Oh, this cigar gets us very excited! Cigar Aficionado has named the 92-rated Dunhill Signed Range Toro the #19 Top Cigar of 2011 (and the #10 cigar of the year in 2007), and rightfully so!  At the risk of sounding biased, the Dunhill Signed Range is by far one of our favorite cigars and it is certainly a very difficult cigar to acquire any information on and sometimes equally hard to purchase.  We are fortunate enough to carry 3 of the sizes (it comes in at least 6 sizes total when you can find it): Robusto (4 1/2 x 52), Toro (6 x 50) and the Torpedo (5 1/2 x 52T).

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor: Medium
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic

[caption id="attachment_417" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Dunhill Signed Range Cigars at My Discount CigarsFlavor: Medium"][/caption]

British American Tobacco selected Carlos Torano to take over the production of the Dominican Dunhill Signed Range line and have also launched the newest line of Dunhills, the Nicaraguan Signed Range, which filled the demand for a more fuller-bodied cigar. The Dunhill Nicaraguan Signed Range line was introduced in 2007.

We can't stress enough how creamy, smooth and flavor-packed the Dunhill Signed Range is! Handmade in Nicaragua under the close supervision of the Torano family the Dunhill Signed Range cigars feature Nicaraguan wrappers, Cameroon binders, and aged Nicaraguan and Dominican filler leaves for a medium to full-bodied creamy smoke bursting with nutty, coffee, dark chocolate, cedar, caramel and slight peppery notes!

Besides the incredible smoothness and most delicious flavor profile of the Dunhill Signed Range, what makes it doubly enticing, especially for collectors, is that each box is individually numbered and features the signatures of the inspectors as well as some of the rollers responsible for that unique batch. The Dunhill Signed Range cigars are definitely not given enough credit or attention and we hope that you take our word for how very special, tasty, and unique these cigars truly are and splurge for a box (if not a full box, then at least try the 5-cigar sampler) of this treasure!

[caption id="attachment_418" align="alignleft" width="112" caption="Dunhill Signed Range Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

RATED 92 BY CIGAR AFICIONADO AND NAMED THE #19 TOP CIGAR OF 2011!

The Dunhill Signed Range is available for purchase online at MyDiscountCigar.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lisa, of Her Humidor Cigar Reviews, Shares Her Experience of the Dunhill Signed Range Short Robusto

I don't know if it's just me but does any one else have a problem with on-line retailers sending you the wrong cigar? Maybe they see the name and think that just because I'm female they think they can get away with it. For example, instead of the Esteban Carreras 1961 corona, I get the Carlos Torano 1916 corona. Now granted they both have Spanish names and dates in their name but still...

Another switcharoo done to me is the Dunhill Signed Range Short Robusto Dominican for the Dunhill Signed Range Nicaraguan. This time I can't complain because not only was this cigar more expensive (being discontinued), but it also tasted fantastic.

The Dunhill Signed Range cigar line was released first in Great Britain in 2001 then released in the U.S. in 2002. Originally the cigars were manufactured at the Cuevas and Torano factory in Navarette, Dominican Republic. The Dunhill Signed Range cigars were created to cater to the popularity of more fuller bodied cigars compared to the mild blend found in their Dunhill Aged cigars. The tobacco used in the Dominican produced Signed Range is a Connecticut seed Ecuadorean wrapper, Pennsylvania broadleaf seed binder, and a Columbian and Dominican filler. In 2007, production was moved to Nicaragua and the Torano factory based in Esteli. The manufacturer states that this was a "quest to find the best super premium cigar blend". The Nicaraguan Signed Range contains a Cuban seed Nicaraguan wrapper, African cameroon binder, and Nicaraguan and Dominican long filler tobaccos.

If you buy a box of these Dunhill Signed Range cigars you will notice that they are numbered and feature the signatures of the people responsible for creating the cigars. The torcedor (cigar roller), escogedor (sorter), empacador (packer) and the ultimo control de calidad (quality supervisor) all hand sign each box they are responsible for.

The band on my Dunhill Signed Range cigar gives away the fact that these were produced in the Dominican Republic. In fact, the toro sized Signed Range Nicaraguan that I ordered at the same time shows the correct label. The Dominican band has a more modern simplistic look compared to the Nicaraguan which has the "Dunhill" name in cursive with "since 1907" underneath it.

The Dunhill Signed Range cigar was well constructed. The wrapping was nice and tight and held on during the entire smoke. The wrapper color I would describe as a smooth "paper bag" brown with some small veins through out. The cigar felt firm and nicely packed. The pre-light draw was free and felt perfect with a very slight minimal resistance. The flavor on the pre-light draw was a creamy sweet tea. The wrapper itself smelled like sweet earthy tobacco and the foot like sweet black tea. The cap was nicely formed with two seams and cut easily with a Palio cutter.

