The Protocol Bass Reeves Maduro delivered a palate intense experience in the first third that fortunately softened in the second third while still maintaining complexity and my engagement. The last third was fairly linear with a mostly wood forward profile, but overall this was a good cigar that I would happily smoke again. Having reviewed the Natural and the Maduro, I gravitate towards the Maduro and it isn't even a contest.
The Oliva Serie V 135th Anniversary Edición Limitada was really good through the first half inch as the combination of flavors really fired on all cylinders. After that, things began to degrade as the earth played a bigger role and was average the rest of the way. Overall, I don't see this rendition of the line attracting me more than the regular V's.
This is the ideal Connecticut shade flavor profile I look for. Soft notes galore, with sweetness and creaminess upfront, and accented wood and spice notes. But I have a major gripe about this Rocky Patel White Label Toro. The price tag of $20 for a Connecticut shade is a bit ridiculous. But I'll push that aside and will weigh more on the actual (more important) flavor experience.
I haven't liked a La Palina release this much in quite some time. This La Palina 125 Años almost seemed like a return to what I loved about the glory days of the brand; well balanced, super flavorful and good construction. The only issue is, it held up the goodness for half the cigar. It is at least a step in the right direction.
The manner in which the Tatuaje Cohete currently tastes has all the key components to what should be a good cigar, given some more aging. The profile's rawness in good flavors as well as the oily nature of the cigar typically will mean a more balanced and cohesive flavor profile. I typically don't purchase many cigars these days, but I did buy a box of these. So in that sense, I am equating my words to my wallet.
Overall, I found the profile of the Protocol Bass Reeves Natural to be too mineral forward, suppressing the other good flavors of roasted nuts, white pepper and cedar. Because the mineral notes were too dominant, it tipped off the balance of the flavor profile. This ultimately gave the vibe of an average tasting cigar.
The Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Stillwell Star Navy No. 1056 started well with a nice combination of flavors and that peated whisky as a nice supporting note. The profile dropped to average in the second third as the baking spice fell back and maintained that level the rest of the way. This is probably my favorite of the four releases thus far in the line. I could have gone for a fuller peated whisky note in the profile.
I really enjoyed the Room101 Namakubi Ranfla. I thought Booth did a great job of capturing what the Namakubi was, while at the same time delivering the quality that you get with the new Room101 blends out of Tabacalera William Ventura. It smoked like any good Room101 blend has for 11 years. Packaging is just amazing as well.
The LCA Reserva Vintage 2021 had a nice start with a good combination of flavors and low strength. The second third walked the line of good/average but finished average due to the bitterness and maintained that level the rest of the way. If the cigar could have just dodged the wood bitterness, it could have been good throughout. Not sure if some time might help to alleviate that.
The Espinosa Las 6 Provincias LV delivered consistently balanced flavors through the first and second thirds, with the last third still being pleasant but for me lacking the same complexity level to engage my interest. I think the latest iteration of the Las 6 Provincias series might be the best or second best of the series so far, and I look forward to seeing how 2023 stacks up.
