The first third of the Fratello Puro Collection 1821 Dominican Republic was honestly pretty incredible. So good that it was nearing the "very good" score with flavors that were so full and distinct. But the second third (and final third) created a big downfall in enjoyment, shaving off the best parts of the first third. What a tease of a cigar.
The Perla del Mar Corojo Double Toro had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the toasted cedar and earth. There were some nice supporting notes, but nothing that really elevated the profile. The cigar smoked smooth throughout, and the press really helped with a good mouthfeel for the larger ring gauge. While I wouldn't see myself coming back to this frequently, I could see some really enjoying this based on the smooth smoking experience and the low price point for a larger cigar with a long smoking time.
The Perla del Mar Maduro Double Toro had an average flavor profile with a few transitions, but nothing too exciting. For a cigar of this price point, you get a long smoking time, so if you like the profile described and tend to go for cigars on the lower end of the price spectrum, this would be one to seek out.
The CAO Flathead V21 Carb was pretty monotonous and started with a typical General Cigar profile. It built in strength as it went along, but at no time did I find the profile interesting or all that enjoyable. Definitely not a cigar I see myself returning to.
Overall, the Micallef A Gordo was fairly mundane. The stale note to the oak was a bit of a detractor and the finish with the char and light bitterness was a bit of a bummer. For the size, the price is fairly attractive, but you'd need to really like the flavor profile to make it work. For me, I don't see myself returning to this one.
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 cigar was average throughout and started with a cedar and black pepper focused profile. This is a long standing line, but I feel that it has waned the last few years. With the experience I had, paired with the high price point, I really don't see coming back to the Camacho Liberty 2020.
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.
If the Davidoff Year of the Ox smoked like it did in the first third throughout, it would have been amazing. One of the better zodiac releases in recent years, but still does not compare to some of the early smokes.
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.