You get a nice volume of smoke with each draw. Immediately you taste nice toasted wood flavors with a slight bitter tinge and warm spices in the background. The flavor starts off mild but tastes very balanced and smooth. You also get a little whisper of cream and vanilla. The burn starts off a little lopsided but nothing too drastic. The burn line is nice and sharp and the ash formed is very compact and light gray in color. Eventually, you taste a more cinnamon on the finish. The mildness makes this cigar seem like an ideal smoke for your morning coffee. The smoke leaves a nice trace of sweetness in the mouth. The resting smoke is very pleasant and exudes warm spiced tobacco.

At the one inch point, the Dunhill Signed Range cigar develops more creaminess like roasted nuts and spice. Plus the flavors become more pronounced and tastier. In the second third, the flavors remain smooth and you get the same toasty wood and spices plus a much longer finish of cedar and light leather along with nuts and vanilla. There is definitely nice complexity in this cigar. At this point the Dunhill Signed Range cigar is solidly medium but beginning to develop into the full range. Still no bitterness or harshness. The flavor is deep and rich at the two inch sweet spot with a nice caramelized vanilla sugar residual finish.

The final third displays an interesting pronounced cedar and leather body which just dominates the palate. I also notice more clove spice which is really nice and some pepper. The back of my throat can feel a little heat as if someone sprinkled pepper on my cigar behind my back. The Dunhill Signed Range cigar is in the full range in the last third. The flavors stay smooth and the finish is now marathon long. It also stays surprisingly cool even though you are down to the nub.

Even though this cigar is a bit pricey at $10.85 for a short robusto (4 and 1/2" by 52 ring gauge) for which I actually paid $9.75, I would consider buying the Dunhill Signed Range cigar again because of it's elegant flavors and complexity. I'm interested in tasting the Nicaraguan Dunhill Signed Range to see if it is better or just as complex. I mentioned that I also received the toro sized Signed Range which is Nicaraguan so I should be getting the opportunity to compare these cigars very soon.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks Lisa B. for your great review! It's a pleasure getting another woman's point of view!

Most of you might assume that "Warlock" means a male version of a witch (and some of you younger folks might associate it with Charlie Sheen on one of his recent rants), but if you dig deeper, in "Old Norse" it actually means "caller of the spirits."

[caption id="attachment_411" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Warlock Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Ranked as the #9 cigar of 2011 by Cigar Aficionado with a 92 rating for their Robusto size, the Warlock was released in 2010 by Altadis U.S.A. Inc.  Specially crafted by hand in Nicaragua's Condega region by cigar-maker Omar Ortez, the super-premium Warlock cigar packs ample boldness and flavor. While the majority of cigar factories in Nicaragua are found in Esteli, the Warlock hails from the Condega region where the tobaccos are just the right balance, not as strong as the tobaccos of Esteli, yet not as creamy as those grown in the Jalapa region. Though it is not classified as a boutique cigar it is a bit of a stretch for Altadis U.S.A. the cigar giant, with its edgy overall appearance, outlaw name, gothic black font on the silver band, and housed in a rustic-looking wooden box.

Image aside, the Warlock is a strong smoke from the first puff and is balanced with leathery, salty flavors, and earthy notes complemented by subtle spices. The leather aroma is not the old-shoe type of leather, but more of a smooth, buttery, soft leather coat. On the finish there is a woody tone reminiscent of white wine oak casks. It is a bit of a firmer cigar to the touch with a well-placed cap and just a few slight veins. You will get a consistent, even burn and an ash that will hold out to about 2". The oily, dark Ecuadorian Cuban-seed wrappers that envelop the Warlock cigar, combined with Dominican and Nicaraguan long-fillers and a rich Nicaraguan binder make this cigar a complex and robust powerhouse. Though the Warlock is powerful, it is in the same token quite refined. This cigar would be well-paired with a full-bodied cab or a fine Scotch. The medium to full-bodied Warlock cigar was created to be strong, and boy do they deliver! A definite treat for all the senses.

RATED 92 BY CIGAR AFICIONADO AND THE #9 CIGAR OF 2011!

