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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
- 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".
- Lars Tetens Phat Shorty vs. Acid Atom
There is no other line of cigars that has created the debate that surrounds the Lars Tetens line.
- Lars Tetens Phat Shorty vs. Acid Atom
There is no other line of cigars that has created the debate that surrounds the Lars Tetens line.
- Lars Tetens Phat Shorty vs. Acid Atom
There is no other line of cigars that has created the debate that surrounds the Lars Tetens line.
- Lars Tetens Phat Shorty vs. Acid Atom
There is no other line of cigars that has created the debate that surrounds the Lars Tetens line.
- Lars Tetens Phat Shorty vs. Acid Atom
There is no other line of cigars that has created the debate that surrounds the Lars Tetens line.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fonseca 799 Maduro
It isn't often that everyone agrees on one of our cigar reviews, but this was one of the closest we have every seen.
- Fonseca 799 Maduro
It isn't often that everyone agrees on one of our cigar reviews, but this was one of the closest we have every seen.
- Fonseca 799 Maduro
It isn't often that everyone agrees on one of our cigar reviews, but this was one of the closest we have every seen.
- 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.
- 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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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 |