Cigar reviews – 99 words or less
Founded by two former police officers, the Protocol brand comes from Cubariqueno Cigars and a partnership with Erik Espinosa. After my standard straight cut, I picked up salt on the cold draw. Initial notes of tobacco came through after lighting. Then mounds of cocoa took over, so much I wanted to grab dessert. Later, the cocoa mixed with earthy hints until a final transition back to full-on cocoa. The spicy retrohales strengthened throughout the smoke. By the end, the spice was nearly overwhelming. I suspect aging the Protocol Blue six months would result in better balance.
