Cigar Reviews Archives - Page 18 of 162 - Developing Palates - Cigar, Beer and Spirit Reviews and Ratings

Team Cigar Review: La Aurora Family Creed Series Fuerte Sol Robusto

I enjoyed this La Aurora Family Creed Series Fuerte Sol Robusto and loved how the cigar progressed throughout. Once it got going, it delivered a profile to my liking. Flavors, strength and body. This is a strong cigar with dark flavors. It is balanced and elegant, but it is strong. The cigar had a long finish and beautiful construction throughout. I believe this cigar will age well, and I am curious to see how it smokes in 18 to 24 months.

Seth Geise, October 15, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Crowned Heads Broadway Epicure

The Crowned Heads Broadway Epicure offered a restrained and balanced start, highlighted by sweet tobacco, nutmeg and some subtle vegetal notes. Unfortunately, the profile lost its balance in the second and final thirds, as dryness and bitterness began to weigh down the experience. The burn and draw were excellent throughout, but overall the flavor performance couldn’t sustain the promise of the first third.

John McTavish, October 13, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Raceking

The Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Raceking had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the earth, toasted cedar and black pepper. This is a very heavy profile and not subtle at all, which is what I believe Diesel smokers enjoy. It's just not my thing unless it can do it elegantly, which this cigar does not. Fans of the brand will enjoy this, but it's not a cigar I'd return to.

Aaron Loomis, October 10, 2025

Team Cigar Review: West Tampa Devil Crab

I have a confession to make. I was not looking forward to this West Tampa Devil Crab after the initial two releases that were honestly terrible. But you changed my perspective entirely with this blend. Such delicious full flavors packed into this man bun. I didn't think I'd ever say this, but based on this experience, I look forward to the next one.

Jiunn Liu, October 8, 2025

Team Cigar Review: ChiMolly Pioneer Robusto Extra

Was this the blend people were raving about at the trade show? I sure hope so because the Dynasty sure as heck wasn't good. This ChiMolly Pioneer Robusto Extra is a great broadleaf showing good body and a set of flavors that had good range and it kept me wanting to go for subsequent draws. I'll gladly smoke more of these.

Jiunn Liu, October 6, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Partagas Y Nada Mas Robusto

The Partagas Y Nada Mas Robusto had a pretty nice start as the crushed red pepper provided a nice accent along with the mustiness. The second third took a step down as the black pepper replaced the crushed red pepper and continued at that level the rest of the way. I was hoping for more of the first third throughout, but that didn't materialize. This is a well priced cigar, which makes it an easy try. I might come back to it again to see if I can chase that first third, but it's not high on my to do list.

Aaron Loomis, October 3, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Perdomo Legacy Shade Grown Epicure

I’ve smoked two of the Perdomo Legacy offerings, the Shade and Maduro, and both have been solid releases. Blends I would come back to in the future. The Perdomo Legacy Shade Grown Epicure delivers a nice flavor profile and amazing construction from start to finish. It is never harsh and has a nice medium-full strength and body. This might be one of the best shade-grown releases they have released. I would love to smoke this cigar in a variety of ring gauges.

Seth Geise, October 1, 2025

Team Cigar Review: HVC La Rosa 520 10 Year Anniversary Originales

I enjoyed the HVC La Rosa 520 10 Year Anniversary Originales. I loved many aspects of the cigar. The cigar was constructed and looked beautiful in presentation, and it delivered a solid flavor profile from start to finish. I loved the pepper, dry earth, wood, coffee and cream combo. The pricing is fantastic, and Reinier has been doing an incredible job at his new factory. He’s preserved and enhanced his brand with the establishment of his own factory.

Seth Geise, September 29, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Macanudo Gold Label 2025 Torpedo

The Macanudo Gold Label 2025 Torpedo had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around toasted cedar and earth. The construction paper didn't help or hurt the profile. Overall, just an average offering. It smokes smooth and has strength below medium, so a cigar that anyone could enjoy, it just isn't something that I'd be eager to come back to.

Aaron Loomis, September 26, 2025

Team Cigar Review: JRE Aladino 85 Aniversario Reserva Toro

Truly a wonderful cigar and well worthy of the great 85 anniversary. The JRE Aladino 85 Aniversario Reserva Toro showed great composure throughout the entire smoking experience (and yes even within the final third!). The flavors melded well, touching on sweetness, creaminess, spice, stone fruit and minerals. COTY contender for me.

Jiunn Liu, September 24, 2025