Overall, I felt the Punch Diablo Scamp was fairly average. For people that are a fan of AJ and like darker, fuller strength cigars, they may find an enjoyable experience. When I'm in the mood for something dark and fuller strength, I'd prefer something with a better flavor profile, so this cigar probably isn't something I'd return to with any frequency.
I am a fan of the Balmoral Anejo XO Oscuro Rothschild Masivo and the flavor profile it delivers. It is a great example of a Mexican wrapper and produces a complex flavor profile that has depth and transitioning from start to finish. This is what a multi-nation blend should look and smoke like.
The Hoyo de Monterrey HOYO La Amistad Black Rothschild is unbalanced and dominated by almost overwhelming pepper, until the final third where it's dominated by almost overwhelming earth. I don't have the requisite tobacco experience to determine whether the issue is with the tobacco, or the blending, but my experience tells me that the tobacco wasn't ready when the cigar was produced.
The La Gloria Cubana Esteli Robusto is an interesting cigar with a flavor profile that has distinct evolution through each third. Reaching an overall flavor strength of medium-full at times, you're treated to earth, leather, toasted notes, spices, creme brulee, chocolate and baking spices.
In terms of what I think about the Alec Bradley Medalist Toro, the profile was a good representation on a less heavy smoking experience with notes of pencil lead minerality, cedar, bread/toast and slightly over charred coffee. This is worth a shot, especially at the low price of $6.50 MSRP per cigar.
The Partagas Legend Corona Extra Leyenda is an enjoyable smoking experience. With a complex flavor profile of cream, chocolate, leather, pepper, baking spices and loamy earth. I particularly enjoyed the vitola, and found the soft square press very comfortable.
The CAO Nicaragua Granada had a pretty linear profile of wood, baking spice and mustiness. Some cream was present at times along with a bit of char to the wood. Strength was below medium the whole way. While I probably won't gravitate to this cigar again, I could see it doing very well in the market.
Teaming up with our friends over at El Artista we are pleased to be able to offer up a contest for a Big Papi Humidor. This humidor is white with red stitching and has the Big Papi logo on the lid. The humidor can hold up to 50 cigars.
In partnership with Ventura Cigar Company, we are giving away a pair of VIP passes ($300 purchase price) to the Cigar & Spirits 8th Annual West Coast Tasting Event that will be taking place on Saturday, May 26th at the Newport Beach Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach, CA.
There isn't any wow factor here, but the cigar does provide an average flavor profile through the first two thirds with a drop in the final third. Based on other cigars I've reviewed here, this score should fall in line with a fair number of cigars that are priced at twice or three times what this is. With that being said, you can have those same experiences at a discount.