The Crowned Heads Le Pâtissier delivered some interesting flavor combinations in the first third, leaning towards the espresso and earth spectrum. The second and last thirds were still pleasant but lacked the dynamic nature of the first third. Most of the time Crowned Heads is a hit for me, so I feel like I'd revisit the Le Pâtissier again in the future to see if some age helped that second third harmonize 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.
The Tabak Especial Negra Lonsdale was really quite basic and I didn't get much more than a light creamy coffee in the first half to really make me think this was part of the Tabak line. I'm not sure if the infusion was light on this sample or just very light on this vitola, but it just didn't hit me the way past Tabak's have.
I was intrigued by the Mavros Revolucionarios Especiales from it being a new brand, originating from Mexico and the story behind it. The price point is quite high, and I see that being a bit of a barrier for people trying it. Based on my experience, I don't see coming back to it, especially at the price point, but I am glad I got a chance to try it.
The Dapper Desvalido Lonsdale is a good cigar and I believe with a little bit more age it will be very good. The complexity, depth and transitioning present in the blend was great. I loved the strength and body that was delivered, and the construction was top notch as well. Dapper Cigar Co. is a brand that to me continues to deliver quality blends and really enjoyable cigars. Well done!
The Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Desert Rose Lonsdale was an enjoyable cigar that showed most of its complexity through the first and second thirds. I enjoyed the Lonsdale format, but I think the natural comparison that will be made is with the original Belicoso release in 2019.
The JRE Aladino Cameroon Lonsdale has to be one of the best cigars I've smoked and reviewed during 2020. The first third is a harmonized and complex list of flavors that kept my palate highly engaged. The rest of the cigar wasn't as complex, but still good with enjoyable flavor combinations. Burn and construction were great on the cigar, no doubt elevating the smoking experience.
The Joya de Nicaragua Número Uno L'Ambassadeur is simply fantastic. It is a tremendous Connecticut release and is complex from beginning to end. There is great transitioning taking place and it is always balanced. Releasing this cigar for the general cigar smoking world was a brilliant move by the company and I know I will turn to it quite frequently as my cigar of choice.
Overall, I enjoyed the Brick House Double Connecticut Corona Larga. I especially enjoyed the heavier body and for the most part, standard array of Connecticut shade cigar flavors (cream, cedar, herbal tea, nuts, baking spices). All in all, pretty good effort by J.C. Newman.
The Flor de Ynclan release in 2017 was a great cigar, but they've managed to create a Lancero that represents a peak of flavor performance. There is no doubt in my mind the Villiger La Flor de Ynclan Lancero Especial is a cigar that is going to be talked about on every top list at the end of 2018.