My Top 5: Full-Bodied Smokes

The other day I took a look at some of the mild cigars on the market that punch a flavor-punch without kicking your butt with strength and body. Today I am looking at the other end of the spectrum: my 5 favorite full-bodied smokes. Again, most of these have been reviewed on this blog and I've provided links where appropriate:

5. El Rico Habano Maduro. It's hard to believe this cigar comes from the giant General Cigar company, home of many fairly faceless, interchangeable cigars. This particular stick was masterminded by Ernesto Perez Carrillo before he left to start his own company.

4. CAO LX2 Lancero. It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with this blog that I am a CAO fan. My favorite from the Nashville-based company, though, is the triple-ligero LX2, specifically in the lancero vitola. Wonderful stuff.

3. Oliva Serie V Lancero. Yes, that is two lanceros in a row, and two cigars in a row that are heavy on the ligero tobacco. I think Oliva's a slightly better than CAO's, but your mileage may vary. (Interestingly, I have not done a review of the regular Oliva V, just the maduro, which I wasn't fond of...looks like I have another stick to add to my reviewing list!)

2. La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel. I like LFD's sticks...a lot! The Chisel is one of my favorites, but I think the maduro version is slightly preferable to the "natural" (which is still very dark).

1. La Flor Dominicana L-500 Cabinet. Did I mention that I liked LFD? If you have any questions, look at the entire month of October 2009. This stick has been an old friend to me, rarely letting me down in flavor, body, strength, or anything else I smoke cigars for.

None of these sticks would be recommended for the beginning smoker. What do you like, though? I've got my opinions, but I'm willing to try something new...