"Let me start off by referring to my statement about being glad I had a good meal beforehand. This couldn't have been any more true here, as this cigar really builds up and leaves it all on the table. Definitely not a cigar for the faint of heart, but a very rewarding cigar nonetheless. You can't go wrong with notes like charred meats and red pepper, and then coffee and chocolate. I'd have no problem smoking this again, but would save it for a time I could really enjoy its nuances. I paired it with water to ensure I could pick up all the notes, but could easily recommend pairing it with a solid pour of bourbon to really ratchet up the chocolate note. " -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
For the second year in a row, Crowned Heads is partnering with Drew Estate for their annual "Paniolo Especiale" Limited Edition cigar. This is an exclusive to the state of Hawaii. Paniolo Especiale 2020 is rolled at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Esteli, Nicaragua and is a corona gorda measuring 5 3/4 x 46. The blend is similar to last years using a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and filers from Nicaragua, and Dominican Republic, but this year features tobacco from Brazil. The Paniolo Especiale 2020 comes in boxes of 10 and have the same price of $9.80. Production is smaller this year at 5,000 cigars compared to 4,000 in 2019.
"Really excellent cigar. A bit larger format than I usually reach for, but the super sexy raggedy foot, and the pigtail cap really got my heart racing when I first saw this. Construction was exceptional throughout, and the overall flavor profile was really enjoyable. Nice sweet and super ripe tobacco on point here along with flirtations with some spice, espresso, and pepper along the way. Magnificent cigar. " -John I. (John I.)
Adam B.AllBlind Cigar ReviewsConnecticut BroadleafDaniel S.DianaFeaturedHome RollJason H.JeffRobustoUSA
·"Off the bat I enjoyed the sweetness and pepper flavors. The way they played off each other was enjoyable. I also enjoyed how the sweetness was like a glaze on my lips. While smoking the cigar, looking at the cigar, it was ok and was not wowed by how the cigar looked. I had to touch up the cigar and had to relight it twice throughout the smoke. As much as enjoyed the flavors in the first two thirds, the last third wrecked the experience for me. The way the cigar was constructed it burned my tongue and all the flavor were bitter. It left my mouth feeling like I smoked five cigars back to back." -Daniel S. (Daniel S.)
Drew Estate is now shipping its TAA Exclusive version of the Herrera Esteli brand to retailers. This is the same cigar that the company shipped in 2016 for TAA retailers.
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)
Altadis U.S.A. announced today the H. Upmann 1844 Añejo. It joins the rest of the recently repackaged 1844 line and will have the same look and feel as the recently updated 1844 Reserve and 1844 Vintage Cameroon.
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsConnecticut BroadleafDaveDominican RepublicFeaturedGreggJM's TobaccoRobertSandeepToro
·"Luckily, the bitterness that I encountered most of the first third is definitely dying down as I enter the next third. However, the draw now seems to be having a problem. I cut the cap with my V cutter and this definitely opened it up significantly. The harshness is still present and seems to coat the back of my throat. The predominant flavor is that of leather and cedar with some hay like quality. So far the cigar has been plagued with a lot of issues. The burn line continues to be straight and once the draw issue is better the smoke is good and creamy." -Sandeep (Djangos)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsConnecticut BroadleafDon Pepin GarciaFeaturedIPCPRJohn A.John I.MaduroMickey T.NicaraguaPete JohnsonRobustoRyan H.Tatuaje
·"This cigar had everything going for me. Lots of cream, wood, chocolate, and just a hint of spice at the end. It lasted a full 2 hours and never increased in strength, just dynamite. " -Mickey T. (irratebass)
The next Alliance Cigar DeSocio series release will come from none other than Rocky Patel Premium Cigars (RPCC). The new Rocky Patel DeSocio will be a corona gorda vitola of the highly acclaimed Sun Grown Maduro line. The Sun Grown Maduro DeSocio will feature Nicaraguan filler and binder tobacco, with a classic Connecticut broadleaf wrapper. The blend is the same that garnered RPCC their highest ever ranking in CA magazine.

