Every once in a while, I'm reminded of why I have a profound love for cigars. The Red Anchor Admiral is not just a one box buy, it is a multiple box buy. Yes it is pricey, but the enjoyment factor outweighs the price point. Hendrik Kelner Jr, I see you.
The Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Mi Querida Black SakaKhan was overall a good tasting experience filled with what makes Connecticut Broadleaf so good (chewy, dank, earthy). The profile was consistent without many twists and turns, but that honestly didn't matter because the core flavors were so enjoyable.
This ACE Prime Maria Lucia is Connecticut Broadleaf done right. Chewy, dank earthiness and deep flavored. All this goodness held on for the entirety of the cigar. In a world where a quality Connecticut Broadleaf blend is rare and monopolized by only a few brands, for the sake of all lovers of broadleaf, this cigar need to still be in production. Will buy a box with no hesitation.
The Cavalier Genève Inner Circle Toro is both very approachable and a nuanced connoisseur's blend. New cigar smokers will enjoy the easy going nature of the cigar, while seasoned cigar smokers will find subtleties and balance. Given how all Cavalier Genève offerings are so approachable, this one takes it to the next level. Nicely done.
I don't remember the last time I had a balanced and nuanced Crowned Heads, and I freaking love it! To be honest, Crowned Heads has been a swing and a miss for quite some time (especially the limited edition releases). But the Crowned Heads Sfumato in C Major cures all past blends.
For a brand that I've never heard of, this Ozgener Bosphorus B-52 is an overall nice gateway into the brand. The second third was the highlight, giving me a good mix of bold and soft flavors of cocoa, dried red pepper spice and celery seed spice. I look forward to what this brand comes up with next.
After smoking several sizes, you really can't go wrong with any Antaño CT. All will give you those nice white/soft notes that we all love in a Connecticut Shade. The bitterness may come, but it's never entirely off-putting. I'd recommend getting a sampler pack of various Antanos and find out if the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño CT Lonsdale is your favorite.
More of these TAA releases please. "These" in the sense of a good blended cigar using good tobacco. Not in the sense of collaborating with other brands per se. This Villiger TAA 2022 is all about the expected goodness of a Hector Alfonso blended cigar. Punchy, yet flavorful and balanced. Well done.
This Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Muestra de Saka The Bewitched was one of the most balanced and composed Saka blends that I've had. Each flavor blended well without ever being spikey (sans the final third). Even saying this, the cigar did showcase what I find in many of Saka's blends, (earthiness, good body and depth). I'll gladly smoke more of these.
In my opinion, in true, fairly typical fashion, Pete nails the body. There aren't that many good cigars with medium plus body these days, but Pete seems to know how to achieve that and pair it with flavors that compliment it quite well. Even with this said, I still prefer the Habano versions of the Brown Label. But this Tatuaje 7th Tuxtla was neat to smoke for a little change up.
