Previous Cuban Cigars Rating
- Cuban Cigars [1/2]
[Romeo y Julieta Churchills]
[Bolivar Belicosos Finos]
[Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1]
[Montecristo A]
[Partagas Lusitanias]
[Fonseca No. 1]
[Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona]
[Bolivar Royal Coronas]
[Vegas Robaina Famosos]
[Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2]
[Sancho Panza Coronas]
[Partagas 8-9-8 Cabinet]
[Ramon Allones Specially Selected]
[Bolivar Immensas]
[Quintero Londres Extra]
Few singles bought at my local tobacconist. They are in aluminium tubes. After picking cigars from an unopened box, most of the stogies were
in pitty condition. They all presented heavy green spots and white foam on wrapper. I checked the code on the back on the box and its said NNSC (11/97). But I have a doubt that the original date could have been NNSO (11/90). Its true that a lot of R&J are coming back on the market from Russia. With some scratching unfaithful "importers" are changing code from NNSO to NNSC. My seller was in shock and agreed to open another box.
size : 7" * 47
Wrapper, appearance and construction : Solid brown
color, oily wrapper, light veins. Beautiful gold band. Very elegant.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, perfect drawing, even burning,
powerful from begining. Feels rich, lots of flavors but no complexity. A good simple smoke.
3/3 points
The second third is explosive with a full bodied character. Smoke burning problem taking away my concentration on flavors.
Good balance, spicy flavors. Long white ash superbly holding. Some background hints of moisture maybe due to aluminium.
2.5/3 points
Last part of this long smoke does not give up. Same power, constant aromas but the light moisture hints are begining to bother.
Burning has now gone back to normal. Long lasting finish. Strange aftertaste sensation.
1.5/2 points
Total points : 9/10
General comments : With no doubt a very good cigar.
I think that a fresher one without the tube would have gotten a 10. Smoking a R&J Churchills is not like smoking anything else. With one like this in your hand you feel like a "king". And its already good enough...
A box of 25 bought in Geneva in February 98. Made in 96. Maybe over paid but I really want to try those.
Stored in large humidor since.
size : 5 1/2" * 52
Wrapper, appearance and construction : Light brown color, very regular wrapper, great smell. Massive look for a torpedo. Small and fat. I like this.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Good lighting, medium drawing, even
burning. Mild on start. Maybe due to his shape, I was expecting roughness but got softness.
2.5/3 points
2nd part shows a strong character. A lot of spicy flavors with hints of sweetness. Quite different from other cuban figurado. Burning is perfect although cigar is getting a little over heated. Should fit great after a light lunch.
2.5/3 points
Last part is tasty. I like the strong character of this torpedo. It went up gradually from medium-mild to full bodied.
I didn't leave much of my cigar; positive sign.
2/2 points
Total points : 9/10
General comments : A great smoke not for all. A kind of complexity that Cubans are tending to forget in their fight for quantity vs. quality. This Belicosos has given me appetite for other Bolivars. Recommended.
A box of 25 brought back from France. The box is original as it is a side lide box cabinet in natural wood. They come with no band on. Juan Lopez cigars are made at the Miguel Fernandez Roig factory (La Havana). All cigars produced by this brand are handmade. Stored in large humidor for 6 weeks before smoking.
size : 5 5/8" * 46
Wrapper, appearance and construction : Very round cigar, brown color, oily wrapper, light veins. Some tiny spots.
1.5/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, good drawing, even burning, woody aromas from beginning. Medium character not like a Cuban but more of Honduras. Very evocative perfumes.
2.5/3 points
2nd part is as pleasant. Not aggressive. Rich but still medium bodied this smoke could fit after a light lunch. Woody aromas are very distinctive.
2.5/3 points
Last part is with no surprise. Very classic smoke although not typical Cuban. Some creamy leather aromas towards the end.
1.5/2 points
Total points : 8/10
General comments : Juan Lopez Seleccion No. 1 got me curious enough to try the rest of the line. Excellent overall for a Cuban who tastes more like a Honduras or Nicaraguan. Under estimated in most reviews this cigar deserves a place in your humidor.
