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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.
- Cuesta-Rey No. 7 Robusto
It's hard to find a major flaw in this cigar.
- Cuesta-Rey No. 7 Robusto
It's hard to find a major flaw in this cigar.
- Cuesta-Rey No. 7 Robusto
It's hard to find a major flaw in this cigar.
- 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?
- 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?
- H. Upmann "2000" Torbusto
Here is a good looking cigar with a twist on the recent trend towards figurados, or shaped cigars.
- H. Upmann "2000" Torbusto
Here is a good looking cigar with a twist on the recent trend towards figurados, or shaped cigars.
- H. Upmann "2000" Torbusto
Here is a good looking cigar with a twist on the recent trend towards figurados, or shaped cigars.
- H. Upmann "2000" Torbusto
Here is a good looking cigar with a twist on the recent trend towards figurados, or shaped cigars.
- 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".
- Baccarat Casino Vintage Selection Robusto
Many people were not happy. Some accused me of trying to kill them. See what I get for trying to review a more affordable cigar.
- Baccarat Casino Vintage Selection Robusto
Many people were not happy. Some accused me of trying to kill them. See what I get for trying to review a more affordable cigar.
- Baccarat Casino Vintage Selection Robusto
Many people were not happy. Some accused me of trying to kill them. See what I get for trying to review a more affordable cigar.
- Baccarat Casino Vintage Selection Robusto
Many people were not happy. Some accused me of trying to kill them. See what I get for trying to review a more affordable cigar.
- Juan Y Ramon Short Churchill
The JyR Short Churchill has a pale Connecticut wrapper, and lit like a charm.
- Juan Y Ramon Short Churchill
The JyR Short Churchill has a pale Connecticut wrapper, and lit like a charm.
- Juan Y Ramon Short Churchill
The JyR Short Churchill has a pale Connecticut wrapper, and lit like a charm.
- Juan Y Ramon Short Churchill
The JyR Short Churchill has a pale Connecticut wrapper, and lit like a charm.
- Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Belicoso
The following are directions for smoking an Ashton VSG Belicoso.
- Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Belicoso
The following are directions for smoking an Ashton VSG Belicoso.
- Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Belicoso
The following are directions for smoking an Ashton VSG Belicoso.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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This goes to show it ain't all about Cuba baby. Five people (on our annual Canadian excursion) reviewed this smoke, five people were thoroughly unimpressed. One nice side note, nobody was able to guess what they were smoking without the band, and only 1 of the 5 guessed it was Cuban.
Although properly humidified, the majority of the samples had burning problems, one was hot and burnt uneven, while the others all mentioned issues with staying lit. Flavor varied throughout the samples, but nobody thought much about this cigar, and only one reviewer gave it higher than a C rating. I don't want to give the impression that stomachs were being pumped, and lungs were collapsing, but you should have seen the faces when they were told what this was. You would have thought I just told them their Yugo was actually a Mercedes. Flavor ratings varied across the board, a couple folks disliking the smoke, but the majority ho-hum on the little island treat.
After this little review session, I definitely believe the "Cuban" name has an effect on the ratings. Although...this cigar has been dropping like Al Gore's presidential hopes in our ratings.
Vital Statistics:
Churchill - Length = 7 RG = 47
Wrapper = Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Binder = Cuba
Estimated Cost = N/A in USA, ~$20.00 outside US
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