The Oscar Valladares Wild Hunter Maduro started out as an average experience in the first third that unfortunately became a subpar experience through the second and last third. The initial flavors of sweet nuttiness and cedar were overrun by toasted earth, char, bitterness, and at times, tannic cedar. Overall, a subpar experience.
The Diplomático by Mombacho Robusto is a nice addition to the portfolio for the brand and this is a cigar I'd have no problem returning to. I'd really like to pair it with the Diplomatico rum to see how they work together, but this isn't a cigar that requires a pairing as it stands up well on its own. I just hope that the construction issues don't appear in future experiences.
The Balmoral Anejo XO Nicaragua Gran Toro is a complex blend that showed transitioning from start to finish and more importantly, balanced. Would highly recommend this cigar to any smoker out there. A lovely blend that can be enjoyed any time of day.
The 7-20-4 1874 Series Toro Especial was an enjoyable and interesting smoking experience. Flavors of nuts, cocoa, cedar and sweetness defined the profile with varying combinations through the review. Overall, I rated the cigar as good, and would light up an 1874 Series Toro Especial again if I had the opportunity.
Although it's fun and festive, I admit I almost never look forward to candela cigars. They are typically too vegetal and boring in flavors for me. In the case of the Jeremy Jack Blarney Stick, I'm happy to say it wasn't entirely like this. What especially kept me engaged was the sweet tip. I'm typically quick to take a big deuce on sweet tips, but it actually worked on this cigar.
The Foundation Menelik is a solid release and it is a great size. I think if you are looking for a quality Mexican offering with great AGANORSA Nicaraguan fillers, you will be pleased with the cigar. It may not be game changing, but it is another solid Mexican release to the market.
Like a lot of releases from 2019, the Montecristo Espada Oscuro Guard started out really well and slowly went downhill. A solid Montecristo, nothing to write home about, but a nice addition to a brand that already has way too many releases.
The Saga Solaz Robusto was an interesting cigar that served up a more classic Connecticut flavor profile with more subtle and complex notes in the first third. The second and last third became more traditional with grass and bitterness that I find most often with Connecticut blends of years ago.
The Joya de Nicaragua Número Uno L'Ambassadeur is simply fantastic. It is a tremendous Connecticut release and is complex from beginning to end. There is great transitioning taking place and it is always balanced. Releasing this cigar for the general cigar smoking world was a brilliant move by the company and I know I will turn to it quite frequently as my cigar of choice.
The Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas Fundador was an enjoyable cigar from start to finish. The flavor profile was well balanced with varied flavor notes of bread, spices, cocoa, citrus, clover, cedar and earth. Each third presented its own take on the flavor combination which kept my interest the entire time.
