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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 Exclusivo (Natural)
What happens when you combine a perfect ash, gorgeous wrapper, consistent taste with a boxed press cigar?
- Padron Anniversario Exclusivo (Natural)
What happens when you combine a perfect ash, gorgeous wrapper, consistent taste with a boxed press cigar?
- Padron Anniversario Exclusivo (Natural)
What happens when you combine a perfect ash, gorgeous wrapper, consistent taste with a boxed press cigar?
- 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.
- Montecristo Double Corona
It's been awhile since five guys have all said that a cigar was smoked past the ring, and kept the same flavor throughout.
- Montecristo Double Corona
It's been awhile since five guys have all said that a cigar was smoked past the ring, and kept the same flavor throughout.
- Montecristo Double Corona
It's been awhile since five guys have all said that a cigar was smoked past the ring, and kept the same flavor throughout.
- Montecristo Double Corona
It's been awhile since five guys have all said that a cigar was smoked past the ring, and kept the same flavor throughout.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Opus X Perfecxion No. 5
If there was ever a cigar that was hyped, over hyped, and then hyped again, it's the line of Opus X cigars from Fuente.
- Opus X Perfecxion No. 5
If there was ever a cigar that was hyped, over hyped, and then hyped again, it's the line of Opus X cigars from Fuente.
- Opus X Perfecxion No. 5
If there was ever a cigar that was hyped, over hyped, and then hyped again, it's the line of Opus X cigars from Fuente.
- La Gloria Cubana Wavell (Maduro)
Just when you start losing hope, along comes the La Gloria Cubana Maduro Wavell!
- La Gloria Cubana Wavell (Maduro)
Just when you start losing hope, along comes the La Gloria Cubana Maduro Wavell!
- La Gloria Cubana Wavell (Maduro)
Just when you start losing hope, along comes the La Gloria Cubana Maduro Wavell!
- Ramon Allones Specially Selected (Habanos)
The long distance runner of cigars has been found! After reviewing as many cigars as we have, you think you've seen it all; it's refreshing to be surprised.
- Ramon Allones Specially Selected (Habanos)
The long distance runner of cigars has been found! After reviewing as many cigars as we have, you think you've seen it all; it's refreshing to be surprised.
- Ramon Allones Specially Selected (Habanos)
The long distance runner of cigars has been found! After reviewing as many cigars as we have, you think you've seen it all; it's refreshing to be surprised.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway series existed as a premium cigar before premium cigars were cool.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway series existed as a premium cigar before premium cigars were cool.
- Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic
The Arturo Fuente Hemingway series existed as a premium cigar before premium cigars were cool.
- 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:
- 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.
- Avo Belicoso Maduro
Introduced in 1987, the Dominican made regular Avo line of cigars is a blend of 5 different mostly Cibao Valley Dominican tobaccos.
- Avo Belicoso Maduro
Introduced in 1987, the Dominican made regular Avo line of cigars is a blend of 5 different mostly Cibao Valley Dominican tobaccos.
- Avo Belicoso Maduro
Introduced in 1987, the Dominican made regular Avo line of cigars is a blend of 5 different mostly Cibao Valley Dominican tobaccos.
- Padron Anniversary Principe
Our box of Padron Anniversary Principe Naturals had been hiding in the back of our humidor for over 18 months.
- Padron Anniversary Principe
Our box of Padron Anniversary Principe Naturals had been hiding in the back of our humidor for over 18 months.
- Padron Anniversary Principe
Our box of Padron Anniversary Principe Naturals had been hiding in the back of our humidor for over 18 months.
- Padron Serie 1926 No. 6
In the world of full bodied cigars, there may be a new leader. This cigar was everything expected.
- Padron Serie 1926 No. 6
In the world of full bodied cigars, there may be a new leader. This cigar was everything expected.
- Padron Serie 1926 No. 6
In the world of full bodied cigars, there may be a new leader. This cigar was everything expected.
- Romeo y Julieta "Edicion Limitada" Robusto
Looks like happy times prevailed for this batch of reviewers. Read about the target of their affections.
- Romeo y Julieta "Edicion Limitada" Robusto
Looks like happy times prevailed for this batch of reviewers. Read about the target of their affections.
- Romeo y Julieta "Edicion Limitada" Robusto
Looks like happy times prevailed for this batch of reviewers. Read about the target of their affections.
- Xikar Accessories
Bowing to popular demand, we check out some cigar accessories.
- Xikar Accessories
Bowing to popular demand, we check out some cigar accessories.
- Xikar Accessories
Bowing to popular demand, we check out some cigar accessories.
- Camacho Corojo Figurado
A beautful looking cigar from Camacho gets the smoke test.
- Camacho Corojo Figurado
A beautful looking cigar from Camacho gets the smoke test.
- 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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Here's another cigar that will have trouble living up to its reputation, no matter how mouth-watering it is! With exception to perhaps two or three other Cuban cigars, the Montecristo No. 2 is the most talked about, bragged about, sought after, and often times challenging to locate of Cuban cigars.
This was one of our better tastings from an "event" standpoint. Our Canadian host was nice enough to allow us to sample these from the beauty of his home! Just look at that cigar to the right (one of the actual samples that was smoked), it looks regal, like your supposed to bow upon being received by it. The mystique of Cuban cigars definitely lives on. The big question is...do they deserve it?
Two separate boxes of Montecristo No. 2's were used for the tasting. We mention this as the individual boxes were very different. No sisters here, they were not identical twins. We understand there are differences among boxes, but this was unique. The first box was a light brown wrapper, and didn't do much for us, the second samples were a richer shade, and were without a doubt some of the finest cigars in the world. The manufacture date on the boxes was also only two months apart. Just wish we would have shot a picture of both to show you!
Keep that above paragraph in mind as you read the rest of the review.
All cigars lit and burned perfectly, you couldn't ask for more. The ash was a affluent white, it seems a color you can only get on the finer Cubans. All enjoyed watching their cigars burn. When the ash drops on your pants, you'll have second thoughts about brushing it off.
In general there are no complaints about construction, burn, ash, and aroma. All lived up to the heightened expectations of this classic cigar. Let us skip to taste, as this is the area that bewildered us.
Each reviewer smoked two cigars from each box. We smoked the lighter samples first, and started looking around at each other as though someone had played a nasty joke on us. This was not the monster cigar we expected. This was a good cigar, some variations in flavor, well made, and enjoyable to smoke, but by no means "mouth Christmas" as we expected. If we had stopped with these samples...a B+ would have been on the generous side.
Option 2, the gorgeous box! Dripping with an oily coating, you wondered if this cigar would even light. Light it did...almost instantly, and correcting you for an uneven start. This Monte No. 2 was everything expected. When folks had some casual smokes later, the first box was left alone, while box two was snatched up quicker than free agents by the Orlando Magic. Here would have been our first A+, but we have to consider both.
Since we're generous folk, and readily admit to falling a bit for the "Cuban mystique", we have to give an "A". Buyer beware though, the rumors of inconsistent cigars coming out of Cuba was experienced first hand. If we had bought the first box sight unseen, we would have been pissed.
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Torpedo
Length=6 1/8" RG =52
Wrapper =Cuba
Filler = Cuba
Binder =Cuba
Estimated Cost=$35 (Canadian |