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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
- Padron Anniversario Millennium Maduro
When you see this cigar, and you've had other Padron Anniversario, you expect a surreal experience.
- Padron Anniversario Millennium Maduro
When you see this cigar, and you've had other Padron Anniversario, you expect a surreal experience.
- Davidoff Millennium No. 2
You can't help but fall in love when you first look at the Davidoff Millennium No. 2.
- Davidoff Millennium No. 2
You can't help but fall in love when you first look at the Davidoff Millennium No. 2.
- Davidoff Millennium No. 2
You can't help but fall in love when you first look at the Davidoff Millennium No. 2.
- Davidoff Millennium No. 2
You can't help but fall in love when you first look at the Davidoff Millennium No. 2.
- 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.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona (Habanos)
We confess, this is one of, if not "the" cigar we would ask for if only given one.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona (Habanos)
We confess, this is one of, if not "the" cigar we would ask for if only given one.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona (Habanos)
We confess, this is one of, if not "the" cigar we would ask for if only given one.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona (Habanos)
We confess, this is one of, if not "the" cigar we would ask for if only given one.
- Diamond Crown Robusto No. 4
Get ready to take a walk on the "mild" side. A very enjoyable mild side as well.
- Diamond Crown Robusto No. 4
Get ready to take a walk on the "mild" side. A very enjoyable mild side as well.
- Diamond Crown Robusto No. 4
Get ready to take a walk on the "mild" side. A very enjoyable mild side as well.
- Diamond Crown Robusto No. 4
Get ready to take a walk on the "mild" side. A very enjoyable mild side as well.
- 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.
- Montesino Diplomatico (Maduro)
It was hard to find any taste flaws with this cigar, although the construction of over half of our samples led to some cigars being unsmokeable.
- Montesino Diplomatico (Maduro)
It was hard to find any taste flaws with this cigar, although the construction of over half of our samples led to some cigars being unsmokeable.
- Montesino Diplomatico (Maduro)
It was hard to find any taste flaws with this cigar, although the construction of over half of our samples led to some cigars being unsmokeable.
- Montesino Diplomatico (Maduro)
It was hard to find any taste flaws with this cigar, although the construction of over half of our samples led to some cigars being unsmokeable.
- 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.
- Sosa Piramide No. 2
Nothing blew up for us here, good or bad. Just a relatively solid cigar at an acceptable price.
- Sosa Piramide No. 2
Nothing blew up for us here, good or bad. Just a relatively solid cigar at an acceptable price.
- Sosa Piramide No. 2
Nothing blew up for us here, good or bad. Just a relatively solid cigar at an acceptable price.
- Punch Grand Cru Punchito
The latest from the Punch "Grand Cru" line is the "Punchito".
- Punch Grand Cru Punchito
The latest from the Punch "Grand Cru" line is the "Punchito".
- Punch Grand Cru Punchito
The latest from the Punch "Grand Cru" line is the "Punchito".
- 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.
- Montecristo Habana Selection Robusto
Hmmm, another limited edition cigar, dressed up with a gold accented second band, rich looking cocoa wrapper, and of course a price befitting these beauty pageant additions. So what do you get?
- Montecristo Habana Selection Robusto
Hmmm, another limited edition cigar, dressed up with a gold accented second band, rich looking cocoa wrapper, and of course a price befitting these beauty pageant additions. So what do you get?
- Montecristo Habana Selection Robusto
Hmmm, another limited edition cigar, dressed up with a gold accented second band, rich looking cocoa wrapper, and of course a price befitting these beauty pageant additions. So what do you get?
- 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?
- Padron Londres
When we went looking for a very inexpensive cigar for this month's staff review, the thought was that a lower priced Padron would do our readers a service.
- Padron Londres
When we went looking for a very inexpensive cigar for this month's staff review, the thought was that a lower priced Padron would do our readers a service.
- Padron Londres
When we went looking for a very inexpensive cigar for this month's staff review, the thought was that a lower priced Padron would do our readers a service.
- Axis Echo
First, there was Lars Tetens cigars, then a not so disguised copy of them called Acid. Lets add to the confusion with the new "Axis Cigars".
- Axis Echo
First, there was Lars Tetens cigars, then a not so disguised copy of them called Acid. Lets add to the confusion with the new "Axis Cigars".
- Axis Echo
First, there was Lars Tetens cigars, then a not so disguised copy of them called Acid. Lets add to the confusion with the new "Axis Cigars".
- Por Larranaga Torpedo
Let's call this the "new" Por Larranaga.
- Por Larranaga Torpedo
Let's call this the "new" Por Larranaga.
- Por Larranaga Torpedo
Let's call this the "new" Por Larranaga.
- Felipe Dominicana Boa
Without a doubt we are looking at Marlin Perkins favorite cigar, Wild Kingdom has crept into the cigar world.
- Felipe Dominicana Boa
Without a doubt we are looking at Marlin Perkins favorite cigar, Wild Kingdom has crept into the cigar world.
- Felipe Dominicana Boa
Without a doubt we are looking at Marlin Perkins favorite cigar, Wild Kingdom has crept into the cigar world.
- 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?
- 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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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.
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.
When we got back to frozen Minnesota and tried to find these at any local tobacconist we were out of luck. So when we had the chance to review a box of La Tradicion Cubana Torpedoes, we dove (get it, dove...torpedo) at the chance.
Light up this torpedo, and you'll soon realize that this puppy can be easily categorized as a "manly" cigar. No offense to your female aficionados out there, but this is a robust and filling smoke, the "porterhouse" of cigars. Once you see the intricate band, you wonder if the cigar can match it's beauty...here comes another marketing let down, right? Wrong. All of our reviewers, including our first "Guest Staff" (thanks Tony!) noted that the La Tradicion Cubana delivered on its expectations. Okay, so you know it's on the strong side, anything else?
There is a very noticeable aroma from this cigar, not overpowering, not "Lars-like" unique, but almost an old-world kind of tang. The aroma was noted as "hanging around longer than my mother-in-law". The ash is a firm, natural gray, and hangs on for awhile as well.
Our guest reviewer summed up a feeling many of the tasters had, basically that although this is a strong cigar, its personality is one-dimensional, and lacking a bit of complexity we have gotten used to in a stronger cigar. Although this was seen as a negative by most, it is the only one experienced.
This is a must try, especially at these prices. Check out the La Tradicion Cubana website for the retailer nearest you, as we still can't find them around here!
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Torpedo
Length=6 1/2" RG=54
Wrapper = Ecuador
Filler = Dominican Republic, Honduras
Binder =Honduras
Estimated Cost = $5.00 |