[caption id="attachment_410" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Warlock Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor: Medium to Full
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Cubano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

The Warlock cigars are available for purchase online here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cigar Review of the Warlock Robusto, by Seth Geise of Seth's Humidor

January 27, 2012

Warlock Robusto

When one thinks of cigars by Altadis, the Warlock line is not your typical line. More often than not one will think of Montecristo or Romeo Y Julieta. There is nothing wrong with those lines, but the Warlock Robusto captures something a little more special. The great aspect of the Warlock Robusto line is that it has always captured those great qualities of a boutique brand while having the backing of a large cigar manufacturing company. When the cigar was initially released in 2010 it captured the eyes of smokers like myself, who is a boutique smoker, and it also caught the eyes of those who loved the lines Altadis had. Unfortunately, like most cigars after several months, I lost attention to newer products, but when the cigar recently got the Number 9 Ranking by Cigar Aficionado, I began to pay some more attention again. I am fortunate enough to be able to be in touch with Altadis, and when they offered me some samples to review, I was more than glad to try them out again and review them.

The Warlock line is made in Nicaragua by Omar Ortez, and is made in their Nicaraguan factory called Agros Tobacos. Omar Ortez has worked with Altadis for many years now, and besides having his own line Omar Ortez Originals, he has worked on other blends of theirs as well, and is the sole creator behind the Warlock line. The Warlock Robusto cigar is made with tobacco of theirs that has been selected because of its rich and bold flavors, and is made from some of the best countries as well. The wrapper is Ecuadorian Cubano seed, and underneath that  is a Nicaraguan binder. With a great binder and wrapper there lies a great filler blend composed of tobacco from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. I should note that all the tobacco from Nicaragua in this cigar is actually tobacco from the Condega region in Nicaragua. The region is known for producing very balanced and flavorful tobacco. It is not as flavorful and refined as tobacco from Jalapa,or as strong as that of tobacco in Esteli, but is a perfect balance between the two.

The vitola I smoked was the robusto vitola, which was the smoke that recently received the very high ranking, and it measures 4 3/4" with a 54 ring gauge. The Warlock Robusto cigar is beautiful in hand, and has that dark coloring and fonts associated with the world surrounding a "warlock." It has a dark chocolate brown wrapper, Colorado Maduro, and it has some veins present here and there. It is a very firm cigar, and the cap is placed on perfectly. Feeling all the oils that are present in the wrapper I am getting wonderful aromas of barnyard, rich earth, leather and damp wood from the foot and wrapper of the cigar. As I cut the cigar the cold draw is great, and producing some great flavors with it. I am really looking forward to this smoke, and so I am lighting it up.

Beautiful and Oily Ecuadorian Cubano Wrapper

From the get go the Warlock Robusto cigar shows those rich earth flavors that I got from the pre-light aroma. It is a very pleasant smoke that is producing a huge amount of smoke. As I get further into the first third I begin to pick up a lot more flavors, and some really unique qualities to it. There is a nice bit of salted wood, rich earth and leather, along with this caramel mocha finish. It's really an enjoyable smoke, and it reminds me of Cuban cigars that are very rich. Not that Cuban cigars aren't rich, but it is reminiscent in some ways of a Bolivar, Partagas, or even a Ramon Allones. It is just a lovely cigar that has great qualities. I would say the Warlock Robusto cigar is smoking at a solid medium for me, and it is leaving a solid ash that is charcoal gray in coloring. The cigar is burning incredibly even and slow. I feel that the oils from the wrapper are cooling off the heat so it burns slowly, it is very nice. 

As I get into the second third of the Warlock cigar, it is still showing those awesome flavors from the first third, and is staying at a solid medium in terms of strength. I am really digging the flavors that this cigar is giving off, and it is really a cigar that I find to be one of a kind. It captures two different flavor profiles while being one cigar. It's like drinking a Shiraz and Chardonnay at once, and having it be great. Those flavors of salted wood, caramel and leather you typically find in one cigar, and then the rich earth, mocha, and barnyard flavors you find in another. A very enjoyable cigar. The burn line is still perfect in the second third, and I am holding on to the ash from the first third. The coloring is still that of charcoal gray, and the cigar is producing tons of rich smoke.

I am the final third of the Warlock Robusto cigar now, and this great experience is coming to a close. The cigar is still burning perfectly in this third, and leaving a beautiful ash and burn line, and the smoke is still very thick and aromatic. As I get close to the nub the cigar is still burning cool, and even when I get into the nub the cigar never got hot and was great all the way to the end. In terms of flavor the cigar stayed very same in the final third to what it was in the first two thirds, but it was so great I did not want it to change. Those unique flavors were very complex, and I am sure I have been something when trying to pick out the flavors. As I have been saying the combination of caramel, mocha, wood, salt, leather, rich earth, and barnyard have been phenomenal throughout, and I can see how this cigar kept on capturing the attention and palates of the Cigar Aficionado Tasting Panel.

