Punch "Gran Puro" Pico Bonito - Toro (6" X 50)

Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras


Appearance 7/10
Construction 27/30
Aroma 17/20
Burn 13/15
Draw 7/10
Flavor 10/15

Price $5.25

Lance's Rating 81

The Punch Gran Puro is an all-Honduran grown cigar. The title of "Puro" is given to a cigar when all of the components come from the same country. It is given this moniker even though the seeds are actually "Habano Piloto" ... Or Cuban seeds planted in Hunduran soil.

Appearance 7/10

The wrapper on the Gran Puro is thick and dark and oily - with a lot of pronounced veining. The leaves for the wrapper and binder are sungrown. This process is what gives the Gran Puro its dark natural color.

Construction 27/30

The Gran Puro is a well built cigar. It is masterfully wrapped; Firm and of uniform color throughout -- and seems to be a pretty stout little cigar, (relative to its construction).

Aroma 17/20

Spicey, spicey, spicey!! The Gran Puro produces very rich plumes of white smoke.

Burn 13/15

The burn is even, and the ash has a medium firmness that tends to hold on for an inch or two.

Draw 7/ 10

Unlike some of the Gran Puro's littler brothers, (and or sisters), the draw is very smooth and eays. Of the two or three of these that I have had, I have not come across one yet with a hard "give me a headache" kind of draw. Kudos to Punch for that!!

Flavor 10/15

Spicey, Spicey, Spicey!! -- But suprisingly not bitter -- It reminds me of burnt cinnamon actually. This is a Full bodied cigar with a long finish. This is a great one to try if you have already had a cigar or two, and you want to try something that you will still be able to taste. This cigar is a pretty good "bang for the buck" and the quality is definately there!!

Wrapper: Blackened Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian







Appearance 8/10
Construction 20/30
Aroma 15/20
Burn 10/15
Draw 5/10
Flavor 10/15

Lance's Rating 68



The Onyx Reserve was recently awarded a rating of 94/100 by Cigar Aficionado. I tried this one due to being drawn in by the advertisements that the company puts out, along with recommendations by the guys at the local cigar shop. As you can see, I have given this one a relatively poor rating, mainly due to the terrible draw, and taste. While taste is a subjective part of the rating process, the construction -- and in this case, the resulting draw is not.

Appearance 8/10

The Onyx, as the name would seem to suggest, has a beautiful maduro wrapper with a very minor box pressing.

Construction 20/30

This cigar is well constructed in the fact that the wrapper and binder wont unravel ... Which is the same for most of the higher end cigars on the market today. That is about the best that I can say about it. The banding had extra glue visible all around the oustide of the wrapper ... The cigar itself was so tightly wrapped that it would probably be easier to draw through a piece of wood.

Aroma 15/20

Unlit, this cigar has a very woody aroma. It is very earthy. after lighting, it is still quite earthy .. It reminds me of an autumn walk in the woods. The odor of leaves and dry grass. It is actually quite aromatic.

Burn 10/15

It lit well, but it started to burn asymmetrically almost immediately. After a few minutes, it did start to straighten itself out ... but never quite got there. It did stay lit however ... even after putting it down for a few minutes.

Draw 5/10

The draw on this particular cigar is very very hard. It has lost alot of points due to this. The cigar is wrapped very tightly, and even after attempts to massage the wrapper to loosen the filler and binder, and even using a draw poker has not made the draw any easier. I have been assured that this is more the exception than the rule with this cigar.

Flavor 10/15

The flavor changes throughout the body of the cigar ... that is to say that it starts as a medium body and ends as a very potent full bodied cigar. There are very strong notes of cedar ... and wood in general, which could be expected by the aroma from the cigar, even before lighting. As the cigar burned, it became very spicy with strong flavors of a mixture of what I would classify as cinnamon and pepper.
--
I have been given another Onyx Reserve to try by the great guys at Cigars and More, and this was due to my severe displeasure with this particular cigar ... I may have to give this cigar a redux at sometime in the future ... afterall, I have another FREE one to try.

Drew Estate / Rocky Patel Java Robusto (5.5" X 50) - Box Pressed

Wrapper: Brazilian Maduro, Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua


Appearance 7/10
Construction 11/15
Aroma 19/20
Burn 10/15
Draw 8/10
Flavor 25/30

Price - Approx. $6.00

Lance's Rating 80/100

The Java is a Drew Estate / Rocky Patel Joint effort. It is a flavored cigar infused with the flavors of coffee and chocolate.

Appearance 7/10

The Java is a box-pressed cigar that comes in either the Maduro or Latte (Connecticut) wrapper. The wrapper itself is fairly thick on both the Latte and the Maduro, and is a bit drier than most other cigars that I have come across. The wrappers is very textured due to the prominent veins.

