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| STARS OF THE SHOW, PART II |
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Page 2 of 2
The Criollo is sharply box-pressed to an almost wafer-thick shape, but the dark Criollo-seed wrapper is inviting. It’s medium-to-full in body and has a toasty, inviting aroma. The taste is reminiscent of the original, with a tang of sweetness. In this blend, however, the flavor is lighter and not as intense, with a short finish. Well made, it has an even burn and smokes easily so that you’re not tired by it. The blend does not give as many highlights in the second half, with a note of spice introduced toward the end. However, the consistency of this cigar is very nice and at retail prices of $3.09 to $3.60 each before local taxes, it’s a bargain! All five sizes are offered in boxes of 25. Overall grade: A-: Excellent. Cupido Tuxedo: [Nicaragua: available in 5 sizes] There was a Cupido Tuxedo brand during the Cigar Boom, but this blend is new. It features all Nicaraguan-grown tobaccos in five larger sizes from 48 to 52 ring. It welcomes you with a medium body and a spicy and peppery aroma. If you like your cigars spicy, you’ll enjoy the Tuxedo. It has a spicy taste with just a hint of sweetness and a spicy and sometimes peppery finish. However, it’s certainly not a bruiser and although a heavy cigar at times, it’s never aggressive or bitter. The interplay of spice, a little sweetness and a note of pepper on the finish continues right through the end. All five sizes are offered in boxes of 25, with pricing to be announced. Overall grade: A-: Excellent. Oliva Serie V: [Nicaragua: available in 7 sizes] Although Oliva’s new Nub series got a lot of attention in their spacious exhibit at the IPCPR ‘08 show, the Serie V was also much discussed. It’s full-bodied, with a toasty and slightly spicy aroma, but it offers a unique blend that intrigued many retailers at the show. The taste is spicy and sweet at the same time, balanced in a way that entertains the palate, but never even hints at harshness. If a cigar with spicy elements could ever be called smooth, this is it. There’s a gentle note of spice on the finish and excellent construction that makes the Serie V burn evenly. The tang of sweetness is maintained into the second half, noteworthy when so many other blends falter after mid-way. Except for the 38-ring Lancero, all of the shapes in this line are big: from 54 ring gauge up to 60 on two models! That makes the delicate balancing of flavors all the more impressive. All shapes except for the Lancero are offered in boxes of 24, priced from $5.00 for the Lancero (in boxes of 36) up to $8.00 for the Special Figurado (6 x 60), not including local taxes. This is a unique cigar, worth discovering and paying attention to, lest you miss its subtleties. Overall grade: A: Exceptional. These four blends leave no doubt about the quality of cigars coming from Nicaragua today. Produced by three different companies, the quality of the tobacco, blend and construction are a continuing testament to what talented cigar makers can produce . . . if the country’s politicians will let them exploit their considerable talents. We can’t wait to try some more. ~ Rich Perelman CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGCigar Humidors and Cigar Accessories at Humidor Vault! Your online cigar humidor source, with rock-bottom pricing and fantastic customer support!Like sports? Get news and commentary you won’t see in your morning newspaper at TheSportsExaminer.com! Join the examination! A limited amount of classified advertising is available in this space on a weekly basis. For details, call Pat Harris at (213) 365-7965 or inquire by email by clicking here. Have an opinion? You can send it using the “Comment” button below! Don’t forget to register for our drawing for free cigars and accessories! Just click on the “Register & Win” button above; enter today! Looking for a cigar party? Take a look at our exclusive list of hundreds of cigar events across the country, listed by state and date, only on CigarCyclopedia.com!
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Did you know?
“Al Goldstein, the publisher of "Screw" magazine debuted a newsletter called "Cigar" in 1981 (folded after 4 issues).