Three singles received as a gift from a true cigar lover. My friend took them from a very elegant black box. They are from 02/96.
size : 9 1/4" * 47
Wrapper, appearance and construction : Dark brown wrapper, perfect body, pleasant smell, looks enormous. Certainly the most beautiful cigar I have seen ever.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, phenomenal drawing (regarding the size), even
burning. Very flat on the first puffs (again because of the size). But as burning starts to fill up the foot of this giant I begin to feel multiple spices. A great sensation of mouthful aromas. Very powerful.
2.5/3 points
Flavors, aromas, spices are going crescendo in the 2nd part (after 45 minutes). A mixture of earthy aromas are bringing smoking pleasure to a peak. Very odd sensation of dizziness. This Monte is fulfilling my mouth, my head and my stomach with its power.
3/3 points
After 2 long hours, I'm getting toward the end of this magnificent giant. Never boring, always changing this cigar is still smooth on the 3rd part. Rich and concentrated but smooth Monte A is well burning 'till the end.
2/2 points
Total points : 9.5/10
General comments : For large size smokers like me, Montecristo A is a dream. Cuban tobacco concentrated at extreme. Not an everyday smoke and not for beginners. Also must be an indoor smoke. Prices for this beauty are sky high so save it for a special instant.
Box of 25 bought in Barcelona. Very simple Cuban box for a cigar that should be exceptional. Made at Francisco Perez German in 08/97 those are still young. There are kept in large humidor since.
size : 7 5/8" * 49
Wrapper, appearance and construction : Almost maduro color, oily shiny wrapper. A massive double corona. Looks powerful and rich.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, excellent draw, even burning. Full bodied cigar from start. Herbaceous aromas. Vegetal flavors. Charming.
3/3 points
Vegetal notes are turning to nutty flavors on the 2nd part of this Cuban. Descriptive sub flavors of honey. Long white ash holding perfectly to the body. A little over heat problem on the barrel.
2.5/3 points
Last part is still changing. General taste on my palate is now invaded by fruity flavors. Burning was pretty quick for this double corona now reaching to the end. Power and complexity are the main adjectives coming back. Difficult to put it down!!
2/2 points
Total points : 9.5/10
General comments : For connoisseurs only !! What to say ? Perfect, superb...I enjoyed every inch of it! Extra long aftertaste in mouth. I'm sure Fidel is smoking one of those from time to time. Let's hope quality won't go down !!
Few singles from my local tobacconist. They are wrapped in a white silky paper with the band over the paper. Flashy band too : red and gold with a large F in the middle. Quiet original. No information on date of production. Made at Lazaro Pena factory (La Havana).
size : 6 3/8" 44
Wrapper, appearance and construction : brown color, oily wrapper, and no irregularities on wrapper. Very round cigar.
1.5/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, good draw, even burning. Soft flavors on beginning followed by bitter aromas. Medium bodied.
1.5/3 points
A certain lack of character on the 2nd third. Not what I expected at first. Bitterness covers distinctive flowery aromas. Lack of power.
1/3 points
3rd part is unpleasant. Weakness will be my main complaint. Good that construction is Cuban.
1/2 points
Total points : 5/10
General comments : I wouldn't recommend this smoke to anyone who thinks Cubans are perfect. Fonseca are certainly not made with top leaves. Keep your dollars, total waist !!
A box of 25 bought at my local retailer. OISC-02/97 date of production. Box look cheap but cigars are magnificent upon opening. They come out with the large band of Hoyo (Hoyo cigars have 2 bands according to lines).
size : 7 5/8" * 49
Wrapper, appearance and construction : Brown reddish wrapper, oily and shiny. Impressive, must be powerful.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, excellent draw, even burning. Soft on first puffs. Even a kind of sweetness. Amazingly this cigar is not powerful but gentle. Floral aromas.
