I enjoyed the first third on the Lampert Oro Don Patron, with some cocoa and creaminess combining in engaging ways. The second and last thirds were primarily hay and wood driven which wasn't unpleasant but was linear on the palate. The draw and burn were both perfect. The profile was slightly above average, and given the price point, this isn't something I would likely return to in the future.
This Alfonso Añejos No. 2 is the route back to greatness for Selected Tobacco S.A. The early days of having incredible nuance, balance, and in general a great cigar is almost back with this release. This cigar (for the first two thirds) had such a large array of flavors that worked in great harmony. It's not often I smoke a cigar like this, but it is a treat.
The El Septimo Sacred Arts Collection Da Vinci was enjoyable for the first inch and a half or so, and then after that, it became a bit monotonous. It was very toasted cedar and dry earth focused with none of the other components really adding anything to elevate it. All of the cigars in the series are quite pricey, so I wouldn't see myself coming back to this one, but would be up for trying some of the the offerings.
The Privada Cuban Daiquiri had an average flavor profile throughout that was a bit drying on my palate. Not a lot of transitioning, so pretty linear. I don't see this as a cigar that I would come back to as the flavor profile didn't provide anything to really keep my attention.
The El Septimo Gilgamesh Collection Sable Shamash had an average flavor profile throughout. I'm sure bringing out the lighter a few times didn't help. Always interesting trying a new brand, but at the high price point, it's not something I'd return to. I do look forward to trying some of their other offerings though.
The Atabey Corona Cigar 25th Anniversary, for the vast majority of the time, had a wonderful, full flavor experience that ranged from sweet and pastry like to earthy and spice. I certainly don't think it's worth the commanding price point of $34, but I can see myself smoking one here and there on rare special occasions.
The Bombay Tobak M.Esteli Torpedo is a pleasant smoking experience, with the most complex portion of the profile coming through in the first third. The second and last third had moments of complexity but didn't reach the levels that it demonstrated at the start. Construction was impeccable with a perfect burn and draw experience.
Diademas are special vitolas, so you better have a good blend when all is said and done. The Bombay Tobak MQBA Diadem may not be the type of cigar that a more seasoned smoker looks for, or one who wants more body and strength, but I found it really enjoyable. A very elegant introductory cigar.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience with the Byron Serie Siglo XXI Aristócratas. For fans of softer and more subtle notes (think a more traditional Connecticut shade or Cuban cigar), this will be a good fit. The only gripe I have is, for such a long (3 hour) smoking time, there weren't enough transitions and build ups as I'd like it to have.
The Atabey Spiritus is a complex and rich Lancero smoking experience. The cigar has bold flavors that don't overwhelm the palate, for a truly luxurious profile. If you are an Atabey fan, or are simply looking for a premiere smoking experience, you would do well to pick yourself up a Spiritus.