JohnS' Smoking Diary 2020

[JohnS]

A few of you have reached out to me personally this year to collate my reviews in one spot and hence this topic. This blog serves as a reference for the information linked to the cigars I have smoked, and will smoke, in 2020.

[JohnS]

Cohiba Piramides Extra (circa 2012)

The Cohiba Piramides Extra, chances are...you've never had one, or more likely one or two in your lifetime (or less than a box, which comes in a 10-count). If this the case, what is it about this Cohiba addition to the classic line that warrants the "extra" in its moniker, apart from the price?

The Cohiba Piramides Extra was introduced as an addition to the Linea Clasica group of cigars (i.e. Lanceros, Esplendidos, Robustos, Coronas Especiales, Panatelas and Exquisitos) within the Cohiba marca in 2012. It was noted for its dimensions being a little larger than the standard piramide cigar such as the Montecristo No.2, which is 52 ring gauge by 156 mm (or 6.15 inches) in length. The Cohiba Piramides Extra is 54 ring gauge (1/32 on a inch larger) and 160 mm in length (4 mm or 1/6 of an inch longer). These larger dimensions I believe define why it was labelled as "extra", but I'd argue that the price point in comparison to other Habanos cigars would similarly justify why it's named "extra", especially in regards to price increases since its inception.

The other thing that the Cohiba Piramides Extra is noted for is its hologrammatic band which it was released with. In mid-2014, the other Cohiba vitolas began to follow suit.

When I first purchased a box of this cigar, it was on special. Five or six years later the price is two-and-a-half to three times what my original purchase price was, so it's no surprise that I smoke these on occasion. In fact, I'd say the greater majority of our members smoke this cigar only 'on occasion'.

What about the blend? How does it compare to other Cohiba vitolas? In a recent poll on our forum the following question was asked; "Which is the most flavoursome Cohiba today?" Responses were limited to cigars from 2015 onwards. The Esplendidos garnered 21% of votes, followed by the Robusto which received 13%. The Cohiba Piramides Extra received around 6% of the vote, but more importantly it came eighth out of 14 cigars.  Why did it not poll higher?

In my opinion, firstly, the premium price disqualifies it from creating a better brand awareness. I feel cigar enthusiasts simply don't smoke enough of them in comparison to other Cohiba cigars. Secondly, if you were to compare it to the Esplendidos, which topped this poll, I tend to find it rather full-flavoured and most Cohiba cigars are noted for being more milder and subtle in their flavours.

I would counter that the Cohiba Piramides Extra is still flavoursome. However, don't approach it expecting mild Cohiba grass/hay, honey or milk coffee. On the contrary, like this one I smoked today, it tends to be stronger on that mocha coffee flavour and lighter on any grass/hay to be found. Sure, I got that Cohiba honey and citrus but the stronger mocha flavour tends to invite spice at times, and I got this too.

In regards to strength, it's a mild-medium to medium cigar, even after 5 to 7 years, but make no mistake, it's full-flavoured. It's the type of cigar you reach for 'on occasion'.

[JohnS]

Montecristo No.4 UEB Ago 2018

This is the second Montecristo No.4 I've reached for from this UEB Ago 18 box. How does it compare to the UEB May 2018 box I've half-finished and have been 'waxing lyrically' about throughout 2019?

Well, the two I've smoked were both very, very good but not quite in the class of the very best UEB May 18 cigars I've enjoyed last year. This had your standard Montecristo cocoa and milk coffee core but the citrus twang was not as prominent. Mind you, I still enjoyed it very much. However, when you've smoked the very best Montecristo No.4 can offer you can get a little spoilt in your expectations...it's only natural!

[JohnS]

Ramón Allones Gigantes ABO Ene 19

The Ramon Allones Gigantes represents a Habanos vitola of which there are only four left. At 49 ring gauge x 194 millimetres in length (or 7.6 inches), this Double Corona requires a minimum of 2 hours to smoke. They always seem mild in strength to me when invariably I find the time to smoke one, they definitely are never medium to medium-full. However, together with the Partagas Lusitanias, Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona and Punch Double Corona, they represent a vitola that, unlike Lonsdales and Churchills, hasn't been depleted completely in the last 20 years or so. Still, this hasn't stopped recent rumours circulating that the Gigantes is on the way out. Maybe the Vegas Robaina Don Alejandro and Saint Luis Rey Double Corona's discontinuations has fueled such speculation? I certainly hope not, yet time will tell.

This Gigantes started off really well. There was a beautiful balance of cocoa, light coffee and raisin flavours and this was the way it stayed pretty much throughout. If you want complexity, I'd suggest look elsewhere as I find the Gigantes has a core set of flavours which stay consistent all the way from beginning to end. One point of note though, there was a hint of a marshmallow texture to the draw on the palate which becomes more like a quality baking spice as this cigar ages long-term.

