The Macanudo Gold Label Golden Nugget had an average flavor profile throughout. Pretty typical Connecticut shade profile with the light bitterness mixed in. This cigar isn't my preferred format, and in combination with the flavor profile I experienced, not something I'd see myself really coming back to.
The Crowned Heads La Vereda No. 50 had some promising moments in the first third, but the remainder of the review experience was flat, with no dynamic character that made the experience stand out from the crowd for me. Crowned Heads has put out a number of cigars over the years that have really impressed me, and the La Vereda No. 50 was one I was looking forward to. The combination of flavor profile and premium price point make this an easy pass in the future for me, unfortunately.
The RoMa Craft Quinquagenario does a good job of showcasing flavor profiles that you would recognize as RoMa Craft, while blending something unique and engaging that isn't currently in the portfolio. The first and second thirds were the most engaging for me, with the second third rising to the top as my overall favorite. I will happily smoke more Quinquagenarios at the earliest opportunity.
The Casa 1910 Soldadera Edition La Coronela delivered some enjoyable flavors, and at times seemed to highlight the Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper with dark fruit notes. The last third did its best to deliver a similar profile, but it wasn't as balanced as the rest of the cigar. This is one of the top Casa 1910's I've smoked, and I'd be interested in trying another to see if the last third would improve without a combustion issue.
The AVO Seasons Spring Limited Edition 2023 had a nice start with a good combination of flavors. From the second third on though, it dropped a level as the baking spice waned and the earth increased. I really enjoyed how things began, but unfortunately, the cigar couldn't maintain that profile and became average the rest of the way. Not a cigar I'd see myself coming back to, but I'm curious to try the other seasons that will follow this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed the review of the Saga Golden Age Yamasá Limited Edition 2023. The first and second thirds were subdued, subtle, rich and engaging in the flavor combinations. The final third had a more intense earth to it that threw the balance off, and while pleasant, it didn't harmonize for me in the same way the rest of the cigar had. I would happily smoke another Saga Golden Age Yamasá Limited Edition 2023 again.
The VegaFina Fortaleza 2 Reposado 10 Años had an average and very linear flavor profile throughout. Just some slight fullness changes for the flavors, but not much more than that. Pretty in line with most of the European releases from the brand and not something I see myself returning to.
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.
This Davidoff Nicaragua 10th Anniversary Limited Edition is one of the few that is worthy of a limited edition/anniversary. Not the most transitional of blends but from start to finish, the cigar was amazingly flavorful and balanced. Pick one up or enjoy two hours with this at your favorite cigar shop.