JULY 2002

Corona

5.5" x 42

Although C.A.O. was founded back in 1973, it wasn't until 1995 that they unveiled a cigar line. Founder Cano A. Ozgener produces one of the best known brands of Meerschaum pipes in the world. It was a logical jump from producing pipes to manufacturing cigars. Especially when you team up with two Cuban ex-patriots that really know their cigars - Carlos Torano and Nestor Plasencia. The release of their first batch of cigars in 1995 immediately sold out. The Gold line featured this month was introduced in 1996 and hails from Esteli, Nicaragua. The wrapper is Ecuadorian whereas both the binder and filler tobaccos were grown in Nicaragua. This medium-bodied smoke has and hints of nutmeg, pepper, anise, and vanilla. Look for a leathery aroma and a pleasant woody finish. Overall, a well balanced cigar with a complex flavor profile. Consider pairing it with a smoked porter or stout.

Strenth:  6.5
Panel Rating:  92

Toro

6" x 50

As you might have guessed, The Fittipaldi line is owned by the world-renowned Brazilian Formula 1 driver, Emerson Fittipaldi - the winner of the Indy 500 in 1989 and 1993 and two Formula 1 world championships in 1972 and 1974. Emerson teamed up with the legendary cigar makers Augusto Reyes and Tom Sullivan to produce a cigar brand worthy of his name and reputation. His first line of cigars, the Vintage Cameroon, a great smoke in its own right, was first offered back in 1993. But our panel really favored the Vintage Maduro this month, which was introduced at the 1999 RTDA show. This toro is a Dominican puro, offering a flavor-packed blend of Dominican binder and filler tobaccos as well as a handsome Dominican broadleaf maduro wrapper. Immediately note an oily, rich, dark maduro wrapper on this box pressed cigar. Look for a complex flavor, including hints of pepper, an herbal earthiness, and coffee followed up with a dry, woody aftertaste. Overall, an excellent smoke offering a complex flavor profile! Consider pairing this one up with a full-bodied Merlot.

Strenth:  8
Panel Rating:  93

Toro

6" x 50

The La Estrella Cubana, which means "stars from Cuba", is a truly unique cigar - from its uncut, shaggy foot to its bright red Rosado wrapper to the amazing flavors. Did we say "red" wrapper?!? That's right; the first thing you'll notice about this Dominican smoke is the bright red wrapper. The wrapper achieves this color when all of the chlorophyll is removed by boiling a natural Rosado wrapper. This medium-bodied toro is also a full flavored blend of only Dominican binder, wrapper, and filler tobaccos. Look for a smooth flavor all the way through this cigar. You'll find that it offers an almost sweet, yet spicy flavor that's quite pleasant. Overall, very unique, well constructed, and packed with flavor.

Strenth:  5
Panel Rating:  91

Robusto

5" x 50

The La Plata Cigar Company, originally located in downtown Los Angeles and founded in 1947, was at that time a combination of cigar factory, wholesale, and retail cigar store. They have now expanded their production to Honduras and the Dominican Republic. This month's feature Robusto hails from La Plata's Honduran line which is manufactured by the Villazon Cigar Co. You might not recognize the name of this company, but you will definitely recognize the names of the other brands they manufacture - Punch, Excalibur, and El Rey Del Mundo. All La Plata cigars are made with long leaf tobaccos grown in Ecuador, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. This robusto smokes nice and slow and provides a very rich taste with plenty of spices and a sweet, nutty character that we suspect is contributed by the wrapper. Look for a long finish with a good, firm draw. Overall, a great little smoke, rich, full, and satisfying. Your favorite single malt scotch would pair up nicely with this robusto.

Strenth:  5.5
Panel Rating:  89

Churchill

7.5" x 48

This cigar was made for one of the finer French restaurants in the world today - Maxim's, located in Paris and in New York. If you are not familiar with the restaurant itself, there's a good chance that you still might have heard of their owner, Pierre Cardin. Sure he makes some pretty spiffy duds, but can he make a quality cigar? Our panel members thought so. We're guessing that ole Pierre pretty much just blessed the band and paid someone handsomely to create a quality smoke that he could put his name on. The Maxim Churchill featured this month is hand made in the Dominican Republic using 3 yr. aged long fill tobaccos from the Dominican and Nicaragua. Its gorgeous wrapper is none other than Connecticut shade. We found it fairly mild, offering a smooth flavor profile that is subtle and creamy with notes of spiciness and cedar evident. Consider pairing this one with a single malt scotch or brandy.

Strenth:  4
Panel Rating:  90