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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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Don Tomas Cameroon Robusto
A natural looking wrapper with a very light sheen, the Don Tomas will look good in any humidor.
- Don Tomas Cameroon Robusto
A natural looking wrapper with a very light sheen, the Don Tomas will look good in any humidor.
- 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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Why another Neptune? Why not, we liked it the first time and went back for seconds. Will the Neptune Oceanides Corona have as rosy of a review as the Naides we reviewed in December of 1999? Hang on, we'll let you know.
We have never seen a Neptune Cigar available in a tobacco shop, but don't let that defer you from buying these cigars. They are readily available from the Neptune Cigar website, and as you'll see when checking them out, the price is right.
If a cigar scored all its points on presentation and looks, Neptune would be a leap ahead of the cigar masses. These lightly tanned beauties come in a gorgeous sea green box, complete with humidifier, and cigar cutter. Nice touch, your ready to go when you unpack them. Its also nice to know that Neptune ships faster than John Rocker running in from the bullpen at Shea stadium.
Construction is nice in the Neptune Oceanides, the burn is very even, and the wrapper is devoid of flaws. Again, more points in the presentation department.
Neptune is not the cigar to turn to if your looking for deep aggressive tastes. The reviewers who noted their affection for stronger cigars all mentioned the Neptune as a bit weak in the flavor department. One of our reviewers aptly coined the Neptune Oceanides as a great "breakfast cigar". Best with a big bowl of oatmeal I suppose. One of the better quotes we received stated, "This cigar excels at what I call the ""small points"" - aroma, construction, burn, but lacks much in the way of complexity or intriguing flavor."
There was a "tinny" taste noted in some of the samples, but that cleared up in trying a few more. Some reviewers also noted an unusually long aftertaste in a few, but not all of the cigars. This was curious for a lighter bodied cigar. Not some of the "7 deadly sins", but distracting from the smoking experience.
Ultimately, it's hard to knock a $3.00 cigar that delivers in a majority of the categories. If you evaluate this with other cigars in its price range, it soars to the top. Wanting to compare it with some of the more expensive boutique cigars is understandable, but probably not reasonable. I would liken it to making the Minnesota Twins play in the MLB, instead of the AAA. Whoops, they are a Major League team, just not comparable.
Due to some of the flavor inconsistencies mentioned above, the Oceanides did not do quite as well as its Robusto brother the Naides, but we have a hard time overlooking the "bang for the buck" in the Neptune Oceanides.
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Corona
Length =5 3/4"
Ring Gauge = 42
Wrapper = Connecticut
Filler = Dominican
Binder =Dominican
Estimated Cost = $3.25
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