These Warlock Robusto cigars were so entertaining to smoke. I felt that they really captured these qualities that you typically find in a rich Cuban cigar, and that made them so great for me. They were always flavorful from beginning to end, and they performed very well as cigars. They were not powerful or soft, solid medium in body, but the flavors were damn great. I really love that Altadis is attempting to make some boutique smokes no matter the size of the company, and try and captivate those cigar snobs out there who love boutique smokes. I think they are taking some right steps in reaching out to a lot of smokers, and this is a prime example of that. This was a great cigar in that sense, and is a great cigar in general. I give the Warlock Robusto cigar a 92, and really look forward to smoking more of these down the road. I have smoked them before, but this is the first time that I really sat down and analyzed them, and because of that I picked up those wonderful qualities it had to offer. This is one of the best brands that Altadis makes, and it is also one of their brands that is in actuality boutique. Quite simply,  a wonderful cigar by Omar Ortez and Altadis, and congratulation on the great ranking you all got in Cigar Aficionado Top 25 Cigars of 2011!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seth, thanks for yet another amazing and detailed review!

Today we honor the legendary Excalibur blends by Hoyo de Monterrey.  Hoyo de Monterrey has always been a consistent, well made, reasonably priced brand. We will highlight the flavor characters of each of the following blends:  Excalibur Legend, Excalibur Dark Knight, the Excalibur Cameroon blend and Excalibur (as well as Excalibur Maduro).

[caption id="attachment_393" align="alignleft" width="134" caption="Excalibur Legends at My Discount Cigar"][/caption]

Excalibur Legend:
As one of the most well-known brands to come from Honduras it is only fitting that the Hoyo de Monterrey's Excalibur Legend would pay homage to this brand's pedigree with such a regal title and its rich flavors that just command such attention. The Excalibur Legend is blended with proprietary tobacco cultivated exclusively for the company on the remote volcanic island of Ometepe and combines it with a potent Dominican ligero tobacco. All the tobaccos used to make this blend give it a complex combination  with a spicy and rich finish. General Cigar Company took the same wrapper for the Excalibur Legend that it used on the Excalibur Dark Knight blend, which should give you an idea of the boldness of your smoking experience. The Excalibur Legend is clearly designed to appeal to a more "seasoned" smoker who demands a full-flavored stogie.  With its well-earned 91 rating by Cigar Insider (of Cigar Aficionado) they describe it with the following terms "This thick cigar is rich with leather from the the first puff, developing to show tea and toast flavors. A balanced smoke with a profoundly leathery core."  We couldn't have said it better! So jump on the Excalibur Legend bandwagon and prepare for a smooth and intense ride.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Flavor: Full
Wrapper: Honduran Claro
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler, Nicaragua, Dominican, Honduras
Cigars in the Legend line: Excalibur Challenger (5 1/4 x 50), Excalibur Conquerer (6 1/4 x 54), Excalibur Crusader (5 3/4 x 45)

[caption id="attachment_395" align="alignleft" width="198" caption="Excalibur Dark Knight at My Discount Cigar"][/caption]

Excalibur Dark Knight:
The Excalibur Dark Knight line, the cream of the Hoyo de Monterrey crop, is wrapped in a beautiful Cuban Havana seed wrapper, complex filler and binder, giving them a robust but exquisitely smooth taste. This line was originally part of the Excalibur 1066 line (phased out by the General Cigar Company in 2010), the Excalibur Dark Knight now has its own platform to highlight the incredible taste of its unique and rich wrapper. Even though with a name like "Dark Knight" it does not come with a bat logo, experienced cigar smokers will vouch that since its introduction in 2004 it does however pack a punch with its rich, dark and complex flavors and is housed in a stained dark wooden box that resembles a treasure chest. The Hoyo de Monterrey's Excalibur Dark Knight blend expertly balances a rich, full flavor with full body. The consistent and beautiful burn make this cigar a dream to smoke. The Excalibur Dark Knight has just the right draw and exudes hints of wood, leather and sweetness. Stick after stick the Excalibur Dark Knight  will give you a very fulfilling smoking experience that makes it worth your money and your while.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Flavor: Full
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican Republic
Cigars in the Excalibur Dark Knight line: Excalibur Dark Knight I (5 3/4 x 54), Excalibur Dark Knight II (6 1/2 x 52), Excalibur Dark Knight III (4 1/2 x 50), Excalibur Dark Knight IV Tubo (5 x 52)

Excalibur Cameroon:

