The Diesel Crucible is a solid cigar and a strong one at that. It is not my cup of tea, due to the strength, but it is right in line with the Diesel brand and a cigar I could enjoy from time to time. This is an evening cigar for me.
I enjoyed smoking the Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 2 Toro. While the cigar wasn't necessarily as complex as I would want, the flavors that were present were enjoyable, and harmonized in a way that kept me engaged.
The Epic Ten was a pleasant, slightly above average, albeit underwhelming review experience considering the anniversary nature of the cigar. The Epic Ten did deliver some good flavors through the first third. I had high hopes for the cigar, given the Cameroon wrapper, and my enjoyment of other past Epic releases.
Typically, based on smoking experience, when I see another non-Cuban Montecristo, I assume an average experience. My assumption basically made an ass out of myself. The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 was far from average, being quite complex with sweet Hawaiian bread, barnyard, herbal tea and baking spices for most of the smoking time (last third lost steam). I'll happily smoke more of these.
The Diesel Estelí Puro Robusto was a medium-full to full bodied experience that didn't skimp on complexity through the first and second thirds. This is the essence of the Diesel brand that I came to enjoy many, many years ago. What I appreciated is that the cigar brought intensity and strength, but didn't do it at the expense of a range of flavors.
I really enjoyed the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Toro and it is a cigar I would smoke again and purchase. There was not a ton of transitioning, but the flavor profile delivered was solid and enjoyable. I think this is a brilliant release for Romeo, and with so many consumers sticking to the tried and true cigar and brands, this will do incredibly well.
Diesel Delirium is a powerful cigar. One of the most powerful cigars I have had this year, and the most powerful of the Diesel releases I have smoked, it is a full strength and body cigar that comes with matching flavors. If you are looking for a beast of a cigar, I suggest picking one of these up and then waiting for the sweet spot at the finish.
The AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Maduro Toro was a solid smoke and a cigar that fit into some classic stereotypes. It was a Maduro that was dark, rich and strong. The cigar smoked at a full level from beginning to end and the flavors paired perfectly with the body and strength. Finished with beautiful artwork on the bands, this is a great release for AJ.
Overall, the H. Upmann 175th Anniversary was average throughout. I was looking forward to this specially fermented wrapper, but it was run over by the typical AJ Fernandez flavor profile which was disappointing. The flavor profile and price will likely steer me away from revisiting. I'd love to see this wrapper used by another blender just to see what it could do.
It is great to see the Don Lino Africa Duma back, and it is a solid cigar, but I would have loved to see more Cameroon in the blend. I would love to get a little bit more Africa in a cigar that revolves around the continent. With that being said, solid and enjoyable flavors in the first and second third with a slight bit of harshness in the end.
