So far, the Gold Maduro Robusto seems to be passing the test. What about its flavor though? Here’s where the disappointment kicks in. Although it’s advertised as being complex, I’m not really feeling that notion. The cigar is okay in terms of flavor, but that is as high as it gets. The first third begins with earth and leather. Halfway into the first third some pepper appears to add some kick. The pepper continues for most of the second third, until sweetness comes into the mix. The final third is pretty much straight coffee. The cigar seems to be medium to full-bodied in strength, rather than simply full-bodied.

Since I had never smoked a Bahia before, I really didn’t know what to expect. In the end, I’d call the Gold Maduro an average cigar. It wasn’t horrible by any means, but it did nothing to really catch my attention in the flavor department. With a single going for around $6 to $7 each, it’s hard for me to recommend the Gold Maduro, as there are so many other options out there at that price range. If you want to take the plunge, however, go for it. You can find the Gold Maduro Robusto in packs of five or boxes of 20.

The Bahia Gold Maduro Robusto earns a rating of three out of four stars.

Alec Bradley Mataza Robusto Gordo

The Mataza is a newer release from Alec Bradley. The line is named after the Cuba’s Mataza Valley, which is about a four hour ride from the nation’s historic capital of Havana. Alec Bradley is known for putting out some quality cigars, so I expect some good things out of the Mataza. It’s described as being smooth and complex in nature. Those are descriptions I like to hear, so it’s time to light this stogie up and see just how good it is.

The Mataza Robusto Gordo measures 5 x 54. Alec Bradley offers the line in four other sizes: the 4 ¾ x 50 Glass Robusto, 6 x 54 Super Toro, 6 x 56 Torpedo, and the appropriately named 6 x 60 Magnum. The cigar’s filler consists of tobaccos from Colombia and Nicaragua. The binder is Honduran, and an oily Brazilian wrapper tops things off. The Mataza is produced at Alec Bradley’s factory in Honduras. As stated earlier, this is a smooth cigar, and it’s listed as being medium-bodied in strength.