When I read that this L'Atelier Côte d’Or La Tâche '18 was using Sancti Spiritus I knew it would be a great cigar. Given my smoking experience, this was a good cigar that captured all the major areas of a good cigar, i.e. full and nuanced flavors matched with great construction. I'd like to smoke more of these with a few more months of humidor time in the hopes of ironing out the final third. For sure worth a try.
The Warped Isla del Cocodrilo Corona Gorda had some engaging and dynamic flavor combinations through the first third. The second third started out promising but didn't match the same delivery as the first third. Overall, I think the Warped Isla del Cocodrilo Corona Gorda delivered above average flavor performance with perfect construction. This is one of the better offerings from Warped I have reviewed in a while and would return to it in the future to see how the same vitola or the Toro size performed on a second pass.
The El Septimo Culinary Art Collection Nigori was an interesting cigar to review. I thought the first third was good with engaging flavors, the second third almost hit the same mark but lost a bit in the bottom half, and the final third was fairly linear. This is without a doubt the best El Septimo I've smoked to date, and the price point is quite reasonable for the 2024 market. I could see myself smoking this cigar again, even if my take way for the overall flavor delivery was above average.
This Black Label Trading Co. Orthodox Corona Gorda was a wonderful cigar and a fantastic corona gorda. It was balanced, rich and flavorful. We’ve been smoking a lot of Mexican offerings, but none like this. It delivered the rich earth and cocoa qualities, but lots of strong earth, spices and wood as well. Great burn and draw. You could make an argument that the appearance of the cigar is a little much, but it is also in line with what BLTC has released. Yes, I will smoke again.
The HVC Selección No.1 Connecticut Esenciales is another consistent and engaging release from HVC, which I was happy to have the chance to review. The profile ranged from medium-full down to light plus at times so there was quite a range of intensity that I enjoyed. You have a cigar with an enjoyable flavor profile, perfect construction and a price point that's very competitive in the current 2024 market. This is something I would happily return to.
Yes, I prefer the CroMagnon PA to the original CroMagnon. You shouldn’t be surprised. I believe the blend to be more balanced and refined. The RoMa Craft CroMagnon PA Anthropology is balanced and smokes consistently from beginning to end. Yes, it is full, but it is blended well so you are picking up flavors. For those PA Broadleaf fans, this is a must.
The Black Works Studio Paper Crane Corona Gorda represents yet another consistent, engaging and tasty cigar release from Black Works Studio. Each third delivered flavor combinations at varying levels of intensity that kept my attention and has me wanting to seek out more. With the Paper Crane sporting an Ecuadorian Connecticut, it reinforces that James Brown at Black Works Studio can deliver cigar blends across the entire strength spectrum.
The Foundation Charter Oak Especiales Pegnataro had an average flavor profile throughout with a focus around toasted oak and hay, black pepper and earth. Some components dropped out or faded back as the cigar went along, not really providing an experience that was all that interesting. Between this version and the Pasquale, I found the Pasquale a bit better and I wouldn't really see coming back to this cigar in the future.
The Foundation Charter Oak Especiales Pasquale had a nice start, with the bakers chocolate providing a nice accent. The second third dropped a level as the chocolate departed and the earth picked up and the profile remained at that level the rest of the way. Overall, a fairly average smoking experience and not something I'd really see myself returning to.
The Plasencia Cosecha 151 San Diego did a great job of providing a meaty and rustic flavor experience. The darker notes had the ability to create a thick and layered palate (the kind where even having food will not help). I'll gladly smoke more of these.