Altadis U.S.A. has announced the Trinidad Espiritu No. 3, following the path of the Series 1 and 2. The blend uses a mix of Mexican and Nicaraguan tobaccos and was created by award-winning cigar duo Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez.
"Really nice flavor package. The only thing that keeps me from sending the ratings to the top of the scale is the overall dryness of the smoke, the unbalanced pepper on the retrohale, and the draw that was to the loose side of perfect. But all things considered those deductions are a bit nitpicky. I’ll definitely be buying more of this." -Bill C. (Bill)
Diesel Disciple is getting two new sizes as regular production additions. The Toro and Torpedo vitolas be the second and third sizes in the line and started shipping last week. The line was originally released as a TAA exclusive in 2021 in a lancero vitola, the moved to a regular release in 2022.
"Great looking and performing lancero. If you like an earthy profile this would be a great choice. I did find that it had a lack of transitions and was a bit one-dimensional. Still, the profile was solid and engaging the entire time." -Alan (Eulogy)
Atonement is the latest collaboration between AJ Fernandez and STG's Justin Andrews, this time once again on the Diesel brand. The latest release is called Diesel Atonement and is described as an "unapologetically-bold, limited-edition." The cigar is exclusive to retail TAA members.
The flavor profile on this blend was great with a solid bitter dark chocolate flavor later mixed with some nice baking spices and smokiness. A sneaky black pepper kick made me want to retrohale often to spice up the blend even more. There was just a slight construction or leaf problem causing a major central tunnel in the first couple of inches that weighed this stick down. I'd want to try it again in hopes of getting the full start-to-finish experience." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"Hats off to the torcedor who expertly rolled such a beautiful cigar and hats off to the blender for the incredible balance of flavors that dazzled my palate. From the first puff to the last this smoke was nothing short of stellar! Spice bombs typically aren't my go to when I reach in the humidor but this one hit different as the abundance of spice was offset and balanced with just the right amount of sweet. The contrast of flavors was enjoyable and intriguing enough that I didn't miss the lack of significant transitions and it certainly did not detract from the overall smoking experience. I would love to try this cigar again and would love to pair it with pint of a bitey flavorful IPA or a nice spiced rum on the rocks." -Noah S. (Noah)
Diesel has announced the second release in its Fool’s Errand trilogy with Simple Fool, a new, limited edition cigar that includes a unique interactive game. Simple Fool will ship to retailers on March 6.
"This was a cigar of interesting finishes. From the onset, the primary flavor was espresso, and remained so throughout. What changed was the nature of the finishing flavors and the accompanying strength. Initially creamy, the finish transitioned to peat and finally to salted caramel. I thoroughly enjoyed the transitions and I think most smokers would as well. I would gladly smoke this again!" -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
The last in Diesel's Sunday Gravy series will be released October 3, Porcellino. The name comes from an iconic Florentine fountain called Il Porcellino. The name translates to “little pig,” yet the bronze sculpture is of a female wild boar which is said to bring good fortune and a sure return to Florence.