Although the mushroom mustiness was a nice component to start, the overall profile was pretty average and maintained that level through the second third. The final third dropped down a level when the char returned and built up. The Sindicato Cubico Toro never really did anything, it was just there. The price point is decent for the size, but there wasn't anything exciting enough for me to want to return to this one.
The Pichardo Clasico had a fairly average flavor profile and experience level throughout. There were a core set of flavors with some minimal transitions. The strength was a bit sneaky, as I was feeling it a bit in the final third. The price point is approachable, so it's well worth a try, I'm just note sure how often I see myself coming back to it though.
While I don't see myself returning to the E.P. Carrillo Elencos Elites often, I could see returning to it on occasion as I think this would work well in the evening after a hearty meal and paired with a brown spirit.
The Back2Back Connecticut 6x60 smoked like a pretty typical Connecticut Shade offering. While this size isn't something I typically gravitate towards, you do get a lot of cigar for your money and for those that find this flavor profile enjoyable, it's an easy buy.
The Jas Sum Kral Stateline had a nice combination of flavors through the first two thirds and then dropped to average in the final third when char joined in. To me, most store exclusives tend to be a bit of a letdown, but in this instance, I felt the cigar was a nice surprise. There was a nice balance between flavor and strength which is always appreciated. I'd recommend people seek this out and give it a try.
The Particulares Deliciosos overall was fairly average. In the first third, once, the black pepper joined, it seemed a bit too aggressive compared to the rest of the profile. As the cigar progressed and the pepper faded away, it was fairly linear as it was slightly charred oak and mustiness. I don't really see myself coming back to this one and will revisit the No. 1 vitola instead.
The Protocol Confidential Informant started with a nice profile, but by the second third, things dropped down to average and maintained that level the rest of the way. This seemed to be pretty typical of the brands limited exclusives as they don't match up to how good the core line offerings are.
The JRE Aladino Maduro Corona started with an average profile and remained that way until the final third when the heavy char knocked things down some. If you're a fan of charred wood and heavy black pepper, you'll find something you like here. I just felt it was too much and didn't provide an enjoyable version of those components.
The E.P. Carrillo La Historia Doña Elena started nicely with a good combination of flavors and transitioned nicely going into the second third. The enjoyment level dropped a bit in the final third as some char joined in. This is a cigar I would easily come back to and is a bright spot in the brands portfolio. I also think the price point fits the enjoyment level nicely.
The E.P. Carrillo INCH Natural No. 60 had a flavor profile that was pretty linear with just a few changes. It was definitely a heavy oak and earth influence. I'd prefer a bit more to the flavor profile, but for those that are fans of the flavors I've described, you'll get a full dose of them here and find something you enjoy. The cigar is a very slow smoker, so there is some value there.