Taboo Twist

Size: 6x58 Toro
wrapper: Connecticut Shade and Maduro
Binder: ? No Info
Filler: ? No Info
Body: Medium
Strength: Mild-Medium
Humidor Time: 4 Months

This is a hefty cigar and probably one of the most beautiful barber pole cigars I have seen to date. The colors of the Connecticut shade and maduro wrappers are such a sharp difference that one cannot help but notice the beautiful workmanship. The construction is pratically flawless. The smell of tobacco lofting from this cigar is intoxicating, the smell of maduro is prominent. I am anticipating the oportunity to enjoy a cigar that others have enjoyed so much.

As I moistened the cap, the very top of the cigar came loose, which is a Connecticut circle used to cap off the cigar, it was not a big deal as the top was removed completely when clipped. This was easy to cut and light, the foot lit up without hesitation, this was a bit of a surprise as larger ring gauges typically take a few extra passes with the match to light.

The start was peppery with a finish that tasted of burnt paper. Within a couple of puffs the pepper started to subside and a creaminess is being created. As the pepper faded away, I got a distinct soapy taste and the finish was acrid. I am still working through the first quarter of the cigar, this has a lot of potential that will probably even this out.

The aroma from this cigar reminds me of a maduro Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur, the acrid touch I am getting is reminiscent of an Arturo Fuente cigar. As I reach the body of the cigar I am picking up a buttery texture and flavor. This is not that bad.

Now that I am into the body of the cigar I notice that the lighter wrapper is burning faster than the maduro. The burn is off, with the maduro burning even and the Connecticut burning rocky, but I have come to expect that from barber pole cigars. The flavor is powdery and perfumy, that burnt paper taste still remains, but the acrid touch fades in and out. This is really not agreeing with my taste buds.

The ash is dark and solid, holding firm as to not drop until I tap in on the ashtray. As I am reaching halfway into the cigar, the burn is starting to even out.

The acrid flavor will not go away, I getting hints of flavor that want to emerge, but I cannot get past this acrid taste. There is a sweet almond touch I can pick out and some cocoa, but I am getting so much of a burnt rubber that I am having trouble concentrating on the good flavors. There is a creamy aftertaste and the smoke is buttery smooth. Unfortunately as I am getting through the center of the cigar the burn is turning choppy again.

Still a bit soapy with an acrid finish and a creamy aftertaste. I am trying to enjoy this, but I cannot finish this cigar, with about 3 inches left I let it go out. What a disappointment. Well, you win some and you lose some, that is an important aspect of this hobby that I respect. I would have a hard time recommending this cigar to those that do not like Arturo Fuente's, these seemed too similar for me and just did not suit what I enjoy.

Appearance 2- Beautiful
Construction 3- Solid
Burn 1.5- Took a while to burn straight, then picked up a vein and burned uneven again
Ash 2.5- Really held on well
Flavor 0.5 - Had potential but I could not find it
Smoke Profile 2- Smooth Easy and Nice
Aroma 2 - Enjoyable, this is not overpowering, nice and mellow



=13.5 Points

Anejo - Arturo Fuente (Shark) #77

Size: 5 7/8 x 50/64
Wrapper: Connecticut Broad Leaf
Binder: Chateau de la Fuente Dominican
Filler: Chateau de la Fuente Dominican
Body: Med-Full
Strength: Med-Full
Humidor Time: 4 Months

For some reason I was drawn to smoke this cigar today, I was looking through my humidor wondering what I should have and this one stood out. Mind you that this stick was sitting on the bottom of my humidor with others stacked on top of it, but this one called out to me. The brown wrapper on this square pyramid cigar is toothy, the cigar is squishy and though it has a square shape from the mid body to the foot of the stick, it is not all that square. It does not look to be evenly rolled, when I removed the band, I can see that the band was placed a little tight causing a slight hour glass shape where it was on the cigar.