Unlike my last Gigantes from this box code the construction on this was good but not perfect, Yes, the ash still dropped off in one inch lots each time, the burn was consistent, however; there were multiple instances of touch-ups required as the cigar would go out a number of times. Perhaps this is why it took 2¾ hours to smoke, which you'd surely agree, is quite a long time to smoke a cigar.

I had no regrets though. I look forward to my next Gigantes a few months down the track.

[JohnS]

Trinidad Fundadores ARS Oct 2017

This Trinidad Fundadores exemplified how great these have been in the last 12 to 18 months. The blend exudes the recent emphasis in these towards a coffee and dough flavour, and this dominated throughout, as well as aspects of madeira cake and almond nut.

The only criticism I have is the continual re-lights I needed as a consequence of the cigar regularly going out. That's why it took 2¼ hours to smoke. Again, I had no regrets. After all, a good flavoursome cigar is still a good flavoursome cigar!

[JohnS]

Romeo y Julieta Churchills ASO Nov 2016

This Romeo y Julieta Churchills continued a fine recent tradition of delivering a quality outcome since at least 2016.  Again, what I have loved about it is its consistent delivery of mild, yet complex flavours. Flavours such as chocolate or cocoa, toasted tobacco (at times), cherry (or berries/fruit), anise (or licorice sweetness), rosewater and turkish delight. At three years of age, this cigar yet again started off with a huge hit of cherry and turkish delight from the 'get-go'. In the middle third it picked up some anise sweetness and rosewater, in the last third there was stronger hints of cocoa/chocolate. This was similar to my last RyJ Churchill from this box smoked two months ago.

One point of difference I found in comparison to other numerous RyJ Churchills I've smoked in the last 24 to 36 months was the slight presence of spice on the palate. It was simply so subtle, yet invigorating until the end. There was a consistent delivery of just enough to cause a tingle, which no doubt influenced me to nub it.
 
As I said the last time I smoked a cigar from this box, it's very easy to understand why El Pres included a Romeo y Julieta Churchill in the 2019 Xmas Sampler for many of you to enjoy. It's not because Sir Winston Churchill helped to make this an iconic cigar, rather it's because lately it's been an excellent cigar.

[JohnS]

El Rey del Mundo Taínos 2018 - Edición Regional Formosa BRO May 2019

As I sit here at my laptop pondering what more I can add about this superlative Asia-Pacific Regional Edition release from Taiwan (hence the band labelled 'Exclusivo Formosa') that hasn't been said on our forum already, I can affirm that I do have a 'majority view' opinion after smoking it. Yes, it's an obvious and wondrous gift to cigar enthusiasts who pine for a time when Cuban cigars were 'less' in girth and 'more' in length.

The original El Rey del Mundo Tainos had the same dimensions; a Churchill-sized cigar at 47 ring gauge x 178 mm (or 7 inches) in length. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2006, as were many other Churchill (and Lonsdale) cigars in the meantime. In regular production we have only three left...the iconic Romeo y Julieta Churchills, the Cohiba Esplendidos and the seasonal H.Upmann Sir Winston. That's why I'm so glad that PCC brought out a regional release in this vitola.

In comparison to your standard Hermosos No.4 ERdM Choix Supreme, it had a similar ERdM profile: almond, citrus, honey, a little shortbread and a hint of a texture of cake, only a  little milder of course. I'm confident this cigar will take on more of that cake texture as it ages.

My advice? Buy these up while they are still around because they have 'legs' for many years to come.

[JohnS]

Partagás Serie D No.4 Meg Abr 2016

I originally picked these up in a half-box purchase from a 24:24 listing in 2016. Looking over my notes in my Cuban Cigar Website inventory, I don't think I scored any of the ones I smoked above an average score prior to 2018.

I smoked one a few months ago and it was easily a 92 to 93 point cigar. This was similar. It had a coffee and leather core, was strong on sourdough (which I liked) but differed to my previous D4 from this box in that there was a nice tingle of paprika spice on the palate for much of the cigar.

Auf weidersehen, yes...bye for now, as this was the last cigar from this acquisition. It was a nice ride and it may just be time soon to look into getting another box of Partagas Serie D No.4. Thankfully, I know they'll be around!

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 ABO Jun 2018

I must say, I really, really enjoyed this. This was a quality light and mild Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 with distinctive flavours evident - light milk cocoa, cedar, clove, cream and vanilla, which really resonated with me.

The fact is that not all Hoyo de Monterrey cigars are like this, however, when they are, you find yourself eminently glad you have them in your humidor for the odd occasion.

[JohnS]

El Rey del Mundo Choix Suprême MLU Nov 2018

This El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme (and please do kindly pronounce choix like the French - shwa and not choy!) was picked up in a 24:24 quarter pack offering of light-wrappered PSP ERdM CS' in April this year. I smoked my first one in June, my second one in October and my third one in December. The first one was superb, the second one had construction issues and the third one was simply glorious. Today's example was also glorious.

