Crowned Heads has announced it's annual Hawaii exclusive, Paniolo Especiale 2019. As with previous releases it is made at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Esteli Nicaragua. The cigar is a robusto that measures 5 1/2 x 48. The blend uses a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Mexican San Andres Binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers.
"Simply put I really enjoyed this cigar. The vitola and profile is the one that I reach for in the humidor. It had some great bold notes to it but still had some sweetness throughout. The strength sneaks up on you towards the end. So make sure you had some food and maybe a Mexican coke nearby." -Quinn (quinnpins269)
AllAshley C.Blind Cigar ReviewsConnecticut BroadleafDunbarton Tobacco & TrustFeaturedIPCPRJason H.John I.MaduroMatthew T.NicaraguaRobustoSteve Saka
·"This was a cigar that fired on all cylinders for me. Once I paired it with a very rich stout, it really came into its own and was a superb cap to my evening. I have absolutely nothing to criticize with this sample. It would be my honor to personally thank the blender and roller of this super premium cigar. This will find a home in my rotation if I can find more!" -Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsBrianConnecticut BroadleafDerekEmmettEpicurianFeaturedGreggNicaraguaPerfectoSandeepSteve Ysidron
·"I've had my heart broken too many times by cigars that started great but faltered during the last third. This cigar was truly a pleasure to smoke. A full bodied start that offered a respite in the middle followed by a great finishing third. The sweeter profile at the end capped off a very enjoyable experience." -Gregg (McGreggor57)
"Great cigar from beginning to end. This cigar was full of flavor. Notes include tea, black pepper, popcorn, hickory, lavender, pork, and clove. I wanted the enjoyment to continue. Perfect draw, burn, and construction. Minor touch ups were needed, but didn't interfere with the pleasure. This cigar is one I'd share with my friends. I'll seek this out and add it to my humidor." -Sean F. (fullermaine)
"Never judge a cigar by the wrapper. Based on my initial observations, I would have skipped over grabbing this cigar. The flavors, however, were very well balanced and offered a nice smoke. While not a lot of dimension, I could see keeping some on hand to enjoy while grilling or golfing." -Gregg (McGreggor57)
E.P. Carrillo has announced the Pledge Lonsdale Limitada for PCA 2022. This new, limited vitola to the hightly rated Pledge line measures 6 1/2 x 43 and comes in boxes of 20. Each cigar has a retail price of $12.00. We rated the original Pledge a 91 in our blind tasting and made #21 on our Top 25 list that year.
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsConnecticut BroadleafCoronaDaveDominican RepublicFeaturedGeorge RodriguezRobertRodrigoRonSandeepSteve
·"This cigar was a truly enjoyable experience. From the initial aromas to the flavor profile, hands down, this was a well made, well constructed and well thought out cigar. For all ranges of cigar smokers, this cigar will appease to all the senses that create a magnificent experience. I highly recommend picking a few of these up if you can." -Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsConnecticut BroadleafDrew EstateFeaturedJonathan DrewNicaraguaRobustoWilly Herrera
·"This was a cigar that wanted to battle. Whether it was the issues with burn, or the amount of strength it offered, it kept my on my toes. The entire time I smoked it, I kept being brought back to my early years of cigars and the one cigar is reminds me of more than anything is a Liga Privada. The strength, the flavors, and that massive smoke output is right in line with it. It took me back to those days of getting knocked on my rear, surrounded by smoke. It's a cigar I can say I wouldn't reach for, as it just isn't in my wheelhouse anymore. " -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
"From the time I snatched it from my humidor to the time I laid it to rest in the ashtray my experience with this stick was splendid! Each and every puff was robust with rich and pleasant flavors that were well blended, well rounded, and well balanced. There were no noticeable transitions that took place, but with such incredible flavors that harmonized so well together I wasn't upset by that fact and my palate was plenty entertained throughout. Most notably, this cigar was incredibly smooth from start to finish and the smoke output was simply impressive. This stick would be a great pairing with any number of beverages including a morning cup of coffee, a rich stout, a glass of bourbon, or even a nice red wine. Hurry up already with the reveal please!!!" -Noah S. (Noah)

