The G.A.R. American Standard Robusto had an average flavor profile throughout, just focused around musty, toasted cedar, earth and black pepper. Not a cigar I'd really see myself coming back to, but for a cigar at this price point, well worth those that prefer lower priced cigars to check out. I've had equal experiences with cigars priced three times or more than this.
I love the Drew Estate Blackened S84 Shade to Black Robusto. This is a great Connecticut release, and one with a fantastic price too. Great flavors with a nice strength and body level. You really can’t ask for more from a Connecticut of this nature. It’s not intended to be super elegant like some Connecticut releases, but just really good at a great price.
The Macanudo Emissary España Robusto was one of the great surprises at the 2024 PCA in Las Vegas. Having smoked a show sample, I was eagerly awaiting my opportunity to review the released cigar. I am not disappointed, with restrained and balanced flavors throughout, this is a solid release in the Macanudo portfolio. I would happily smoke another Macanudo Emissary España Robusto again.
The Davidoff Maduro Robusto had an enjoyable flavor profile for the first and second thirds, with the profile evolving into heavy earth through the last third which was out of sorts from the rest of the flavor profile. The draw was slightly into the resistant spectrum, while the burn performance was the lowest score possible with seven re-lights required through the review experience. With all of that said, the overall flavor delivery was good, with the cigar certainly in the over medium strength for a Davidoff.
The E.P. Carrillo Encore Black had a nice start with a good balance of flavors, but the profile took a step down from the second third on as the earth steadily increased and the pepper fluctuated in fullness. Overall, not a cigar I'd really see myself coming back to as the profile wasn't all that intriguing.
Early on in FQ1 of reviews, looks like I already found my bang for the buck cigar of the year with this Drew Estate Chateau Real Crystale Deluxe. I have fond memories of the original Chateau Real from my early days of cigar smoking. I'm happy to say this re-release did not disappoint and actually was a nice delight to smoke. Well done team DE.
The Tatuaje 20th EL22 is a lovely cigar that I look forward to smoking again when it is warmer. Great summer cigar. Balanced with a nice selection of flavors, but not over the top. Medium in strength and body. Not overly complex, or showing a ton of transitioning, but a nice flavor profile throughout.
The Emilio Audiophile 2023 Robusto was pleasant through the review, with the most interesting flavor combinations for me coming in the first third. The second third didn't have enough engaging flavor components to elevate it from average to good. The price point is pretty reasonable for the market, and the profile will probably appeal to a lot of people who already gravitate towards the offerings from Oveja Negra Brands.
The Foundation Metapa Claro Robusto is another Foundation release that's a hitter. At this point, new releases from Nick should become an auto buy. Barnyard funktastic, earthy, nutty, sweet. I'll also add, it doesn't matter where it's made. It's good, so just go buy at least a few.
The Dalay Istanbul Robusto was an enjoyable review with the profile hanging between the light plus and medium strength spectrums for most of the experience. There's no question I enjoyed the flavor profile of the Dalay Istanbul Robusto, but the price point would likely hold me back from seeking these out.