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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
- La Flor Dominicana El Jocko No. 1
How do you review a cigar when the only consistent comment throughout the reviews was the beauty of the band?
- La Flor Dominicana El Jocko No. 1
How do you review a cigar when the only consistent comment throughout the reviews was the beauty of the band?
- El Incomparable Robusto (Single Malt Scotch)
If your a cigar traditionalist, read no further. Wait scratch that, if your a cigar traditionalist, read on! No, that's not right either.
- El Incomparable Robusto (Single Malt Scotch)
If your a cigar traditionalist, read no further. Wait scratch that, if your a cigar traditionalist, read on! No, that's not right either.
- El Incomparable Robusto (Single Malt Scotch)
If your a cigar traditionalist, read no further. Wait scratch that, if your a cigar traditionalist, read on! No, that's not right either.
- Hoja Yellow Band Robusto
Everybody likes a bargain, and there are no doubts a good $2 cigar would qualify.
- Hoja Yellow Band Robusto
Everybody likes a bargain, and there are no doubts a good $2 cigar would qualify.
- Hoja Yellow Band Robusto
Everybody likes a bargain, and there are no doubts a good $2 cigar would qualify.
- Hendrik Kelner Factory Second Robusto
We wondered...with a smirk...if using these cigars as blind reviews would be fair to our dedicated panel of reviewers.
- Hendrik Kelner Factory Second Robusto
We wondered...with a smirk...if using these cigars as blind reviews would be fair to our dedicated panel of reviewers.
- Hendrik Kelner Factory Second Robusto
We wondered...with a smirk...if using these cigars as blind reviews would be fair to our dedicated panel of reviewers.
- Mayorga Crystal Rounds
The third in our expanding foray into blind reviews was the Mayorga Crystal Round.
- Mayorga Crystal Rounds
The third in our expanding foray into blind reviews was the Mayorga Crystal Round.
- Mayorga Crystal Rounds
The third in our expanding foray into blind reviews was the Mayorga Crystal Round.
- El Rico Habano Gran Corona
A reintroduction of a classic brand leaves some reviewers hoping for more.
- El Rico Habano Gran Corona
A reintroduction of a classic brand leaves some reviewers hoping for more.
- El Rico Habano Gran Corona
A reintroduction of a classic brand leaves some reviewers hoping for more.
- La Aroma de Cuba Monarch
La Aroma de Cuba is a new line of cigars from the fine folks at Ashton, announced and released at the 2002 RTDA show.
- La Aroma de Cuba Monarch
La Aroma de Cuba is a new line of cigars from the fine folks at Ashton, announced and released at the 2002 RTDA show.
- La Aroma de Cuba Monarch
La Aroma de Cuba is a new line of cigars from the fine folks at Ashton, announced and released at the 2002 RTDA show.
- La Aroma de Cuba Monarch
La Aroma de Cuba is a new line of cigars from the fine folks at Ashton, announced and released at the 2002 RTDA show.
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reserve A
The Perdomo Reserve line is always rich looking, clean lines, dark, deep wrapper and perfect caps.
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reserve A
The Perdomo Reserve line is always rich looking, clean lines, dark, deep wrapper and perfect caps.
- La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reserve A
The Perdomo Reserve line is always rich looking, clean lines, dark, deep wrapper and perfect caps.
- Trinidad Fundadores (Nic.)
The other Trinidad...or was that TriniBAD.
- Trinidad Fundadores (Nic.)
The other Trinidad...or was that TriniBAD.
- Trinidad Fundadores (Nic.)
The other Trinidad...or was that TriniBAD.
- Trinidad Fundadores (Nic.)
The other Trinidad...or was that TriniBAD.
- Trinidad Fundadores (Nic.)
The other Trinidad...or was that TriniBAD.
- Face Off - La Flor Dominicana vs. Camacho
What a fight! Two of the niche market favorites exchanging tobacco to fight it out for space in your humidor!
