blog - Page 16 of 324 - Developing Palates - Cigar, Beer and Spirit Reviews and Ratings

Personal Cigar Review: RoMa Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion 1794 Pennsatucky

The RoMa Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion 1794 Pennsatucky had an average start with a lot of transitioning. The second third took a step up as the profile found a nice balance, but then dropped a level in the final third as the toast and earth increased and some wood bitterness joined in. A bit of a step up for this vitola over the Tarred & Feathered vitola I reviewed previously. Even though it was a bit improved over the other vitola, I'm still not sure it's a cigar I'd really come back to.

Aaron Loomis, January 2, 2026

Cigar News: Cigar Release List – December 2025

Monthly, we will put together a list of all of the cigars that were released, or announced to be released, in the previous month. This should give you an easy way to stay in tune with new releases.

Aaron Loomis, January 1, 2026

Team Cigar Review: Montecristo 90th Anniversary No. 2

I enjoyed the Montecristo 90th Anniversary No. 2. It smoked like a Montecristo and Plasencia, and that is not a bad thing overall. I thought the blend lacked some transitioning, but it has a nice overall complexity and depth. The strength and body paired well with the cigar, and the construction was flawless. Nice flavors of toasted nuts, leather, earth, cream and tobacco. I would love to come back to this cigar, but I struggle with the pricing for the profile.

Seth Geise, December 31, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Davidoff Chefs Edition 2025

The Davidoff Chefs Edition 2025 had a nice start, with an enjoyable flavor combination. It took a step down in the second third as the pepper and mustiness mellowed and the cedar became a bit dry. Things picked back up in the final third as some creaminess and meatiness joined in. This cigar was a nice experience. The price is quite high and I likely wouldn't smoke it with much frequency, but it's a welcome experience in a glut of low scoring reviews.

Aaron Loomis, December 29, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: La Flor Dominicana Suave Grand Maduro No. 5

The La Flor Dominicana Suave Grand Maduro No. 5 had a average profile throughout that was pretty linear. Focused around earth and toasted oak with some supporting notes of black pepper, cereal, vegetal bitterness and light creaminess. Another Mexican wrapped offering that was fairly earth dominant. I really enjoy this pressed vitola and would love to see it used on more cigars. Overall though, not a cigar that was all that exciting and not something I'd see myself really returning to.

Aaron Loomis, December 26, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Red Meat Lovers Fritanga

I liked the Red Meat Lovers Fritanga, and the Red Meat Lovers is a collection that continues to grow on me. I thought it was a fun Broadleaf release out of NACSA, and Saka continues to deliver complex and flavorful blends with that factory. Great pricing on this cigar as well. I would highly recommend to any fan of NACSA, Saka, or someone looking for a medium-full blend that is dark, rich and complex.

Seth Geise, December 24, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Eladio Diaz La Diana Biloria

This Eladio Diaz La Diana Biloria is a winner. Layered, nuanced, just a good cigar. And it's eleven bucks?! Unbelievably superb! I recommend everyone to try this and taste the modern "budget" cigar that slaps (as the kids would say).

Jiunn Liu, December 22, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Powstanie Connecticut Justice

The Powstanie Connecticut Justice had a nice start, with a good combination of flavors. It took a step down in the second third as the hay increased and pepper mellowed and remained at that level the rest of the way. This cigar was right on par with the Toro we reviewed previously. It's not a cigar I'd really see returning to, but those that like a slightly stronger Connecticut shade, it might fit the bill.

Aaron Loomis, December 19, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Black Label Trading Co. Eletto Toro

The Black Label Trading Co. Eletto Toro was a great stick. Balanced from beginning to end, the cigar was beautiful in appearance and wonderful in terms of flavors delivered. I loved the profile of earth, cocoa, leather, tobacco and spices. The strength and body were never too much, but they were present and pairing perfectly with the flavors. I would come back to this vitola and would love to see how the cigar ages. BLTC is simply on point right now.

Seth Geise, December 17, 2025

Team Cigar Review: AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Robusto

The AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Robusto is a nice blend that captures that Mexican and Central American flavor profile. There is a nice cocoa and rich earth profile with some leather, tobacco, herbal and spice notes. There is balance with a nice level of complexity. The construction is perfect from start to finish, and it is an approachable cigar for many smokers. I would be curious to see the tobacco breakdown with this blend. I feel like the filler blend is much more Nicaraguan focused, but the Honduran tobacco has its place.

Seth Geise, December 15, 2025