gift wrapped in cloud-like white tissue?
- Aristoff Black Label Robusto
We crushed some Aristoff products in the past, so are we just looking to punish ourselves, or are we really willing to give a second (or third!) chance?
- Aristoff Black Label Robusto
We crushed some Aristoff products in the past, so are we just looking to punish ourselves, or are we really willing to give a second (or third!) chance?
- Aristoff Black Label Robusto
We crushed some Aristoff products in the past, so are we just looking to punish ourselves, or are we really willing to give a second (or third!) chance?
- Graycliff Pirate
can picture some of our review staff with an eye patch, peg leg, and a parrot on their shoulder smoking the Graycliff Pirate Torpedo.
- Graycliff Pirate
can picture some of our review staff with an eye patch, peg leg, and a parrot on their shoulder smoking the Graycliff Pirate Torpedo.
- Graycliff Pirate
can picture some of our review staff with an eye patch, peg leg, and a parrot on their shoulder smoking the Graycliff Pirate Torpedo.
- 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.
- 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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There is no other line of cigars that has created the debate that surrounds the Lars Tetens line. The reviews left by people on Top25Cigar indicate you either love them or hate them, with a pretty even split in those respects.
So when we saw our first Acid cigar there was chuckling out loud. Lars Tetens had this category of cigar (whatever that "category" is called.) to his own for a long time, this was such a blatant attempt at being "Lars-like" that we knew the war was on. So we decided to add our own little fuel to the fire, and compare a Lars and an Acid cigar this month. Does a copycat legitimize the Lars? Did it even need to be legitimized? Oh well, we like a little change, and if nothing else, these two lines of cigars are a change from the norm.
As you can see, we picked the Lars Tetens Phat Shorty, and the Acid Atom. Why…well, we could buy the Shorty at a local tobacconist, and not knowing much about the Acid line, the Atom seemed to be about the same size. What were trying to say, is these may not be the cigars the manufacturers would want, or say, compare to each other. Then again, we pride ourselves on not being slaves to the manufacturers, so why start now.
Looks: Both cigars have the "old world" look to them. With the classic Cuban foot, and the rustic construction, they're fairly similar in this respect. The Acid has a lighter wrapper, and the Lars looks a bit richer and more complex. If we had to pick a winner in this category, the edge would go to the richer looking Lars Tetens Phat Shorty.
Pre-Smoke Aroma: Here's where both of these cigars get much of their attention. All our reviewers liked the smell. It's different, pleasant, and makes you want to give the cigar a try. Both are supposedly cured in some 3000-year-old South American method. Yeah, whatever, what does it taste like? No edge here folk, both were significantly odoriffic. In fact, don't ever leave either of these cigars, or others from their families for that matter, in your humidor with other smokes. Their odor will attack, and attack fast. Soon you'll have a humidor full smelling like this.
Construction: All samples were punch cut when they were smoked. Neither of the caps came off, remaining fairly secure. There was a difference in the ash. The Acid was soft and white, not so soft to be overly noticeable, but still on the squashy side. Lars was a bit firmer, seemingly rolled a touch better. Edge here goes to Lars.
Taste: Who cares about all the rest of that stuff if you taste a great cigar? Umm, what if you don't taste a great cigar? We didn't. We tasted one "better than average", and one "average if were nice".
Lars had the taste we expected, a semi-strong, different taste that keeps you guessing. It's almost impossible to describe unless you have sniffed one of these puppies. Wait until the internet gets smells, then maybe this review would mean something. This is a smoky flavored old man with again, unique characteristics. We've had better Phat Shorty's than our samples.
Acid was not nearly as unique, more closely resembling what we're all used to in cigars. Maybe they missed one of those lines in the South American curing recipe? This cigar was noted for an unpleasant aftertaste, most of our panel touched on the subject. Advantage: Lars Tetens Phat Shorty.
Price: We paid $13.00 skins for the Lars Tetens Phat Shorty. (Don't email us saying you can get them cheaper, we know…we're just stating the facts.) The Acid Atom was $6.50, less than ½ the price of the Lars. We're not going to be inserting either of these cigars into our regular cigar line-up, but if we we're forced to, it would be tough to ignore that price difference. Advantage Acid Atom.
Summary: These two cigars are definitely unique, and for that sake alone worth a try. These smokes generate such debate, that's it's hard for anyone's opinions to help influence others. So, what the heck, try something different, if for nothing else the novelty, and then make up your mind!
Vital Statistics
Acid Atom:
Shape = Robusto
Length = 5" RG = 50
Wrapper =Cameroon, Indonesian
USA/Connecticut
Filler =Nicaragua
Binder = Nicaragua
Estimated Cost = $ 6.50
Vital Statistics
Lars Tetens Phat Shorty:
Shape = Robusto
Length = 5 1/4" RG = 50
Wrapper =Cameroon
USA/Connecticut
Filler =Dominican Republic
Binder = Dominican Republic
Estimated Cost = $ 13.00 |