Like the ERdM Choix Supreme I smoked a little over a month ago, this Hermosos No.4-sized cigar (48 ring gauge x 127 mm or 5 inches in length) had a wonderful aroma and was full of mild, sweet flavours such as candied almond nut, shortbread, honey and citrus delicacies which again delighted me from beginning to end!

At around 12 months of age, I am again perplexed as to how approachable this was for an ERdM cigar. The brand is reputed for benefiting from long-term aging and perhaps this was a major factor in its decline in popularity. However, after smoking this Choix Supreme today, I have to reconsider smoking these more often, and younger!

[JohnS]

Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de Rio Seco ABO Mar 2019

According to those recent 24:24 listings, El Pres has asserted that the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo Rio de Seco is possibly the hottest new release selling cigar right now for Habanos S.A. Again, after smoking this today, I believe it.

Before I discuss the flavours let me reiterate the dimensions of this cigar. Yes, it's 56 ring gauge but the 140 mm length belies how big it is, when I got my quarter pack I remarked to myself that I distinctly remember the Le Hoyo de San Juan, despite being 54 ring gauge, being bigger. I think the fact that the San Juan is 10 mm longer makes it seem bigger.

El Pres consistently mentions in his 24:24 listings that young Rio de Seco has a gingerbread spice and cream characteristic to it. I confidently concur with this view. Unlike other Le Hoyo line cigars, the cedar or 'woodiness' in this is diminished and the cream and sweetness is more amplified for its age, in comparison. The San Juan also had more tea notes and a crispy 'toastiness' to its flavours when young for me, and as was the case for the last one I smoked, this cigar was not like that. Instead it had a very strong ginger and licorice-type sweetness, cream, a hint of cedar and a little cloved spice. (This was) A delight from beginning to end!

[JohnS]

Punch Punch 48 2016 - Especialista en Habanos Exclusivo LGR Ene 2018

When I first tried this cigar (when it was first released) I noted the roasted nut profile in it that was so dominant, after around 18 months the peanut profile is still there, but like my last few Punch 48 this year, it doesn't taste roasted anymore. This cigar was the final one from this box. It had nut, but like I've stated above, it wasn't a roasted profile.

A Hermosos No.3, at 48 ring gauge x 140 mm (or 5½ inches), the size now seems more akin to a coronas, especially since the Robustos (50 ring gauge) is now the average-sized Habanos vitola these days.

This cigar was much like the last few I had in 2019. The nut profile was definitely there, but as I stated above, it wasn't roasted because the sour citrus twang that intermingled with a gorgeous light cream was the main flavour I picked up in the first third and middle thirds. In the final third the spice very much took over, like in a youthful Partagas Serie D No.4, but like my last one, it was not overwhelming and so I nubbed it as far as I could go.

I look forward to opening my new box and trying my next Punch 48 soon.

[JohnS]

Por Larrañaga Montecarlos LGR Oct 2017

This has been one of my favourite cigars to smoke throughout 2019, and from this specific box. The reason/s? One, I got this on special for a reduced price, something like less than $US3 per stick. Two, the payoff in terms of smoking quality has been immeasurable. There has been very little competition when it comes to flavour delivery, consistency and value in regards to this box and three, who doesn't love a long and skinny Habanos cigar?

This delivered in caramel and honey, but curiously I found it a little dry, almost 'toasty' and at times, 'woody'. Still, it was very, very good. I know I'll have another before you know it!

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4 ETP Ene 2016

The La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4 is a slim panetela which demands your attention when smoking it due to its thin ring gauge and its propensity to overheat and smoke 'bitter' if it's drawn upon too quickly. It's also known to be a complex cigar, with a range of flavours, depending on its age.

In regards to flavours, the LGC No.4 is reputed for its fruit, pepper, herbal and wood flavours. This had an element of those flavours, perhaps not spice or pepper, but what it did have dominating was the almond nut, cream and hints of vanilla. What a gorgeous cigar this was, lots of quality smoke and flavours and a finish on the palate that resonated for many hours afterwards.

[JohnS]

Rafael González North Star 2017 - Edición Regional Nordico-Baltico EPM Dic 2017

I'd like to thank and acknowledge @Thirds for gifting me this cigar to review.

You simply have to admire any Regional distributor who has the fortitude to release a Habanos cigar to the market and do so whilst trying something different. For example, releasing the Sancho Panza Eslavo in 50 cabs, releasing a Por Larranaga Coronas in a vitola that has been decimated in the last 20 years by Habanos S.A (i.e 42 ring gauge x 142 mm or 5.6 inches) or simply releasing a Regional Edition cigar in the Rafael Gonzalez marca. You see, there has only been three; the 2013 German Petit Piramides, the 2016 Asia-Pacific Perfecto-sized 88 and this recent 2017 Northern Europe and Baltic States Petit Robusto North Star.

