The flavor profile was average throughout, but the takeaway for me from the PDR El Criollito Robusto was the construction issues. Having to babysit the burn and draw just aren't something I'm interested in. I'd be interested in revisiting a better constructed version, but it's not really high on my list to do so.
The Gurkha Ghost Connecticut Shadow stood out from the pack in the first third with interesting flavor combinations. Through the second and last thirds, the profile was more in line with a standard Connecticut Shade offering. I think the Gurkha Ghost Connecticut Shadow offered an above average flavor profile for a Connecticut Shade blend, with a price point that's fairly attractive for the 2023 market.
It's hard to beat a good Connecticut with a great draw and burn line. With an enjoyable flavor profile, and a matching strength and body level, the Gurkha Colección Especial Lonsdale smoked wonderfully from beginning to end. Gurkha never seems to fail with Connecticut releases, and I am curious to smoke this offering in a different size.
I was very curious to see what experience this cigar would provide being the exact same blend as the Absinthe infused version but without the infusion. In the end, the cigar was good and shows that the base of the Absinthe infused concept uses a cigar that can stand on its own before the infusion process.
The absinthe version of the Alpha, to me, came through in the form of anise and mint. It was thankfully subtle and by no means overbearing as absinthe in itself can be. I would give it another try, which says a lot because I'm not a fan of absinthe.