3/3 points
2nd part of this double corona didn't go on to power but developed sweeter flavors of honey and caramel. Blend between salty wrapper and toffee flavor is unique. My palate is over-reacting to the subtle aromas.
3/3 points
Last part of my Hoyo is savories. Not aggressive 'till the very end. Perfect burning. Sweet flavors are still bouncing from vanilla to caramel. Wonderful!!
2/2 points
Total points : 10/10
General comments : Good I have another 24 left !! This double corona was the best Cuban I had in a long long time. For the first time I will make a comparison (I hate to do this), its like a Mercedes SL600, gentle and classy not built for power but if you need it just take a deep breath.
This review is provided by Merkel from Germany
Made in 2/97, aged for one year in Humidor.
size : 4 7/8" * 50
Wrapper, appearance and construction : brown wrappers, slightly oily shining, no coarse veins, nice looking, smell fine.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Cold cigars has some earthy and honey tones. Easy lighting, perfect burning, very easy draw. Spicy aromas following after lighting.
3/3 points
2nd third is showing more subtile spicy aromas. Dully bodied, but not strong.
2.5/3 points
Last third lacks aromas- they are too subtile to cover the upcoming nicotine strenght.
1.5/2 points
Total points : 9/10
General comments : Not a typical full-bodied Bolivar, but a great smoke and IMHO one of the best Cuban Robustos. Ideal to follow meal as well suitable for a fine daytime smoke. Not unexpensive in Germany, but I didn`t had to talk with my bankers before purchasing them;-)
One box bought in Geneva in February 1998. Held in large humidor since. Code says November 1997 date of production.
size : 4 7/8" * 50
Wrapper, appearance and construction : dark brown, oily shining, few coarse veins, massive. Develops nice smell.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, perfect burning, loose draw. Smooth earthy and woody aromas are beginning to float. Not as strong as it seems.
2.5/3 points
This cigar is even light for a Robusto. Very linear character. Getting dry on palate by the end of 2nd part.
2/3 points
Last third is not a revelation for cigar lovers. There is no final bouquet like in the Cohiba or Partagas. A bit of roughness on the very end.
1.5/2 points
Total points : 8/10
General comments : A good smoke but a bit of disappointment. This well made Robusto should please beginners. Could be a morning smoke.
A box of 25 bought at my local retailer. 09/97 date of production. Very sober box in brownish colors.
size : 5 5/8" * 42
Wrapper, appearance and construction : brown color, light veins, very nice perfume coming out of this stick.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, some difficulties in burning but good drawing. Obviously a mild cigar. Pleasant not pretentious. Some hint of sweetness on the wrapper, I like it.
2.5/3 points
2nd part is aromatic. Combution is slow which give a impression of perfection. This Corona is a revelation for me. I usually do not appreciate this in-between size.
2.5/3 points
Last third develops nice background aromas of vanilla and spices. Burning is now perfect. A good smoke indeed !
2/2 points
Total points : 9/10
General comments : Bravo Sancho !! This brand better known for its large models has proveen a lot more with this corona. Truly well made, I think this cigar should be for amateurs. Indoor smoke between snacks and dinner.
A box of 25 bought in the Canary. A highlight in Partagas production. Made in 09/97 and kept in large humidor since. Presented in 3 rows of 8, 9 and 8 cigars.
size : 6 1/8" * 42
Wrapper, appearance and construction : brownish color. Shinny and oily wrapper. Harmonious and smooth.
2/2 points
Smoking it : difficult lighting, good burning, excellent drawing. Lightly spicy and well balanced this Partagas is quite powerful. Develops strong aromas.
2.5/3 points
On 2nd part flavor and aromas are greatly balanced. No bad surprise, just fine. Spicy aromas are turning in more earthy/woody notes.
3/3 points
Last third is a little short on character. Finish on palate is splendid with long aftertaste. Very good smoke !
1.5/2 points
Total points : 9/10
General comments : A great full bodied cigar. Not as perfect as its big brother 8-9-8 varnished but still a winner. One problem with this smoke would be the relatively high price for a grand corona.