The Asia-Pacific Rafael Gonzalez 88 frankly was a critical 'fizzer' for two reasons; one, it came in a Britanicas Extra vitola like the 2009 Ramon Allones Celestiales Finos and two, it was too mild in strength to allow the flavours to 'open up' on the palate. As cigar enthusiasts we are prone to short memories. After 5 to 7 years the RA Celestiales Finos 'opened up', became a winner and garnered much demand. In 2010 it was nigh on unsmokable. I wonder if 5 to 7 years will be kinder to the RG 88? Nevertheless, we are here to discuss the North Star, and alas, let us do so!

If you are a distributor for Habanos S.A and wish to bring out a Regional Edition then you are probably best to play it safe and bring it out in a Petit Robusto or Robusto format. Yes folks, 50 ring gauge is the new normal (ring gauge) nowadays, but a Rafael Gonzalez Regional Edition? In a way, I do understand why the distributor for the Scandinavian and Northern Europe market brought this out in a 50 ring gauge x 102 mm (or 4 inches) vitola. Simply put, this petit robusto size sells.

Released to the market in October 2018, the Northern Star was presented in June 2018 in Estonia. It was released in a Semi boite nature box of 10 cigars. A total of 6000 were released to the market. From what I understand, they sold quite well. How did this Northern Star compare to the regular production Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas and Perlas? Taking into account that the RG Petit Coronas and Perlas are 42 ring gauge and 40 ring gauge respectively, and mild in strength, we need to take into account that the Northern Star is a 50 ring gauge Rafael Gonzalez cigar. It's therefore different in a few ways. Allow me to explain. Firstly, the greater majority of Rafael Gonzalez Petit Coronas and Perlas on the market tend to be semi-aged already because they have a dedicated fan base. Sure, on our Friends of Habanos forum they are a critical favourite, but in the real world I'm sorry to say friends but Rafael Gonzalez doesn't exactly 'fly off the shelves'!

Personally speaking, in regards to flavour profile, the RG Petit Coronas and Perlas is like a soft cocoa, floral and honey concoction with scrumptious baking spice added in when it hits 3 to 5 years of age. The Northern Star is not like this. It is a Petit Robusto aimed at connoisseurs who like their cigars a little more potent.

This cigar had a strong walnut and oak flavour to it, with cocoa and coffee throughout. There were no floral notes or sweet honey edges that you'd expect in a RGPC or Perlas. Instead, the Northern Star is closer in medium-mild in strength and this had a bite to it, like white pepper. Also, don't let the small size deceive you to think that it's a quick smoke. I've smoked enough San Cristobal de la Habana El Principes over the years to know that its minuto 42 ring guage x 110 mm length provides a consistent 35 minute smoking experience. Believe it or not, this Northern Star Regional release lasted 60!

It's a quality cigar aimed at enthusiasts who like a more potent Petit Robusto. In my view, it's not quite a Quai d'Orsay No.50 or Cohiba Medio Siglo in class, but it does hold its own against the Montecristo Petit Edmundo, Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto and Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchill. Then again, I am biased towards milder cigars so please do take my recommendation with a proverbial 'grain of salt'!   

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Serie D No.5 2017 - Edición Regional España BRO Dic 2017

The La Gloria Cubana Serie D No.5 is a Spanish Regional Edition that was announced in 2017. With an initial run of 50000 boxes it's no surprise that it wasn't until mid-2018 that this cigar actually hit the market. A Petit Robusto at 50 ring gauge x 110 mm (or 4⅜ inches in length), it's a similar size to the Partagas Serie D No.5, it was released in 10-count dress boxes.

This release has garnered positive accolades since its release, but in my view, five hundred thousand sticks of a La Gloria Cubana Regional Edition is about four hundred thousand too many. There have been 13 Regional Editions since 2008 within the La Gloria Cubana marca and the other twelve never exceeded one hundred thousand cigars in total quantity. This flooding of the market has had a retrograde effect on the LGC Serie D No.5 pricing. Normally a Regional Edition cigar has a higher price point than regular production cigars, but this excess supply has caused retailers to discount this release. So if you see them on special, this would explain why!

At this point, I would like to pause the review here to acknowledge and thank @Thirds in gifting this to me. I had reviewed this cigar about three months ago and previously I had written that there have been a number of reviews (both video and text) on-line of this cigar, and indeed a number of you have sampled it already. Last time it smoked like a chocolate fudge stick crossed with some age on it, this time the tasting was different. However, I did have some burn/construction issues repeat themselves a second time.

