Metro Cigar News Spring 1998: The Metro Cigar Ratings

The Metro Cigar Ratings


PALMAREJO • 87
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Palmarejo Robusto Dominican Dominican Dominican Sumatra	This cigar proved to be light and airy yet at the same time had a strong aroma. With a great burn, the Palmarejo burned well and had a nice light gray ash. There were a few hot spots but they did not bother the smoke. "Tastes much milder than it looks" "I just like saying the name!" "A great overall appearance"


KING RICHARD • 82
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler and Binder Wrapper	King Richard Torpedo USA Caribbean Blend/Dominican Indonesian Maduro	The King Richard was a long lasting smoke with a good bum and a nice, mild taste. A slightly grassy character, these cigars were evenly packed and did not contain hot spots. It improved after lighting. "A nice new cigar" "Truly a 'King' Torpedo" "Make room for the Queen"


MANIFIESTO GRAN RESERVA • 83
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Vintage Cigar Torpedo Dominican Piloto Cubano Oloroso Dominican Sumatra	A sweet, airy taste this cigar was slightly difficult to draw and burned a bit hot half way through. However, it kept lit quite well. This torpedo had a flavorful, lasting taste, which was strong at times, and had a very pleasant aroma. "I love the feel of a torpedo" "A cigar to relax with while watching TV" "A great cigar for after a movie"


COLORADO BY DON LINO • 85
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Miami Cigar Torpedo Dominican Dominican Dominican Sumatra/Cuban Seed	A very subtle aroma with a light and pleasant taste. Each cigar was firm with a good roll. A slightly earthy taste does linger in the mouth for a whle after the smoke was finished. We did receive mixed reviews. "A very good cigar" "A good cigar for everyday" "I liked it. I'd try it again"


MONTERO • 87
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Montero Robusto Dominican Dominican-grown Cuban Dominican Olor Sumatra	A strong and pleasant cigar, this one has a robust flavor. This soft cigar has a slightly nutty taste with an aroma that is the same - A full bodied cigar, this one had a nice grey ash and burned pretty evenly. "Like a big, torpedo-shaped cigarette" "I like the band, it just looks like a great cigar" "I smoked this one on the golf course"


DEFIANT • 91
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	International Robusto USA Honduras/Nicaraguan Nicaragua Ecuador	A beautiful looking cigar, this cigar had a slightly dry wrapper with no visible soft spots. A sweet and spicy flavor accounts for the very pleasant aroma. A great draw, the firmness remained the same after lighting. "This cigar was excellent" "I would recommend this highly" "A nice full-bodied cigar"


OPIUM • 87
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Royal Habano, Inc. Robusto Dominican Dominican-grown Cuban Dominican Olor Sumatra	One of the strongest cigars reviewed, this excellent looking cigar had a taste of its own. With only a mild afteraste it has a strong and pleasant aroma that burned perfectly. We didn't find any hot spots in this one. The ash burned well. "I smoked this one to the very end" "Good burn, strong taste" "Make sure you eat something before you smoke this baby"


LONE WOLF • 91
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Palmarejo Cigars, S.N. Torpedo Dominican Dominican Dominican Indonesian	This cigar, brought to us by proprietors Jim Belushi & Chuck Norris tells us they're not just good on screen. It has a nutty, earthy taste and smoked very well. The firmness improved after lighting and it had a good draw. A strong aroma this cigar left the mildest aftertaste."This cigar felt good in my mouth" "They were right, my humidor was excited" "I like Jim & Chuck even more now"


UMO V. S. MONTENEGRO • 83
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Montenegro Torpedo Nicaragua Cuban Dominican Indonesian	A full-bodied cigar with a sweet touch, this cigar held its own. Just a few hot spots, this one had a good draw. A strong and pleasant aroma did not overpower the "dark and nutty" taste. Burned well. "Dark & nutty flavor left a good aftertaste" "I smoked this one in my car" "I enjoy the nutty flavor


International • 89
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	International Belicoso USA Blend Dominican Ecuador	A non-offensive smoke, this fine-tasting cigar held its own throughout the smoke. An above average draw and aroma, the ash burned evenly and had a medium-gray ash and did not contain any hot spots. A rich and satisfying cigar. "A fine tasting cigar" "Defiant is a great name for this one" "A very pleasing and relaxing cigar"


