Lancero/Panatela Mini-Review Recap

[Jechelman]

I'll have to say that it was interesting smoking 23 different Lanceros and/or Panatelas over a six week period. Most were good, a few were very good and only a very few were not good at all. I was somewhat surprised at how good the draw was for the majority of these; only one was too tight to be enjoyable.

Burn was very good on most except for the various Pepin blends when tended to require multiple relights after the half way point. This is a typical problem for me and Pepins. I store them at 65 RH and sometimes dry box them for a day but still have burn problems. Must be the way I smoke them since most people don't seem to have this problem.

Most produced a lot of smoke.

Flavors went from not much (Davidoff Classic #1 and TTT Trinidad) to very good (JdN, Agusto Reyes, et al). For me the tops in flavor, in alphabetical order were:

• Augusto Reyes Nativo Lancero
• JdN Antano 1970 Lancero
• all three Padilla Lanceros (Miami, 1932 & 194
• Padron Panatela (M)
• Plasencia Longfellow

For overall smoking experience and the ones I will likely buy again, with ties listed together are:

• Padron Panatela (M)
• Augusto Reyes Nativo Lancero, Plasencia Longfellow
• Cuban Heirloom Cameroon Lancero, Davidoff 3000, JdN Antano 1970 Lancero
• Casa Torano Maduro Lancero
• Padilla 1932 Lancero
• Padron Ambassador

There did not seem to be much correlation between cost and overall enjoyment. Some of my favorites were among the least expensive.

Since I only had one of each I would not put too much in these rankings but maybe it can get some new Lancero smokers headed in a decent direction.

This "Trial by Fire" was interesting and fun for the most part. I think I will move a Lancero into my rotation from time to time but will not have them as a steady diet.

I hope some of you were able to get some useful information from this test.

Frank

[DennisP]

Outstanding, thanks for the recap. I've been a fan of thin RGs for a while and really enjoy the Padron, especially at the price point.

Next up for you, the Pepin Lancero sampler?

[Marlboro Cigars]

Thanks for the review recap.
I was really interested to know which one you prefered the most
and it appears you have already anwered that question for me.

Really enjoyed all the previous reviews
and am looking forward to try the Augusto Reyes
based on your reccommendation
if I can get my hands on some.

[bobarian]

Thanks for the list and great review! A true labor of love. Hope to try everyone on your list soon.

If anyone has an Augusto Reyes for sale or trade LMK. Or if you know of a source for singles or fivers.

[mitro]

I just wanted to say thank you for forcing yourself to smoke all those fine sticks.

I've loved the reviews and since this is a size I prefer, I found it extremely helpful.

[Jechelman]

Originally Posted by bobarian

Thanks for the list and great review! A true labor of love. Hope to try everyone on your list soon.

If anyone has an Augusto Reyes for sale or trade LMK. Or if you know of a source for singles or fivers.

I picked up the Augusto Reyes at FullersPullers.com for $7.75 each. They also have them available in fivers.

[emelbee]

Thanks for the recap and all the reviews along the way.

[Jechelman]

Originally Posted by emelbee

Thanks for the recap and all the reviews along the way.

Mike, and thanks to you for sending me several of the sticks I reviewed and for suggesting the Augusto Reyes Nativo.

Frank

[nozero]

Thanks for the recap and more sticks to add to my to try list!