The flavor profile of the Diesel Whiskey Row Robusto is very much in line with the profile that would compliment pairing with a whiskey or bourbon. The strength level isn't much more than medium, so someone wouldn't be overpowered by it and it wouldn't overpower the spirit. I could see this cigar doing well with the casual smoker/spirit enthusiast.
Altadis U.S.A. is expanding its offering within the H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez line — a new Belicoso box-press size. The brand’s fourth size in the line.
The first portion reminded me of the original Diesel's and after that became an average profile found in any number of cigars. I would have liked to see the first portion keep its core and transition from there to see what it could have become. As it is, I'd like to smoke another to see if this is what the cigar was meant to be or if there is something I missed.
Diesel presents Whiskey Row, a collection blended by AJ Fernandez and developed in partnership with Rabbit Hole Bourbon, a maverick new distillery making its mark on the bourbon category. Whiskey Row features binder leaves aged in bourbon barrels, in a proprietary process developed by AJ to enhance the profile of the cigar.
This Diesel Grind Robusto was an average tasting experience for me. The underlying generic dry wood and cardboard/paper note was a bit monotonous. If you are a fan of AJ's blending style, this is a no brainer to pick up, especially at such a great attractive $6 price point. As for me, I will look towards other AJ offerings.
Some nice chocolate and baking notes were present at times while dark wood was the consistent theme throughout. The AJ Fernandez Enclave Broadleaf is a good evening/after dinner cigar and one I wouldn't mind revisiting in a smaller vitola to see how it smokes. If you're an AJ or broadleaf fan, then this is definitely one to try.
Altadis U.S.A. and renowned cigar master AJ Fernandez have teamed up again with the introduction of Romeo San Andrés by Romeo y Julieta, expanding the portfolio of one of the most recognizable cigar brands in the world.
Price doesn't factor into the score, but it is an attractive one. If other samples could provide the flavor profile from the first third longer through the cigar, then this could be really good. It's well worth checking out for the price to see if it's something you might enjoy.
As I was hoping, AJ brought a stronger game to a blend under his own brand. Strength is a bit up there, so fans of AJ's stronger blends will be right at home here. This would be a great evening/after dinner cigar and I'm sure would stand up to some nice brown spirits.
Like many of AJ's offerings, I found the cigar profile to be good and construction to be top notch. I can say with confidence, Altadis USA made the right decision in partnering with AJ to create this traditional and beloved marca.