The Protocol Confidential Informant started with a nice profile, but by the second third, things dropped down to average and maintained that level the rest of the way. This seemed to be pretty typical of the brands limited exclusives as they don't match up to how good the core line offerings are.
I like the Warzone Short Churchill. I thought it was a fantastic size, it's the same size as the Caixa, and it provides a different flavor profile in my opinion from the original Warzone. I see the offering as being a little bit darker in terms of the earth and spice flavors, and the strength and body are up as well when compared to the original Warzone.
When you talk about barber pole cigars, my instinct is to react with cynicism as a result of experiencing so many barber poles that were entirely gimmick releases. The Espinosa Crema de Laranja is one of those cigars that defies that experience with a balanced and satisfying flavor combination that is far more subdued than a lot of cigars coming out of Espinosa.
The MoyaRuiz La Jugada Habano Semi-Pressed Toro was an overall pleasant smoking experience that remained consistent from start to finish. When I saw the Habano, I was expecting a bit more pop to the spices. None of the thirds really grabbed me in terms of complexity or layers of flavor, so I was left with an enjoyable, but average impression.
The 601 La Bomba Warhead VI is a really enjoyable figurado and it delivers solid flavors with a nice strength and body level. This is a cigar that will speak to those who are looking for dark and rich flavors with a nice strength and body level. I'm not sure if I would age them, and I say that because I think age will take away from the qualities that make it great now.
The Cubariqueño Protocol Official Misconduct Corona Gorda serves as an excellent anchor blend to the other cigars Protocol already released. Overall, the flavors were consistently good from start to finish, with enough complexity in each third to maintain my interest. The burn struggled at times, although it never seemed to impact the flavor experience.
The Warzone Robusto is a very good cigar and a great release for Espinosa and General Cigar. I think it shows the talent in the blending for Espinosa and what they could do with more tobacco in their hands. I have always said that I would love to see the company release something very different, and this is it. For General, this is one of the best cigars they have been involved in for some time.
The Espinosa Laranja Reserva Escuro Toro was a medium-full, at times full bodied, cigar with dark and toasted flavors that were complex without being overwhelming on the palate. I found the Laranja Reserva Escuro to be quite enjoyable and will appeal to cigar smokers who like their flavors on the darker side.
I think the company has released a balanced and nuanced Limited Edition with the Cubariqueño Protocol Sir Robert Peel Maduro. The packaging is fitting of a limited release, and while the flavor profile is more reduced in intensity from their regular production cigars, I feel like it's the type of blend you want to showcase in this way.
Another good regular production release in the Cubariqueño Protocol Sir Robert Peel Natural, but not to the level of sophistication as expected. The flavors are no doubt bolder than prior releases but it doesn't have that X factor that is in level with the regal style of the packaging. I look forward to the maduro version to gauge the better of the releases.
