Metro Cigar News Winter 1998: MCN Panelists and the Metro Cigar Ratings

The Metro Cigar Ratings


CAO • 70
Brand Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	CAO Lonsdale Nicaragua Nicaraguan/Mexican Honduras Connecticut	The overall appearance of the CAO is a well constructed cigar. The roll is above average and has a pleasant aroma with an even burn and gray ash. The aftertaste was mild and was without hot spots. The draw was considered excellent. Overall appearance was above average and the firmness only improved after lighting. "Definitely a premium cigar" "A veiny wrapper. Better than other CAO's" "I liked it so much I bought a box"


CRUZ REAL • 90
Brand Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Cruz Real Maduro Mexico Mexican Mexican Mexican/Sumatra	A terrific smoke. The Cruz Real has an excellent draw. The roll and burn were both perfect. There was a good taste which was not spicy, but mild, not common in a maduro. It remained consistent throughout smoking. An above average cigar. "The finest all around Mexican cigar" "Very relaxing smoke after a hard day's work" "A perfect roll and burn"


DON MANOLO • 90
Brand Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Don Manolo Churchill Dominican Cuban Dominican Sumatra	A cool burning cigar, the Don Manolo had just a few hot spots. The gray ash burned nicely and evenly. Together with a mild aroma and after-taste this cigar only got better as it was smoked. A light and easy draw included a smooth, woody taste. "This cigar will blow your mind" "I give this cigar an A plus" "Definitely a cigar on the rise"


RED LION • 90
Brand Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Red Lion "Huge!" Mexico Mexican Mexican Mexican/Sumatra	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"


CARNIVAL HAVANA • 90
Brand Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Carnival Havana Double Corona Nicaragua/Cuban Seed Dominican Nicaraguan Ecuadorian	An above average cigar, the Carnival Havana proved excellent in all aspects. It did not contain any hot spots, the aroma and aftertaste were both pleasant and continued to prove to be a premium cigar overall. This cigar only got better. "A firm oily wrapper was pleasant to the touch" "Simply one of the best new cigars today" "It ain't a party without a Carnival cigar"


INDIGO • 80
Brand Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Indigo Robusto Gordo Dominican Cuban/Dominican Dominican Indonesian	The tobacco for this cigar originates in the Cibao Valley in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The overall appearance was above average. The roller did an excellent job which made for an easy draw and a light ash. A mild aftertaste and a slight aroma made for a great smoke. "This cigar will hold its own as a premium" "A fantastic morning stogie" "Just a good looking cigar"


SELECTO PURO DOMINICANO • 90
Brand Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Selecto Puro Corona Nicaragua Cuban Dominican Indonesian/Sumatra	The Selecto Puro is an enjoyable cigar with a slight leathery taste. The flavor becomes slightly more intense when smoked, and has a mild aftertaste. The aroma was quite pleasant with a long flaky ash. No soft spots made for a firm smoke all the way through. "We'll be seeing a lot more of this cigar" "The flavor grows on you with every puff" "This cigar has plenty of character"


ORO DOMINICANA • 90
Brand Model Origin Filler Binder Wrapper	Oro Dominicana Numero One USA Cuban/Dominican Dominican Indonesian	This cigar was made in the USA with a big Cuban influence. The roll was not that tight which helped to create an excellent draw. The ash becomes a light frosty white color and burns in a perfect circle. A mild and pleasant aroma only gets better while smoking. "One helluva cigar, highly recommended" "Tese rollers must be from the old school" "Thank god we can buy these in the US legally"

The MCN Panelists

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.

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.

Karin Nevills, publisher of cigarwoman.com, began smoking cigars 3 years ago. She prefers larger sized cigars because "the larger ring allows better blended tobacco, giving it a nicer, smoother taste." Karen enjoys smoking a Double Corona or Churchill with a nice port or glass of Merlot. Her favorite hobbies are spending time with her 3 year old Rottweiler, Maxine, politics, a game of pool or basketball.

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.

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.