The Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Off Menu earns its Good rating by offering a strong opening, a well-balanced and flavorful middle and a respectable finish. It’s a cigar that rewards attention early and maintains enough composure throughout to leave a positive final impression, even if it doesn’t fully sustain its early highs to the end.
The Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Puro Nicaragua Robusto delivered a flavorful first and second third, highlighted by creamy coffee, espresso, chewy tobacco and balanced baking spice and chocolate complexity. The final third lost some of that balance as earth took over the profile. A very enjoyable smoking experience overall, particularly in the first two thirds. Good enough that this might be my favorite Knuckle Sandwich release to date.
The Espinosa Murcielago Shikaka TAA Exclusive 2024 had all the Connecticut shade that I look for and enjoy. From a baseline of sweet and creaminess to surrounding notes of wood and spices, this is what it should be. Well done.
The Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ORT is probably my favorite Las 6 Provincias. It’s right there with the CMW. I loved the flavor profile produced, and the cigar remained balanced throughout. It has a flavor profile that every cigar smoker will enjoy, and it is approachable to all smokers with strength and body. I gave Espinosa a hard time for having these made at San Lotano, but I am understanding the reason more and more each year.
The 601 La Bomba Warhead X had an average flavor profile throughout and became a bit mundane about halfway through. A very earth driven profile that didn't really provide any excitement. Not one of my favorite Warheads and not a cigar I'd see myself coming back to.
The Protocol Lawmen Series Phoebe Couzins Maduro started out strong in the first third with dynamic flavor combinations. By the second third, the profile remained consistent and was pleasant for the remainder of the review experience. The Maduro is pleasant and a good value at its price point, so I would likely smoke it again.
It's been a hot minute since reviewing a new Protocol. At one point (maybe two years ago) it felt like it was at times hard to get through them all. Happy to say, the new iteration of the Lawman Series is a hitter. For those that love Espinosa powerhouse spice and softness in creamy nuttiness, not only is this Protocol Lawmen Series Phoebe Couzins Natural it, but it is a lengthier version of it. I'll be back for more.
The flavor profile of the Espinosa Sumatra Toro was overall an enjoyable one. Tons of creaminess in cedar, stone fruit and coffee. But the creaminess didn't overwhelm as it did a good job of interplaying against the aforementioned notes. Slight tick down for the construction of burn and draw (but not a material one). With all that said, I'd be happy to smoke more of these.
This Espinosa Las 6 Provincias ZDT might be the most finessed Espinosa cigar that I've ever had. From first draw, there was an immediate sense of balance and cohesiveness. The flavors of creamed coffee, anise and toasted nuts complimented each other well. Will be happy to smoke more of these.
The Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich 55 is unquestionably a more full bodied Espinosa cigar, but it still manages to deliver flavor nuances and some subtlety at times. The last third started out well, but became earth forward as it progressed. Despite being a larger format cigar, I thought it delivered well on flavors and the price point is in line with the current cigar market. I'd happily smoke another one of these again.