The wrapper smells like cedar, dirt, and desert grass while the foot smells strongly of maduro cocoa. Upon removing the red band on the foot of the cigar, I see it was covering some cracks in the wrapper. The cap on the cigar is a good size leaving room to cut and not worry about taking to much off, before cutting I moistened the cap and tasted a cocoa sweetness with spice. With the cap removed, my tongue tastes a sweetness and a salty flavor in the tobacco.

I just realized that the one cutter I own and am using, costs less then the cigar I am cutting. Also my lighter costs about a tenth of what I paid for this cigar, sad that the tools which will be around after I finish the cigar costs less total than the stick I am about to burn.

The cigar lights easily, the smoke is abundant and the aroma smells like a cigar shop. The smoke itself is smooth and thick with no spice or acridity I associate with many Arturo Fuente cigars. The first flavor I get is dirt. The draw is a tad tight, but not restricting a great amount of smoking coming through the cigar. A sweetness is hidden in the smoke with the salty touch.

The smoke is dry, the burn is rather straight and the ash is a very light gray holding only about 3/4 of an inch before falling.

As I was into the body I was picking up a nice light cocoa flavor and an acrid taste, which does not surprise me coming from an Arturo Fuente cigar. I cut about an eighth of an inch off more of the cap, it was a bit too tight for my liking, I am pleased I did so as the draw loosened right up as I prefer and I still have another eighth of an inch left of the cap on the cigar.

I was given a sharp flavor like Sumatra coffee. The burn has decided to do as it pleases and has become wavy on one side and starting to canoe on the other. I continued to get a nice coffee flavor, and as I was nearing the halfway point I tasted walnuts. With some rotating the burn self corrected and burning straight.

The acrid flavor is still there and getting in the way of a good maduro ciagr. Continuing on through the second half of the cigar I was given a nice woody flavor, an earthiness that is a good change of pace. The smoke is a tad harsh in the back of my throat, there is no spice to taste, but felt it. The flavor developed a bit of sourness but still creating strong coffee, cocoa, and the acrid touch is backing off slightly.

Into the final third the burn remained straight, the acridness has picked up a whole lot getting in the way of the other flavors this cigar is capable of. With just under two inches left I continue on for the sake of the review, but I am really disappointed so far with this cigar. I never did get another touch of harshness in the smoke expect that one time.

Okay, so after another half inch, I decided to put this cigar to rest, it was still acrid and not getting any better.

My final thoughts. This is certainly an Arturo Fuente cigar, that acrid taste is terrible and I notice it in a lot of their cigars. So far I have only enjoyed the Opus X they make, all the others have been a waste of my money. I can find other maduro cigars that I enjoy and do not have that bothersome flavor. I do not recommend this cigar for two reasons, 1) the acrid flavor gets in the way, and 2) the price for this is not worth the money. In my opinion this cigar is over rated, over priced, over hyped, and does not taste good.

I have one more Shark and one Churchill to smoke, we will see what happens in a year or so, but it will not be any time soon before I want another Anejo.

At Least I still have my cutter and lighter.

Appearance 1- Average
Construction 3- Excellent
Burn 1.5- Near perfect, just a minor wavy here or there
Ash 2- Very Nice
Flavor 1.5 - Many nice flavors, but all lost due to acridity
Smoke Profile 2- Only once did I question the smoke, as such it is not enough to affect the rating
Aroma 2 - Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance


=13 Points

Perdomo Lot 23 - Maduro (Smoked)

Size: 5.7" x 54 Belicoso
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: Full
Strength: Medium
Humidor Time: 3 Months

This review is of the Perdomo Lot 23 - Maduro that I did not smoke due to having the coloring from the dye on the wrapper end up on my fingers and lips, I set this cigar aside disappointed. Well, after some time of taking up space (and curiosity from others) I decided to light this one up. In the least, I have one extra space open for another cigar.

With the cap cut, I was given a loose draw, something that I have not had a problem with Perdomo cigars is they always seem to draw well, providing a great amount of spicy tobacco flavor. The first half inch provides a lot of spice, it was a bit much, but once past that first half inch the pepper fade a bit and the smoke was a tad sour. I was greeted with a lot of rich, rich cocoa over the sourness and pepper. The flavor was also acrid up to this point.