After Hoyo de Monterrey phased out the 1066 line in 2010, the Excalibur Cameroon line was introduced. The Excalibur Cameroon cigar is a full-bodied Honduran cigar that is highlighted by its rich Cameroon wrapper and its flavorful Connecticut Broadleaf binder.  Its unique story is that the Excalibur Cameroon cigar was named "The People's Choice Cigar" because its blend was selected by cigar smokers who have a deep passion for cigars. The Cameroon series features a shiny Cameroon wrapper which enhances this collection with its uniquely spicy tone. The Excalibur Cameroon is a blend that combines Honduran, Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. Its character is enhanced by a select Connecticut Broadleaf binder which is grown in the Connecticut River Valley.  Because the tobaccos of the Excalibur Cameroon are cured over a lengthy period of time, the flavors become richer with some spicy overtones, pleasing the most discriminating smoker. With an 88 rating by Cigar Insider (of Cigar Aficionado), the Excalibur Cameroon is undoubtedly a well-made cigar with a great draw and burn, a well-placed cap, silky smooth and balanced smoke, and flavors that range from pepper, ginger, floral, toasty, buttery, creamy with some chalky and vanilla notes throughout.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Flavor: Medium
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic
Cigars in the Excalibur Cameroon line:  Excalibur Cameroon Galahad (6 3/4 x 47), the Excalibur Cameroon King Arthur (6 1/4 x 45), the Excalibur Cameroon Lancelot (7 1/4 x 54) and the Excalibur Cameroon Merlin (5 1/4 x 50)

Excalibur (Excalibur Maduro):

The Excalibur cigar is the perfect example of Honduran craftsmanship that combines a golden USA Connecticut Shade wrapper with a rich binder and filler, exuding a creamy aroma and a long finish. A superb cigar with great detail to construction, Hoyo de Monterrey's Excalibur is lighter in color than a Cuban cigar due to its fine Connecticut Shade wrapper and the excellent quality using the top 10% of the factory's tobacco from Nicaragua and Honduras.  Once these fine cigars are rolled by master cigar makers in tradition that dates back to 1865, they are then carefully packaged in lovely Spanish cedar boxes to enhance their character and bouquet. The Excalibur is aged in cedar, is mild to medium-bodied and complex. Seasoned smokers favor the Excalibur cigar's complexity.  This golden brown Excalibur cigar tantalizes the palate with toasty smoke and an array of flavors ranging from cedar, spice, earth, wood, nuts and slight sweet notes. It is mild to medium in body, but if you prefer a bolder and fuller flavor try the Excalibur Maduro blend with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The Excalibur Maduro is a dark and attractive cigar enveloped in an oily, and toothy Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and a second layer of dark Connecticut Broadleaf for the binder. Not only did Cigar Insider (of Cigar Aficionado) rate the Excalibur Epicure Maduro as the #8 cigar of 2007 as "The 25 Best Cigars of the Year", Cigar Cyclopedia gave the collection an "A" rating as well. Excalibur, the cigar that was inspired by the legendary sword of King Arthur, strikes a perfect balance between the smooth flavors of its blonde wrapper and the straightforward taste of its rich filler tobaccos. With over 12 sizes and shapes to select from you have no excuse not to find one Excalibur to your liking.

Country of Origin: Honduras
Flavor: Mild to Medium
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade (Connecticut Broadleaf - Maduro)
Binder: Connecticut Shade (Connecticut Broadleaf - Maduro)
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Honduras
Cigars in the Excalibur (Maduro) line:  Excalibur #1 (Maduro #1) (7 1/4 x 54), Excalibur #2 (Maduro #2) (6 3/4 x 47), Excalibur #3 (Maduro #3) (6 1/8 x 48), Excalibur #4 (Maduro #4) (5 5/8 x 46), Excalibur #5 (Maduro #5) (6 1/4 x 45), Excalibur #6 (Maduro #6) (5 1/2 x 38), Excalibur #7 (Maduro #7) (5 x 43), Excalibur Cigarillos 20-Ct Tin (4 x 25), Excalibur Emperor (8 1/2 x 52), Excalibur Epicure (Epicure Maduro) (5 1/4 x 50), Excalibur Miniatures 20-Ct. Tin (3 x 22), Excalibur Prensado (6 1/8 x 48)

For the true test we suggest you try one of each of the Excalibur blends, starting with the Excalibur, followed by an Excalibur Cameroon, then sampling an Excalibur Legend and finishing off with an after-dinner smoke of an Excalibur Dark Knight blend.

