The challenge with a larger format cigar like this for me, is providing enough complexity that I don't get bored for the lengthy smoking experience, while not overwhelming the palate. I think, overall, the experience with the Bond Roberts Fenomenos Linea E No. 1 was pleasant, but other than the first third, the remainder of the review was relatively unremarkable.
No doubt the best part of the Bond Roberts Dalia Linea B No.3 was the first third as it was smooth and easy going with a plethora of sweet, spice and umami characteristics. The vibe of something like this feels very European and I go straight to brands like Curivari and the early days of Cavalier.
I really liked the Bond Roberts Línea D No.01 109. I felt the cigar was beautiful in appearance, and a great smoking experience from beginning to end. The flavors of cocoa, cream, honey and coffee were wonderful, and paired great with the core profiles throughout. There was not an abundance of transitioning, but it had wonderful depth and complexity. I liked so many aspects of the cigar and would love to smoke it often. Great for the morning and afternoon.
My takeaway from the review of the Bond Roberts Línea D No. 06 Petit 109 is that it showcases some of the great qualities of Honduran tobacco without those flavor components taking over or becoming unbalanced. I was fortunate enough to be on the tasting panel during the process of this cigar's development. I thoroughly enjoyed the final release of the Linea D No. 06 Petit 109, and I'll happily smoke more of these in the future.
The infamous Hamlet Salomon paired with a 25th year secondary band has a lot of clout. Therefore, coming into the Hamlet 25th Year Salomon, my expectations were high. Overall, the flavor profile was good with black pepper, cedar, rich nuttiness and cedar. But, with such a long smoking commitment, I expected more transitions and complex build-ups in which the cigar fell short.
The Hamlet Liberation is an enjoyable cigar but it doesn’t take that extra step to reach the next level. I felt this cigar lacked a lot of complexity, transitioning and depth; and that is what I look for in a cigar. It is fair to say that the Hamlet offerings fail to live up to my expectations/hopes.