The Gurkha Tyson 2.0 Undisputed Maduro 6x54 was an improvement over the Habano, but that is not a challenge. It’s like Tyson taking me on in the ring. It delivered some faint cocoa and earth qualities throughout, and it was consistent. Body and strength were on point with the flavors and it’s an easy smoking cigar. It’s not worth $19.00, but there are few cigars these days that are worth $19.00.
The Gurkha Tyson 2.0 Undisputed Habano 6x54, in a word, was disappointing. The first and second thirds were pleasant enough, but I was expecting a more dynamic profile out of a $19.00 cigar with Tyson branding. The last third started out flat and became unbalanced as the wood bitterness increased in strength. There's nothing in the flavor delivery that would interest me in returning.
The Artista Falu Robusto had interesting flavor combinations that kept me engaged in the first third. The second and last thirds were pleasant, but didn't have the same dynamic combinations as the first third. I don't think the Artista Falu is something I would return to in the Robusto format, but I'd be interested in smoking the smaller ring gauge Toro to see how the flavor profile compared.
The Artista Midnight Robusto had a first third that stood out. As the cigar progressed, I found the profile to be pleasant but not as engaging or interesting as the first third. Price point aside, I'm not sure there was enough here for me to want to return to it. Artista has a number of offerings I would pick over the Midnight. I am curious whether it would perform differently in a Toro size.
It's been a while since I had a consistently good Artista. This Artista Harvest Robusto hits in all the great ways. Sweet, spicy, stone fruit, all working in great harmony. If you're like me and pass on most Artista cigars, don't turn your head on this one and try a few.
The El Artista Big Papi Firecracker had an average and very linear flavor profile throughout, which could be expected with its short length. To me, this size doesn't present the best of what the line can offer and I'd prefer one of the regular production vitolas when it comes to this line. Fun to smoke it in this size, but I don't see myself returning.
For the Sindicato Artista Robusto, it almost reaches "good" levels. The leather harsh tannins improve as the cigar burns through the second third and onwards, so with that said, it's almost a good cigar. And with the attractive $8 price point, it's that much more appealing. Try a couple.
$5 for an overall flavor profile that is good. This equates to buy, buy, buy. If you like all the great softer flavor notes in a good Connecticut shade with a bit more spice, the El Artista Buffalo Ten Connecticut is no doubt for you. Even if you don't, I think you should buy a fiver for only $25 to try it. Big flavors, small hit to the wallet. You really can't beat that.