"The worst thing I have to say about a cigar is that I had to use my torch a handful of times to maintain a wonky burn. Beyond that, this stick lent me an immensely pleasant and relaxing smoking experience which was just the thing I needed this morning. From the first puff to the very last I experienced a simple yet robust gambit of flavors that were never out of balance with one another and just so happened to be right in my wheelhouse of what I prefer in a flavor profile. The smoke itself was luxuriously smooth and never harsh while the draw was virtually perfect. Only one major transition took place which for me always amps up the overall smoking experience because I don't have to overthink what I am experiencing. A solid nicotine buzz was just the cherry on top of a stellar smoke. I can't wait to smoke this one again!" -Noah S. (Noah)
"Overall, this was an easy smoking & enjoyable cigar with clear transitions of body and complex flavors. While it might not have enough body for some folks, this cigar smoked clean with a mild to medium bodied profile with a lower strength component that pleasantly surprised me. Coupled with a slightly looser draw and phenomenal construction and burn, this makes it an easy recommendation for an everyday type of smoke." -John A. (Bostoneo
"The cigar at first sight is a thick chunk of a cigar. I thought it would be interesting because it's a bigger gauge cigar that often not much of a fan of. With that being said, the sweet fruit flavors and the smokey peat and black pepper spice were a nice mixture that made this very enjoyable. The first and second third of the cigar were good, but then the flavors decreased and faded and the cigar became average." -Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
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·"This was a much larger cigar than I normally like to smoke. However, I went into it very open-mindedly and found the flavor notes in the first third and partway through the second third to be very good with lots of spiciness. I liked the mix of earthiness mixed with the spice and was looking forward to how the cigar progressed. Withdraw problems leading to burn issues, I truly lost interest halfway through the second third. I muddled my way through the rest of the cigar hoping that that full flavor from the beginning of the cigar would re-emerge. I would try the cigar again, but it definitely would suit me in a smaller vitola." -Diana (ArmyRN)
"What started out as a good cigar ended poorly. Enjoyed the variety of notes that came through. Towards the end, the wrapper split and unraveled. Draw became hard and the cigar became spongy. Touch-up was needed at the beginning and two re-lights were needed at the end. A 50/50 cigar. Never know which half will be enjoyable." -Sean F. (fullermaine)
"This cigar was constructed the way a cigar should be. A nice even burn, consistent draw, and no unraveling. Not worrying about construction allows the smoker to focus on what’s important and this cigar delivers. With a nutmeg earthiness introduction, the palate was pleasantly surprised. Getting accustomed to the sweetness there was a change of pace when peppery notes took over. As the cigar came to a close the nutmeg joined the pepper leaving me wanting more. " -Jai P. (Jai)
"I would have rated the cigar higher if not for the last third. I feel like it ran out of steam. The flavor profile of the first two thirds was great with the dark rich notes but soon turned to just another run of the mill smoke. It is a shame really, the end was clearly not what the blender intended this cigar to be. I would give it another shot down the road." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
"This cigar could be made 100x better if the construction was in such a way where the draw wasn't so loose. As a result of this loose construction, I feel the flavors were a bit light on the mouthfeel. Flavor-wise, it wasn't too interesting but wasn't horrible by any means as leather, char, and some other earthlike flavors were evident. Not sure if I'd pick this one up again as it just wasn't my gig to repurchase. Perhaps you might like it, give it a go!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 80
Protocol Cigars has announced a new 6 x 60 Gordo size in their Blue line of cigars. The new size will debut at the PCA 2021 trade show in Las Vegas. Protocol Blue was the first cigar line released by Protocol back in 2015. The other sizes in the line currently include a 6 x 52, 7.5 x 38 Lancero, and 5 5/8 x 46 Corona Gorda. This will be the first Gordo size made by Protocol, and pending the success of this launch, will add them to other lines.
"I may have thought that this cigar was trying to hard, but it really was good. So many changes with some great mouth feel. It keeps you interested and will have something for everyone. It is a time investment but if you give it a shot you will be rewarded." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)