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Home > What's New > Connoisseur's Corner, October 2005
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Connoisseur's Corner, October 2005
Posted: Monday, December 05, 2005
Reprinted from the October 2005 issue of Cigar Aficionado
Slim cigars such as panetelas and lonsdales have taken a back seat in popularity to fatter smokes, most notably the robusto, but sometimes a svelte smoke can deliver immense amounts of flavor. Such is the case with a 27-year-old Bolivar Especial. This panetela is no longer in the Bolivar portfolio -- no doubt due to sagging sales -- but this classic rating shows that it's a sad loss to the cigar world. It was quite strong despite its years of rest. This page is typically dominated by Cuban smokes, but a pair of old Dominican cigars also scored well, showing that even mild cigars can sometimes benefit from careful aging.
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Bolivar Especial (1978)
95 This panetela is the same size as a Cohiba Lancero, but it's no longer made. It's big and spicy for such a thin cigar, with floral, cinnamon character throughout. It's full bodied, with a long, fresh aftertaste.
--James Suckling
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H. Upmann Sir Winston (1996)
93 This Churchill cigar still might be available in some cigar shops or at auction, so watch out. It delivers lots of chocolate with cedar and tobacco character. Medium bodied and very flavorful, it's super refined and long lasting on your palate. A beauty.
--James Suckling
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Davidoff 2000 (1989)
93 Reminds me of tea with its rich and long palate. Full bodied with Indian tea, cedar, mahogany and spices. Long finish. I still like the 1000 better, even though the finish on this cigar is longer
--James Suckling
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Partagas 150 C (1995)
91 This Dominican Partagas is an elegant, smooth smoke. It has a mild start, with notes of almond, vanilla and bread, and becomes more woody and toasty as it burns. A sublime, mellow and lovely cigar.
--David Savona
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Ashton Cabinet NO. 7 (1995)
90 I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to smoke aged Connecticut-shade-wrapper cigars. This cigar has evolved beautifully, losing that vegetal tinge that young Connecticut-shade cigars often have, and replacing it with a solid, cedary core. It's still mild, but smooth and creamy. A very pleasant smoke.
--Gordon Mott
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Punch Margaritas (1993)
90 I am smoking this panetela with an espresso in my kitchen and it's delightful. Plenty of roasted coffee and cedar with hints of tobacco. Medium bodied with a silky texture and a long, fresh finish. I always like this smoke.
--James Suckling
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