As far as the flavor of the Macanudo Robust is concerned, I wouldn’t exactly say it lives up to its name. Sure, it may offer more than the usual Macanudo, but it still could be deemed as being mild overall and lacking total complexity. The first flavor detected is of earth, which was hinted at prior to lighting. The earth then moves on to creamy notes. Later on around the halfway mark I notice a blend that switches between earth, spice, and sweetness. The final third is a combination of more creaminess plus some coffee.

The Macanudo Robust is a decent cigar, but that’s about it. There's not much here to that will knock your socks off or “wow” you. I would call it an acceptable choice as a cigar to smoke while mowing the lawn or performing some similar activity. Beginners can also give it a shot, as it is not too strong. A single can be had for about $5, and there are also boxes for sale that come packed with 25 cigars or packs of five.

The Macanudo Robust Hyde Park earns a rating of three out of four stars.

Partagas Black Label Bravo

Created by Partagas’ cigar master Daniel Nuñez, the Black Label is a line that is said to pack a full-bodied punch. The Black Label is a selection that took ten years to perfect, as Nuñez and his team took their time to perfect the cigar’s special binder and wrapper. Keeping in mind that this is a full-bodied stick, I made sure to load up on a hearty dinner before lighting up the line’s Bravo offering.

Measuring in at 4 ½ x 54, the Partagas Black Label Bravo is a short and thick cigar. Other sizes in the line range from the 4 3/16 x 36 Pronto to the 6 x 60 Piramide. The Black Label starts off with a filler of Nicaraguan Ligero and Piloto Cubano Ligero tobaccos. The binder is of the La Vega Especial variety from the Dominican Republic, while the wrapper is listed as being Connecticut Medio Tiempo. The Medio Tiempo label comes from the fact that these wrapper leaves are harvested after aging 50 percent longer than typical wrapper leaves, which results in them being not only heavier, but also darker and richer.