Mace's Picks

Mace
MACE
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TASTE:Creamy, woody, spicy
HOBBIES:Golfing, cooking, movies and documentaries
STRENGTH:Medium

Zino Platinum Scepter Series Grand Master 5"1/2 * 52

Zino Platinum Scepter Series Grand Master 51/2 * 52
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I always enjoy cigars that have complexity in notes as well as construction and Zino never disappoints. Big fan of the Nicaragua for early morning smokes with a coffee or golfing with the guys which made me want to try the Platinum Scepter Series. One of my favorite wrappers (Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade) with a combination filler of Dominican and Peruvian. The beginning has a prevalent spice note, peppery, which stays continuous till the end along with a woody profile which picks up mid way through. Lots of flavor as you get past the middle, there is a bit of sweetness in the final quarter and is very welcoming to balance the peppery finish. Nice medium finish thanks to the rich oil in the wrapper. Highly recommend this cigar to any medium and mild smoker looking for a smooth yet rich smoke with a strong finish. Picked on 05/08/2025

Bandolero Clandestinos Barbaros 4"3/8 * 60

Bandolero Clandestinos Barbaros 43/8 * 60
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If you know me, you know I'm always a fan of Ecuadorian Habano wrappers, as well as Mr. Nelson Alfonso. Beside being the curator of the most famous Cuban cigar, the Cohiba Behike, he does a phenomenal job with his lines: Atabey, Alfonso, Byron, and this one, the Bandolero Clandestinos. Coming in 4 different sizes I went with the one fitting my preference in the 4 3/8" by 60 ring gauge. The initial start of this cigar has a rich spice similar to cinnamon and a smooth smoke profile, creamy, like a sweet espresso. Mid way it does transition to a medium to full body profile with the smoke having a sweetness and bitter like a 1/2 sweet Cafe Con Leche. The finish on this cigar is my favorite though, the coffee profile changes from Cafe Con Leche to almost an espresso like note thanks to the oils from the wrapper and internal tobacco. I was able to smoke about 3/4 of the cigar with the ash still there, only to fall when I touched it against my ashtray. Paired with coconut water, coffee, coffee or cream liquor, or Amaretto would be my suggestions to compliment the cigar without taking away from the natural notes it provide. Picked on 04/20/2025

Cavalier Geneve Black Series II Robusto 5" * 50

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Cavalier Geneve Black Series II Robusto 5 * 50
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A brand new cigar to Neptune with a beautiful presentation. I had the honor to try this first in our Fort Lauderdale store and was thoroughly surprised by the smoke. I’m not for gimmicks but I do value presentation, when I saw the gold leaf I was hesitant at first so I did some research on the cigar itself. The Mexican San Andres wrapper and binder combo holds a continuous balance of spice and coco-esq sweetness from beginning to end. Solid construction with the filler having the right balance of tightness to make a robusto last longer than I thought it would and happily so. The gold leaf doesn’t add any flavor but does look nice burning down the cigar. This cigar finishes strong with the wrapper taking the forefront, lots of deep rich earthy notes in the end. Picked on 03/05/2025

La Instructora Perfection Petite Salomon 5"1/2 * 47

La Instructora Perfection Petite Salomon 51/2 * 47
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When we’re talking about a cigar that is underrated and under recognized, this one comes to my mind every time. La Instructora Perfection is one of my favorite wrappers, Ecuadorian Habano, incasing a beautiful mix of Dominican tobacco. Their variation in tobacco shows in the smoke profile having a balanced mix of earthy, nutty like toasted almonds, and a very pleasant floral note that comes and goes. The entire cigar from start to half way point had those notes through out. The final inches of the cigar were very rich in the notes with a welcomed spice note but not peppery, similar to baking and slightly sweet spice. A brand I’ve found to have amazing quality control, beautiful band and box, and a smoke that I find I come back to regularly now. My only qualm would be recommending it to all my customers, them loving it, and not having any to smoke in the store! Picked on 02/19/2025

Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Eduardo I 6"1/4 * 54

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Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Eduardo I 61/4 * 54
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This review praises Plasencia's Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro line for its high-quality construction and rich smoke profile. The cigar starts with a sweet, toasted hazelnut or nutmeg-like flavor. The first half has a delicious sweet profile similar to toasted hazelnut or nutmeg. At the midway point, the oil concentration does enhance the flavor profile to bring out a welcomed spice and cedar note to the smoke. The sweet profile does lessen to a coffee, almost caramelly taste which keeps your palate salivating ensuring you're able to catch every note. The end has a strong finish, very rich in cedar and coffee notes as you get to the end. As a fan of medium bodied sweet and cedar rich cigars, this was right up my alley and has made a welcomed impression on my choices to smoke because when you finish. Once you get a taste for this aged Colorado Claro wrapper, you end up wanting more! Picked on 01/23/2025

Ashton Cabinet No. 2 7" * 46

Ashton Cabinet No. 2 7 * 46
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The Ashton Cabinet No. 2 is a high-quality Dominican cigar known for its great composition. The first half offers a nutty profile with a hint of cinnamon and minimal spice, while the aroma and construction are excellent. As the cigar progresses, the oils develop, adding a subtle sweetness and a refined Dominican retro hale. With a medium to full-bodied finish, it lives up to its 90+ rating and remains one of my Top 10 cigars. Picked on 01/10/2025

Kristoff Connecticut TAA Exclusive 2023 Perfecto 6"1/2 * 60

Kristoff Connecticut TAA Exclusive 2023 Perfecto 61/2 * 60
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The Kristoff Connecticut TAA Exclusive 2023 Perfecto is a beautifully crafted cigar with a smooth wrapper and flawless construction. The smoking experience begins with soft, sweet notes of toasted almonds, brown sugar, and cinnamon, typical of an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. As you progress, the flavor profile evolves, adding a peppery spice without overpowering the sweetness. In the final third, the nutty flavors return, paired with a bold pepperiness, reminiscent of warm bourbon spice. Kristoff has created a well-balanced, complex cigar that offers a unique and satisfying experience from start to finish. Highly recommended for those who appreciate nuanced, smooth smokes with a satisfying finish. Picked on 11/17/2024
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