Cigar Reviews Archives - Page 22 of 162 - Developing Palates - Cigar, Beer and Spirit Reviews and Ratings

Team Cigar Review: AVO Syncro 10th Anniversary Limited Edition

The AVO Syncro 10th Anniversary Limited Edition had a nice start with a good mix of flavors and balance. It took a step down in the second third as the mushroom note departed and the mustiness and pepper mellowed. It maintained that level the rest of the way. Overall, another cigar that couldn't maintain an interesting profile past the first third. Even without the high price point, I wouldn't see myself returning to this and just smoke the regular production offerings.

Aaron Loomis, July 14, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Diamond Crown Maximus Robusto No. 5

The Diamond Crown Maximus Robusto No. 5 had a nice start with a good combination of flavors. As the earth and pepper fell back in the second third it took a step down and remained at that level the rest of the way. I didn't find this vitola quite as engaging as the Toro, but it still maintained portions of that experience. I wouldn't necessarily come back to this size, but the line does offer some good vitolas.

Aaron Loomis, July 11, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Balconet

So my eyes weren't deceiving me. The elegance of the packaging matched the smoking experience. The overall flavor profile showed good harmony, touching on sweetness, sourness and tannins (which helped with the body). It's been a while since I liked something out of Altadis, so this Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Balconet was definitely a much needed win. Well done.

Jiunn Liu, July 9, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Dapper 10th Anniversary

The Dapper 10th Anniversary delivers a balanced and approachable smoke with sweet, creamy tobacco and wood flavors that evolve gradually. While the first two-thirds offer a pleasant combination of bread, baking spices and mild tannins, the last third introduces more assertive tannins and an acidic finish that slightly detracts from the overall smoothness. Overall, this was a good anniversary release that fits well in the Dapper portfolio.

John McTavish, July 7, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Punch Bottle Rocket

The Punch Bottle Rocket had an average flavor profile through the first two thirds, as the main components of toasted cedar, earth and black pepper all had a bit of staleness to them. The profile took a step down in the final third as some vegetal bitterness masked some of the supporting notes. Overall, not an exciting cigar, as the staleness but a damper on the overall profile. It's a price friendly cigar that makes it an easy try, but it's not something I'd come back to.

Aaron Loomis, July 4, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Raices Cubanas C5 Black Robusto

I wanted to go three for three for liking Raices Cubanas new releases but I'll have to settle for (still an impressive) two for three. The Raices Cubanas C5 Black Robusto didn't do it for me. The flavors were too hollow and rustic and left an unpleasant finish on my palate. As such, I don't care to return back to this.

Jiunn Liu, July 2, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Room101 15th Anniversary

The Room101 15th Anniversary delivers a well-constructed, consistently balanced smoking experience. Its flavor profile leans toward light to medium-minus strength with prominent wood and spice notes accented by subtle chocolate and baking spices. While it may not push bold complexity, I found it to have a smooth progression for the majority of the review. The price point for the 15th Anniversary is average for the 2025 market, but based on the flavor delivery I would seek these out again.

John McTavish, June 30, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: Adrian Magnus Imperials Robusto

The Adrian Magnus Imperials Robusto had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around toasted cedar, black pepper and earth. The creamy leather was a nice addition, but didn't really elevate the profile. The bold pepper really pushes the strength a bit and I could see this being attractive to those that like pepper bombs. For me, the flavor profile just didn't do enough to make me want to return.

Aaron Loomis, June 27, 2025

Team Cigar Review: United Gold Star Robusto

Although I appreciate the easier hit to the wallet, this profile didn't do it for me at all. The mixture of flavors were incohesive to start off, followed by unpleasantries with all the bitterness mixed in. This United Gold Star Robusto is an easy pass for me.

Jiunn Liu, June 25, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Avowed New Dawn Toro

The Avowed New Dawn Toro was a terrific cigar from beginning to end. The flavor profile was on point, and it started out great out of the gates. The burn and draw were amazing, and you can't ask for any more with a cigar. The strength and body were perfect throughout, and matched well with the flavors. The mocha and butter-like notes were fantastic!

Seth Geise, June 23, 2025