Today's reviews combine the bold with the mild. We will kick things off with the more powerful Viaje Fifty Fifty Black Label No. 1 and follow it up with a look at the milder Alec Bradley American Classic Blend Toro.

Viaje Fifty Fifty Black Label No. 1

The Fifty Fifty Black Label line from Viaje is quite interesting. The cigar was designed to give the effect of smoking two different cigars in one. This was made possible by combining two separate blends. The idea sounds great, but it seems as if it could be difficult to pull off. I will sample the line's No. 1 offering to see if it's just a marketing ploy, or a unique stogie worth purchasing again.

The Fifty Fifty Black Label No. 1 measures 5 5/8 x 46. Viaje offers the line in two other sizes as well in the form of the 6 x 50 No. 2 and the 7 x 47 No. 3. Like other Viaje lines, the Black Label is a Nicaraguan puro, made completely of Nicaraguan tobaccos. As mentioned, the filler is a combination of two separate blends. The cigar also features two binders and a Corojo '99 wrapper. As far as strength goes, the first half is said to be medium-bodied, while the second half is full-bodied.

Right off the bat, I am tempted to light this Black Label No. 1. The dark, oily wrapper is as smooth as can be, and only a few small veins are visible. The cigar feels firm to the touch, with just a little give when pushed. The band near the head looks great. It displays the Viaje logo and Fifty Fifty name. The combination of black and gold mesh well with the dark wrapper. The pigtail cap is done nicely too. Overall, construction appears to be top notch. Before lighting, I detect a sweet cold taste and an earthy scent.

Viaje claims that rolling the Black Label is no easy feat, so I am wondering if that will cause burn issues. Luckily, once the cigar is lit, it's mostly smooth sailing. The draw is easy, and there is plenty of smoke that's produced. The ash is solid, and changes colors midway through, denoting the change in blends. Only a couple touch-ups are needed, but that is all.