The Saint Luis Rey Eiroa 30th Anniversary Rothchilde is an overall great cigar being candy like in sweet and creaminess with balancing earthiness and spice. But whomever the QC team is for this company needs a talking to. There's no reason to apply such an ugly cap to an overall good looking cigar.
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Natural No. IV had an average flavor profile through the first two thirds, focused around toasted cedar, earth and construction paper. It took a step down in the final third as the wood bitterness increased and then transitioned to vegetal bitterness and increased some more. A pretty traditional Connecticut shade offering, but it just didn't do enough to make it something I'd really want to come back to. The price point is attractive though, so it's an easy try for those that enjoy this flavor profile.
No doubt the best part of the Bond Roberts Dalia Linea B No.3 was the first third as it was smooth and easy going with a plethora of sweet, spice and umami characteristics. The vibe of something like this feels very European and I go straight to brands like Curivari and the early days of Cavalier.
The Punch Rare Corojo 25th Anniversary is a cigar that showcases an unusually sophisticated wood profile and excellent balance early on. Unfortunately, the profile gradually loses complexity and finishes with increasing dryness and bitterness. While the strong opening and excellent construction make for an enjoyable experience overall, the cigar ultimately settles into average territory due to its lack of progression through the latter stages.
The Rocky Patel Vintage 2003 Cameroon Robusto had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around toasted oak and earth with black pepper supporting. The flavor profile was pretty simple and didn’t provide any real excitement. Not a cigar that I’d really see myself revisiting.
A great first third featuring balanced cocoa, roasted nuts, minerals and leather with a nice medium full body. Unfortunately, the cocoa and roasted nuts tapered off on the last two thirds which made the experience go from good to average. Hopefully this CAO Flathead Speed Shop V654 Crankshaft is around five bucks so that I can just pitch it after the first third.
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut Toro had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around toasted cedar, hay and dry earth. It was a smooth smoking experience. While I wouldn't see coming back to this cigar frequently, it's an easy smoking experience with an attractive price point, so I could see smoking it from time to time.
A consistently good cigar from start to finish. The range of flavors were not vast but I loved how full and distinct the flavors were. Highly anticipate what this reveal is. I'd definitely be in for at least a bundle of 10 of this Raices Cubanas 1941 Nuevo Comienzo Gran Toro.
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Sumatra Robusto had a nice start as the earth with the decomposing leaves, that doesn't sound all that appealing, actually was. It took a step down in the second third as the leaf note departed, and remained at that level the rest of the way. I liked how things started and hoped that it would have continued longer, but it wasn't to be. Overall, not a cigar that I'd really see myself coming back to.
The Tatuaje Series P Honduras Short Toro was a good cigar. It was a blend I would come back to in the future, and it is a cigar I would smoke regularly. It had a wonderful core flavor profile that was complex from start to finish. The strength and body worked well with the flavors, and it delivered an easy smoking experience that was very enjoyable. I could smoke all the time while at the beach, and light one up in the morning or evening.