The Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Black Toro performed like a number of cigars that I've smoked from General where the flavor profile seems a bit stale and the tobacco seems dull. Smoking a cigar with a Broadleaf wrapper, I would expect a bit more potency to the flavors and it just wasn't there. Definitely not something I see myself returning to.
The VegaFina 1998 Vintage 1 VF 42L was an average experience throughout as it was a bit dry based on the flavor components. With this being a non-U.S. release, I can see how the flavor/strength combination was setup, but it just wasn't all that exciting. This cigar definitely showed better than the VF 50 that was a U.S. release and we reviewed previously, but it's still not something I'd really see myself coming back to.
The Crux Epicure Gordo had a nice start with a good combination of flavors. From the second third on, the enjoyment level dropped down a notch as there were some transitions and the profile became a bit dry. If you're a Connecticut shade fan and like the bigger ring gauges, then this would be a cigar to try.
The El Rey del Mundo Robusto OSC has an attractive price point and is pretty serviceable through the first two thirds before becoming undesirable in the final third. For those that are budget smokers, this is a cigar to check out, just keep in mind that it might be something to put down after the second third.
For a bundle cigar, the Quorum Shade Toro did quite well. I would pin this towards the top of my list as a cigar for a new smoker as it does a great job of easing you in to the experience. While it's not something I would smoke often, it's definitely a good yard cigar and at the price point, it's really hard to do better.
The VegaFina Fortaleza 2 Capa 20 is not a U.S. release, so I can see how the low strength, non-pepper profile would focus on Europe and other areas. It's just not a cigar that I found exciting and don't really see myself coming back to or recommending anyone to try to chase it down.
Overall, the flavor profile of the United Cigar Irish Car Bomb Firecracker was fairly average. The transitioning seemed to come with the wrapper changes, which is nice to see. Well priced for what was delivered and a fun little smoke, but not something I'd chase down more of.
I never smoked the original so I can't say how it compares, but this CAO Vision was a fairly average experience overall. I can see it appealing to a wide range of smokers that gravitate to this basic type of profile, but I need something more to maintain my attention. With the experience I had, combined with the high price point, I don't really see myself returning to this cigar.
Overall, the Drew Estate Liga Privada Único Serie Velvet Rat started nicely, but became average by the second third as the flavor profile was pretty basic. This cigar doesn't have the vibrance it once did, which is understandable due to its age. If you have some of these, smoke them, as time isn't going to make them any better.
The flavor profile of the Partagas Limited Reserve Decadas 2020 was a fairly smooth mix of earth, wood and black pepper, but it wasn't anything all that exciting. I could see a fair number of smokers enjoying the smooth profile, but with the high price point and average flavor experience, it's not something I really see myself returning to. This was just a bit too basic to keep my attention.