The Villiger TAA Exclusive 2020 had some promising flavors in the first third, but ultimately did not provide the level of complexity and nuance that we've had from past Villiger releases. Great construction with a resistant draw, I was left with an overall average experience.
From what I recall, this E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Divinos is one of the early Connecticut shades that was supposed to change how they were perceived. This is a good look back as the more recent Connecticuts are a drastic change from what this cigar provides. If you like traditional Connecticut shades but like a little more pepper, this is one to try if you haven't. The price point is also quite attractive.
Upon initial draw of the Alec and Bradley Gatekeeper Robusto, you know what you're in for. It's a bold and hefty delivery of flavors centered around red pepper spice, meatiness, cedar and sharp minerals with a medium plus strength to match. All in all, solid sophomore release by Alec and Bradley.
Overall, the profile of the Shore Thing Exclusive by Crowned Heads was average, even with its uniqueness. The price point is quite high, but for a store exclusive, I can understand some reasoning to it, I just don't feel the experience earns it. If you're a Crowned Heads fan and have a chance to grab one, you should go for it, but it won't drive me to seek more out.
Details for the Crowned Heads 2019 TAA release have emerged. The line called The Angel's Anvil reprises it's role for this year and Crowned Heads once again teams up with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo to produce the cigar out of his Tabacalera La Alianza factory in the Dominican Republic.
The flavor profile of the E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic consisted of cedar, sweet cream and baking spice later transitioning to charred wood and then a pine note. The cream lost its sweetness as it went along and some mustiness joined in during the second half. I could see myself smoking more of these and would have no problem steering others towards it.
The Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII Robusto is a proper Mexican San Andres. This wrapper has a tendency to be too earth dominant for me. But Crowned Heads did a great job of tapering the earth with some tasty notes of cherry cordials and creamy bread. That and the evolving spice led to an experience that was enjoyable from first draw to the last.
I really enjoyed the Balmoral Serie Signaturas Dueto Gran Toro and it was great to see Royal Agio team up with E.P. Carrillo. While this may not come across as a "special" or "rare" cigar, it is something different and fun, and is a cigar I would smoke quite frequently if possible. Definitely worth smoking.
Overall, I enjoyed the David P. Ehrlich PLM Series Toro. At times, the profile became a bit too earth driven with its dirt/soil, leather and mineral notes. But, there was enough cream and citrus to not make it overly earth dominant. I recommend this to someone that enjoys a heavier profile.
The David P. Ehrlich Tremont Corona is another nice cigar in the MLB portfolio and one I think lots of people will enjoy. I'd definitely be up for smoking more and would be curious to see how this blend smokes in a slightly larger ring gauge.