5 Vegas Series 'A' January 20th, 2006 Keith 92 When you're inside CI headquarters, even if you're not looking for cigars, boy, cigars sure do find you. This place is a 49,000 square foot playground chock full of handmades, and resistance is just about futile. That's the position I found myself this past Sunday. I ran to the office with a plan to get a few things done and a promise to my wife to speed back home without delay. But on my desk … Read More
Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 January 19th, 2006 Steve R 89 This Editor’s Pick can be summed up with two words: HERSHEY BAR. As many have already found out for themselves, the Torano Exodus 1959 is gorgeous. Dark, sharply boxed-pressed cigars that seem to leak natural oils, causing me to froth at the mouth every time I reach into the humidor to grab one. In my opinion, this is the best Torano to date, and as an added bonus, it’s perfectly … Read More
Java by Drew Estate January 12th, 2006 Keith The idea for Java was conceived in Allentown, PA. I know that ain't sexy, and you might rather believe it was divine inspiration one day in Central America when Jonathan Drew and Rocky Patel were inspecting tobacco plants in the vegas of the Jalapa Valley....but it's the truth. It was May 2, 2004, and all the major cigar manufacturers were here in Pennsylvania for CI's annual mega-herf called … Read More
Gurkha Centurian January 5th, 2006 Steve R 94 The Gurkha Centurian is not your every day cigar. Rather, it’s a special cigar for a special day. Let’s be honest, how often do you get the chance to enjoy a $30 cigar that was made exclusively for the Sultan of Brunei? In case you're wondering, Brunei Darussalam is an oil-rich country located in the island of Borneo, and the Sultan is not just the Sultan, he's also the country’s Prime Minister, … Read More
Gurkha Centurian January 4th, 2006 Brandon S 91 I reviewed this fine smoke some time back before we started "formally" reviewing cigars and I have to tell you, it's as good if not better than the very first one I ever tried. After speaking with Kaizad Hansotia (founder and blender behind Gurkha cigars) I was nearly foaming at the mouth to get my hands on one. In fact, the very moment these arrived at our warehouse I was opening boxes to find … Read More