Typically, Nick does a great job of creating his own unique blends that are different than a lot of the homogenous blends out there, especially out of AJF. But this cigar isn't the case. It tastes more like a spicier, stronger version of most AJF cigars. The monotony of strength and heavy handed earthiness isn't palate enticing. As a result, the Foundation Metapa Maduro Robusto is a pass for me.
The CLE PCA 2023 Exclusive 50x5 was an enjoyable cigar to smoke and review, and the first and second thirds were the highlight of the experience for me. I think the CLE PCA 2023 Exclusive 50x5 demonstrates the kind of good cigar that CLE can produce and I would happily smoke another one if I had the opportunity.
The Crowned Heads La Vereda No. 50 had some promising moments in the first third, but the remainder of the review experience was flat, with no dynamic character that made the experience stand out from the crowd for me. Crowned Heads has put out a number of cigars over the years that have really impressed me, and the La Vereda No. 50 was one I was looking forward to. The combination of flavor profile and premium price point make this an easy pass in the future for me, unfortunately.
Not a bad cigar, but nothing special about the blend. The Jas Sum Kral Toothpick 2.0 Connecticut is well priced, but the packaging and name aren't going to help it get over the finish line and win over consumers. I think smokers will pay the extra dollars for something more mainstream. There was some transitioning throughout, but the core flavor profile was just lacking. Nice construction, but again, not enough happening.
The RoMa Craft Quinquagenario does a good job of showcasing flavor profiles that you would recognize as RoMa Craft, while blending something unique and engaging that isn't currently in the portfolio. The first and second thirds were the most engaging for me, with the second third rising to the top as my overall favorite. I will happily smoke more Quinquagenarios at the earliest opportunity.
Up until this review, Buenaventura made some of the most easy going (yet flavorful) blends in the market. But this Buenaventura Maduro BV 500 turned that entirely upside down and the company decided to go balls to the wall on not just the strength, but a bold flavor profile. Unfortunately, the flavor profile wasn't pleasant so this is one of the few Buenaventuras that I can't recommend.
The Crux Epicure Habano Robusto was an enjoyable review and might be one of my favorite releases from Crux in the past few years of releases. I found some engaging flavor combinations in the first and second thirds that were relatively balanced, with the earthiness in the last third taking a step down. I would definitely smoke the Crux Epicure Habano Robusto again, both based on the flavor profile delivered and the reasonable price point for the current market conditions.
This Oscar Valladares The Oscar Connecticut Robusto was a great Connecticut blend. Balanced with a great core flavor profile from start to finish. Not overly complex, or showing a lot of transitioning, but this is an affordable cigar. The construction was perfect as well, so this was an easy and effortless smoke. No complaints. Nice creamy, earth, wood and sweet spice flavor profile.
The Oliva Serie O Maduro Robusto didn't start all that great with some staleness and carboard, but things came together in the second third with a nice combination of flavors, but then waned in the final half of the cigar. Not a bad offering, but not all that exciting either. This is a step above the Natural offering in the line, but I'm not sure I'd see myself coming back to it with any frequency.
This Casa 1910 Soldadera Edition Sampetrina was a nice Robusto and a solid Connecticut. I would say that it rode the Average/Good line in every category, but it continued to deliver so I had to go with Good overall. I would definitely smoke the cigar again, but at the price I wouldn't pick up a handful of them. Nice profile of cedar, hay, earth and cream.