Overall, I felt like the Protocol Paddy Wagon performed similarly to the other store exclusives from the brand. Just a basic flavor profile that wasn't all that interesting and doesn't match the level of most of the core lines. Not something I see myself returning to.
More of these TAA releases please. "These" in the sense of a good blended cigar using good tobacco. Not in the sense of collaborating with other brands per se. This Villiger TAA 2022 is all about the expected goodness of a Hector Alfonso blended cigar. Punchy, yet flavorful and balanced. Well done.
The Protocol The Law was pretty on par with the brands single store releases as it shows a nice profile to begin and then falls back to average. I might revisit this to see if a better constructed version has a better showing, but it's not high on my list to do so.
The Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Corona Gorda R offers up some fairly full strength flavors, surprisingly more intense than the Habano, which I was not expecting. I enjoyed the first and second thirds but given the intensity of the flavors, this cigar might be a bit too much for a lot of smokers. I would definitely smoke the Knuckle Sandwich Maduro again.
Overall, the Protocol Sir Robert Peel Maduro Corona Gorda was fairly average as the damp, musty wood wasn't my favorite and it was the dominant component of the profile. All in all, the cigar keeps up with the original release in the line, but still isn't something I'd see myself coming back to all that frequently.
This Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Habano Corona Gorda R is the exact wheelhouse of Espinosa that I like. Deep flavors creating a rich, sweet and spicy experience. Typically, when a product is backed by a celebrity, it's a bunch of bullshit. But not this one. If you're a fan of the typical Espinosa offerings, you will not be disappointed in this one.
Strength was definitely a focus on this cigar and for those that like fuller strength with some darker flavors, this 601 La Bomba The Wick Maduro delivers it. The burn issues that plagued the cigar is really what I'll remember, but in regards to the flavor profile, it just didn't bring enough to keep my interest.
The Protocol Bass Reeves Maduro delivered a palate intense experience in the first third that fortunately softened in the second third while still maintaining complexity and my engagement. The last third was fairly linear with a mostly wood forward profile, but overall this was a good cigar that I would happily smoke again. Having reviewed the Natural and the Maduro, I gravitate towards the Maduro and it isn't even a contest.
Overall, I found the profile of the Protocol Bass Reeves Natural to be too mineral forward, suppressing the other good flavors of roasted nuts, white pepper and cedar. Because the mineral notes were too dominant, it tipped off the balance of the flavor profile. This ultimately gave the vibe of an average tasting cigar.
The Espinosa Las 6 Provincias LV delivered consistently balanced flavors through the first and second thirds, with the last third still being pleasant but for me lacking the same complexity level to engage my interest. I think the latest iteration of the Las 6 Provincias series might be the best or second best of the series so far, and I look forward to seeing how 2023 stacks up.