The Avowed The Vow 11.25 had a nice start, with a good combination of flavors that really showcased the unique mustiness. It took a step down in the second third as the earth moved up and down and remained average for the remainder of the cigar. This cigar was a bit of a step up over the 7.05 I reviewed previously, but I still don't see it as a profile that did enough to come back to with any real frequency.
This Tatuaje PCA 2025 started off good, but it took a dive deeper and deeper into the dumpster the more I smoked it. Initial offerings of toasted mixed nuts, baking spices and minerals were nothing short of a good cigar, but as the cigar progressed, the flavor complexities weakened and by the end the harsh caking on my palate ultimately confirmed this is not something I'd turn back to.
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 Sumatra Robusto had a nice start as the earth with the decomposing leaves, that doesn't sound all that appealing, actually was. It took a step down in the second third as the leaf note departed, and remained at that level the rest of the way. I liked how things started and hoped that it would have continued longer, but it wasn't to be. Overall, not a cigar that I'd really see myself coming back to.
Average through and through. The flavors were a bit too reserved and light. If it was more intense, this flavor combination would be a winning blend no doubt. But since it wasn't, I got bored of it pretty quick and wanted to move onto the next one. The Crowned Heads Belgian Blue LE 2025 is a pass for me.
The Padron Series 3000 Natural had a nice start with the bold combination of peppers and dark roast coffee. It took a step down in the second third as the crushed red pepper was gone and the earth built up. It remained at that level for the remainder of the cigar. With this being a lower cost offering into the Padron portfolio, it's an easy try, but this isn't really a cigar I'd see coming back to with much frequency.
The Tatuaje Series P Honduras Short Toro was a good cigar. It was a blend I would come back to in the future, and it is a cigar I would smoke regularly. It had a wonderful core flavor profile that was complex from start to finish. The strength and body worked well with the flavors, and it delivered an easy smoking experience that was very enjoyable. I could smoke all the time while at the beach, and light one up in the morning or evening.
In the end, this Cohiba Rubicon Box-Pressed Robusto is a cigar that starts stronger than it finishes. It delivers enough early balance and flavor clarity to avoid falling below an Average rating, but the gradual loss of nuance and increasing dominance of earth prevent it from climbing higher. It’s a competent, every day type of smoke that will appeal to those who enjoy earth-forward profiles, though it may leave others wanting a bit more evolution and refinement by the time the cigar comes to an end.
This Patina Red Pill 5x54 BP is a proper rustic cigar type experience. The combination of earthy minerals and spice paired with the chocolate notes were outstanding and made me want to go back for more and more. No doubt I'll gladly have some of these in my humidor.
The Avowed Awakening had a nice start with a unique creamy, musty, chalky, toasted cedar. It took a step down in the second third as the creaminess departed and the mustiness gained a dampness and remained at the level the rest of the way. This was the initial line for the brand and felt a bit aggressive with such a high price point. I like how it started, but it just couldn't build on that past the first third. I don't believe these cigars exist anymore, so I'm not eager to try to track any down.
The Luciano The Machinist Magnum is a well thought out blend with good nuances and complexities. I think it reaches both novice and seasoned cigar smokers as there is a good baseline of flavors for novices but also enough nuances for a seasoned cigar smoker to identify and enjoy. Just make sure you have intent on your draws.