Construction 11/15

Although this is a Rocky Patel / Drew Estate joint effort the construction is a bit lacking. It has some soft spots, and the box pressing excentuates these faults. The construction isn't as bad as a lot of the Drew Estates of old however ... The wrapper on this cigar is much more durable than say the 2000 or 2001 vintage acid cigar line.

Aroma 19/20

This Cigar smells great!! Just like coffee and chocolate. It has a wonderful aroma even before you light it!! It is sure to be a head-turner when you smoke it. The Java almost makes up for everything else it lacks just by the way it smells.

Burn 10/15

The burn on this cigar is a bit dissapointing, but not entirely unexpected. The box pressing, (as mentioned above), seems to create soft spots throughout the cigar, which makes the cigar tend to burn faster in some areas than others. It wasnt uncommon to have a 1/2" assymetric burn once it was lit. This is one area that I feel that could really be improved upon.

Draw 8/10

The draw throught the cigar was smooth and predictable, even with the differences of density that are noted above.

Flavor 25/30

The first one-third of this cigar is the best part. It has a rich smooth desert taste when it is first lit ... lots of chocolate, sugar and coffee ... Some of my favorite things!! After the first third or so, it tends to get a bit "bitey" with a kind of Metallic taste if you allow it to get too hot.

So after all is said and done ... I still have one in my humidor simply because I absolutely love the aroma of this one ... Lit or not!!

Rocky Patel Edge Light - Toro (6" X 52)

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua and Honduras






Appearance 8 /10
Construction 15/15
Aroma 18/20
Burn 15/15
Draw 10/10
Flavor 27/30

Price - Approx. $5.25

Lance's Rating 93/100

This cigar is a cousin to The Edge - Maduro and Corojo. This is a mild to medium bodied cigar, and is a great change-up if you are looking for something light and very creamy to smoke. This one really gets high points from me for being such a great cigar for a very reasonable price!

Appearance 8/10

The wrapper is smooth and virtually seamless. Personally, I am not a huge fan of the Connecticut shade wrapper, but this one is actually quite attractive none-the-less. It is devoid of the normal banding, and it is delivered in a rough unfinished cedar box. Its a no-frills great cigar!

Construction 14/15

Much like its cousins; the maduro and corojo ... The wrapper is firm, oily and velvety to the touch. It is crafted beautifully and is very stout despite its relative thin Connecticut wrapper.

Aroma 18/20

This cigar has a wonderful sweet aroma that is quite bold, but not overpowering.

Burn 14/15

The initial lighting and subsequent burn were very even and predictable. It produced a light grey ash that was dense and firm to the touch.

Draw 10/10

The draw was a little easier than the others in The Edge line ... a little too easy for what I would consider perfect, but it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the cigar, so it still gets a 10/10.

Flavor 27/30

This is a very smooth and flavorful cigar. It is very creamy throughout, and can be smoked all the way to the end without having any overpowering bitter tastes. It has hints of roasted coffee and cream, with a very short and smooth finish -- Very well balanced. Of all of the cigars that I have tried, The Edge line by Rocky Patel are sure to be my go-to-cigars for years to come. I can't say enough about them.

Macanudo 1968 Toro (6" X 54)

Wrapper: Honduran San Agustin leaf.
Binder: Connecticut Habano
Filler: Dominican republic and Nicaragua

Appearance 7/10
Construction 15/15
Aroma 17/20
Burn 14/15
Draw 10/10
Flavor 25/30

Price - Approx. $9.50

Lance's Rating 88/100




The blend celebrates 40 years since Ramon Cifuentes began developing The Macanudo brand, which was released in 1971. This "release celebration" allowed me to pick up a three pack of these cigars online for about $10.00 for all three, (shipping included). For that price, I had to try them. These are the first Macanudos that I have smoked.

Appearance 7/10

This cigar seemed to me to be a "standard" cigar, without any special attributes. It has a firm Colorado Claro wrapper which is heavily veined. The band is a classic look with the 1968 moniker imprinted in gold on a black background.

Construction 15/15

This is a stout cigar. I accidentally got it stuck in my cigar travel tube by stuffing it down too far, and I had to use quite a bit of force to pull it out, and it didn't cause (thankfully) any damage to the wrapper. A lesser cigar would have unraveled easily under these stresses. The wrapper is seemless and masterfully crafted.

Aroma 17/20

The cigar begins with a slightly acidic smell, but soon becomes a nice bold and rich aroma. Leather comes to mind when you light this cigar.

Burn 14/15

The burn was quite even throughout the cigar, until the last 2 inches or so, but that may have been from my trying to pry it out of my carrier ... I may have loosened the end a bit.

