The Macanudo Gold Label Golden Nugget had an average flavor profile throughout. Pretty typical Connecticut shade profile with the light bitterness mixed in. This cigar isn't my preferred format, and in combination with the flavor profile I experienced, not something I'd see myself really coming back to.
Cavalier Genève brings another winner into the cigar market with the Cavalier Genève Inner Circle Domaine Rouge Toro. This time, it feels like the first time I had a cigar from them, bringing elegance, easy going, and a well melded flavor profile. Smokers of premium classic brands such as Davidoff, Avo, CLE should really look at this brand, as surely there are gems to be found here.
The Crowned Heads La Vereda No. 50 had some promising moments in the first third, but the remainder of the review experience was flat, with no dynamic character that made the experience stand out from the crowd for me. Crowned Heads has put out a number of cigars over the years that have really impressed me, and the La Vereda No. 50 was one I was looking forward to. The combination of flavor profile and premium price point make this an easy pass in the future for me, unfortunately.
Not a bad cigar, but nothing special about the blend. The Jas Sum Kral Toothpick 2.0 Connecticut is well priced, but the packaging and name aren't going to help it get over the finish line and win over consumers. I think smokers will pay the extra dollars for something more mainstream. There was some transitioning throughout, but the core flavor profile was just lacking. Nice construction, but again, not enough happening.
This Drew Estate Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo Papas Fritas is a fun smoke that delivers a ton for what it is and how cheap it is. I loved the profile though, I can see some not caring for it, and I think the vitola is great. It is small enough to deliver the flavors of this blend and not have it become too much or monotonous. I have smoked a handful of these, and they are all great.
The RoMa Craft Quinquagenario does a good job of showcasing flavor profiles that you would recognize as RoMa Craft, while blending something unique and engaging that isn't currently in the portfolio. The first and second thirds were the most engaging for me, with the second third rising to the top as my overall favorite. I will happily smoke more Quinquagenarios at the earliest opportunity.
The Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata Vibrato started well for the first inch, but then started to fall off. The cigar maintained an average flavor profile the rest of the way. Overall, the cigar was just OK. The quick ramp up of strength in the final third was a surprise. Not a cigar I'd really see myself coming back to.
SBC22 will be released at Smoke on the Water in Weston on December 9th and will ship to Powstanie retailers the following week.
Up until this review, Buenaventura made some of the most easy going (yet flavorful) blends in the market. But this Buenaventura Maduro BV 500 turned that entirely upside down and the company decided to go balls to the wall on not just the strength, but a bold flavor profile. Unfortunately, the flavor profile wasn't pleasant so this is one of the few Buenaventuras that I can't recommend.
This Powstanie Connecticut Toro is a nice showing of Connecticut Shade. I enjoyed the profile being more spice and tannins driven first and then followed by the softer side of sweet and creamy roasted mixed nuts. Great, especially for a kick starter of the day, or breakfast.