The ash on this cigar was extremely dark and the burn was quite rocky. The smoke profile was smooth and creamy. This was pleasant, considering I was not too impressed with a dyed wrapper. Oh, I moistened the wrapper and rubbed the coloring off so it did not end up on my lips.

While moving past the half way point of the cigar, the acridness that was a bother to me backed off and disappeared during the remainder of the cigar. From this point to the end, this cigar really opened up with a lot of cocoa, a bit of coffee, creamy, and rich in flavor.

So my final verdict, if a dyed cigar does not bother you, this can be a really good smoke. This cigar only had a couple of months on it, I would suggest about six months of aging at the least to mellow this cigar out. So will I try another? Well that is yet to come, I liked the flavors of the last half of the cigar, knowing it is dyed, I can smoke this one, but not before removing whatever color I can before lighting up.


Appearance 2-I Liked It
Construction 3- Good
Burn 0- Rocky and uneven
Ash 1- Dark but held strong
Flavor 2.5 - Good smoke, needs time in the humidor
Smoke Profile 2- Perfect, no harsh spots at all, smooth and nice
Aroma 2 - Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance


=12.5 Points

Perdomo Habano Maduro

Size: 6.5 x 54 Torpedo
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: Full
Strength: Full
Humidor time: 1 month

By request I bring you the this beautiful torpedo from Perdomo. This cigar holds a very dark maduro and spicy wrapper with an interesting waxy menthol smell that reminds me of Carmex lip balm. Odd I know. The cigar is firm with a perfect draw. The flavors before lighting was a very dark and heavy cocoa. Once lit this cigar bellowed with smoke tasting of pepper and cocoa.

The ash was gray and held well, it would fall loose when I wanted it too and the burn was wavy throughout the whole smoke. With the loose draw and wavy burn, I needed to touch up this cigar constantly and it would go out easily. the aroma was floral and dark, complementing each other nicely.

The smoke was creamy thick, very thick, and smooth from the start. Once into the body of the smoke the flavors continued to strengthen and the pepper faded away not to return. I was impressed with deep rich cocoa flavor. It was like a truffle, starts off bitter but sweet and enticing in the middle. It seemed to only get stronger. I do want to note that this is a full body cigar, the nicotine level is high. With the smooth creamy smoke, one may end up getting lost and knocked back towards then end of the smoke from the strength it hides so well.

This is really good cigar that is really flavorful. I would recommend this as an after dinner smoke. Yet I would not recommend this to those who are not patient, this was not fun to smoke as I was constantly having to touch up the burn and re-light it to keep it going.

Appearance 2-I Liked It
Construction 2-Looks great and firm, but does not stay lit and burns uneven
Burn 0- Is It Burning? How many lights does it take...
Ash 1- Holds okay but falls easily
Flavor 3.5- Great smoke, lots of flavor, a staple in the humidor, just under perfect
Smoke Profile 2- Perfect, no harsh spots at all, smooth and nice
Aroma 2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance

=12.5 Points

Gran Habano- VL - Pyramid

Size: 6 1/8x52
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Dominican republic
Filler: Costa Rica, Nicaragua
Body: Full
Strength: Medium-Full
Humidor time: 1 Month


I am not a big fan of Gran Habano, I find their cigars to be of average quality, all seem okay but just do not suit me. Yet when I saw the VL in a B&M I was visiting while on vacation I was drawn to them very quickly. I did not know that Gran Habano made a maduro cigar, these are atractive to say the least. The cedar that covers these has the name of the cigar printed in blue on it and the band sports a gorgeous blue in it. One thing about Gran Habano, their bands are really classy. After sitting in my humidor for three weeks, I was going to smoke a different cigar, but I decided to go with this one instead.