A box of 25 bought in Spain. Code says JM-NNSC, Jose Marti 11-97. Great drawing on cover box.
size : 5" * 50
Wrapper, appearance and construction : dark color, good smell. No appearant veins. Wrapper is in some points not making contact with binder.
1.5/2 points
Smoking it : Lighting, burning and drawing are good. Contrary to its look this robusto surprises by its softness on first puff. Aromas and flavors are kind of far away...
2/3 points
At mid this cigar wakes up and develops some floral notes. Still a little empty on palate. Some burning problems.
2.5/3 points
Last third is more balanced and now this Robusto as some toasty hints. At last its getting better. Long combustion - sign of good construction.
1.5/2 points
Total points : 7.5/10
General comments : Little man will be big!! I think this cigar could become a good one in its kind. But actually the one I had was flat, transparent. In the mean time beginners will appreciate it for its smoothness.
A box of 25 bought in Geneva in April 1998. Well selected by Mr Correvon (my Swiss supplier). Code says ONSU-TLP-02 (01/98).
size : 4 7/8" * 50
Wrapper, appearance and construction : Cuban brown shiny wrapper. Very regular. Extroardinary smell at cold. Sweet and soft.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Quick lighting, perfect burning, impressive draw. Full bodied with extra creamy character. Quickly going up in power. Develops fruity flavors.
3/3 points
Second part is even more generous. Aromas are swifting from fruity to spicy. Smell is enthusiastic. Great smoke, I am enjoying every puff.
3/3 points
Last part is majestic. Spicy, earthy, leather are the remaining flavors around toward end. Long aftertaste on palate. Burning fingers guaranteed.
2/2 points
Total points : 10/10
General comments : WOW!! Thanks Bernie for the hint on this Ramon Allones. Although this box is relatively young pleasure was intact. I was afraid of commiting an infanticide but did not happened. Certainly the best Robusto around (for the moment). If it gets any better with time I'm a happy man. A must-try.
A box of 25 bought in Brussels in November 97. 03/97 date of production. Typical Bolivar box in perfect condition (very important to know that cigars were not traveled from places to places). Stored in large humidor since.
size : 6 3/4" * 43
Wrapper, appearance and construction : dark brown color, very light veins, nice construction.
2/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, good burning, acceptable drawing. A straightforward smoke developing strong flavors from very first puff. No complexity.
2.5/3 points
This full-bodied cigar has woody, grassy and leafy flavors. Very strong and almost breath-taking. Not on an empty stomach.
2/3 points
Last third is a bit disappointing. I was expecting some change in flavors and nothing changed. Reminds me of old Havanas.
1.5/2 points
Total points : 8/10
General comments : I cannot say this was not good but not what I was looking for. Very flat and uninteresting. But who says all cigars must be explosive. Would certainly try one of those in winter after a good lunch.
A box of 25 bought at my local retailer. Code says NNSA-VC-1 : November 96 Villa Clara Site 1. Almost 2 years for this machine bunched hand-rolled wrapper cigar. The first not 100% hand made cigar reviewed in my site.
size : 4" 7/8 * 40
Wrapper, appearance and construction : Dark brown color. Oily wrapper, a bit grainy. Very Regular shapes (machine bunched). Spicy smell at cold.
1.5/2 points
Smoking it : Easy lighting, good burning, excellent drawing. Strong start. Toasty, roasty flavors. Very basic smoke but pleasant.
2/3 points
On 2nd part character gets stronger but not toxic or irritating. Distinct Cuban qualities. Some harshness but could be from the peppery aromas. Had to relight cigar twice.
2/3 points
Last third is no surprise for this Cuban "bastard". I did not go too far finishing this cigar not to hurt my throat. I felt some toxicity toward the end.
1/2 points
Total points : 6.5/10
General comments : A relatively fair smoke for a machine bunched cigar. A good alternative to cigarillos. I highly recommend this Quintero for cigarette smokers trying to swift to noble smoking. Excellent value/money ratio.
Email: cigares@altavista.net
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