The Stoic Equanimity Moderation was a good cigar. It had a nice core flavor profile that was present throughout the experience. There was some minor transitioning throughout the cigar, and it has a nice body and strength level. The wrapper was not too overpowering with the size, and I appreciate that the cigar was not overpowering with the wrapper.
The CAO Arcana Stokk had an average flavor profile throughout although it had the unique components of the smoky oak and smoky meatiness. I've always been intrigued by this style of cigar, but it seems very hard to put it all together and have it deliver a full cigar that is enjoyable as it usually ends up as a profile that only excels in small doses and this cigar was no different. The combination just didn't lend itself to this size of cigar and it isn't something I'd see myself returning to.
The Luciano The Machinist Magnum is a well thought out blend with good nuances and complexities. I think it reaches both novice and seasoned cigar smokers as there is a good baseline of flavors for novices but also enough nuances for a seasoned cigar smoker to identify and enjoy. Just make sure you have intent on your draws.
A long, consistent and tasty cigar with deep rooted flavors. For such a big smoke like this Foundation 10 Year Aniversario, it's hard to ask for any more than that. While at times I didn't like the dryness, the flavors upheld the positive experience. Overall, a great cigar that shouldn't be missed.
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 Broadleaf Toro had an average flavor profile throughout and had that signature Honduran mustiness that some cigars from the region provide. Nothing all that exciting, but a serviceable flavor profile. The price is pretty attractive, and it's a long standing blend, but just not something I'd really see myself returning to.
I really liked the Bond Roberts Línea D No.01 109. I felt the cigar was beautiful in appearance, and a great smoking experience from beginning to end. The flavors of cocoa, cream, honey and coffee were wonderful, and paired great with the core profiles throughout. There was not an abundance of transitioning, but it had wonderful depth and complexity. I liked so many aspects of the cigar and would love to smoke it often. Great for the morning and afternoon.
This La Aroma de Cuba Habano Reserve Monarch was a unique smoke with its funky barnyard and umami and it was fun to smoke. The cigar fairs on the less spice and strength, which seems right based on my recollection (regardless when it was made at Fuente or by Pepin). I'd recommend to give it a shot for its fun and unique factors.
Ultimately, the Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Dave’s 20th Anniversary delivers a lively and engaging first half followed by a more restrained but still enjoyable finish. It’s a cigar that rewards smokers who appreciate distinct bursts of flavor early on, grounded by earth and minerality throughout, and wrapped in Aganorsa’s characteristic bread-and-spice signature.
I don't have a lot of experience with Karen Berger cigars but after smoking this Karen Berger Ixtelli Toro, I can say this was a decent offering but it does leave some things on the table. It would have been great to keep upping the level from the first third, but unfortunately it fell flat for the remaining two thirds. Given this, I will pass.
The Angel Cuesta Shade Toro is a good cigar. The draw and burn were perfect from start to finish. It doesn’t have a lot of transitioning, but it has a lovely profile and nice bit of depth. It is on the lighter side of the spectrum, but the wrapper helps in gravitating the blend and the presentation. The honey, cedar, cream and tobacco were very good from start to finish, I just wish it had a little more as a cigar.