Cigar Reviews: Autumn 2015

by Steve Rowbottom

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CAO Pilón Robusto

Nicaragua     5.0” x 52     Medium to Full

91-Rated

Cloaked by a thick Habano wrapper born from Ecuador, each CAO Pilón comes equipped with bold long-fillers from Nicaragua inside a zesty Nicaraguan binder. The result is a medium-bodied profile tip-toeing the lines of full, dusting the palate with eventful hints of spice, sweet cedar, and nuts throughout. A rich touch of cocoa enhances each puff on the final third, completing a complex cigar full of charisma.

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Diesel Unlimited d.6

Nicaragua     6.0” x 60     Full

94-Rated

A complex blend of long-leaf ligeros from Condega (Nicaragua) and Esteli (Nicaragua) mingle with spicy San Andres long-fillers, inside a leathery Ecuador Habano ligero wrapper. Power meets grace instantly, as thick and creamy smoke blankets every last taste bud. Leather, oak, rich tobacco, pepper, and rich earth smack the palate, growing more intense toward the nub without losing a touch of balance.

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H. Upmann The Banker Annuity

Dominican Republic     6.0” x 52     Medium

89-Rated

Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers reside within a toothy Ecuador Habano wrapper, delivering a straightforward, medium-bodied bouquet. Cream mingles with earth from the get-go, while a dash of spice dusts the taste buds on the finish. Mellow yet smooth and balanced, what The Banker lacks in complexity it makes up in quality.

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Julius Caeser Pyramid

Dominican Republic     6.5” x 52     Mild to Medium

93-Rated

A beautiful burn promotes rich, earthy undertones complemented by roasted coffee bean, sweet cedar, and the slightest touch of white pepper. A product of well-aged Dominican long-fillers inside a dark and oily, Havana Ecuador wrapper. Expect big clouds of smoke overhead, as this slow-burning treat lingers long on the palate and emits dense, woodsy aromas.

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Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Gordo

Nicaragua     6.5” x 52     Full

94-Rated

This big, burly, 60-ring behemoth oozes with oils, thanks to a thick Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. Underneath, two binders secure a bold blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers. Full, yet balanced, each puff booms with richness, yielding notes of dark chocolate and espresso between big, robust tobacco notes. Cool smoke disguises the full-bodied core, completing a lush, flavor-packed 60 minutes.

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