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Home > What's New > Connoisseur's Corner, October 2004
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Connoisseur's Corner, October 2004
Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Reprinted from the October 2004 issue of Cigar Aficionado
A pair of Cuban Cohibas have joined our list of classic smokes with ratings of 95 points. It's hard to imagine that the Cohiba Robusto has been made for only 15 years. This benchmark smoke is the very definition of a strong, bold cigar. One from that first release in 1989 retained its spicy character, while maintaining full-bodied balance and scoring 95 points. A Cohiba Lancero from 1990 also scored 95 points, showing delicate flavors and a surprisingly perfect draw. And another Cuban Davidoff was turned to ash, an Especial No. 1 from 1987. Davidoffs are no longer made in Cuba, which is a sad thing, given their consistently high scores in these pages. A trio of other Cubans from seven to 13 years old rounded out the tasting, each scoring at least 90.
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Cohiba Robusto (1989)
95 This is really a great cigar. This was the first release of the cigar and it has been a benchmark for robustos ever since. Very spicy with white pepper and cedar character, it turns full-bodied, rich and refined.
--James Suckling
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Cohiba Lancero (1990)
95 Amazing quality and finesse. It shows dried flowers and cedar with just the right amount of tobacco character. Great draw, which is rare in this vitola. Like silk. I smoked this at Gibson's restaurant in Chicago with a friend, which only added to the pleasure.
--James Suckling
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Davidoff Especial No. 1 (1987)
93 A beautiful, elegant lancero-style cigar. Perfectly aged. It has a core of coffee notes and a light toastiness, and that smoothness and balance only 15-plus years can produce. A mellow, cedary finish. Another perfect draw for a panetela, which is not easily achieved. Elegant and refined.
--Gordon Mott
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Montecristo Tubo (1993)
92 I bought these Tubos in 1994 in London and I don't remember them being this strong. Almost too much. This is full-bodied with loads of coffee character. Really decadent.
--James Suckling
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Partagas Lusitana (1991)
91 I am not a huge fan of double corona cigars. Who has the time? But I had to make time for this one. It's beautiful and refined with an almost honey and cedar character. Medium-bodied, with a fresh and refined finish and a hint of walnuts. Superb.
--James Suckling
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Juan Lopez Corona (1997)
90 This beautiful corona has a salty flavor at first, and warms up to show soft wood notes. The draw is sublime, and the smoke has a creamy, lush texture. It's no powerhouse, and not complex, but it's an enjoyable smoke.
--David Savona
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