The Rocky Patel The Edge Maduro Toro had a nice start, with the earth driven profile and nice supporting notes. It took a step down in the second third as some of the supporting notes mellowed and the earth and cedar became a bit stale. It remained at that level the rest of the way. Not a bad offering in this lower priced category, but overall, it's not a cigar I'd really see myself returning to with any real frequency.
The Montecristo Classic No. 2 had a nice flavor profile through the first two thirds, focused around toasted cedar and earth, but the supporting notes all did a good job of balancing the profile. It took a step down in the final third as the balance went off a bit due to the earth, leather and strength. This is a nice Connecticut shade offering that offers a lower strength profile. It's fairly expensive, but if you are OK with this price range and enjoy this profile, it's well worth a try and isn't just a cigar playing off the Cuban name.
The CAO America Monument had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the earth and toasted cedar. The bitter construction paper wasn't the greatest addition, but the pepper and creaminess helped to balance it out a bit. Overall, not a cigar that really speaks to me and not something I'd see myself really coming back to.
The Rocky Patel The Edge Corojo Toro started pretty average, focused around the toasted cedar and earth. It increased in enjoyment in the second third as the black pepper returned, rounding out the profile a bit more. It took a step back in the final third as the wood bitterness increased and the pepper mellowed. This is a serviceable lower priced offering. While I wouldn't see myself really coming back to it with any frequency, for those that like a cedar and earth flavor combination and prefer lower cost offerings, this might fit the bill.
The Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Corona had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around toasted cedar, earth and black pepper. It's a pretty traditional Connecticut shade flavor profile that carries some dryness. It was able to dodge too much bitterness and overwhelming paper notes. While it's not a cigar I'd see myself coming back to frequently, for those that really enjoy the traditional style of the cigar, it is one to check out.
The CAO Italia Ciao started with an average flavor profile but took a step down in the second third and remained that way through to the end. I'm pretty sure the very tight draw just didn't let this profile exhibit what it was supposed to be, as smoke production was low early on and required multiple draws. Unfortunately, I don't think I can really report on what this cigar really is based on the draw issue, and I'm not sure if I'll return to see if I can get a better constructed one.
The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Natural No. IV had an average flavor profile through the first two thirds, focused around toasted cedar, earth and construction paper. It took a step down in the final third as the wood bitterness increased and then transitioned to vegetal bitterness and increased some more. A pretty traditional Connecticut shade offering, but it just didn't do enough to make it something I'd really want to come back to. The price point is attractive though, so it's an easy try for those that enjoy this flavor profile.
The Montecristo White Series Rothchilde started well, with a full combination of flavors, but took a step down in the second third as the pepper mellowed and some wood bitterness joined in. It took another step down in the final third as the wood bitterness ramped up and the toast became very heavy. Overall, a cigar that started with promise, but degraded through each third. The price is pretty high for the offering, but regardless of that, just based on flavor profile, not something I'd really see myself coming back to.
The Perdomo Habano Bourbon Barrel-Aged Connecticut Epicure had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the toasted cedar and oak, earth and cardboard. This is one of those "your Grandfathers Connecticut's" in regards to the classic flavor profile that's a bit dry with the cardboard/paper note to it. Not really the flavor profile I go for and not a cigar I'd really see myself returning to.
The Tatuaje Escasos H had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around toasted cedar and dry earth. While the flavor profile was smooth with lower strength, the dry earth kind of dampened the other flavors, which I believe didn't allow it to shine as it could have. Not a cigar that really excites me and not something I'd likely to return to.