MAY 2003

Toro

6" x 50

Carlos Toraño cigars are well known and respected in the tobacco industry. Their four generations of family tradition began back in 1916 when Don Santiago Toraño left Spain and arrived in Cuba. His son Carlos forever changed the tobacco industry when he introduced the concept of growing Cuban seed tobacco plants in the Dominican Republic. Don Santiago's grandson and great-grandson continue the family tradition. The toro featured this month is made with aged Connecticut seed wrapper, Cuban seed Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers, and Mexican and Honduran binders. The Signature Selection line is rolled with Sun-Grown Brazilian maduro wrappers and Piloto Cubano filler and binder tobaccos. Each cigar is individually wrapped in Spanish cedar. Look for a full-bodied, robust flavor with pepper and spice characteristics. A great smoke while watering the garden on a Saturday morning. Consider pairing it up with a full-roasted Costa Rican coffee blend.

Strenth:  7
Panel Rating:  92

Corona Gorda

5.6" x 45

El Rey Del Mundo, that would be "The King of the World" for us gringos, was one of the most expensive Cuban cigar brands produced in the 20th century and dates back to 1848. Like most great Cuban brands, they are now manufactured outside of Cuba as well so that they can be sold in the United States. The King is handmade in Honduras with Havana-seed long filler from the Dominican Republic and Honduras. Its binder is Honduran and its handsome Sumatran wrapper hails from Ecuador. Look for a medium-to-full-bodied smoke. We found this Corona Gorda to be a complex blend of spiciness and earthiness with definite overtones of coffee and chocolate. Overall, it's a fully satisfying experience; you will no doubt want more. Pair it up with a tawny port, your favorite single malt scotch or rum.

Strenth:  6.5
Panel Rating:  89

Torpedo

6" x 50

We can think of several reasons why H. Upmann has been around for almost 160 years. But to net it out for you…They make some of the best cigars in the world today. Herman Upmann, a German banker, founded H. Upmann Cigars back in 1844. He distributed these cigars to his best customers as a promotion, but eventually they became one of the most popular Cuban brands smoked in the world. This brand is still currently manufactured in Cuba and the Dominican Republic as well. Unfortunately we can't send you the Cuban brand, but we think that the Dominican brand is just as good, if not better. The Torpedo featured this month is rolled using a blend of Olor and Cuban seed Piloto Cubano tobaccos and is wrapped in a silky, Indonesian shade-grown leaf. While overall it is a medium-bodied cigar, the taste is full, smooth and mellow. A touch of sweetness on the lips and in the aroma make it a great cigar to pair with your favorite dessert.

Strenth:  5
Panel Rating:  93

Toro

6" x 50

Here's another cigar in our lineup this month that has an extensive history in the tobacco industry. This highly sought after brand originally began in Cuba in 1960 and was produced by leaf grower and founder Jose Gener. The name roughly translates as "the valley of Monterrey" and is named after the Vuelta Abajo, a very fertile region known for its tobacco productionin Southwest Cuba.. Gener's family farmed in this valley for many years during the late 1800s. The Hoyo de Monterrey you'll sample this month has been rolled in the Honduran-based Villazon factory since1969. It is medium to full-bodied in flavor and is a complex blend of Connecticut binder, Honduran, Nicaraguan and Cuban seed Dominican fillers, all encased in a gorgeous natural Connecticut wrapper. Look for a complex and strong, yet silky, rich flavor in this Toro. Note a dense, spicy smoke aroma offering a lingering sweet character. Consider pairing this treat with an espresso or imperial stout.

Strenth:  6
Panel Rating:  92

Churchill

6.77" x 46

Located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, in the Cibao Valley, the Tabacalera Palma has been making quality cigars since Dubya Dubya 2 (1942 to be exact). For those of you out there that haven't figured it out yet (and we hope there are only a few!), this cigar is named after the region from where it is made. Cibao cigars are made with expertly blended aged Dominican grown Olor binder and Cuban seed Piloto filler grown on the factory's own farm. It's all encased in a pristine U.S. grown Connecticut shade wrapper. Look for a smooth, slightly oily wrapper, well rolled with just the right firmness. Note an effortless draw and even burn in this mild-to-medium bodied Churchill. There's just a hint of Dominican spice evident as you get into the smoke a bit. Look for a dry, woody finish that doesn't linger. We'd suggest pairing it with a dry Chardonnay or hoppy Pale Ale.

Strenth:  4
Panel Rating:  90