When I removed the cedar I was presented with a dark wrapper that looked better then I expected. The stick was firm with no soft spots. I have heard of inconsistencies with the VL, but mine were all well constructed. When I cut the capI I was given a loose draw, this worries me a bit because some cigars that have a loose draw end up losing their smoking abilities. The flavors I picked up before lighting was grass and cocoa. Once the flame was applied, this cigar exploded with lots and lots of thick flavorful, creamy smoke with a pepper background. I cannot explain just how amazed I was that this cigar was a Gran Habano. The smoke was so easy, it was so much that I was taken back by it, the texture was smooth and buttery with honey and nuts mixed in it. There was a lot going on with this cigar, at the start I was hoping the cigar would continue with its outpouring.

The ash on this stick was gray with some dark blotches covering it, a bit flaky but did not fly around the room, it stayed put on the cigar.The burn started out wavy, but it evened out on its own with out any work on my end. The ash held very strong, I have not know a Gran Habano to perform as this did, I was at me local B&M when I smoked this one, so I was stuck using my cell phone's camera to take a picture of the ash, look at this! Check out the burn line too, near perfect.



As I entered the body of the cigar the pepper left to not return, I was happy to know this cigar did not end with the pepper I got at the beginning. In its place caramel took over, doing a great job, the sweetness was just right. Maybe the caramel was the honey I noticed at the start. The cigar was consistent in changing flavors on me, the flavors seem to rotate between each other, never letting me know which one I was going to get next.

This was a fantastic cigar, I nubbed this one down to my fingers, I do not normally smoke a cigar down that far, but this one was deserving of my time and attention. The body on this is full, the strength started out mild but ended up in the medium-full range when I finished. I did get a bit of a buzz from this one, it was euphoric feeling. I recommend this cigar to fans of maduro smokes, better yet, this has to be the best maduro cigar I have ever smoked that was under $6. It is worth more, but I am not going to tell Gran Habano that! This cigar is going on my list of favorites.

Appearance 2- I Liked It
Construction 3- Excellent
Burn 1.5- Almost Perfect
Ash 2- Wow
Flavor 4- Fantastic, flavor is awesome from the beginning to the end with no rough spots, highly recommended
Smoke Profile 2- Perfect, no harsh spots at all, smooth and nice
Aroma 2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance

=16.5 Points!!!

Perdomo Lot 23 - Maduro

Size: 5.7" x 54 Belicoso
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: N/A
Strength: N/A


When I found this cigar I was quickly taken away by the dark oily wrapper to a field of tobacco in a little corner of Nicaragua. This is a gorgeous stick, take a close look at it and you too will be transported to another world. The cigar is solid and firm, I was impressed at how solid this stick was, I am used to most cigars having a bit of spring when the cigar is pinched, but not this one. It refused to budge. This cigar smells strongly of anise, I was surprised because though I have been told of this smell I have not experienced it myself, the next thing I knew I had an urge to drink a root beer with this cigar as I smoked it. Have you ever seen a maduro cigar this good looking?

As I approached the time to cut and light this beauty, that is when I was graced with a new cigar experience. I touched the cigar to my lips and tongue to moisten the wrapper cap before cutting, the wrapper flavors were mild and a bit sticky. Sticky? Yep, I looked at the cap and touched it with my left index finger and to my surprise, this premium quality smoke enjoyed by so many left two nice brown spots. I did not have my digital camera available so I used my phone's camera.






I did not expect to see the color on the wrapper transfered onto my finger, what is up with that!?! I was so upset to see this that I returned the cigar to its cellophane and put it back in my humidor. This cigar seems to have a "Madu-O-Matic" wrapper, I cannot comment if all these Lot 23 maduros use fake maduro wrappers, I only purchased one cigar, I guess I need to order more to find out. Well, I may order more. What a shame...

Gurkha Beast

Size: 6.5 x 58
Wrapper: Costa Rican Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Columbia
Body: Full
Strength: Medium


This is a beautiful looking monster. The wrapper is clean and uniform, with light veins surrounding this big gauge stick. This guy has been in my humidor for two months now and I could not wait any longer the light it up.

