We are continuing the format of this panel from last year as we'll have cigar brand exhibitors, retailers and media that attended the show. The goal is to get insight on the event from all three perspectives as well as thoughts on the future of the event.
The Tradecraft The Azorian Robusto is a cigar that shows flashes of complexity early but settles into a more straightforward profile as it progresses. It’s an average overall experience that's worth exploring for the first third, but not one that fully maintains that initial momentum through to the finish.
The La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet Chisel had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the toasted oak and earth.The supporting notes were pleasant, but didn't really elevate the profile. This was a smooth and easy smoking cigar, but the flavor profile didn't really do enough to make it stand out. It's an interesting Cameroon offering, but not something I'd see returning to with any real frequency.
The Saint Luis Rey Tabacales Toro is a technically sound cigar that delivers a reliable, traditional profile but lacks the depth or evolution needed to elevate it beyond Average. It’s a cigar that doesn't leave a lasting impression once finished.
The Alec Bradley Kintsugi Wabi Sabi had a nice start, with a good combination of flavors. It took a step down in the second third as the creaminess departed and the earth increased. The final third took another step down as the wood bitterness increased and then morphed into vegetal bitterness. Overall, a fairly average experience with a not so great finish. Not a cigar I'd see myself returning to.
The Padron Series 3000 Maduro had a nice start, with a well rounded flavor profile. It took a step down in the second third as the cocoa departed and remained at that level the rest of the way. With Padron, the question usually arises, Natural or Maduro. For this vitola, they both performed equally for me, so I can't say I have a favorite between the two.
The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos 90 Años is a good cigar. It has a flavor profile that is complex throughout, and the cigar shows some nice transitioning from beginning to end. The body and strength increased in the second and final third, and it has a nice burn and draw as well. The size on the blend is great, and I am curious to see what other vitolas there are with the blend. This is a good cigar, and I look forward to discovering the blend and brand.
This was not a cohesive blend. The wood bitterness in itself as a flavor can give a cigar a boost in complexities, but with this cigar, it was a main focal point. On top of that, the Illusione Group of Five SE didn't really have anything else going for it. No doubt a pass for me.
The Avowed The Vow 11.25 had a nice start, with a good combination of flavors that really showcased the unique mustiness. It took a step down in the second third as the earth moved up and down and remained average for the remainder of the cigar. This cigar was a bit of a step up over the 7.05 I reviewed previously, but I still don't see it as a profile that did enough to come back to with any real frequency.
A consistently good cigar from start to finish. The range of flavors were not vast but I loved how full and distinct the flavors were. Highly anticipate what this reveal is. I'd definitely be in for at least a bundle of 10 of this Raices Cubanas 1941 Nuevo Comienzo Gran Toro.