The Pichardo Clasico had a fairly average flavor profile and experience level throughout. There were a core set of flavors with some minimal transitions. The strength was a bit sneaky, as I was feeling it a bit in the final third. The price point is approachable, so it's well worth a try, I'm just note sure how often I see myself coming back to it though.
After reviewing the La Palina Goldie Laguito No. 6, I found myself doing a comparison with the original and phenomenal releases of Laguito No. 2, No. 5, and the Especial. For me, the experience falls quite a bit short. That isn't to say it was a bad cigar, it certainly isn't, but a slightly above average experience isn't going to be enough to motivate a second purchase on a $23 cigar.
While I don't see myself returning to the E.P. Carrillo Elencos Elites often, I could see returning to it on occasion as I think this would work well in the evening after a hearty meal and paired with a brown spirit.
The A.C.E. Prime M.X.S. Signature Dominique Wilkins had a nice start, but once the dry earth joined in the second third, it put a bit of a damper on things and the experience was just average the rest of the way. The price point is fairly high on this cigar, but it did provide a lengthy smoking time of about three and a half hours, so there's some slight value there.
The Epic Ten was a pleasant, slightly above average, albeit underwhelming review experience considering the anniversary nature of the cigar. The Epic Ten did deliver some good flavors through the first third. I had high hopes for the cigar, given the Cameroon wrapper, and my enjoyment of other past Epic releases.
The Particulares Deliciosos overall was fairly average. In the first third, once, the black pepper joined, it seemed a bit too aggressive compared to the rest of the profile. As the cigar progressed and the pepper faded away, it was fairly linear as it was slightly charred oak and mustiness. I don't really see myself coming back to this one and will revisit the No. 1 vitola instead.
The Protocol Confidential Informant started with a nice profile, but by the second third, things dropped down to average and maintained that level the rest of the way. This seemed to be pretty typical of the brands limited exclusives as they don't match up to how good the core line offerings are.
The MoyaRuiz La Jugada Habano Semi-Pressed Toro was an overall pleasant smoking experience that remained consistent from start to finish. When I saw the Habano, I was expecting a bit more pop to the spices. None of the thirds really grabbed me in terms of complexity or layers of flavor, so I was left with an enjoyable, but average impression.
The Gurkha San Miguel Toro was an average cigar from start to finish. It produced an AGANORSA flavor that you find with some of the lower end offerings. This wasn't a cigar composed with the best AGANORSA tobacco. It was earthy with some damp wood and pepper spice. Medium-full throughout. Nothing really to write home about and expand on.
The Crux Limitada PB5 2020 was overall a pleasant experience, rating just above average for complexity and flavors. The construction was excellent. Given the limited nature of the cigar, I was expecting the complexity to be better through the second and last third, but I would smoke this cigar again if I had the opportunity.
