There's a good amount of flavor in the Fifty Fifty Black Label, and that's always a plus in my book. The first third is rather subtle and inviting. It begins with sweetness, which transitions to chocolate and coffee. It's definitely medium-bodied at this point. It picks up a bit in the second third, with earthiness and leather. Towards the end of the second third, the cigar goes full throttle in terms of strength with a burst of pepper. This continues through the final third. The transition from smooth to strong was there, just as promised.

I credit Viaje for coming up with a cigar that's a bit out of the everyday norm. I did get the sense I was smoking two different blends with the Black Label. Without a doubt, I found the medium-bodied portion to be more enjoyable. Towards the end, the cigar was getting on the verge of overpowering. With that being said, if you enjoy Viaje cigars, Nicaraguan puros, or want to try something different, the Fifty Fifty Black Label is a good choice. It is pricy at about $9 per single. It also comes in packs of five or boxes of 25. Pick one up for a special occasion, and find out for yourself if its worthy of a box purchase.

The Viaje Fifty Fifty Black Label No. 1 earns a rating of 3.5 out of four stars.

Alec Bradley American Classic Blend Toro

Alec Bradley's American Classic Blend is a line that was recently released just in time for Memorial Day. Alan Rubin, the brand's president, released the line to give smokers an affordable cigar similar to the ones that were popular in the 1920's. Memorial Day is long gone, but I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Toro. If it's anything like other Alec Bradley selections, I am sure it will be enjoyable.

The Toro format of the American Classic Blend line measures 6 x 50. Other sizes in the line include the 5 x 50 Robusto, 5 1/2 x 42 Corona, 6 x 60 Gordo, 6 1/8 x 52 Torpedo, and 7 x 50 Churchill. The cigar's filler consists of Nicaraguan Esteli and Condega tobaccos. The binder comes from Nicaragua's Jalapa region, and a Honduran Connecticut Shade wrapper tops things off. The American Classic Blend is said to be mild to medium-bodied in strength.