The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur blends are all available for purchase online at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about Hoyo de Monterrey's Excalibur blends please visit their official site at CigarWorld.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seth Geise, of Seth's Humidor, Shares His Review of the Hoyo De Monterrey's Excalibur Epicure Maduro

The other day I was smoking an Illusione ~4/2g~ and a Ramon Allones Gigantes side by side when I was asked by a customer what my opinion was on the Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Epicure Maduro. I immediately told him that I loved that cigar, and though I hadn’t smoke one in some time it was time to light one up. The cigar for me has always delivered wonderful flavors, nice medium body, and a great affordable price. The cigar did well by Cigar Aficionado in 2007, and I think they are just as great now as they were for the staff at Cigar Aficionado then. Though General Cigars and Altadis are not boutique manufacturers, the fact that they are so large gives them the opportunity to get some great tobacco that smaller manufacturers could never get. The Hoyo de Monterrey is one of the oldest cigar lines in the industry, and is one of the few lines that are made in and outside of Cuba to this day.

Some might not have great things to say about this cigar because it is made by General, and because it is a cigar that is easily accessible and not boutique, but that is just silly. This is a cigar that always delivers, and never bores. It is not overly complex in the flavor department, but the flavors it does have are wonderful throughout and never dull. With flavors being consistent throughout the cigar has to be bunched just perfectly, and this cigar was. You could never go wrong with this cigar, and even though I do not smoke them often or have them in my humidor it does not mean it is bad. This is a cigar that every retailer should carry, and it will move. All the shops I recommend carry these smokes, and there is a reason for that. This is a consistent cigar aimed for every smoker. If I were to buy one cigar from General Cigars this Excalibur Epicure Maduro would be it, and following this it would be the Punch Uppercut. A 90 rated cigar that will always deliver. The Excalibur Epicure Maduro is a great cigar to share with your friends who are big time smokers, and a cigar that is great for newcomers as well.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for a super review Seth!

With its new Platinum Series, Montecristo, long considered the international brand by which all other premiums are measured, sets new standards for luxury cigars. Crafted with selected San Andres Cubano wrapper (grown in the legendary San Andres Valley), along with a rich, Dominican binder and a special vintage blend of Nicaraguan, Peruvian and Dominican long filler tobaccos, the exquisite Montecristo Platinum cigars offer the connoisseur a rich, sensual smoking experience without equal.  The Montecristo Platinum Churchill Tube cigars were named #22 on Cigar Aficionado's Best 25 Cigars of 2010 List!

[caption id="attachment_375" align="aligncenter" width="251" caption="Montecristo Platinum Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

The Montecristo Platinum cigars allows cigar lovers to indulge in a richer and bolder smoke that some of the traditional Montecristo blends don't offer.  The solid blend of binder and filler give the Montecristo Platinum its earthy core and the wrapper gives it a pleasant and mellow special woody spice.  The Mexican wrappers of the Montecristo Platinum cigars are smooth with an oily sheen and feel to them.  Expect a medium-to-full-bodied intensity with the cocoa, woody and earthy flavors increasing as you smoke it, ending in a peppery note. The Montecristo Platinum give off a fair amount of smoke, burn evenly and have a smooth draw.  The flavors never overpower your palate, which makes this cigar an incredible smoke that will perform famously each time you light one up.

[caption id="attachment_377" align="alignleft" width="54" caption="Montecristo Platinum Rothchilde Tube at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

The Montecristo Platinum cigars are individually housed in a protective silver tube and displayed in their new silver-blue boxes (the Michel Delacroix painted boxes depicting the famous Havana harbor are no longer available).  We offer the following sizes in the Montecristo Platinum series:  Churchill Tube (7 x 50), Habana No. 2 (6 1/2 x 52T), No. 3 (5 1/2 x 44), Robusto (5 x 50), Rothchilde Tube (5 x 50), and Toro (6 x 50).  The Montecristo Platinum cigars are truly a reward for all of the senses… don't let this beauty slip by unnoticed, try some with your friends this weekend.

RATED 92 BY CIGAR AFICIONADO AND #22 ON THEIR BEST 25 CIGARS OF 2010 LIST!

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Flavor: Medium
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Cubano
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Nicaragua, Peru, Dominican Republic

The Montecristo Platinum cigars are available online at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about the Montecristo Platinum series cigars please visit AltadisUSA.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Binder: Mexican
Wrapper: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian
Size: No. 3 (Corona) 5.5 X 44
Price: $5.70

The Dominican based Montecristo Brand has been real hit and miss for me. I hated the Edmundos (had burn problems, tunnels and they smelled like cheese), the White labels are always way too tight for me to enjoy and the Brown label is typically a bit tight as well although tasty when it’s on. Tack on the price and time and again I choose against these cigars at the B&M knowing that I am in for a unpredictable experience at best, should I select one. They just never seem to kick out the volume I desire although they do burn very slow. Personally, I want thick voluminous clouds of smoke and could care less how fast it burns as long as it burns well and delivers the goods.

