The Kings of Connecticut Sampler

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Shade

The flavor profile here consists of simple but clean wood, light coffee, and a little nuttiness. The construction held together just, surprising for just a larger sized Connecticut. Nothing fantastic, but a solid cigar regardless.

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Shade

A milder cigar with an almost nutty profile. Further flavor consists of a sweet but savory cream & coffee blend. Minimal body on flavor, but both the draw and burn were immaculate.

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Shade

Nice mellow, earthy, cedar smoke you can consistently count on.

Perdomo Reserve Champagne Connecticut

5 Vegas Gold

Great smoke. Easy draw, great mellow-medium profile, a little more pepper on the last third but still enjoyable.

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Shade

The first two-thirds was perfect. It had an draw and was super mellow. The last third was a little harder on the draw. Overall a great cigar worth the high ratings.

5 Vegas Gold

5 Vegas Gold are my standard daily go-to cigar. Good draw, nice looking, inexpensive, mellow, good burn, and good tasting.

Macanudo Cafe

Rested 1mo. Draw tight used Perfecdraw. Burn a bit wavy but no touch ups needed. Ash dropped at end of 1/3. Wrapper had a few splits but it didn't affect the draw. Mello and smooth with creamy nutty and a touch of oatmeal and sweetness.

Montecristo Classic

Prelight was pleasant, though nothing special. Physically, the cigar is firm to the touch, but gives slightly. No soft spots. Essentially, the construction seems like it's good. I kept it 4 months in the humidor and gave it a 5 hour dry boxing to prepare it for the smoke. That's the last good thing I have to say about this cigar. Trying to get this cigar lit was nothing less than a fight. What I discovered about 1 and 1/2 inches into the cigar is that there was a center core that was not burning properly, and this was causing an uncontrollable runner. Every puff was Char. If you like to suck on charcoal, this cigar may be for you. To me, this cigar is garbage. Early discard. I will not be buying any more.

Macanudo Cafe

$200

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Shade

Very good, medium or lighter body. Hay flavors, light pepper, bit of chocolate.

Perdomo Reserve Champagne Connecticut

Montecristo Classic

Very light draw through out. Didn't burn well. Flavor was good when lit and after puffing a few times.

Macanudo Cafe

Ok, earthy flavor notes for me, toward the end I noticed the spice…

Macanudo Cafe

It was a solid, smooth cigar. The draw seemed a little tight through the punch hole, but the burn was slow and deliberate. The overall taste and aroma were very good.

Montecristo Classic

Morning smoke with coffee. First third was missing something, maybe just too mild overall. Would have liked a but more complex flavor, but strength was near perfect for morning and matched with my coffee well. Lit well initially but tried to go out multiple times when resting.

Macanudo Cafe

• Date: 4/22/2024 • Cigar: Macanudo Café Hyde Park • Drinking: Kirk and Sweeney Reserva Rum • Weather: 62 F, very light breeze • Smoke Time: 90 minutes • Draw: Easy • Burn: Easy to light and burned perfectly even, requiring not a single touchup • Ash: Average • Mouthfeel: Light and smooth with just enough spice to make it interesting • Nicotine Strength: Light/Medium • Unlit Flavors/Smells: Not sure; I lit it up immediately • Smoking Notes: Predominantly characterized by cedar followed by leather and earth, the latter two of which really kick in about a quarter of the way through. There are bitter notes reminiscent of dark chocolate and coffee. Some minerality/graphite along with roasted nuts – peanut and almond. Allowing it to rest for longer periods of time between puffs reveals a tinge of sweetness on exhale as well as making the smoke silky and fluffy. The spice is relatively subdued which allows for a smooth retrohale with only a slight sting. The flavor profile develops linearly, increasing in depth but without any particularly new flavors appearing. The finish is nutty, smooth, and creamy. Like the flavors, the room notes are light, bright, and pleasant. • Conclusion: A light, casual, and easy smoke that will please most people and would be great for new smokers. The construction of this particular stick was immaculate – easy to draw, no unravelling or tobacco in the mouth, and best of all, it required no touch-ups whatsoever. The band was definitely removed for this one. I will be sure to pick up some more as I can see it being a regular go-to. 4/5.

Macanudo Cafe

2 mild for me.

Macanudo Cafe

Always at pleasure. First cigar ever smoked an just a peacef experience. Sweet too start amd them just a little little spice

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Shade

1/3 mild smoke faint pepper crème nut very light not complex 2/3 light smoke more pepper less else 3/4 pepper disappears then comes back strong , crème smoke coffee - very pleasant end 6/10