Stogie Commentary: Perfect Fives
Thursday, January 31st, 2008After reading my recent review of the Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu No. 2 (Exclusivo Zona del Este), reader Cadfael asked what other cigars had received a heralded five out of five stogies rating. I directed him to our Stogie Reviews Archive at the top of the home page where you can see all the cigars we’ve reviewed and the rating each received.
But I kept thinking about it. And it seemed to me that it might be worthwhile and interesting to list all the other cigars that have been awarded five stogies, the reviewer, and a bit from the review.
First, here’s the definition of what a five out of five stogie rating means, according to our ratings system: “These cigars are truly an occasion. We recommend you give these babies your full and undivided attention. If not, you’d better be at a wedding or some other significant celebration.”
Now, on to the list.
The first cigar to achieve a perfect five was the Davidoff Grand Cru No. 3, which Patrick A called “one of the finest stogies I had ever enjoyed.” He praised it for a symphony of tastes that remained a smooth, graceful, and mild smoke. The only drawback, he wrote, was the price tag of around $13.
I praised another Ashton, the Classic Corona, for its finely mixed flavors, slow burn and creamy smoke.
Three Cubans grace the list. Patrick A found the Cohiba Siglo V to have the prelight aroma of “the subtle perfume of a delicate angel,” while the smoke itself yielded sophisticated floral notes as well as “complex salty and sour flavors complemented by an ever-present dark chocolate sweetness.”
Patrick S sang the praises of the Ramon Allones Specialy Selected, a robusto with excellent construction, a sturdy ash, and a lower price than many of its Cuban counterparts. “Immediately after lighting,” he wrote, “I enjoyed an abundant amount of leather flavors paired with pepper, earth, and even caramel.”
The relatively new Montecristo Petit Edmundo was “gorgeous in every way,” according to Patrick A. Praising its complexity, he called it “a well-balanced, full-bodied, complex masterpiece.”
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Torpedo was also praised by Patrick A as a cigar that never disappoints and a bargain at about $8.75 a stick. It is, he wrote, “a slice of heaven.”
He also cited the Padrón Serie 1926 No. 6 as a truly complex cigar whose flavors included a “taste that reminded me of moist chocolate cake.” Noting that at about $12 it isn’t an every day cigar, Patrick A said “this terrific smoke certainly qualifies for any celebration.”
Patrick S recommended slowly smoking the Coronado by La Flor Double Corona to savor “the perfectly balanced medley of flavors.” Costing about $8, he said the “tobacco treat…would stand out when pitted against stogies that cost twice as much.”
In addition to the previously mentioned pair, I awarded five stogies to the Partagas 150. I feel lucky to have gotten one of these very expensive, hard-to-find cigars and greatly enjoyed its subtle, complex flavors.
So, there you have it. The StogieGuys.com top ten (so far). Now, why not leave a comment with your top-notch picks?
photo credit: Stogie Guys
You guys have a great list going, but I would add the 601 Green Label to my list of the best of the best. I know you’ve already reviewed it favorably, but to me it deserves a perfect score.
I find your website so informative and helpful! Truly one of the best cigar reviews on the internet. I have only recently starting smoking and collecting cigars seriously and I’m using your reviews to stock my humidor. Thanks for all the great tips and reviews!
Excellent list, guys! I would like to contribute the Oliva Serie V Torpedo for your consideration.
That’s a very nice list. I think the RPV ‘92 is a little out of place in that company, but if you asked 10 guys where it should rank you’d get 10 different answers right?
I’d put the Tatuaje Reserva SW on there instead. It is a 5 out of 5 for me. A bit milder than most Pepin cigars but the complexity of the smoke is what elevates it to that elite level for me. Always looking forward to the next Stogie Guys review…
I have to agree with Matt on the RP ‘92 being out of place. Of course, everyone’s taste is different, and I have heard the older stuff was better than the newer. I like the RP Cuban Blend and American Market; 2 very different cigars!
Thanks for answering my question!
For what it’s worth, I don’t see any reason why the RP ‘92 isn’t in the highest class of cigars. I would also add the Opus X Super Belicoso.
Rocky . . . Carlito . . . is that you???
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Maybe it is just me but no “5 out of 5″ list would be complete without an Ashton VSG in the mix. Specifically the Torpedo and Robusto vitolas jump to mind.
I’ve got to agree with Walker, TR as well. That 601 Habano Oscuro is out of this world!
Just my 2cents.
Thanks for the comments guys.
Lucky7-
You’ll note that both the Ashton VSG and 601 Oscuro got 4.5 stogie ratings… not quite “perfect fives” but still pretty highly rated. I know they are two of my favorites.
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