Name: Dominican Big Leaguer Maduro Doble Prensado Extra Viejo Gorda

Country: Dominican Republic

Shape: Box-Pressed

Size: Gordo (5 3/4 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium

The brand was new to me, so naturally, I had to try it. From the different options available, I went with the DBL M.D.P. Extra Viejo. The plan was to smoke it in the lounge, so I made sure I picked one that suits my style and would last a while. And I was impressed. The DBL M.D.P. Extra Viejo Gorda is attractive, affordable, and it tastes great. That means I will smoke many more of them in 2023.

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Branding: Red, black, and gold. Looks royal.

Construction: Great.

Pre-light: An appetizing dessert.

Cut: Straight cut. Easy, no problems.

Burn: Burns gently, beautifully. Nothing to complain about.

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Draw: Excellent.

Smoke: Generous. Cloud maker.

Ash: Very good.

Flavor: Rich. Easy to smoke. Notes of freshly baked bread, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

Name: Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto II

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Box-Pressed (Hexagon)

Size: Double Toro / Gordo (6 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium to Full

The size, the taste, the smoke. Everything was perfect. Paired with Irish whiskey, there was not a single thing I could complain about. Amazing. I will definitely smoke more of these.

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Branding: Black and gold. Shiny. Masculine. Show of force.

Construction: Excellent.

Pre-light: Hints of cocoa, tomato paste, pepper.

Cut: Straight cut, no problems.

Burn: Even burn all the way.

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Draw: Near perfect.

Smoke: Thick. Creamy. Heavy.

Ash: Very good.

Flavor: A harmony of flavors. Rich. Notes of dark chocolate, leather, toast, and slight hints of cayenne.

Name: Arturo Fuente Opus X Perfecxion X

Country: Dominican Republic

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro (6 1/4 inches x 48)

Strength: Full

I was in the walk-in humidor of the cigar lounge. I was looking for a strong cigar that would last at least 90 minutes. The options were many, but there was one who shined more beautifully than the others that night. It was the Arturo Fuente Opus X Perfecxion X from the Holiday Collection. When I laid my eyes on it, I knew I had to have it.

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Branding: Shiny, attractive, majestic.

Construction: Excellent.

Pre-light: Fresh, reassuring.

Cut: Straight cut, no problems.

Burn: Very fine burn. It only went out once when I reached the final third.

Duration: I smoked it until there was nothing left of it. 75 minutes.

Draw: Near perfect.

Smoke: Creamy. Beautiful. Heavy.

Ash: Good.

Flavor: Full-bodied. Strong. Hints of pepper, leather, tomato paste, wood, medium roast coffee.