In my last review the flavours were chocolate, earth, wood and leather with a huge hit of baking spice in the first half which was replaced with some aged floral notes in the back half. In between, the cigar needed re-lights and the wrapper tore around the end of the second third, so I had to pitch it into the last third. This time, I got a big hit of almond nut, bitter chocolate, earth and leather with strong lashings of paprika spice, especially past the halfway point. The wrapper again tore in the second third and the cigar needed re-lights. The burn was also uneven. The flavours redeemed the cigar for me, but it's disappointing to encounter construction issues like this again. My theory to explain the construction issues with this release, that seems to come up consistently in reviews on it, is due to the large production supply necessitating a rolling technique different to the traditional entubado method. This allows rollers to produce around 60% to 70% more cigars in a day. I'd also add that the wrappers are not the premium quality we're used to seeing on other regular production Habanos releases.

It took 55 minutes to smoke and it was tough to 'power through' the cigar when I had to re-light it often and then I had to deal with a torn wrapper. No matter, the flavours kept me interested. I just wish that some of this leaf was saved for the regular production LGC Medaille d'Or No.4. Now that would have been nice indeed!

[JohnS]

Vegas Robaina Petit Unicos 2012 - Edición Regional Suiza LOE Feb 2013

Vegas Robaina was introduced as a new marca in 1997 by Habanos S.A in honour of the famed tobacco grower, Alejandro Robaina. At the time the new marca came out with five vitolas; the Clásicos - 6½" × 42 rg (165 × 16.67 mm), a Lonsdale, the Don Alejandro - 7⅝" × 49 rg (194 × 19.45 mm), a Double Corona, the Familiar - 5⅝" × 42 rg (142 × 16.67 mm), a Corona, the Famosos - 5" × 48 rg (127 × 19.05 mm), a Hermoso No. 4,  and the Únicos - 6⅛" × 52 rg (156 × 20.64 mm), a Pirámide. A little over 20 years later and only the Famosos and Únicos remain as regular production cigars.

As a marca, Vegas Robaina doesn't tend to get the same accolades that other Habanos marcas enjoy, especially the global brands. Current production is low also. The Unicos is in hiatus and supplies were minimal in 2019.

There has been eight Regional Edition releases within this marca, but none since the Andorra Short Robaina Regional Edition from 2014 (and released to market in 2015). Perhaps the great Alejandro Robaina's grandson, Hiroshi's 2014 announcement of producing Non-Cuban Nicaraguan cigars has something to do with this? Who knows? Let us not dwell on speculation, suffice to say that Hiroshi, as of 2019, is back on his grandfather's famous farm. I mention this because after smoking this Petit Unicos today, I would simply love a Habanos distributor to bring out another Vegas Robaina release!

I would venture to say that Vegas Robaina, like Sancho Panza, is a marca which has a unique flavour profile and more so as it ages. My 2015 box of Famosos provided me much smoking pleasure throughout 2019, it was no problem to go through half a box in six months. The flavours included an ineffable quality lush tobacco and grass, soft milk chocolate ranging to mild bitter chocolate, dates, licorice or raisin sweetness, baking spice and floral notes.

The Vegas Robaina Petit Unicos was released in Switzerland in 2012 in 5000 10-count dress boxes. It is a Petit Belicosos with a 52 ring gauge x 125 mm (or 4⅞ inches) length. I'd like to thank and acknowledge @Thirds for gifting me this cigar to review because, in essence, this cigar was every bit as good as any aged Famosos I had from my 2015 box last year, if not better! The construction was absolutely perfect. I got a consistent ash-length of around an inch each time, ridges were clearly defined, the ash colour was a pleasing white-grey and there was a slight coning after each ash, which for me indicates quality rolling.

The flavours consisted of mild bitter chocolate, lush tobacco and grass, raisin-type sweetness bordering on licorice, floral notes on the edges and some baking spice. These flavours stayed consistent throughout. I completed the cigar in 45 minutes. It might have been a tad quick, but it was a great cigar in both construction and flavour.

So, in summary, in comparison to a Famosos this seven year-old Petit Unicos had slightly more strength and was a little sweeter. If, by chance, in the meantime another Regional Edition release comes out in the Vegas Robaina marca I would be inclined to seek it out. 

[JohnS]

Cohiba Secretos (circa 2008)

I'd like to thank @Trevor2118 for this 2008 Cohiba Secretos as this Maduro 5 Reyes still packed a punch of flavour even though it was over 10 years aged. Like my previous aged Secretos around six months ago, its intensity has rescinded with age, so it's now a nice medium-strengthed smoke. The chocolate and coffee still dominate, with some Cohiba grass/hay in its spine and some nice floral notes on the edges. The difference in this Secretos compared to my last one six months ago was the hint of oak in its spine. It certainly made for a fine smoking experience on a warm summer's day, there was no hesitation in nubbing it!

