The cigar falls into the same one liner summary that I've used for most of the new cigars coming out of Tabacalera AJ Fernandez lately; great construction but the flavors are fairly average. I think the Crux Epicure Maduro Toro would appeal to cigar smokers who typically reach for the more mass market style of Maduro cigars.
Overall, I liked the flavor profile (sans the last third) of the Joya de Nicaragua Selección de Torcedor 2019. There were more softer and smoother notes to the cigar (creamy bread, cherry soft candy with trailing baking spices). That, coupled with perfection in burn and draw performance, creates an experience worth visiting.
For this year's Mombacho Cosecha 2014, it was a good showing, albeit not fantastic. The main issue I have with this year's release is the underlying wood bitterness constantly lingering on my palate. Without that, the other flavors are great (rich nuttiness, cedar, baking spices, red pepper spice, minerals).
The Quesada 1974 Robusto was an overall average tasting cigar with very good construction. The first third's slick and oily delivery of baking spices, minerals and bread was a good starting point. However, as the cigar continued, it mainly became the same spice and earth character without the bread to break up the monotony. Purchase a couple to try, but probably no more than that.
I'm a bit taken back by how much I enjoyed the Punch Egg Roll. This was a well executed short robusto and just the right size to have all the notes pull through nicely. I hope General Cigar makes more renditions of this in the future. Maybe Spring Roll for next years release?
The Foursquare Rum Distillery Port Cask Finish is a prime (yet rare) example of having a stellar nose, but a tasting experience that failed to deliver. I expected the tasting to match the wonderful nosing of the port and bourbon finishings, while still preserving the integrity of the rum. Instead, what I received was thin flavors and overall lack in depth and body.
Whenever I read Crux using their signature Nicaraguan Engañoso wrapper leaf, I know I'm in for a treat based off how much I enjoyed the original PB5 and IPCPR Limitadas. For the Redline version, I felt as if the cigar was more spice forward (red pepper spice and cedar) and didn't have as well melded of a formula as the OG PB5 and IPCPR Limitadas. But overall, it is still a good cigar and worth checking out.
The Parker's Heritage Collection 11 Year Single Barrel is unfortunately a miss for me. The combination of heat and especially the bitter finish creates a lackluster experience. For $130 and Parker Beam's name behind it, I was honestly expecting more (a lot more).
Jiunn, John and Aaron just got back from the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival and it was the first time for each. We discuss the event structure and our thoughts on the experience.
The La Aurora 1985 Maduro Robusto was a great cigar that delivered on so many levels. There is a lot to be impressed with in this cigar, and another great quality is how well it shows that La Aurora knows how to work with so many different types of tobacco in so many blends.
