The RoMa Craft Craft 2020 was the first in the Craft series I've had the opportunity to smoke, but based on the experience it will not be the last. The flavors were complex, balanced and kept my attention constantly through the entire smoking experience. Quality releases such as these are why RoMa Craft has such a strong following.
With the Drew Estate BOTL Corona Gorda, the first third is the high water mark for flavor, and unfortunately the middle and last thirds provide a fairly linear and average flavor profile. There isn't anything here that grabbed my attention and I would gravitate towards a previous BOTL release.
The Black Label Trading Co. Bishops Blend 5 Year Anniversary Corona Gorda has a consistently good flavor profile from start to finish. The 5 Year Anniversary release seemed to be a bit of a departure from previous annual releases. This cigar will appeal to BLTC fans and the reduced strength and body should bring in a wider audience of cigar smokers.
The Joya de Nicaragua JOYA Copper Corona Gorda started fairly average and remained that way the whole time. It's possible that the tight draw muted the flavor a bit, but what was presented were some general flavors that can be found in any number of cigars. The price point is nice for this line and would lead me to being open to trying other vitolas to see how they smoke.
For those that are fans of what comes out of Fabrica Oveja Negra, they'll find something they recognize and can enjoy in the Black Label Trading Company Santa Muerte 2017 Corona Gorda. For me, the profile was a bit too linear and I would prefer a bit more complexity as I found the profile to lose my attention as it got into the second half.
The flavor profile was darker and to my liking, and this vitola offering is a great addition to the line. I think the consumers who are fans of Todos Las Dias will really enjoy the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Todos Las Dias Mas Fuerte Thick Lonsdale, and I would say it is my favorite size as well.
Smoking through now the fourth iteration of the Probable Cause, I came into this review having somewhat of an expectation. What I tasted overall in the Cubariqueño Protocol Probable Cause Corona Gorda was a good representation of Mexican San Andres providing a profile driven by earthy grit/dirt, chocolate, baking spices, stone fruits and black coffee.
If you're looking for a lower priced cigar that can deliver a good flavor profile, then the Berger & Argenti Cuban Copy Punch Punch fits the bill. I wouldn't hesitate revisiting this cigar for something to smoke when I'm looking for an enjoyable flavor profile in a smaller vitola. I'd be interested to see if other offerings in this line produce similar results.
The Jeremy Jack JJ14 shows just how far you can push the complexity of a cigar with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, without losing the essence of Connecticut flavor. The Aganorsa tobaccos blend together in a delightful combination of flavors that never seem to overpower the palate.
The Crowned Heads Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2017 shows a heavier spice and grittier profile. I'll be interested to see how this cigar does with further age, as I don't think it is quite prime time yet.