Cigars   Cacique Siboneyes Corona
Although it is not a widely distributed brand, the Cacique line enjoys a loyal following. However, we suspect a 90 rating in Cigar Aficionados Insider and other positive reviews will make this brand easier to find in the near future. Hand rolled by master blender Pedro Martin, the Cacique brand is a true diamond in the rough. Hand rolled in the Dominican Republic, the line is blended using Nicaraguan Ligero and Dominican Seco filler tobaccos and a Havana seed binder. Pedro wraps it up nicely with a handsome Connecticut Shade wrapper.

Panel Review: Clearly, this is a very well constructed cigar rolled with properly aged tobaccos. We found it full flavored, yet somewhat mild in strength. Note a pleasant, herbal character and a mild to medium body. You should also pick up some spicy hints as you get into it. Overall, a well-made cigar offering a spicy core of flavors. Try it with a malty Irish Red Ale.
Cigars   Cusano Selection Rosado Robusto

A tremendous value, The Cusano Selection is a favorite of many of our panel members and several have been smoking for years. It´s hand rolled in the Dominican Republic Hendrik Kelner, the same master roller behind the Davidoff brand. Hendrik blends Connecticut binder tobaccos of nearly the same quality as many wrapper leaves. It's like smoking a cigar that has two wrappers! The Rosado line is encased in a beautiful shade grown Rosado wrapper that begs you to smoke it.

Panel Review: Immediately note a very oily, appealing wrapper. Smoke Magazine states: "Very reminiscent of a Cuban cigar. Lots of flavorful smoke in the beginning with great character & a big finish. The Cusano Selection is all that and a little more...excellent construction and big taste without the big bite."
Cigars   Hoyo De Monterey Excalibur # 5 Toro
The Hoyo Excalibur line is handmade in Honduras and is the best of the best of the highly rated Hoyo de Monterey line. They're each hand-rolled using the top 10% of the factory's Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos. The brand is considered to be one of the finest on the market today. They're rolled with a blend of Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Cuban seed Dominican fillers and a Connecticut grown binder. Hoyo finishes the job with a beautiful Connecticut Shade wrapper, giving each and every Excalibur a full and robust, but exquisitely smooth taste.

Panel Review: You've got to love this brand. We found it to be a full-flavored smoke. No wonder it's been called the "espresso of cigars". Note Excalibur's famously rich, strong, and creamy flavors. Look for a perfect draw, even burn and a firm light gray ash. We loved the aroma and would suggest enjoying it with a strong coffee or a pale ale (depending on your mood or the time of day!).
Cigars   Jose Llopis Gold Connecticut Shade Pryamide

The Jose Llopis brand emerged during the mid 1990s during the cigar boom and was priced then in the $10-12 range. It's hand rolled in the Republic of Panama with a blend of long-filler Dominican, Panamanian, and Honduran filler tobaccos and a Dominican binder. But the most striking aspect of this smoke in our opinion is again, the gorgeous Connecticut shade wrapper.

Panel Review: Our panel members were a bit surprised at how smooth, mild and pleasant this rather large pyramid smoked. We found the wrapper flawless with a very silky, smooth feel. It's been aged over 4 years and it shows in how nicely it held its ash. Overall, a wonderfully mild smoke offering an easy draw. Try pairing it with a shot of reposado tequila.
Cigars   Jose Marti Churchill Cedro Tubos Churchill

A solid well, respected line, the Jose Marti line is handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua and available in a wide array of ten shapes and sizes. Of the five shapes evaluated, our panel favored the Churchill featured this month. Each cigar is individually packaged in beautiful solid cedar tubes so large that we could not fit them in our shipping tube!

Panel Review: Immediately note a well constructed shaped cigar with an appealing oily sheen to the wrapper. It burned perfectly and offered plenty of smoke. We found it to offer a spicy, full-bodied taste that highlights its Ecuadorian-grown, Sumatra seed wrapper. We also picked up hints of cocoa beans and dark spice flavors. Overall, a very well balanced smoke with plenty of flavor.