[JohnS]

El Rey del Mundo Taínos 2018 - Edición Regional Formosa BRO Jun 2019

This is my second Churchill-sized Tainos in the space of a fortnight. It was much like the first; almond nut, honey, a little shortbread and a hint of a texture of cake, only this time it was a tad stronger than my last one. It was still comfortably mild-medium, however. Again, I'm still reasonably confident this cigar will take on more of that cake texture as it ages. After having this today, I'm inclined to think that this is the type of cigar you can enjoy while young and more so if you give it 5 to 10 years. So enjoy that box (or two) you're smoking from right now, but do yourself a favour and put away a box (or two) for the long-term.

Buy these up while they are still around because they have 'legs' for many years to come. Trust me, you won't regret it!

[JohnS]

Diplomáticos Norteños 2018 - Edición Regional Canadá UEB Ago 2018

I must thank @Thirds for gifting me this recent Canadian Regional Edition to review. I had received the same cigar to review from @Chucko8 around six months ago, with the same box code, so I looked forward in anticipation to smoking this today, especially since I very much enjoyed that last one.

The Diplomaticos Nortenos was released in the second half of 2018 in six thousand 10-count dress boxes. There have been seven Regional releases in the Diplomaticos marca, three in 2018 alone! This cigar also represents the tenth Canadian Regional Edition since 2007. It is a Robusto vitola, with a 50 ring gauge x 124 mm (or 4⅞ inches) length.

I had written in my previous review that when I find the Diplomaticos No.2 on the savoury side, it can have strong notes of capsicum or bell pepper and paprika spice. Other Diplomaticos cigars I've enjoyed over the years have been sweeter...more cinnamon spice and nutmeg. This Nortenos Robusto was again unmistakably on the sweet side. For me, Diplomaticos cigars are all about sourdough and it was evident here from the first few puffs.

I experienced a refined combination of sourdough, cream and strawberries mainly throughout the cigar. I've had Diplomaticos No.2 cigars that have been quite toasty and potent in paprika spice, this cigar had a hint of that paprika spice which made it tangy on the palate. This did not detract from its slightly 'sweeter' profile. There was little to no capsicum or bell pepper. In the last third I felt the cigar heat up a little and detected a hint of roasted nut.

The construction was excellent. I only ashed three times in total as ash-length was over an inch long, easily. I nubbed this as far as I could go. The mild, sweeter Diplomaticos flavour profile really resonated with me. Smoking time was approximately 70 minutes, which is about average for me in smoking a Robusto-sized cigar.

In regards to value, well...these things are relative. Due to higher Canadian taxes this cigar will most likely cost you more than your regular production Diplomaticos No.2 to acquire. However, I'm Australian and expensive tobacco duties are 'par-for-course' for me, so I'm grateful to have sampled this quality Canadian Regional Edition cigar today.

[JohnS]

La Gloria Cubana Invictos 2017 - Edición Regional Italia ARS Dic 2017

The La Gloria Cubana Invictos is the 10th Italian Regional Edition cigar since the Punch Superfinos was released in 2005. It is the first Italian Regional to utilise the La Gloria Cubana marca. Scheduled for release in 2017, the Invictos did not hit the market until March 2019. The one 'positive' to be gained from this delay was the fact that the cigars, which come in 10-count varnished slide lid boxes, were already aged over 12 months when they were made publicly available.

I'd like to thank and acknowledge @Thirds for gifting me this cigar to review, especially since Italian Regionals are difficult to source due to Italy's embargo on exporting tobacco products.

Unlike the Spanish La Gloria Cubana Serie D No.5, the Invictos came out in a more manageable 8800 boxes (or eighty-eight thousand sticks).  Both are Robusto vitolas, with a 50 ring gauge x 124 mm (or 4⅞ inches) length. Demand for this release was high on the back of reputable 'word-of-mouth' feedback, so unlike the LGC Serie D No.5, I envisage that this cigar would be difficult to source at the present time.

How did it compare to the La Gloria Cubana Serie D No.5 or even the regular production La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No.4? In brief, it was very, very different to those two cigars. If you can picture the La Gloria Cubana marca as offering varying complexity in fruit, almond nut, cream, earth, wood, leather and spice, the Medaille d'Or No.4 I would classify as being mainly fruity and woody, the Serie D No.5 as being mainly (almond) nutty and creamy, the Invictos was mainly earth and pepper. However, don't think of it as a relative of the Bolivar Royal Corona or Partagas Serie D No.4, rather the Invictos deserves to stand out on its own.

This cigar is nuanced. The earthiness and pepper was there throughout, but its very mild, not overpowering in any way. At times I detected a dry oak and some dough texture, but overall this cigar is defined by its classy pepper finish that lingers long after you've smoked it. Ash-length, burn and overall construction was quite good, excepting for a half-inch at the end of the second third when I encountered some bunched leaves in the binder and the wrapper resisted burning. I, in turn, resisted correcting the burn and like all cigars that are well rolled with good leaf, this corrected itself. I nubbed the cigar, even though it didn't encapsulate my sweeter-profile preference/s in terms of flavour, it was still quite intriguing to smoke. Yes, I'd happily class this a 70-minute quality smoke.

