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.
The 601 La Bomba The Wick Habano was an enjoyable, full strength and full bodied experience. The intense pepper and spice was balanced with chocolate and sweetness, along with earth accents. I really enjoyed the 601 La Bomba The Wick Habano despite the distractions of re-lighting. I wonder how well it would have performed if that wouldn't have been necessary, but I would happily smoke it again.
While the Protocol Coppers isn't bad, it just couldn't maintain what was delivered in the first third. I think this is a slightly better offering than most of the other special/single store releases from the brand and I might come back to it from time to time, but it isn't something that I see myself going back to all that regularly. It's worth trying one to see what you think.
The Espinosa Laranja Reserva Azulejo Toro took me all over the flavor intensity map, starting with a medium-full experience and leading all the way down to light-plus and nuanced. I would smoke the Laranja Reserva Azulejo Toro again as this cigar falls directly into my wheelhouse. If you're a fan of more intense pepper or spice notes, this might be a good choice for you too.
If it isn't obvious from the name, the 601 La Bomba Warhead VII is a full flavored, full strength cigar, but the blend of the VII release manages to ramp up to that instead of blasting you on your first few puffs. I found the flavors to be engaging and at times nuanced through the first and second thirds. There's no question, I will return to the La Bomba Warhead VII again.
The Protocol John Doe 2.0 keeps at the same level that I've found the brands limited releases to perform at which is not up to par with the core lines. For those that like this style of cigar, it will probably work for them, but I don't see myself returning to this one.