The Punch Rare Corojo Aristocrat had an average flavor profile throughout. The first third had the most complexity, but as some components began dropping out, the profile was very linear and boring. Not a cigar I would see myself coming back to, but a cigar that is definitely approachable for newer smokers.
The H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Toro had a nice start with a vibrant set of flavors. The second third saw the vibrance wane a fair amount and maintained an average profile from that point on. The price point is attractive, but even with that, the overall smoking experience wasn't one that would bring me back to this cigar with any kind of frequency.
Overall, the Protocol Sir Robert Peel Natural Corona Gorda was fairly average and the burn issues were a bit of a drawback. In comparison with the initial release in the Toro, I slightly preferred that vitola, but this line just doesn't do it for me and I don't see myself returning to this one.
The CAO Arcana Firewalker was fairly mundane throughout. It was a basic flavor profile with not much transitioning and was just boring. The strength did build up as the cigar went along and finished at medium-full. I don't see myself coming back to this cigar.
The Illusione Gigantes had a fairly average flavor profile throughout. Just simple flavor components that didn't do anything to elevate the cigar. The price point is fairly attractive for the size, so if you're a fan of larger ring gauges, this could be something to try. It didn't seem to translate the similar blend from the Rothchildes vitola and I'd go to that offering over this one.
The Rocky Patel Sixty Toro had an average flavor profile throughout with just some slight transitioning to the levels of flavors that were focused around toasted oak, earth and black pepper. This is the second vitola in the line that I've reviewed, and I prefer the Robusto a bit better as it started off on a higher note. I don't really see myself coming back to this cigar.
The Oliva Serie G Robusto provided a nice, classic flavor profile and walked that fine line with the bitterness through the first two thirds on the positive side. As the bitterness reemerged and built up in the final third, it dropped the enjoyment level down a bit. The price point on the cigar is fantastic and with the flavor profile delivered, it's a no brainer to come back to and recommend.
Overall, the J.C. Newman Yagua 2021 was pretty on par in regards to the enjoyment level as the original release, The flavor profile was a bit different, lacking the sweetness of the original, but still an enjoyable one. The price point is very attractive and I'd be up for coming back to this from time to time.
Overall, I felt like the Protocol Paddy Wagon performed similarly to the other store exclusives from the brand. Just a basic flavor profile that wasn't all that interesting and doesn't match the level of most of the core lines. Not something I see myself returning to.
The Don Diego Special Edition Pirámide Extra had an average flavor profile throughout. The burning paper note is something that can easily torpedo a flavor profile, but this profile did a good job of not letting it get out of hand. The price point is fair for the experience, but there are plenty of other Connecticut shade cigars I'd reach for before coming back to this one.