AUGUST 2002

Churchill

7" x 50

Box-pressed in the traditional Cuban style, this Churchill features a beautiful, dark & oily double maduro wrapper. This Oscuro wrapper offers loads of taste and a medium to full body. A premium blend of Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos gives the Fidalgo a buttery-smooth flavor. We found that the Fidalgo Negro quite smooth and satisfying. This expertly rolled smoke felt heavy in the hand and offered a cool, even burn and easy draw. Look for a spicy start on this very aromatic stick. The spiciness quickly subsides and lends itself to a more mellow flavor…well, mellow for a maduro. Open a window if smoking this one inside as it offers plenty of smoke volume. Overall, lots of fun to smoke and even better when combined with a roasted porter.

Strenth:  6
Panel Rating:  91

Corona

5.5" x 44

The history of the La Habanera goes back many decades to 1902. Handmade in Santiago, Dominican Republic, the brand used to be owned by the Dominican government and was made in the same cigar factory that the Pleiadas brand is rolled. The La Habanera Corona is rolled with 100% Dominican filler tobaccos and a handsome golden shade Connecticut wrapper. We found it to be a perfect example of a smooth, mellow, Dominican smoke. It's a well constructed, with no soft spots and the oily wrapper shows signs of proper aging. You'll find that it produces a fair amount of smoke and has a pleasant woody aroma. Overall, a very satisfying, medium bodied smoke. Try pairing it with a dry Chardonnay or a hoppy India Pale Ale.

Strenth:  6.5
Panel Rating:  91

Gordito

5" x 52

This cigar line was first introduced in the US over six years ago. It was one of only 12 cigars sold at each of the five Grand Havana Rooms, one of the more highly exclusive cigar clubs in the country. The Mayorga cigar line was founded by Nicaraguan-born brothers Carlos and Martin Mayorga. The cigar factory, which is located in Esteli, Nicaragua, just four hours north of Managua, Nicaragua's capitol, employs 60 rollers and produces about 300,000 cigars per month. The cigars are aged in cedar lined rooms to provide a perfect balance of flavor and consistency. Lending a slightly sweet spiciness, the Sumatran Seed Indonesian wrapper is dark, oily, and rich in flavor. Look for a complex spiciness, with hints of toasted nuts and coffee, in the flavor with a good woody finish. Overall, an excellent full-bodied smoke with a rich, creamy body. Consider pairing this with your favorite single malt scotch or brandy.

Strenth:  7.5
Panel Rating:  89

Figurado

5.25" x 54

When compared to the rest of the cigar manufacturing world, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, & Honduras, etc., the Canary Islands are not a large exporter of cigars. And frankly there are only a few brands produced there that we'd ever consider featuring in the club. The Monte Albar brand is certainly one of them. This attractive hand-rolled corona offers an H-2000 wrapper that's been aged for no less than three years! The beautiful wrapper complements the Dominican long-filler extremely well. It's a medium-bodied smoke with spicy, expressive, earthy aromas, and hints of grass. Note a touch of peppery spiciness in the flavor that extends all the way through to a smooth, dry finish. Overall, a mellow cigar that you can fire up any time of the day. A Sour Apple Martini or Margarita would pair up nicely with this Gran Corona.

Strenth:  7
Panel Rating:  93

Gran Corona

6.7" x 50

The Perdomo Reserve line is Nick Perdomo's top of the line brand. It's received the highest taste rating ever from Cigar Insider, the monthly newsletter of Cigar Aficionado in 1998 when it took 4 of the 14 highest rated cigars by the publication. That's more than any other cigar manufacturer! This line is manufactured on a private farm in the highly fertile region of Esteli, Nicaragua. Only the most experienced rollers are allowed to make these babies and even Nick Perdomo himself hand selects each and every one of the Ecuadorian Maduro wrappers. These box-pressed beauties are aged three times longer than normal to produce an exceptionally rich flavor with hints of spice and chocolate. The smoke emits an earthy, herbal-sweet, spicy aroma. The flavors are concentrated, but not overpowering. One panel member said, "A perfect balance of complex and simple." If that makes sense to you, then please explain it to us. Let's just say that once you smoke this Figurado, this will become your number one favorite cigar.

Strenth:  5
Panel Rating:  90