The West Tampa Black Toro started out promising in the first third, with an interesting combination of flavors. By the second third, it became flat with wood and earth largely defining the profile. The last third was almost entirely defined by earth. There wasn't much here in the flavor combinations that grabbed my attention and would have me seeking out a second experience.
A couple main thoughts on the Espinosa 10 Years Anniversary. First off, this is very familiar Espinosa territory given it's flavor profile, which is a good thing. But how is this 10 year anniversary special? The good thing is, the cigar is well priced, pretty much in line with their regular production Habano offerings. Special "anniversary" aside, I recommend this one.
The Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Stillwell Star English No. 27 started well as the peatiness and later pipe tobacco notes were enjoyable. As they waned in the next two thirds, the profile was fairly average. It's just too long of a smoking experience to keep the flavor/engagement component. It's nice for a short time, but then becomes a bit mundane.
The Valacari The Messenger Toro had a nice start with a good combination of flavors. The profile dropped down a level in the second third and maintained that enjoyment level the rest of the way. The price point is really nice, but the overall experience isn't one that would draw me back to this cigar all that frequently.
The Room101 Snake Shake presented very full flavors through the first half, but it was a pretty basic set of flavors that didn't really grab my attention. The fullness of flavors waned in the second half, but that didn't really change the enjoyment level for me. Just an average flavor profile throughout and not something I'd be in a hurry to return to.
This Ozgener Pi Synesthesia is the old CAO Gold. I'm saying it right now, and I am standing on this hill. If Tim told me otherwise, I would say he was lying. While the blend is not the same, this is the modern old CAO Gold. It's a good blend, and I would love to see it with some age. Would love to smoke this blend in a Lonsdale to Rothschild format. Citrus notes with some cedar, pepper spice, coffee and earth.
This Casa Cuevas Sangre Nueva Toro sort of reminds me of eating a sweet and (hint of) savory piece of toast. But it's important to note it's not just about sweetness. It has minerals, wood and spice to make you want to smoke to the finish line. Well blended and unique profile in which I will be back for more.
The Alec Bradley Trilogy Exotic Maduro had an average flavor profile throughout. Very oak and dry earth dominant, but the baking spice addition, did help out a little bit. Quite a difference between this Maduro and the Corojo, and I wouldn't see myself coming back to this iteration in the line.
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Emerald delivered a dark earth and espresso profile for most of the review, which was interesting and engaging. The last third became more earth forward and not as balanced as the previous two thirds. I would smoke the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Emerald again if I was in the mood for a darker earth forward flavor profile.
Every once in a while, I'm reminded of why I have a profound love for cigars. The Red Anchor Admiral is not just a one box buy, it is a multiple box buy. Yes it is pricey, but the enjoyment factor outweighs the price point. Hendrik Kelner Jr, I see you.