The Rocky Patel Royale was release in 2013 and uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The Robusto comes in at 5”x52 and carries an MSRP of $8.95.
96%
Extraordinary
You get what you pay for here. A unique experience with clean defined flavors that were perfectly well balanced throughout the entirety of the duration of this ultra premium cigar. Complexity is unmatched to any cigar I’ve ever had making this smoke a dream. Construction and draw were phenomenal however this particular sample had some issues with the burn line until the second half where it caught up. Because of the fullness and richness of this medium to medium full bodied smoke, it is not something you’ll reach for (providing you have the available funds) everyday. This cigar is meant for those special occasions when you want something that screams quality in terms of very rich flavor that is defined, unique and unmatched to any other stick. Whilst not my sweet spot for flavor profiles, as it was a tad too sweet for me, this definitely goes into my top echelon of cigars I have ever enjoyed.
93%
Great
The Knuckle Sandwich maduro might be my favorite cigar of the last year, and this one comes close to it. It is more refined, but without the power and spice that define the Knuckle Sandwich Maduro. I only have one of these cigars and I can't wait to pick up more to age and enjoy. This collaboration between Espinosa and Guy Fieri knocks it out of the park at every opportunity, and everyone should try a Knuckle Sandwich whether it's this one, or one of the other options.
This line was made to commemorate company president Alan Rubin's sons, Alec & Bradley, who became of legal smoking age in 2014. The Lineage Robusto is 5 1/4x52 and carries an MSRP of $6.75 per cigar.
88%
Good
I really dug the flavors I got right off the bat as well as the pepper that was there for the first inch or so. After everything mellowed out, it became a little less interesting. Slight transitions of creaminess went along with the wood. Not a bad cigar when wood was the dominant flavor, just not as desirable as the previous flavors.
90%
Very Good
The La Pilar No. 4 was a great burner. Clean burn line, no touch-ups and no relights. It had consistent smoke output and a draw that improved as it went on. The smoke had a nice full texture and pleasing aroma. The flavor profile was not extreme or complex but each individual flavor component was defined and clean. I always enjoy an increase in strength toward the end and the La Pilar No. 4 delivered that very well. At about 82 minutes, its a long burn time for a box-pressed Toro. That brings more value and more enjoyment. I would gladly reach for this cigar again.
90%
Very Good
This is a very good entry cigar into the MBombay portfolio. There is a lot of flavor but not a lot of spice making it a good morning cigar. There was enough transition with the addition of some pepper to keep it interesting. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys milder cigars or an intro into the MBombay brand.
88%
Good
This was a good offering from Diesel, no less that what I would expect. I don’t think it’s as good as the Unholy Cocktail or Puro Authentico, but I would put it above the regular unlimited line. I think with some time this will get better and more refined with less heat in the final third. When you take price into account, this is a very good budget cigar.
95%
Excellent
I have always enjoyed the idea/premise of the chef's editions. Everyone loves a good cigar pairing be it a pairing with bourbon, whiskey, beer, or even my favorite. Coffee. One thing we do not get a chance to do is pair cigars with food as it's not easily done in today's world. I was excited to see the chef's for this year's edition as it has Masa Takayama on the panel who by all rights is very much a true cigar smoker. You can't google his name without stumbling across him with a cigar. I have had the pleasure of smoking the chef's editions the last few years and this hands down is the best yet.
91%
Very Good
The Escurio is Davidoff’s latest release and appears to be a follow up to the successful Nicaragua line. This release has its ties to Brazil. It has an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Brazilian Cubra binder and a filler combination of cubra and mata fina from Brazil, along with Dominican San Vicente.