I really enjoyed the Alec Bradley Double Broadleaf Robusto, and I will definitely be smoking it again. I will probably gravitate towards the Toro and Gran Corona vitolas, but that is how I am with Alec Bradley stuff. Very rich and filling. Great winter cigar.
The Alec Bradley Trilogy Exotic Maduro had an average flavor profile throughout. Very oak and dry earth dominant, but the baking spice addition, did help out a little bit. Quite a difference between this Maduro and the Corojo, and I wouldn't see myself coming back to this iteration in the line.
The Punch Rare Corojo Aristocrat had an average flavor profile throughout. The first third had the most complexity, but as some components began dropping out, the profile was very linear and boring. Not a cigar I would see myself coming back to, but a cigar that is definitely approachable for newer smokers.
I enjoyed the Cuba Aliados Original Blend Robusto, and love the price even more. Nice blend that was approachable at many times. Not overly complex, but what was delivered was really enjoyable. Solid from beginning to end.
I enjoyed the Asylum Ten 11/18, and it is no surprise. You present me with a Honduran blend like this and I will be happy. It is balanced and has a profile to my liking. There are subtle flavors throughout, and it is focused around wood, earth, barnyard and cream notes. Nice body and strength with that as well.
The Cavalier Genève Inner Circle Toro is both very approachable and a nuanced connoisseur's blend. New cigar smokers will enjoy the easy going nature of the cigar, while seasoned cigar smokers will find subtleties and balance. Given how all Cavalier Genève offerings are so approachable, this one takes it to the next level. Nicely done.
The JRE Aladino Classic Corona offered balanced and interesting flavors that at times were up to medium-full strength but remained balanced through the majority of the cigar review. I would definitely smoke the JRE Aladino Classic Corona, especially when you factor in the approachable price point.
The Alec Bradley Fine & Rare BC-(13)4EV is a winner in my book. The profile showed good depth, balance, and composure. With just the right mix of spice, earth and sweetness, this is one I'd smoke again. And call me crazy, because I actually think the higher premium of $24 per cigar isn't too high, considering the price hike of the average cigar nowadays. Nicely done.
The United Cigar Series Unidas Cigar Bar Corojo was quite disappointing as the flavor profile was a bit off-putting with the staleness and bitterness. Things got slightly better after the re-light, but nothing that could reverse course for the cigar overall. The cigar burned pretty quickly as well. I just don't think this is the desired outcome of what the cigar was supposed to be. I can't see myself coming back to this one.
I don’t know what I am doing here, but I dug this CAO Pilón Añejo Robusto! Some cool flavors here and there with a solid core of cocoa, leather, floral and herbal qualities. Great construction! Final third was not as good as the first two thirds, but overall, I thought this was a good cigar.