The Alec Bradley Special Blends is a decent looking stick with a golden brown. There's a minor oily sheen that is visible under direct light, and a few moderate veins run throughout the body. The budget looking band displays the Special Blends label and logo over black, red, and gold. Feeling the Special Blends 5 x 50 reveals that it’s packed with plenty of tobacco. There are no soft spots. Before lighting, the cigar has a sweet aroma and cold taste.

Once lit, the Alec Bradley Special Blends is a solid performer. The draw is good, and there's plenty of smoke that's produced. The ash is long and gray in color. The burn stays even on its own from beginning to end, with the exception of one touch-up. It also manages to stay lit without any help.

Flavor-wise, the Special Blends 5 x 50 does not disappoint. I wouldn't call it the most complex smoke, but it does offer a nice variety of flavors to keep things from getting dull. It is also very smooth. The first third begins with sweetness and cedar. The second third offers more of the same, along with plenty of creaminess. The final third is full of notes that are creamy and nutty. I would rate its strength as mild-bodied overall.

When all is said and done, I have to say that I enjoyed the Alec Bradley Special Blends. It’s not the greatest cigar ever, but I did not expect it to be. If I had to use a word to describe the Special Blends, it would be steady. You can find it packaged in bundles of 20 or 25, with a single averaging out to between $2 and $3 each. That is affordable enough to make this a frequent smoke, especially if you want something to accompany your cup of coffee in the morning.

The Alec Bradley Special Blends 5 x 50 earns a rating of 3.5 out of four stars.