Jiunn Liu, Author at Developing Palates - Cigar, Beer and Spirit Reviews and Ratings

Team Cigar Review: Drew Estate Liga Privada Único Serie Year of the Ox 2021

Relatively speaking for a Connecticut broadleaf, the Drew Estate Liga Privada Único Serie Year of the Ox 2021 was on the lighter side. It didn't quite have the highly earthy, viscous and chocolate overlays. Instead, it smoked lighter, especially in terms of earthiness and strength. To me, there's nothing wrong with that and it's a good showing, especially for the Chinese market. A cigar well made to celebrate the Year of the Ox.

Jiunn Liu, July 19, 2021

Team Cigar Review: Diamond Crown Pyramid No. 7

It's been so long since I've had this cigar that I have no recollection of the taste. I just remember it being expensive. I apparently have been missing out this entire time as the Diamond Crown Pyramid No. 7 is what I enjoy out of a good Connecticut shade. Easy going with plenty of sweetness, creaminess and just the right amount of spice. I won't wait this long to enjoy another one.

Jiunn Liu, July 16, 2021

Team Cigar Review: Solitaro The Hook Patience Limited Edition

I love finding gems like this. Coming into this Solitaro The Hook Patience Limited Edition, I didn't know anything about the brand, the blender, the factory, nothing. And to find such an overall pleasant smoking experience for $8 nonetheless was a wonderful treat. Don't sleep on this one folks.

Jiunn Liu, July 14, 2021

Team Cigar Review: La Gloria Cubana Spirit of the Lady Toro

The La Gloria Cubana Spirit of the Lady Toro is a brand new portfolio spin off, the same mediocre cigar. This flavor profile is quintessential to how I feel about most cigars from General (especially blended by in house blenders); highly earthy, unbalanced and a bit spiky in nature. No offense to their current blending team(s), as I'm sure the marketing strength of the cigar brands are strong, but I just want better blends.

Jiunn Liu, July 12, 2021

Team Cigar Review: Cigabon

When you call a cigar Cigabon and image cinnamon buns, you're making some very suggestive, high claims. Based on the first third, I can actually see it though. I can see how the sweetened bread and black pepper can resemble cinnamon rolls. But given that the following two thirds didn't match this experience, the naming convention in my opinion fails. Fun to smoke nonetheless.

Jiunn Liu, June 23, 2021

Team Cigar Review: Black Works Studio Hyena Corona Gorda

The Black Works Studio Hyena Corona Gorda was a different offering from the company. Instead of typically showcasing overt strength and a punchy flavor profile, this cigar showed full flavors and some strength, but in a more composed and balanced way. Hands down will smoke more of these.

Jiunn Liu, June 21, 2021

Team Cigar Review: Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2021

The Davidoff Winston Churchill Limited Edition 2021 was engaging, transitioned well and was just down right delicious. For such a steep price point, this will be a great candidate to pick up at a nice cigar lounge and enjoy a couple hours with.

Jiunn Liu, June 14, 2021

Team Cigar Review: Alec & Bradley Kintsugi Robusto

The Alec & Bradley Kintsugi Robusto was an overall average tasting experience. The overall feel was, there's nothing off-putting about the cigar and technically (burn and draw), it performed well. But I wanted more than an average array of flavors of cedar, hay and nuts. I wanted fuller flavors in spice, earth and sweetness.

Jiunn Liu, May 24, 2021

Team Cigar Review: Room101 11th Anniversary

The Room101 11th Anniversary is an LE cigar that doesn't command an astronomical price point and it's actually good. This is becoming a foreign concept lately, smoking through the various highly expensive store exclusives and other LEs. Buy this with confidence.

Jiunn Liu, May 10, 2021

Team Cigar Review: Atabey Corona Cigar 25th Anniversary

The Atabey Corona Cigar 25th Anniversary, for the vast majority of the time, had a wonderful, full flavor experience that ranged from sweet and pastry like to earthy and spice. I certainly don't think it's worth the commanding price point of $34, but I can see myself smoking one here and there on rare special occasions.

Jiunn Liu, April 26, 2021