The Expert Review Library

Showing 21-30 of 40 Reviews
  • Tim - E.P. Carrillo Cardinal Natural
    Staff Review
    05/27/2014
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    Why He Likes It: E.P. Carrillo’s Cardinal Series is one of the most complex blends I’ve experienced in a long time. With so many nuances, it’s tough to specify each one. Balanced is the word. Strong, yes, but this might be the smoothest full-bodied cigar on the market today. Nothing is out of place with this masterful blend.
  • Sean G - Arturo Fuente Hemingway
    Sean G
    05/27/2014
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    Why He Likes It: This ‘93’ rated Dominican puro from Fuente never lets me down. The initial blast of flavor from the perfecto tip sets the tone for a smooth, flavorful blend ripe with flavors of leather, earth, and hints of spice. Limited in production, these beauties are a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.
  • Sean G - CAO Extreme
    Staff Review
    05/25/2014
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    CAO is one of my favorite brands out there. In fact, CAO Brazilia was the first cigar I’ve ever had and still one I go back to from time to time. The problem has been that their most recent releases haven’t lived up to my expectations. So when CAO Extreme hit our docks, I was a little skeptical. But the brand has done me enough good over the years to warrant me picking up a 5 pack to try…

    The packaging and band, while great-looking, really plays up the four ligeros they use in the blend. For me, that’s usually not a good thing and I usually take that as “we’ve stuffed a lot of strong tobaccos in here because we couldn’t find a blend that worked.” But all of those reservations quickly subside as soon as I light it up. Powerful? Yes, but incredibly balanced. Frankly, I’m shocked how much I love this blend. I can only liken it to a powerful cup of coffee that you’re not sure you like at first but soon realize you can’t live without it. Notes of cedar, espresso, cashews and a subtle spice on the finish having me burning up this 5 pack real quick.
  • Alex - Macanudo Cafe
    Alex
    04/14/2014
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    We all know that a mellow-bodied cigar isn’t normally my thing, yet, I still find myself coming back to a Macanudo Hyde Park. The ultra-smooth blend is perfect for any occasion. The smooth Dominican blend is a classic and loaded with notes of almonds, cedar, and vanilla. You can see why this is the best-selling cigar in the world…
  • Andrew - Alec Bradley Connecticut
    Andrew
    04/14/2014
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    Looking for something light but with lots of flavor? Well look no further and pick up one of these Alec Bradley Connecticut. This gem is loaded with a ton of cedar notes and just a touch of natural sweetness on an overall rich, creamy background. This blend will pair perfectly with a pilsner and can’t be beat for the price.
  • Sean G - Rocky Patel Signature Series
    Sean G
    04/14/2014
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    Rocky Patel’s other Connecticut-wrapped blends get all the notoriety but RP Signature is the true gem. This well-balanced cigar is loaded with Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers then topped off with a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Rich plumes of smoke offer notes of cedar, cashews, and vanilla that top off one of the most satisfying cigars you’ve ever had.
  • Sean L - Ave Maria Immaculata
    Sean L
    04/14/2014
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    Ave Maria has been one of the most exquisite and well-known blends to come out of Tabacalera Fernandez within the last decade.  The Ave Maria Immaculata comes draped in a flawless Nicaraguan Connecticut, lending to this blend’s creamy nuances.  With an extraordinary amount of depth and flavor, no other Connecticut compares.
  • Tim - Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real
    Tim
    04/14/2014
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    While sorting through our list of mellow-bodied blends, I kept coming back to Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real. Even though it’s listed as a mellow to medium-bodied blend, the cigar packs a ton of flavor. The Nicaraguan fillers meld effortlessly with the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and pair perfectly with a light frappuccino.
  • Alex - Montecristo Media Noche
    Alex
    03/03/2014
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    With so many exciting boutique blends on the market, Montecristo can often get overlooked. The brand is a classic that can never be replaced and blends like Media Noche prove that. Comprised of Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Peruvian tobaccos, Media Noche delivers notes of cedar and cashews with a rich espresso finish. A truly balanced blend.
  • Sean G - Man O' War Ruination
    Sean G
    03/03/2014
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    I don’t consider myself an enthusiast who only enjoys full-bodied blends. I enjoy all types of flavor profiles especially since its part of my job. And even after firing up a myriad of cigars on a daily basis, I find myself coming back to Man O’ War Ruination. One of the finest full-bodied cigars out there, AJ’s blend is teeming with rich flavors of cedar, spice, and hints of espresso.

Our Experts

KEVIN - Preferred Cigar Profile: Mellow-Medium MIKE - Preferred Cigar Profile: Medium JOE - Preferred Cigar Profile: Medium-Full BELLA - Preferred Cigar Profile: Medium-Full OSCAR- Preferred Cigar Profile: Medium-Full KELLY - Preferred Cigar Profile: Medium-Full