"Overall, I enjoyed it. Especially liked the spice and the heat it produced. By the final third, it was nice and hot on the palate, lips and left a real good 'zing' through the sinuses. This is one I can see having a home with me." -Robert (NavyPiper)
Back in June of this year, Ventura Cigar Company (VCC) announced the third series in their Archetype line, Archetype Chapter 3. These cigars started shipping today to the United States. Chapter 3 contains two blends, Sacred Scales and Dawn of Destiny. Both new cigars in the series, blended by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, stem from the long-term freindship between Perez-Carrillo and Michael Giannini.
Royal Jamaica Cigars are back, and now as a Casa de Montecristo made by Abe Flores of PDR Cigars. The brand was started in 1935 by James Frederick Gore. Post-Cuban embargo the brand saw a lift and was very popular until 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert caused more than $700 million in damages including to tobacco crops and infrastructure.
"Eh, this cigar wasn't really for me. It wasn't bad, but it's was kind of boring, Gave me typical flavors of wood, cinnamon, and white pepper. The strength was a medium at best. If given to me I would smoke again, but wouldn't actively seek this one out." -Mickey T. (irratebass)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsDominican RepublicFeaturedGreggHabanoIconic LeafJ.R. DominguezRobertSandeepToroWes
·"Nice transitions of background flavors made me forget there wasn't any real leader with this cigar. The profile was well balanced despite not having a wow factor. There was a silkiness in the smoke that made for a nice mouth feel and very enjoyable smoke. I would certainly pick up a few to keep on hand." -Gregg (McGreggor57)
Today. Royal Agio Cigars announced a new vitola for their Balmoral Añejo XO Oscuro line: a lancero. The Balmoral Añejo XO Oscuro Lancero FT Edición Limitada follow in the footsteps of the original XO line which received a lancero extension in 2016. Only 2650 boxes were made, and 500 of those will make to the U.S. Shipments will start in October.
This was by far my favorite new cigar from IPCPR this year and one of my favorites overall this year. This was so smooth and buttery and the flavors were always balanced and great. It had just the right amount of spice throughout. The flavor profile and aged tobacco flavors I found are usually unique to Cuban cigars. It was full flavored and complex with lots of transitions without being overly powerful. The price is a bit steep, but I will be buying a box of these, no question. I give this a personal score of 96 (Extraordinary).
"I found myself really enjoying this cigar. The profile was right up my alley and the flawless construction added to the overall experience. Very happy to have smoked this cigar and look forward to adding it to my rotation. " -Quinn (quinnpins269)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsCraigDominican RepublicEmmettFeaturedGeidy LeonLa PatronaManuel InoaRobertRobustoRonSandeepSumatra
·"Overall, not bad. Decent flavors, a few changes until the final third which was the same as the 2nd. Burn was straight, but the draw, which was really good for a third and a half slowly kept getting tighter and tighter. By the end it was really tight." -Robert (NavyPiper)
"Despite the burn, which was the only downside to this stogie, I really liked it. Loved the spice and pepper, those will always make me happy. But those two flavors there pretty much killed any other flavor from the second third on. Would I have another, heck ya!" -Robert (NavyPiper)