I have been sampling many different Vitolas to see if that makes a difference with the Brown and White labels and so far it had not. On my Birthday this year my loving Wife took me on a little trip to the local B&M for a few cigars. I selected 3 MC’s (1 of each blend – White,
Brown and Platinum) all in the #3 aka Corona size. I figured if they can’t get the Corona right then they can’t get anything right and I am done with them for good. After smoking the White and Brown label….I am pretty much done with them.

Will the Montecristo Platinum No. 3 possibly be able to redeem the Montecristo name? Altadis better hope so if they ever want to see a dime out of me again as I typically tend to stick more with the boutique blenders anyway.

As I unwrap and look over the Montecristo Platinum #3 cigar it looks and feels pretty good. Thank goodness it isn’t rock hard as it’s predecessors were and I imagine it should perform pretty well. There is a sweet and savory cocoa on the wrapper with just a hint of barnyard and wood. It sure smells delectable. Speaking of the wrapper, its visual quality is pretty decent.  The cap is well placed and it definitely feels much better packed that most of the MC’s I have smoked to date. The prelight draw is open with some dried fruit and sweetness.

The Montecristo Platinum No 3 cigar starts off very smooth with a good medium body and a solid core of flavor. There are detectable hints of sweetness mixed with a touch of dried fruit and leather.  A nip of pepper through the nose and a little more on the finish is making me good and satisfied already. There is a sweet creaminess to the smoke as it coats the palate up front and then a slight but present spicy tingle on the finish. Rinse and repeat as necessary….. It doesn’t take long at all before the body starts increasing.

Entering the second 3rd this is certainly heading in the direction of full bodied and if it keeps increasing as it has been it should make it there by the half. The flavor of the Montecristo Platinum No. 3 contiues to wow me with a unique and satisfying profile. Perhaps I finally found the Monte that is right for me. Construction hasn’t even been on my mind since so far this cigar has been a sipping mans dream. 1 puff is all it takes to glean a good volume of smoke. The burn has been perfect and I couldn’t be happier.

There is some good strength to the smoke as I approach the 1/2 of the Montecristo Platinum No. 3 cigar. It isn’t wildly complex or anything but what is there is being delivered in spades and the uniqueness is keeping it more than interesting to me. It is similar to the Brown Label but I have yet to get a brown label that smoked anywhere near as good as this. I love the sweetness in the flavor and aroma. I really dig the background nuances of wood, cocoa, and leather. A tiny touch of jasmine flits in and out on the retrohale. Above all else the solid body without a ton of acidity, the excellent finish and the ultimate  smoothness of this cigar is really what keeps jumping out at me and smacking me down with enjoyment.

The final 3rd of the Montecristo Platinum #3 is a crescendo of flavor, body and strength. Everything is climaxing nicely and I am starting to get a nice nicotine fix. Smooth waves of creamy cocoa coat my palate and then more smoothness on the retrohale featuring wood, jasmine and pepper. Performance has remained perfect and this is one that will go down to the nub.

This Montecristo Platinum No 3 cigar really turned it around for me. I had pretty much had it with MC up until this point and couldn’t even begin to fathom how a) they are still around and b) how they are so widely revered.  Now I can see at least how this cigar is keeping them relevant although with the lowest sticker price of the bunch (white, brown, platinum)  I find it silly that this is clearly the best of the group IMO. You would think the Platinum would be as top shelf as can be with a name like that. Plus Vintage? Come on. This wrapper is over 12 years old and it only cost me $5.70 B&M price? For once I feel like I got a deal at a B&M. I strongly encourage people to try the Montecristo Platinum No. 3 cigar. It is very good. Anyone should be able to enjoy it, most B&M’s should have it and you won’t go broke sampling this one.      93

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for such an honest and candid review, My Cigar Reviews!!!

[caption id="attachment_367" align="alignleft" width="44" caption="Montecristo Afrique Sublimation at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

The Montecristo Afrique, is a truly rare gem.  Rarely is a truly unique, new blend created in the cigar industry, as most new brands are just remodifications of existing blends.  One of the reasons being that there is a limited variety of black cigar tobacco available for cigar producers to create new blends.  Master blenders, like great chefs, when given the same ingredients as the others to work with, can create amazing tobacco blends. But unless given a new ingredient to work with they are limited in creating truly unique cigars.  The Montecristo Afrique is exactly the rare and unique cigar that only a master blender can create.  It is the joint efforts between George Gershel, Altadis USA's Tobacco Expert, and Lew Rothman.  The Montecristo Afrique is blended with African-grown black tobaccos, specifically a wonderful new leaf from Tanzania.  After much experimentation, a nearly all-African blend was created, which includes a touch of spicy Peruvian ligero bound by an Ecuadorian Sumatran binder, and wrapped in a African-grown Cameroon leaf.