Draw 10/10

It was a nice draw without any soft or hard spots in the cigar. It was even and enjoyable throughout.

Flavor 25/30

Earthy, leatherlike, mediumbodied -- with a smooth short finish. It is aged in charcoaled wooden barrels to further enrich its flavor. This cigar was a very nice smoke up until it started to bite back ... but that was within the last few inches of the cigar. Once it starts to get hot, it has a very unpeasant aftertaste ... I would suggest putting it down when there are a few inches remaining.

Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Churchill (7" X 48) -BoxPressed

Wrapper: Honduran Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua






Appearance 9/10
Construction 14/15
Aroma 19/20
Burn 12/15
Draw 9/10
Flavor 29/30

Price - Approx. $8.00

Lance's Rating 92/100



The Rocky Patel 1990 vintage cigar is the first cigar in the line to carry the Rocky Patel name. Prior to this one, cigars made by this company were under the Indian Tabac Co. label.

Appearance 9/10

This is a very dark cigar. The wrapper is soft and oily, and has a uniform color thoughout. The banding on the cigar is quite elegant. The 1990 vintage and the 1992 vintage are similar in appearance, having the same wrapper and banding, (although the 1990 wrapper is aged 12 years where as the 1992 is aged for 10).

Construction 14/15

The 1990 vintage is a 12 year old wrapper that has been allowed to "mellow" and the filler has been aged for 8 years. It is a well constructed cigar, with a medium firmness to the touch. The wrapper is very smooth, almost velvet-like.

Aroma 19/20

This cigar reminds me of the first one that I had ever smoked in that it has a rich aroma. For me, it takes me back to the days of old ... Sitting on the couch with my brother Brett watching the Sopranos and enjoying a cigar.

Burn 12/15

This cigar burns fairly evenly. It may become asymmetric for a time, but it always seems to correct itself.

Draw 9/10

It is a smooth and easy draw, and thanks to the mellow-ness of the cigar, it never burns too hot. It starts out as a very mild cigar, but turns into a medium bodied as it is smoked.

Flavor 19/20

The 1990 vintage has alot of different flavors going on ... from nuts to chocolate ... to nice deep earthy tones ... but it is really a well balanced smoke. Great body and well balanced - very mellow and smooth. I recommend this one to anyone that wants a great cigar at a moderate price.

Rocky Patel Edge Maduro - Toro (6" X 52)

Wrapper: Maduro, or Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Secret!!













Appearance 10/10
Aroma 17/20
Burn 13/15
Construction 15/15
Draw 10/10
Flavor 28/30

Price - Approx. $5.25


Lance's Rating 95/100

I tried this cigar for the first time because of the enjoyment that I had gotten out of some of the other cigars in the Rocky Patel line ... The vintage series in particular. Of those cigars, I have tried the 1990, 1992, and the Decade. There are many left and I am sure that they will be reviewed in the near future.

Apperance 10/10

What a great looking cigar!! It has a dark maduro wrapper that almost looks like aged leather. There is a slightly oily sheen, which adds to its leather-like appearance. Simply gorgeous! Rocky Patel also makes the Edge Corojo and Edge Light, which will be reviewed later.

The banding on the cigar is almost non-existent: There is only a small band around the foot of the cigar, which according to the Rocky Patel website was a ground-breaking idea?!?!?

Aroma 17/20

Even before lighting, you can enjoy the aroma of this cigar. It doesnt have an acidic or acrid smell like some other do; nor does it smell like it has been over-infused with different checmicals. It just has a subtle sweet smell reminicent of coffee and pipe tobacco.

After lighting, it gets even better! You have to try this one!!

Burn 15/15

The burn is even and the ash is very solid and has a dark grey color. You can put this one down for a few minutes and it will stay lit for you.

Construction 15/15

It is wrapped fairly tightly without any inconsistencies of soft / hard spots. It is quite firm to the touch. The wrapper appears to be seemless.

Draw 10/10

The draw is smooth, and a little more work than I have been used to with most cigars, but it is consistent from cigar to cigar and quite goldy-locks-ish ... Not too hard; Not too soft -- but just right.

Flavor 28/30

This cigar has a great flavor -- It was quite complex combining an initial sweetness and a very rich earthy / leathery finish. According to the experts, this cigar will only get better with age -- as it will mellow out over time with help from a cedar lined humidor, but I haven't been able to leave one in my humidor long enough to find out. It has a lot of body and is very well balanced. The ONLY reason that it doesnt get a 30/30 is due to my own limited experience with all of the cigars out there. I didnt want to say that this is the best cigar in the world giving it 100 out of 100 and finding a cigar next week that I like even more .... although that I must say that I seriously doubt that I can find one this good for this price!
That being said, I cannot say enough about this one!! This is my go-to cigar for sure!