In comparison to the LGC Serie D No.5, the Invictos is a very different cigar-smoking experience. I like the flavour profile of the Serie D No.5, however; the Invictos is a class above the Serie D No.5 in terms of quality. If you've smoked one I'm confident you'll know what I mean.

[JohnS]

Vegas Robaina Short Robaina 2014 - Edición Regional Andorra SUE Jul 2014

How does a principality with a population of a little over 77000 residents and a size of 468 square kilometres (or 181 square miles) qualify for seven Regional Edition releases over the years? Two words...tax reasons. Andorra is bordered by France to the north and Spain to the South, but in the cigar world it seems a little larger.

The Vegas Robaina Short Robaina is significant for two reasons. One, it is the last Vegas Robaina Regional Edition release to date (although a 2014 release it actually went to market in 2015) and two, its dimensions of 42 ring gauge x 110 mm (or 4⅜ inches) in length means it is only one of seven perlas (40 rg x 102 mm), secretos (40 rg x 110 mm) or minutos (42 rg x 110 mm) released in a total of two hundred and eleven Regional Edition releases since 2005 thus far.

If you recall the recent Swiss VR Petit Unicos I reviewed, I categorised that cigar has having a core Vegas Robaina chocolate, lush tobacco, raisin or date-type sweetness, baking spice and floral notes. This VR Short Robaina was not like that at all. I would infer that the reason why this cigar smoked differently, flavour-wise, was due to its minuto size. It resembled more of a San Cristobal de La Habana in flavour, and even after 5-and-a-half years of age this cigar was full-bodied, especially in its chocolate and earthiness. Perhaps it had a hint of raisin-sweetness and some floral edges, but these were minimal in comparison to the two dominant aforementioned flavours.

It compelled me to smoke slowly. Usually for a minuto cigar I know that I will smoke it within 30 to 40 minutes. This Vegas Robaina Short Robaina took me somewhere in the vicinity of 50 to 55 minutes to complete. I think the reason for this was due to the strong finish on the draw, it simply lingered a lot longer on the palate than your average minuto.

I'm grateful to @Thirds for gifting me this cigar to review. It was a fun ride proving how different Regional Editions sharing the same marca (i.e. the 2012 Swiss Vegas Robaina Petit Unicos and 2014 Andorran Vegas Robaina Short Robaina) can truly be.

[JohnS]

Quai d'Orsay No. 54 MSU Jul 2018

It's been awhile since I've smoked the Quai d'Orsay no.54, approximately ten months in fact. My view on this cigar remains unchanged as it smoked similarly to the last time.

In my last review of the QdO No.54 I compared it to the QdO No.50. At that time I found the 50 more flavoursome and complex in general. This No.54 began with creamy cedar, ginger and hay with a little spice. The middle third saw the spice recede whilst the final third saw a continuation of the creamy cedar and ginger. This QdO No.54 was impeccably constructed and smoked very well. Ash was consistent. This was a very mild smoke, you could easily smoke this first thing in the morning and it wouldn't overwhelm your palate.

In summary, personally, I still think the No.50 is more approachable young and the No.54 is more suited to a good 3 to 5 years rest, just like traditional Quai d'Orsay releases.

[JohnS]

Saint Luis Rey Marquéz 2016 - Edición Regional Cuba SGA Oct 2016

Saint Luis Rey, it's not a marca many of us identify with. After all, when was the last time you had one? Well may you say that there's only one regular production cigar left in this marca, the Hermosos No.4-sized Regios (48 ring gauge x 127 mm or 5 inches in length), precluding enthusiasts from enjoying Saint Luis Rey cigars more often. Why is Saint Luis Rey such an undistinguished marca...especially if you compare it to well-known marcas such as Montecristo, Cohiba, Partagas and H.Upmann?

I'd like to acknowledge and thank @Thirds for making this review possible by gifting me this cigar.

Saint Luis Rey was introduced prior to the Cuban Revolution, which greatly streamlined and altered Cuban Cigar manufacturing in the early sixties, in 1940. It was mainly marketed to the United Kingdom, where I'd argue it enjoys its greatest popularity to this day. It's also a complex and nuanced cigar with a propensity for aging to gain benefit from its blend. This was certainly true of the Serie A and Double Corona before they were deleted six or seven years ago. The Regios defies this trend. It's a cigar that has a bread and apple citrus core flavour which is best enjoyed in its youth. Thus, it bucks the trend in regards to Saint Luis Rey being a marca that benefits from long-term aging. Perhaps this is a reason why the Regios is still in production.

