"There comes a time when a cigar really sings for you. Like that catchy song that has a chorus that just resonates in your head and you find yourself tapping your feet to the rhythm. The cigar isn't a complex orchestration, but more like that fun song. Yielding a pleasing combination of wasabi and salted nuts, it left me wanting more. I will most definitely be looking forward to the reveal, so I can get my hands on more and hit repeat." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Crowned Heads Paniolo is making a comeback for the first time since 2019. Originally released in 2015, this Hawaii exclusive is made by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo and Tabacalera La Alianza. The Paniolo Especiale 2022 comes in one size, a robusto extra that measures 51/4 x 52
"I feel like this is a great stick if it wasn't for the construction problems. The opening light cedar and floral notes seemed to be leading into some nice buttery leather and nuttiness. Sadly, I only got hints of what could have been. The fact I kept having to put fire to this cigar lead to some strong pepper and smokiness and a super dried-out palate. I would certainly revisit this blend in hopes of a better result. " -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"A great cigar for those that like coffee. Impeccable construction with a nice even burn and mellow smoke throughout the experience. The initial sweetness prepares the palate to accept the bitterness that coffee brings." -Jai P. (Jai)
"This may be the most tree-like cigar I have ever had. The solid smoky oak flavor was strong and prominent from start to finish. Occasional cedar, floral notes, and white pepper on the retrohale added a bit of interest but overall I wouldn't call this a very complex stick. It also smoked faster than I expected at just barely over an hour. For that length, complexity isn't that necessary. I would smoke this again and would absolutely recommend this stick to anyone who seeks out those wood notes in a cigar." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsCrowned HeadsDominican RepublicE.P. CarrilloFeaturedJon HuberMexican San AndresToro
·"Not an enjoyable cigar. Oily wrapper that burns the cigar quickly. Uneven burn with multiple touch-ups. Rough draw in some spots. The only good thing was the flavor notes. Notes of salt, chocolate, hickory, and bitter tea. Nice grey ash that holds on for about an inch. Not a cigar I'd want to try again." -Sean F. (fullermaine)
"During the first half of the first third, I wasn’t sure this was the cigar for me. Into the second third the aforementioned flavors of creamy baking spice, salted butter, and slightly savory paprika, mixed in with black coffee periodically, made for some great flavors. Retrohale was very pleasing throughout. The burn was razor sharp and the entire experience and construction were flawless. Overall a very good experience. PS… And that ash!" -Randy B. (randobush)
"Though it smoked tighter than I like, the flavors were very enjoyable. It is a nice after-dinner Maduro with heavy chocolate, molasses, and toffee notes. The addition of increasing spices throughout the blend hit my palate well but I could see it putting off some who would just enjoy the sweetness of the cigar." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Artista Cigars, now formerly El Artista Cigars, has announced a full rebranding of the company and new lines for PCA 2022 this week.
"I use to be a leather tongue smoker but over the last few years, that has shifted to a more balanced profile fan. So it is nice that find a cigar that walks the tight rope between these two profiles. This cigar did just that. It is a full-on flavor but without that heavy punch that most cigars have these days. This cigar will appeal to a wide range of smokers. Easily smokeable under any situation. I will for sure be looking for them once I know what it is. " -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)