A delicious cigar through and through. At first glance, given the loud (and slightly obnoxious) massive cigar band, I scoffed at the Freud Agape. But after smoking it, this was one of the most flavorful and balanced cigars that I have had in quite some time. Fans of especially Davidoff and Kelner Boutique Factory made cigars should not pass this up.
The Tatuaje Cojonú 2015 was another dependable and enjoyable release. The spice level was much more subdued than many other Habano blends I've smoked over the years, and there was enough interesting combination of flavors that kept me engaged through almost the entire review. I would definitely pick up another Cojonú 2015 if I was out, but I can also say that about most Tatuaje releases.
The Drew Estate Nica Rustica Adobe Robusto had a solid first third with flavors at times reminding me of baked goods like a scone, but it couldn't maintain that level of complexity through the second and last thirds. While not unpleasant, it just didn't manage the same level of engagement. Would I smoke this again? Normally based on the score I'd say no, but the price point is absurdly approachable so I'd likely smoke these again based on price point alone.
This ACE Prime Maria Lucia is Connecticut Broadleaf done right. Chewy, dank earthiness and deep flavored. All this goodness held on for the entirety of the cigar. In a world where a quality Connecticut Broadleaf blend is rare and monopolized by only a few brands, for the sake of all lovers of broadleaf, this cigar need to still be in production. Will buy a box with no hesitation.
The German Engineered Raumzeit Robusto had a nice start with the combination of flavors presented. This is an interesting blend, and while it couldn't maintain the enjoyment level of the first half, I'd be interested in trying some other vitolas to see how they fare. This is a good step up for the brand and I look forward to future offerings.
While the Davidoff Limited Edition 2022 Gran Toro performed well and I thought solid flavors were delivered, I don’t think the blend did a great job of capturing the three “Black Label” brands. With that, there was nothing wowing to this cigar that justified the limited title and high price. Balanced cigar with a nice increase in strength and body. Very well constructed. Came off as a less Brazilian Davidoff Escurio.
This Luxury Cigar Club Choshi was a pretty spot on AJ blend with a plethora of earthiness in dry dirt, leather tannins and minerals. By no means ever a bad blend, but one that is all too familiar and in some ways, monotonous. If you like AJ, this is a blind buy for you. If you don't, move along.
I don’t know what I am doing here, but I dug this CAO Pilón Añejo Robusto! Some cool flavors here and there with a solid core of cocoa, leather, floral and herbal qualities. Great construction! Final third was not as good as the first two thirds, but overall, I thought this was a good cigar.
The Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Robusto 54 delivered some tasty and at times slight over medium intense flavor combinations. I don't recall the previous size we reviewed having this much intensity, but it was enjoyable. Typically I don't find the larger ring gauges land in my wheelhouse, but the Robusto 54 Supreme Leaf delivered.
The Espinosa Las 6 Provincias LV delivered consistently balanced flavors through the first and second thirds, with the last third still being pleasant but for me lacking the same complexity level to engage my interest. I think the latest iteration of the Las 6 Provincias series might be the best or second best of the series so far, and I look forward to seeing how 2023 stacks up.