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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.
- 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.
- Aristoff Millennium Reserve Robusto
Marketing. The marketing geniuses have virused into cigars.
- Aristoff Millennium Reserve Robusto
Marketing. The marketing geniuses have virused into cigars.
- Romeo y Julieta Churchill (Habanos)
This goes to show it ain't all about Cuba baby.
- Romeo y Julieta Churchill (Habanos)
This goes to show it ain't all about Cuba baby.
- Romeo y Julieta Churchill (Habanos)
This goes to show it ain't all about Cuba baby.
- 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?
- Aristoff Master of the Universe
Can a cigar take you on a trip down memory lane? The answer is yes.
- Aristoff Master of the Universe
Can a cigar take you on a trip down memory lane? The answer is yes.
- Aristoff Master of the Universe
Can a cigar take you on a trip down memory lane? The answer is yes.
- Aristoff Master of the Universe
Can a cigar take you on a trip down memory lane? The answer is yes.
- LA UNICA CIGARS LAUNCHES NEW HEARTY TORO
The successful premium cigar expands to maduro
- REYES FAMILY CIGARS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW BRANDS PREMIER AND CLASSIC
Reyes Family Cigars, the manufacturers of the world-renowned Puros Indios & Cuba Aliados brands, is proud to announce the official launch of two new premium cigars
- REYES FAMILY CIGARS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW BRANDS PREMIER AND CLASSIC
Reyes Family Cigars, the manufacturers of the world-renowned Puros Indios & Cuba Aliados brands, is proud to announce the official launch of two new premium cigars
- ESPINOSA Y ORTEGA INTRODUCES THEIR NEW CUBAO
Espinosa y Ortega (EO Brands), distributor of 601, announces their new brand, Cubao
- ESPINOSA Y ORTEGA INTRODUCES THEIR NEW CUBAO
Espinosa y Ortega (EO Brands), distributor of 601, announces their new brand, Cubao
- GENERAL CIGAR SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN
Second Quarter Promotions Set the Stage for an Exciting IPCPR
- GENERAL CIGAR SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN
Second Quarter Promotions Set the Stage for an Exciting IPCPR
- THE GREAT PYRAMID RETURNS FROM LA TRADICION CUBANA
La Tradicion Cubana Inc., re-introduces “The Great Pyramid".
- THE GREAT PYRAMID RETURNS FROM LA TRADICION CUBANA
La Tradicion Cubana Inc., re-introduces “The Great Pyramid".
- CAO LX2 TO DEBUT AT IPCPR 76TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW
New CAO Cigar Targets “Full-Bodied” Market Segment
- 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.
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This was going to be a real test for some of us at T25C. 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. In the photo, the "old" Vintage VI is on the left, and the "new" (with the Tabacalera" sub-band), is on the right.
It was tough to tell the old from the new without the bands. (If you weren't aware, Tabacalera took over the manufacture of RyJ Vintage Series cigars from Hollco Rohr in early 1999.) Both cigars looked good, not great, but better than acceptable. Unfortunately shape and looks are the only place these guys acted like brothers.
"New" Vintage VI had a soft feel, just a touch softer than "old", but you could tell a difference. The cap on the "new" Vintage VI was better formed than the old, but in a later look at both boxes, this wasn't a consistent difference.
Aroma is where they started to act more like feuding neighbors than siblings. The "old" cigar had a "relaxed" aroma, not real pushy, and not the least bit dominating. The "new" cigar attacked your senses with thick smoke that was not deemed enjoyable by 80% of our reviewers.
Taste...hmmm, how to describe the differences? How about Walter Payton vs. Earl Campbell? No, that would be insulting to Mr. Campbell. For you baseball folk, maybe Mr. October Reggie Jackson vs. Bill Buckner? (Sorry Sox fans). Let it be simply said, that you can tell the difference. "Old" Vintage VI is smooth, consistent, burns clean, and is enjoyable through to the end. A creamy, likable flavor as the cigar progresses. "New" Vintage VI either has a lot of maturing to do, or is going to be a favorite gift to people's in-laws and enemies for years to come. Sour, overly peppery, and one of the worst aftertastes you can imagine.
No reviewer was clamoring after the remaining "new" Vintage VI's, and I'm locking up the "old". The ultimate testament to these cigars differences is the fact that the "new" line of RyJ Vintage VI's can actually be found at some tobacconists. Go figure. We felt generous giving the "new" VI a grade of "C".
Vital Statistics:
Shape = Pyramid
Length = 7" RG = 60
Wrapper = Connecticut, USA
Filler = Dominican Republic
Binder = Mexico
Estimated Cost = $11.00 |