The Brick House Bricktoberfest 2025 had an average flavor profile throughout. There was a fair amount of transitioning, but the overall profile never was all that exciting even though the flavor list was complex. This is a big cigar that gives a long smoking time at a good price point, but it isn't something that has me eager to return to.
The Micallef Green Robusto feels like a cigar built on a strong opening statement that gradually transitions into a dependable, if quieter, performance. It doesn’t fall apart, and it never becomes unpleasant, but it also doesn’t fully capitalize on the promise established in its opening act. It’s a cigar I’d reach for when I want comforting sweetness and soft structure rather than drama or evolution. Pleasant, measured and ultimately dependable in a modest way.
The Drew Estate Nica Rustica Shade Toro has an enjoyable flavor profile from start to finish that has a nice level of complexity, and while there may not be a lot of transition and depth, the cigar is very affordable. This is a cigar I would come back to in the future, and it is a cigar I would recommend and hand out to many smokers. This is a nostalgic cigar in the sense that it reminds me of cigars I smoked not early on in my cigar smoking experience, but near the beginning. Affordable, good and share worthy.
The Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Mi Querida Gorila Gordo had a nice start with a good combination of flavors. It took a step down in the second third as the supporting notes mellowed and maintained that level for the rest of the way. I've really enjoyed this blend in the past, but I think this vitola is the least enjoyable expression of the blend that I've tried. I'd probably go for the Gordito or Ancho Largo instead of coming back to this size.
In the end, the Alec Bradley Do Not Disturb Robusto settled into an “Average” performance overall, pleasant and balanced early on, but gradually overtaken by dryness that limited its depth and complexity.
The La Flor Dominicana Suave Natural Maceo delivered a profile that had complexity in the first third, but never fully broke past its own limitations. The early combination of sweet tobacco, baking spices and toasted wood created a classic start and I was hoping more depth would be revealed. By the end, the Suave Natural Maceo proved itself to be a cigar best appreciated for its simplicity and its early moments of harmony. It may not be a standout in the broader LFD catalog, but there may be value to the consumer in a more subdued blend.
The RoMa Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion 1794 Pennsatucky had an average start with a lot of transitioning. The second third took a step up as the profile found a nice balance, but then dropped a level in the final third as the toast and earth increased and some wood bitterness joined in. A bit of a step up for this vitola over the Tarred & Feathered vitola I reviewed previously. Even though it was a bit improved over the other vitola, I'm still not sure it's a cigar I'd really come back to.
I enjoyed the Montecristo 90th Anniversary No. 2. It smoked like a Montecristo and Plasencia, and that is not a bad thing overall. I thought the blend lacked some transitioning, but it has a nice overall complexity and depth. The strength and body paired well with the cigar, and the construction was flawless. Nice flavors of toasted nuts, leather, earth, cream and tobacco. I would love to come back to this cigar, but I struggle with the pricing for the profile.
The Davidoff Chefs Edition 2025 had a nice start, with an enjoyable flavor combination. It took a step down in the second third as the pepper and mustiness mellowed and the cedar became a bit dry. Things picked back up in the final third as some creaminess and meatiness joined in. This cigar was a nice experience. The price is quite high and I likely wouldn't smoke it with much frequency, but it's a welcome experience in a glut of low scoring reviews.
The La Flor Dominicana Suave Grand Maduro No. 5 had a average profile throughout that was pretty linear. Focused around earth and toasted oak with some supporting notes of black pepper, cereal, vegetal bitterness and light creaminess. Another Mexican wrapped offering that was fairly earth dominant. I really enjoy this pressed vitola and would love to see it used on more cigars. Overall though, not a cigar that was all that exciting and not something I'd see myself really returning to.