DON LINO HAVANA RESERVE • 85
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Miami Cigar Torpedo Nicaragua Cuban Dominican Indonesian	As its name implies, the Havana Reserve had a strong, full flavor. It was easy to draw on and the ash burned evenly with good coloration. There were no noticeable hot spots and the cigar produced a pleasant aftertaste. It leaves a strong after taste. "I'd recommend it to friends" "A nice, easy smoke" "Pleasant aroma fills the air"


AL CAPONE • 83
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Inter-Continental Cigar Robusto Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua Indonesian	This robusto had a good draw and was an all-around pleasant smoke. A nice aroma and only slightly bitter at the end, this smoke had a good ash and did not contain hot spots. A good burning cigar. "Just the name makes you want one" "Fuhgedaboutit" "A great smoke named after a legend"

PLEASE NOTE:
The following brands of cigars were run in the 1st edition of the Metro Cigar News. Unfortunately we got some of the statistics wrong, so as a courtesy to CAO and Red Lion, as well as for the benefit of those readers looking for these brands, we will run them again, with the correct information.


RED LION • 90
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Heaven Cigar Mature Toro Dominican Dominican Dominican Dominican Maduro	Appealing to the eye, this was one of the fattest cigars we've seen. This enormous stogie had a few soft spots, but that didn't bother the smoke. A continuously good smoke throughout, the Red Lion has an excellent aroma with a long black ash. "A great gift for a serious cigar smoker" "I smoked one on a fishing trip... even the seagulls loved the aroma"


CAO • 91
Manufacturer Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	CAO Intl. Lonsdale Honduras Honduras/Nicaraguan Nicaragua Ecuador	A beautiful looking cigar, this cigar had a slightly dry wrapper with no visible soft spots. A sweet and spicy flavor accounts for the very pleasant aroma. A great draw, the firmness remained thesame after lighting. "This cigar was excellent" "I would recommend this highly" "A nice full-bodied cigar" *Please note: band is from Nicaraguan line.

The MCN Panelists

Robert B. Kulat, is president of Kulat Communications, a public relations firm based in Shrewsbury, NJ. The company represents KIWI International Air Lines, BMW, Aviation Week magazine, The Sands Hotel & Casino, and many other companies in the aviation and travel industries. A former football and rugby player, Rob still enjoys the group dynamics and camaraderie of sports, even now as a spectator. Rob is a graduate of the University of Illinois, and has three boys.

David Friedland, co-owner of The Cigar Shop, Ltd. In Great Neck, New York since 1995. He has been smoking cigars for 30 years. Amongst his favorites are Arturo's and Churchill's. During his leisure time, Dave plays golf, fishes and "chases the best cigars in the world that he can find." Dave is married and has two children.

Frank C. Holltham, Jr., 38, is the sole proprietor of Leonard Toyota and Glen Toyota, automobile dealerships in Bergen County. He has been smoking cigars for 10 years and enjoys relaxing in his cigar room with a good smoke and a fine cognac or port. Frank's passions include flying, skiing, snowmobiling, boating, and sports events. He is married and has two children.

Debbra Kirsch, is co-owner of The Cigar Shop, Ltd. in Great Neck, New York since 1995. She began smoking cigars after opening the shop and "enjoys the relaxation that goes hand in hand with cigar smoking." Two of her favorites are La Gloria Cubana and Nicole Miller. Debbra has lived in Long Island for the past 18 years. She has two children.

Leonard T. Bier, ia an attorney who specializes in the representation og government and business clients. Leonard enjoys smoking a quality cigar at the end of the business day, while vacationing and while golfing, one of his favorite pasttimes. His favorite cigar is a Cuban Cohiba.

John Richard Radoian, 45, a retired Police Officer, was employed by the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey for 18 years, and served as a Volunteer Fireman for 25 years. Rich has been smoking cigars for the past 15 years, "when relaxed I like to smoke cigars, and especially after dinner and sporting events." A football, wrestling and baseball coach, Rich is married and has three teenage boys.