3 minute read
Cigar Review
STEVE ROWBOTTOM, CIGAR AFICIONADO CIGARS INTERNATIONAL
93-Rated
Bourbon, good. Cigars, good. Buffalo Trace cigars, good. Real good, in fact. I love this cigar’s complexity. Oily Sumatra wrappers from Ecuador blanket a Nicaraguan and Dominican long-leaf recipe inside a Brazilian Arapiraca binder. I get rich tobacco and toast, with a definitive nutty note. The wrapper offers a touch of sweetness on the finish. But the highlight is the aroma – an oily, charcoal-like scent, like the result of barrel-aging the Dominican Piloto Cubano leaves. This cigar is no gimmick, and is destined for bourbon pairings.
Everything about this cigar had me at hello. From the glossy, milk chocolate brown Ecuador Habano wrapper, to the beautifully printed wine stock band. But, most importantly, the cigar tastes and burns as good as it looks. I note a mid-range strength, with silky hints of caramel and roasted cashew, complemented by rich tobacco and a creamy sweetness on the finish. I find this cigar to be a truckload of savory flavors inside a smooth, luxuriously soothing 60-minute break from reality.
Caldwell Hit & Run Super Toro Dominican Republic 6.0” x 54 Medium-Full
Diesel Crucible Toro Box-Pressed Nicaragua 6.0” x 52 Full
93-Rated
94-Rated
In most things – beer, coffee, scotch, wings etc. – I prefer flavor over power. Cigars are no different. Crucible, however, marries bold flavors with enhanced power while maintaining perfect balance. This makes it an extraordinary experience that most cigar enthusiasts can enjoy despite its strength. All Habano tobaccos from Nicaragua create this well-pressed Toro, and deliver big notes of leather and coffee bean. Midway through I note toasted peanut, and a subtle dash of pepper closes the occasional puff. Consider this your perfect post-ribeye cigar.
92-Rated
Sweet, rich and earthy. That’s Partagas Legend, every time I light it up. But what’s most pleasing about this cigar is the burn time. Every size burns slow and cool, allowing subtle flavors like leather and white pepper to work their way into the fray from time to time. The smoke is medium to full in body and layered with satisfying flavors. A testament to the superior Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers and vintage Piloto Cubano long-fillers employed.
Perdomo cigars always hit my sweet spot in preference… especially those featuring a Connecticut wrapper. Rich, bold, Nicaraguan flavors delivered in smooth, creamy fashion. This Double Aged 12 Year is no different. The smoke is complex, offering softer notes of cream and caramel with richer notes of black tobacco and espresso. Throughout the burn I pick up sweet cedar, adding yet another layer of flavor. The strength is perfect to pair with that morning coffee, while the flavor profile can stand up to your bourbon nightcap. Enjoyable.
Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Connecticut Robusto Nicaragua 5.0” x 56 Mellow-Medium
93-Rated
JOHN BROWN a n d THE HATCHETS
tim Harakal • Thomas Ostrow • Rebecca Connelly • Zach Jones
Pennsylvania based Folk band formed in 2018. The bands musical style consists of funk, rock, country, and soul elements with an emphasis on the folk genre.
