The Monthy Publication if The Cigar Society

Vol. 5 No. 2

Featured Cigar Dimensions

Featured Cigars

The Garo Habano Cigar Company

The Garo Cigar Company introduced its first line, the Blue line, when founder Garo Bouldoukian began down a path that would fulfill life-long dream. Garo desired simply to create a cigar of such quality that a seasoned smoker would remark upon trying it for the first time, "That’s a Great cigar!". Residing in the Dominican Republic certainly expedited the long process involved in bringing a product to the market and Garo has unquestionably produced a winner. Recipient of high praise in Smoke, Smokeshop Magazine, The Robb Report, Wine & Dine Magazine and Milton encouraged the company to supplement its original line with two others, Garo Verde and Garo Maduro earlier last year. All of Garo’s lines are handcrafted under the watchful eyes of a fifth generation master blender in Santiago, in the Cibao Valley of the Dominican Republic. The Blue line is available in a Double Corona, Churchill, Toro, Lonsdale, Robusto, Panatela and Corona while the Verde line is only available in a Double Corona, corona and two varieties of a robusto. The newly introduced Maduro line will soon be available in 4 sizes as well. For more information about the Garo Habano Cigar Company, call 1-800-995-GARO or visit their web site at www.garohabano.com.

Corona

Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Shade-CO Claro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 4.5
Panel Rating: 89

Notes from the Panel:

Immediately note a smooth wrapper that is both aesthetically pleasing to the touch and the eye. Look for an excellent draw, easy, with a slight firmness. We found the aroma to hint of roasted coffee beans, hazelnut and a bit of earthiness and spiciness. Garo’s flavor is comprised of similar characteristics. The spiciness seems to be peppery and the overall flavor is creamy, complex and rich. Consider pairing this one with an Oban single malt scotch or Knob Creek bourbon.

Robusto

Binder: Dominican Olor
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano
Wrapper: Indonesian-CO Maduro
Strength (Mild 1, Full 10): 5.5
Panel Rating: 91

Notes from the Panel:

We found Garo’s Verde line to be slightly fuller bodied than their Blue line. The draw on the robusto is nearly perfect while its wrapper is again, very smooth and silky to the touch. Both the corona and robusto burned evenly and cool. Look for a mellow smoke with a flavor profile comprised of cocoa beans, a creamy-nuttiness, and a hint of cedar. Look for a wonderful, pleasant aroma, mellow, yet packed with flavor. Overall, a great smoke. Try pairing this one with either a dark ale or cognac.