I am iffy about Gurkha's, I have had some that were okay, and some that were great. In a way they are similar to CAO with their consumers. There are CAO fans that praise and love every cigar they come out with, and the there are those that do not like CAO at all, find all the flaws and chock CAO as a brand that puts more into their marketing than the cigars. I have had CAO's that were great and then had some with ever problem possible; plugs, uneven burn, bad taste, bad construction, you name it. Gurkha's, I think, are viewed the same way. In my case, I have yet to have a bad Gurkha, but I have had some I think were okay and not worth the price. Of course on that end, Gurkha does lead the way in hefty price tags, I like to buy them in samplers and discounts.

Back to the cigar.

The Beast I used for the review had a great easy draw, with good tobacco flavors before lighting. Once touched by the flame this beauty let out an impressive amount of smoke that was creamy and rich. I was surprised when the foot of the cigar split after it was lit about half an inch up the cigar, I am not sure if it was due the the heat or the amount of tobacco was just to much and the wrapper could not hold, but it happened. It did not split any further during the smoke, so it may have even been a bit over humidified or just a fluke.

The first flavors to emerge was a creamy cocoa with some bitterness and pepper. My taste buds enjoyed this start, it was like a dark chocolate flavor mocha. Creamy and smooth.

The ash was solid and white, the contrast of this dark colored cigar with such a white ash really complemented the looks and enjoyment. The burn was a bit uneven, never needing a touch up. It did even out with some moderate rotating.

The bitterness and pepper faded out through the body of the smoke, it returned during the last one and a half inches. In my notes I wrote down that this cigar is creamy over and over, kind of similar to a coffee that has so much creamer in it that it over powers the coffee.

I really enjoyed this cigar, the flavors were tasteful and consistent through out the whole stick. It did not go harsh and gave me copious amounts of thick smoke. The price tag on this cigar is large, if yo can find them at a bargain, then it is worth giving them a try. I have added this cigar to my list of favorites. This is a highly recommended cigar.

Appearance 2- I Liked It
Construction 3- Excellent
Burn 1.5- Even, No Touch up Needed
Ash 2- Wow
Flavor 4- Fantastic, flavor is awesome from the beginning to the end with no rough spots, highly recommended
Smoke Profile 2- Perfect, no harsh spots at all, smooth and nice
Aroma 2- Nice and not overpowering, Aromatic, enjoyable fragrance
=16.5 Points!!!

Sol Cubano - Maduro

Size: 6 1/2 x 52 Torpedo
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Body: Full
Strength: Medium


"Cuban Sun" This dark beauty comes to us from the masters of cigars, Oliva's. With a very dark wrapper perfectly rolled smooth, veins barely make an appearance, and oils enhancing its looks. This cigar is firm but soft. The wrapper carries a spiciness to it and the loose draws gives off a tobacco flavor before lighting.

This cigar lit up rather easy creating a great amount of thick, creamy, and flavorful smoke. Instant cocoa and coffee flavors hiding a pepper spice you do not notice right off the back, it is hidden in the depth of it all. A nutty flavor is also enveloped by the cocoa flavor. This is truly an Oliva creation from the start.

The white ash does hold firm on this cigar, though it is a bit flaky at times. I am impressed by the straight burn I am getting from this cigar, well, to be honest I am not that impressed as this did come from the Oliva family, I expected quality and this cigar held up to its name.

Within the body of the cigar I was given large amounts of flavor that was well beyond my expectations. The finish was long and creamy. My mouth was coated with flavors of cocoa and coffee that are common with maduro cigars. I was given a touch of bitterness in the depth of the smoke, it never stood out or was harsh. With age this may go away and really make this cigar outstanding.

This cigar burns cool, oh did I mention the ash held on well? In fact I only ashed three times total! That was with heavy pick ups and put downs in the ashtray.

This cigar was perfect after my Cajun dinner and complimented my hot cocoa and Charlie Brown movie. What can I say, I am a sucker for the classics.

This is a budget cigar. No wait, this is a great cigar at a great price. The problem with labeling this as a budget cigar is it gives the connotation that this cigar only lives up to minimal expectations. I do not want to give the impression that this cigar is only worth the low price when in fact it is not. I have had cigar worth much more that cannot live up to the Sol Cubano. Take advantage of this cigar if you love maduros, you will be pleased you did. Put the flame to this one!