Over the past few months, I’ve done some Pre-Reviews which allow me to document my experiences with a cigar and provide my thoughts.   Some of these were pre-releases are now available generally – and others are simply cigars I’ve had more of a chance to think of.  I’ve decided to include a few of these in here.

Rather than repeat history, I’ve summarized the assessment rating and linked to the Pre-Review.


Viaje Satori

Viaje Satori (2010)

Hands down, the best cigar that I had at the 2010 IPCPR.  Andre Farkas did something very special with the Oscuro wrapper here.  The great news is Satori is returning for another release in 2011 (which a slightly lighter wrapper).  This is definitely the best cigar Viaje offers and was worthy of my #3  2010 Cigar of the Year.  Here is the Pre-Review.  This might garner Hall of Fame consideration in 2012.

Assessment: Memorable

San Lotano Habano

San Lotano Habano

It’s been a little inconsistent at times for me.  Sometimes it smokes well, and sometimes it hasn’t done it for me.  I still think the Connecticut and the Maduro are the better blends.  This was still worthy of an honorable mention on my 2010 Cigars of the Year.  Here is the Pre-Review.

Assessment: Nice to Have

Room 101 Connecticut

Room 101 Connecticut

Just released at IPCPR 2011, they have now made it into the stores and I have now sampled the final release.  All of my thoughts hold true from the Pre-Review.  One of the best cigars from IPCPR 2011 and one of the best Connecticut shade wrapper cigars I ever had.  While I still have to smoke the new Namakubi, this cigar stands as the cream of the crop of the Room 101 line. 

Assessment: Memorable