The Espinosa Las 6 Provincias LHB is yet another example of the stronger, spicier side of Espinosa's offerings. For me, this is a post (big) dinner smoke as the spice would be better complimented after such. If you enjoy the "typical" Espinosa offering, you will no doubt enjoy this.
The Southern Draw 300 Hands Maduro Petit Edmundo represents one of my favorite Maduro releases in the past few years. The story behind the project is compelling, but at the end of the day, customers are going to want something that delivers great flavor if they're going to buy it again. Fortunately, the 300 Hands Maduro delivers flavors that will have customers adding this to their regular rotation.
Overall, I enjoyed the David P. Ehrlich PLM Series Toro. At times, the profile became a bit too earth driven with its dirt/soil, leather and mineral notes. But, there was enough cream and citrus to not make it overly earth dominant. I recommend this to someone that enjoys a heavier profile.
The Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas Diadema is a crowning achievement release from Joya de Nicaragua. Previously, the Cuatro Cinco was my favorite release they had produced. This cigar ticks every flavor box I enjoy, and is fantastically balanced. I look forward to comparing the Diadema to the El General.
The Flor de Ynclan release in 2017 was a great cigar, but they've managed to create a Lancero that represents a peak of flavor performance. There is no doubt in my mind the Villiger La Flor de Ynclan Lancero Especial is a cigar that is going to be talked about on every top list at the end of 2018.
Not only is the La Barba Ricochet Robusto a great cigar for the company, it's a great cigar in general and a fantastic Mexican San Andres wrapper offering. The flavors were terrific from start to finish and it had a great bit of transitioning while remaining complex throughout.
The Mombacho Cosecha 2013 is without a doubt Mombacho's finest cigar release to date. While I thoroughly enjoyed the Cosecha 2012, I believe the 2013 has elevated levels of flavor complexity. You need to run, not walk, to your local B&M and buy these before they're gone.
The Cubariqueño Protocol Themis Lancero is a great example of a traditional Lancero that delivers on flavor complexity, despite the restrictions of less filler tobacco. The overall profile is medium-full with the cigar hitting medium strength at points. This cigar will be yet another hit for Cubariqueño Cigar Company.
The Ventura Father, Friends and Fire 2018 Limited Edition showed a great mix of milder strength but full flavored profile. It's a shame the cigar can't be bought. But I'll also say, it will be worth attending Ventura events to score this cigar.
The Jas Sum Kral Toothpicks 2.0 Mexican San Andrés was a good and consistent treat. The amount of body (think whole milk) was pretty unreal. The flavors to match the body was fitting, providing a great mixture of cream, butter, milk candy and gradual increase in cedar spice. For $6 it's a no brainer, and I see this scoring high on our year end value and budget listing.
