The My Father La Lealtad Toro is a decent cigar. The flavor profile becomes a little monotonous with the size offering, but it is not unpleasant. It could come off as a profile that does not speak to a lot of smokers as well, and I feel that is a Dominican/Honduran aspect to the cigar. I believe this blend could reach a higher level with some more richness. That will add to the complexity and depth.
The Didier Rachel is a solid cigar. It’s a well-done large ring gauge offering as well. The blend is slightly one-dimensional, but it has a nice level of depth and complexity so it can get away with not showing a lot of transitioning. It’s an easy cigar overall, and I think it’s a cigar that any smoker could enjoy to a certain degree.
The first third was the only highlight of the cigar. The fullness of the meatiness/gaminess paired with milk creaminess and trailing star anise was a combination worthwhile to sit with. But the majority of the cigar showed a mediocre flavor profile of charred oak wood and cream, which became a bit monotonous. This is an overall pass for me.
The Punch Rare Corojo 25th Anniversary is a cigar that showcases an unusually sophisticated wood profile and excellent balance early on. Unfortunately, the profile gradually loses complexity and finishes with increasing dryness and bitterness. While the strong opening and excellent construction make for an enjoyable experience overall, the cigar ultimately settles into average territory due to its lack of progression through the latter stages.
The Fermin Perez Classic Habano Toro had a nice start, with a good combination of flavors, including the nice honey sweetness. As the sweetness departed in the second third, the profile took a step down and remained at that level for the rest of the cigar. Overall, a pretty average experience. I really wish the profile in the first third had lasted longer. All in all, not a cigar I'd really see myself coming back to.
The Perdomo Habano Bourbon Barrel-Aged Connecticut Epicure had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the toasted cedar and oak, earth and cardboard. This is one of those "your Grandfathers Connecticut's" in regards to the classic flavor profile that's a bit dry with the cardboard/paper note to it. Not really the flavor profile I go for and not a cigar I'd really see myself returning to.
A great first third featuring balanced cocoa, roasted nuts, minerals and leather with a nice medium full body. Unfortunately, the cocoa and roasted nuts tapered off on the last two thirds which made the experience go from good to average. Hopefully this CAO Flathead Speed Shop V654 Crankshaft is around five bucks so that I can just pitch it after the first third.
The Perdomo Double Aged 12-Year Vintage Connecticut Epicure had an average flavor profile throughout, with the toasted oak being the main driver. The supporting notes didn't elevate the profile as they contributed to a dryness that kept the enjoyment level down. Unfortunately, I didn't really detect any barrel aging influence, other than the unique toasted oak profile early on. Also, the dryness and construction paper that can be an attribute of Connecticut shade offerings played too large of a role. Not a cigar I'd see myself coming back to.
The Fermin Perez Bold Maduro Toro is a cigar that starts strong and finishes competently but doesn’t sustain the early momentum needed to elevate it beyond Average. It’s a solid, well-constructed smoke with moments of interest early on, best appreciated for its balance rather than its complexity.
The Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut Toro had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around toasted cedar, hay and dry earth. It was a smooth smoking experience. While I wouldn't see coming back to this cigar frequently, it's an easy smoking experience with an attractive price point, so I could see smoking it from time to time.