Just like its unique Tanzanian leaf, the flavor of the Montecristo Afrique is equally unique.  Stronger, more dense and richer in body in the smaller ring sizes, and considerably milder in the larger ring sizes, the Montecristo Afrique is certainly a complex smoking experience.  While its ligero core is more peppery, the velvety smoke of the Tanzanian leaves kicks in.  The flavors progressed from a woody, spicy earth to a creamy, chocolatey, coffee.  With the delicate spice of the Cameroon wrapper, the Montecristo Afrique cigar's flavor is intoxicating on the palate, to say the least, and is possibly the creamiest cigar our staff has ever smoked.

The Montecristo Afrique is an absolute must-try for all cigar aficionados.  With several sizes available, here are just a few    we sampled:  Lemosho (5 x 40), Machame (5 x 44), Sublimation (5 1/2 x 43 in glass tubes), and Uhuru (5 x 47).  The Montecristo Afrique cigars are nabbed up very quickly, if you can get a box of them consider yourself lucky!

[caption id="attachment_368" align="alignright" width="180" caption="Montecristo Afrique Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Flavor: Medium to Full
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Filler: Peruvian Ligero, Africa, Nicaragua

The Montecristo Afrique blends are available online here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

You can learn more about the Montecristo Afrique cigars at AltadisUSA.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cigar Review of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru Cigar by Walt, of Stogie Review

Origin: Dominican Republic

[caption id="attachment_371" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Montecristo Afrique Uhuru Cigars"][/caption]

Length: 5.00
Ring: 47
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper Color: Medium Brown (E)
Wrapper Type: Cameroon
Binder: ECU
Filler: AFRICA/NIC/PERU
Shape: Parejo

Yesterday I was in the mood for a cigar. I had been running in and out of the house all day and I just wanted to kick back and relax. I opened up the Humidor and it was a toss up. It was either going to be the Montecristo Afrique or a Romeo y Jullieta – Aniversario. On a whim I picked up the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru and vastly enjoyed this cigar.

I purchased a five pack of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru smokes from JR back in Feb. This was my last one, and I think that the two months of aging put this cigar over the top. It was much different than I remember the last ones being. Here is how it went.

I pulled the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar out of the cellophane sheath if came in and took some time to look over it. It was slightly veiny but attractive. The Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar was firm yet pliable between the fingers. This cigar smelled very rich inviting. My plug cutter cut a beautiful plug with no cracking or splitting in the cap.

Upon lighting the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru there was a vibe from this cigar that made you feel as though it was going to be a good cigar. The initial draw was very light and flavorful. The resting smoke emitting from the foot was nice and light.

The first couple of puffs were kind of tricky. The aroma of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar was almost woodsy while the taste was sweet and totally different from what I was expecting from the smell. The smoke exiting from my mouth left a sweet taste on my lips that was nice. I’ve never had this before.

As I moved on down the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar the flavors became more and more subtle. After about an inch and a half, the flavors were sort of soft on the pallet. They sort of rolled on then rolled clean off the pallet as you blew out the smoke.

At around the half way point of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru cigar there were slight hints of pepper that complimented the smooth initial tastes of the cigar. From the start the burn rate was nice and slow with a perfect burn. The ash was firm and what I would describe as a bright grey ash.

The flavors started to evolve some more as I continued to smoke. At this point I was getting sweet smells in my sinuses as I blew the smoke out of my nose. The pepper flavor on my pallet was starting to pick up a bit and I was now getting what tasted like black coffee.

All of the initial flavors started to subside and there was now a distinct pepper flavor on my pallet that was quiet good. The build up to this was very enjoyable. The burn rate was still good as well as the ash. By now there was only about an inch of the cigar left. I continued to smoke the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru until I could no longer hold it.

The worst part of this cigar was when it was time to let it go out. The Montecristo Afrique Uhuru was so enjoyable that I just couldn’t get myself to put it down and walk away. I smoked this cigar for just over an hour and a half. I don?t know if it was just the atmosphere or the fact that I was looking forward to a good cigar all day, but this stick was an absolute joy to smoke and I would highly recommend the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru as a late afternoon early evening smoke.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for sharing your smoking experience of the Montecristo Afrique Uhuru, Walt!