- Face Off - La Flor Dominicana vs. Camacho
What a fight! Two of the niche market favorites exchanging tobacco to fight it out for space in your humidor!
- Face Off - La Flor Dominicana vs. Camacho
What a fight! Two of the niche market favorites exchanging tobacco to fight it out for space in your humidor!
- Face Off - La Flor Dominicana vs. Camacho
What a fight! Two of the niche market favorites exchanging tobacco to fight it out for space in your humidor!
- Face Off - La Flor Dominicana vs. Camacho
What a fight! Two of the niche market favorites exchanging tobacco to fight it out for space in your humidor!
- Joya de Nicaragua Celebracion Consul
Can the JdN Celebracion Consul keep up with its big brother the Antano line?
- Joya de Nicaragua Celebracion Consul
Can the JdN Celebracion Consul keep up with its big brother the Antano line?
- Joya de Nicaragua Celebracion Consul
Can the JdN Celebracion Consul keep up with its big brother the Antano line?
- Joya de Nicaragua Celebracion Consul
Can the JdN Celebracion Consul keep up with its big brother the Antano line?
- Cumbres de Puriscal Green Band Corona
Pre-Embargo Cuban is what Cumbres de Puriscal calls their cigars. T25C readers weigh in.
- Cumbres de Puriscal Green Band Corona
Pre-Embargo Cuban is what Cumbres de Puriscal calls their cigars. T25C readers weigh in.
- Cumbres de Puriscal Green Band Corona
Pre-Embargo Cuban is what Cumbres de Puriscal calls their cigars. T25C readers weigh in.
- Cumbres de Puriscal Green Band Corona
Pre-Embargo Cuban is what Cumbres de Puriscal calls their cigars. T25C readers weigh in.
- Cohiba Black Churchill
Cohiba Black Churchill leaves our review panel wondering.
- Cohiba Black Churchill
Cohiba Black Churchill leaves our review panel wondering.
- Cohiba Black Churchill
Cohiba Black Churchill leaves our review panel wondering.
- Cohiba Black Churchill
Cohiba Black Churchill leaves our review panel wondering.
- 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?
- 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
- 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.
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The Royal Jamaica Gold Toro starts as a great feeling masculine cigar that deserves a place in your hand. Once you light it up, you may not be so happy.
Altadis is short and sweet when describing this cigar on their website as "Gold at less than $10.00 per ounce...Royal Jamaica Gold. With its exquisite reddish wrapper and rich flavor, it just might set a new gold standard for cigars. Beautifully packaged and available in six sizes."
What starts as a great looking smoke with solid construction takes a unfortunate turn downhill once it hits your lips. There is an
undeniable sour taste that is able to soil your palate in the first quarter inch of the cigar. You can chalk it up to youth, or this may just be the little something extra that Altadis claims is in the Royal Jamaica Gold line. Hot on the heels of a 91 rating in Cigar Insider, we can't offer up the same accolades.
Great looks and a very solid feel are easily evident. The Toro comes in a gold foil wrapper over 4/5 of the cigar. While this wrapper adds to the looks of the cigar, it sure isn’t needed with the wrapper speaking for itself. All of our reviewers stressed the expectations this cigar builds before you light it. Thick, good looking and sturdy, you expect a lot.
"A muscular cigar with veins and girth. Maybe a bit over-dressed, but not hiding anything."
"This thing feels like a baseball bat in my hand. You could use this as a weapon!"
There are a plethora of strong cigars on the market now, and many of them pull it off without being overpowering. The Royal Jamaica Gold has potential, but the flavor needs to be tuned dramatically. Our reviewers mentioned wanting to like this cigar but that initial shot of flavor sent most backing away from a group hug.
There’s a good chance this cigar can improve with age, but for now it rides in as average. We would still recommend giving the Royal Jamaica Gold line a try, as the other cigars may not follow the same path as the larger ring gauged Toro.
Vital Statistics:
Size: 6 x 52
Shape: Toro
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Jamaican, Honduran, Nicaragua
Est. Cost: $5.50
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