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Connoisseur's Corner, August 2006

We often smoke cigars with 20, 30 and even 40 or more years of age for Connoisseur's Corner, but it doesn't take decades to change the taste of a cigar. A little age can go a long, long way. Take, for example, the Montecristo No. 2 rated below. This stunning Cuban pyramid was made 13 years ago, in 1993, and in that relatively short time it has changed from a leathery powerhouse to a rich, creamy smoke with elegance and sweet spices. It's a classic, rated 96 points. The 12-year-old Cohiba Robusto also has changed, having lost some of its youthful vigor and power and taken on a more subtle balance. Few have the patience to age cigars for decades, but try laying down a box of your favorites for a few years. You might be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Reprinted from the August 2006 issue of Cigar Aficionado

Label

Montecristo No. 2 (1993)
96
A beautiful wrapper on this perfectly rolled torpedo. The draw is almost perfect, and consistently smooth. It has a creamy texture, with a hint of nutmeg. This is a gorgeous smoke, rich and delicious with a wonderfully elegant tobacco taste.
--Marvin R. Shanken

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Cohiba Robusto (1994)
93
This is a well-aged and well-balanced cigar with a smoothness on the palate. While not as strong as in its youth, this cigar has an elegance, with hints of fig flavors and a pleasant nutty finish. It has a clean, easy draw.
--Marvin R. Shanken

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Partagas Serie Du Connoisseur No. 1 (1998)
93
This aged lonsdale starts off with a good blast of spice, then mellows to show creamy almond and cedar flavors, with considerable richness. The finish is particularly good, showing balance, elegance and finesse.
--David Savona

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Bolivar Lonsdale (1997)
92
This is spicy, rich and still strong, like Bolivars used to be. Full body, with a coffee and spice character. Long and flavorful finish.
--James Suckling

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La Gloria Cubana Medaille D' OR No. 2 (1998)
92
Shows lots of spicy, almost decadent character from the moment you light it. Full to medium body, with fresh flavors and a mild finish. Powerful at first, but mellows.
--James Suckling

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Romeo Y Julieta Petit Corona (1995)
91
A pleasant small cigar. Excellent draw and burn, with a beautiful oily wrapper. It has smoothed out from age, and has a solid core of dry coffee bean and a slight pencil lead note on the palate. It has a long finish with very nice tobacco notes.
--Gordon Mott

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