Just for Retailers [J.F.R.] - Maduro

FINAL SCORE: (78/100) C+

SPR - 13

BIO

Cigar Brand: Just for Retailers [JFR] - Maduro

Origin: Esteli, Nicaragua

Size: Toro (Super Toro)

Length/Size: 6 1/2 x 52

Price: $6.00

Purchase: 24 October 2009

Smoke: 25 October 2009

Round Pack

Grades

APPEARANCE & PRESENTATION (18/20) A-

LIGHTING & BURNING (10/15) D+

CONSTRUCTION (21/30) C-

TASTE (29/35) B

COMMENTS: This is an interesting cigar. First, there is a whole mystery surrounding the cigar. JFR standing for Just For Retailers means just that - these cigars are only sold to retailers. And, nobody seems to know who makes this cigar. Anyway, it is a great tasting cigar, if you like strong cigars. It has a full, strong flavor, which boarders on harsh; with a nice spicy flavor. It also looks fantastic. Not many cigars have such a wonderful polish to them. This maduro is almost black. However, the cigar is poorly constructed. It is wrapped too tight making the draw tight, and I had to burn off boats three time. It is definately worth the buy, you just have to deal with the irritation of relighting.

Romeo y Julieta

 

FINAL SCORE: (87/100) B+

SPR -11.08

BIO 

Cigar Brand: Romeo y Julieta

Origin: La Romana, Dominican Republic

Size: Lonsdale (Cedro Deluxe No. 1)

Length/Size: 6 1/2 x 44

Price: $7.85

Purchase: 22 October 2009

Smoke: 26 October 2009

Ceder Wrapper

Grades

APPEARANCE & PRESENTATION (17/20) B

LIGHTING & BURNING (12/15) B-

CONSTRUCTION (30/30) A+

TASTE (28/35) B-

COMMENTS: While this is a very well made cigar, the bland taste really keeps it from being a great cigar. These cigars are almost always perfect: perfect draw, perfect color, and perfect burn. And, they are a very smooth smoke; medium bodied, on the lighter side. But, and here is the big 'ol but. This cigar is boring. If I had to choose a cigar that is suppose to represent standard cigar flavor, it would be the Romeo y Julieta. But do not let this keep you from giving it a try. If you like lighter cigars you can expect a great smoke, just don't expect anything special.

Don Thomas Clasico

FINAL SCORE: (88/100) B+

SPR - 16.7

BIO

Cigar Brand: Don Thomas Clasico

Origin: Danli, Honduras

Size: Robusto (Robusto)

Length/Size: 5 1/2 x 50

Price: $5.25

Purchase: 22 October 2009

Smoke: 24 October 2009

Round Pack

Grades

APPEARANCE & PRESENTATION (17/20) B

LIGHTING & BURNING (12/15) B-

CONSTRUCTION (27/30) A-

TASTE (32/35) B+

COMMENTS: One of my favorite cigars. A medium to full-bodied cigar some might find it a little bit harsh. The cigar has a nice peppery aftertaste that really sneaks up the sinuses. But the best part of this cigar is the price, at $5.25 the cigar is a great buy. If you like strong cigars, the Don Thomas Clasico is a must smoke. If you hang out with light to medium cigars, you might want to pass.

Punch

Brand: Punch

Origin: Cofradia, Honduras
Price: $7.50
Size: Toro (Pitas)
Measurements: 6 1/8 x 50
Purchased: 20 October 2009
Smoked: 21 October 2009
Round Pack
Where Purchased: The Old Stogie

Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: USA / Conn.
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua
Wrapper Color: Colorado Maduro (CM)
Wrapper Name: Ecuadorian Natural

FINAL GRADE: 80/100 B-
Smoke Price Ratio (SPR): 10.6

 APPEARANCE & PRESENTATION 12/20 D-

 LIGHTING & BURNING 13/15 B 

CONSTRUCTION 27/30 A- 

TASTE 28/35 B- 

COMMENT:  At $7.50 Punch is not worth it. It is a well constructed cigar, but not much of a looker. Know plenty who love the cigar and it has a good tradition, but nothing spectacular. Worth a try and then pass by it thereafter.

Arturo Fuente

Brand: Arturo Fuente
Size: Gran Corona (Flor Fina 8-5-8)
Measurements: 6 x 47
Purchased: 22 October 2009
Smoked: 22 October 2009
Round Pack
Origin: Santiago, Dominican Republic
Price: $6.89
Where Purchased: The Old Stogie

Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Wrapper Color: Colorado-Maduro (CM)
Wrapper Name: Connecticut Natural

FINAL GRADE: 87/100 B+
Smoke Price Ratio (SPR): 12.6

APPEARANCE & PRESENTATION 15/20 C

LIGHTING & BURNING 8/15 E

CONSTRUCTION 30/30 A+

TASTE 35/35 A+

COMMENTS: An excellent constructed and tasting cigar. Has a medium-bodied taste just bordering on full-bodied. Although a bit heavier than an average medium cigar, the cigar is extremely smooth. The slightly spicy finish is not overpowering. The only drawbacks are that the cigar is nothing special to look and there were consistent burning problems. Three times bad boating required burning off. Overall, for the price the Arturo Fuente is a fantastic smoke.