Stogie Fresh 2008 Honor Roll just posted: Best Cigars of the Year

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

I just published the 2008 Stogie Fresh Honor Roll, which lists the top 15 rated cigars at Stogie Fresh this past year and also lists the top 10 cigars featured on the Stogie Fresh 5 podcast.

Enjoy.

Doc

[Totemic]

This is a great review list. Thank you.

Your comments on the Oliva 'V' Torp is absolutely spot on, including the comment about burn issues caused by the ligero leaves--I found the 'V's wonderful cigars with a very slight burn issue at times (and I've smoked about a box and half of them so far).

I love your emphasis on cigars which are consistently good. Too often, I find reviews done after one or two cigars on various review sites and I always wonder whether these were one shot deals or just flukes.

There are several cigars in that list that I never tried, and would seriously consider now based solely on your review.

[krisko]

That was a good read, I appreciate it. One question...what is a 'retrohale'?

[squeeze left]

Great reviews, I have not tried these sizes (mostly smoke coronas and pc's) but others in the same lines are fantastic also.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by krisko

That was a good read, I appreciate it. One question...what is a 'retrohale'?

Good question. I explain retrohaling in a past SF News article called: [SIZE=2][SIZE=3]Smoking Tip: Get your Nose Into the Equation[/SIZE][/SIZE]

I will probably do a short video on retrohaling soon.

Doc

[ActionAndy]

Very good article, thanks for sharing. Sorry I don't have anything witty to add.

[andrewk]

Very interesting read! I have smoked about half of the cigars listed and enjoyed every single one.

While I have not noticed the burn issues on the Oliva V's, they have become one of my goto smokes. I am a bit surprised that the torp outscored the lancero though... seems that the lance is the perfect match for this blend and really brings out a full, creamy flavor I didn't notice in the other vitolas.

The method used in ranking is very rigorous as well! Bravo Stogie Fresh

[Celt]

Nice list!

I have been wanting to try one of those La Glorias very badly, I love La Gloria Cubanas.

[rx2010]

glad to see Cumbres de Puriscal getting some love

the gold label PCs were my first every premium cigars

[DoctaJ]

Nice reviews Some of the smokes on the list we new to me as well. Always nice to see some thoughts on cigars that don't get talked about a lot. I definitely am going to be on the lookout for La Gloria Cubana: Artesanos de Miami. Sounds like a tasty smoke

[ssutton219]

Great Post and a GOOD Read.


Thanks again now I got new cigars to find...LOL





Shawn

[gvarsity]

Very enjoyable article. Some of my favorites are on the list and a few I had knew nothing about, making it both fun and educational.

[Thrak]

Maybe I'm missing something here.. but it says

All cigars comes from the same batch of cigars and are reviewed four times over the course of approximately 15-18 months.

Then

These are the top 15 cigars reviewed between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008,

Thats not 15 months.

What am I missing?

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by Thrak

Maybe I'm missing something here.. but it says



Then



Thats not 15 months.

What am I missing?

Yes, it can be a bit confusing... We review/rate cigars 4 times,. The first three reviews are separated by 3 months or so. The final review comes about 6 months after the third review. That's why the review cycle takes about 15-18 months.

In order to qualify for the Honor Roll, a cigar has to have been reviewed a minimum of 3 times with the most recent review falling within the last 12 months (i.e., between 12/1/2007 and 11/30/200.

Doc

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by andrewk

I am a bit surprised that the torp outscored the lancero though... seems that the lance is the perfect match for this blend and really brings out a full, creamy flavor I didn't notice in the other vitolas.

We didn't review the Lancero vitola. In fact, I haven't yet tried the Lancero myself. Another cigar I'll have to get my hands on.

Doc