So it's intriguing that Habanos S.A chose Saint Luis Rey for its fourth Regional Edition for Cuba in late 2016. Since this time there's been another two releases for six overall (La Gloria Cubana Deliciosos, El Rey del Mundo Infantes, Diplomaticos Excelencia, Saint Luis Rey Marquez, Punch La Isla and San Cristobal de la Habana La Cabana). There have also been only five Regional Edition releases in the Saint Luis Rey marca since the program was initiated in 2005, but surprisingly none of these have been targeted for the United Kingdom. (The five were Asia-Pacific, Peru, Spain, Cuba and the Middle East.)

The Saint Luis Rey Marquez is a Geniales size (or commonly a Robusto Extra) at 54 ring gauge x 150 mm (or 5⅞ inches) in length.  It was released in 7500 Semi boite nature boxes of 10 cigars each (so 75000 sticks in total). There have been nine Regional Editions released in this vitola, two regular production cigars and two Habanos Specialist releases. These include the Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan, H.Upmann Connossieur B, San Cristobal de la Habana Torreon and Montecristo Open Eagle. Reviews for this cigar were mixed upon release. Some enthusiasts favoured it, others found it bland. I would advocate that after three years this would still be the case as Saint Luis Rey is a marca that is polarising...you either love it or you don't. It's definitely not for everyone.

The Saint Luis Rey Serie A, when it was around, was not an easy cigar to define, especially if you compare it to defining a Montecristo No.4 or Partagas Serie D No.4, for example. Two main flavours stood out; stonefruit (or apricot or peach) and molasses or honey sweetness. It was a cigar that was complex, subtle and nuanced and was best smoked with some time down. It was noted for developing chocolate and/or coffee notes after significant aging whereas most Habanos cigars diminish in these flavours with long-term rest. Similarly, this Saint Luis Rey Marquez, being now a bit over three years old, had a sweet hay and cedar complexity to it. It developed a powdered cocoa and light coffee edge in the middle third with a hint of baking spices which continued into the final third. This cigar was every bit as soft, nuanced and subtle as a well-aged Saint Luis Rey Serie A. It took me just under two hours to smoke, when I nubbed it after approximately 115 minutes.

Whereas some may find this cigar bland, I found it simply and utterly delectable. I have two other Saint Luis Rey Marquez cigars, with the same box code, resting in my humidor and I intend to smoke them within the next twelve to twenty-four months. If you have this Regional Edition cigar in your humidor similarly resting, I suggest now is the time to reward yourself!

[JohnS]

Sancho Panza Gran Quixote 2017 - Edición Regional Belux LGR Dic 2017

The Sancho Panza Gran Quixote Belux Regional Edition is a curious cigar. Its tapered head and foot-shaped perfecto vitola immediately draws attention as being unique for a special release, and indeed this is the case. Only the 2011 Chinese Bolivar Distinguidos and the 2011 German Juan Lopez Distinguidos have been released in a similar vitola (known by its factory name of Romeo). Otherwise, in regular production the Cuaba Distinguidos has the same dimensions. There have also been three special releases each in the Cuaba and Romeo y Julieta marcas featuring this 52 ring gauge x 162 mm (or 6⅜ inches) length cigar.

This cigar represents the fifth BELUX release (of six in total) and coincidentally perhaps, also the fifth Sancho Panza Regional Edition release. Incidentally, it's easy to confuse BENELUX Regional Editions with BELUX ones when researching these types of cigars. BELUX Regional Edition cigars are released for the Belgium and Luxembourg markets. At one time BENELUX releases covered these two markets and the Netherlands one. Currently Paises Bajos Regional Editions represent the Dutch market on its own.

Although a 2017 release, it wasn't until December 2018 that ten thousand 10-count Slide Lid Boxes were made available to the public (so one hundred thousand sticks in all). It didn't take long for the Sancho Panza Gran Quixote to establish positive 'word-of-mouth' and with it, strong demand.

Normally if I were to light up a identically-sized Cuaba Distinguidos I would fret at overburning the tapered foot. I had no such problem with lighting this Sancho Panza Gran Quixote. In fact, I was almost shocked at how easily and quickly this cigar lit up. The first few puffs made me attentive, the next few had me hooked. I got an array of flavours such as fine oak, espresso coffee, toast, roasted nuts and orange citrus throughout this cigar. The mouthfeel on the draw suggested that it was much older than its two-and-a-bit years. This was no doubt due to the smooth 'velvety' texture of the smoke which, in my mind, elevated it above your standard Sancho Panza Belicosos or Non Plus regular production cigar. The cigar took a little over two hours to smoke. I completed it after approximately 125 minutes.

I am grateful to @Thirds for making this review possible for this was a spectacular cigar. With the LGR La Corona Factory box code and the nut and citrus taste to the blend, this SP Gran Quixote tasted like a cross between the wood and toast of Sancho Panza and the nuttiness of Cuaba (The La Corona Factory is mainly where Cuaba is made). Who knows if it was blended that way? One thing I do know, this is indeed a spectacular cigar. Consider yourself fortunate if you have procured a box!