The first two samples of the Long Live the King MAD MF didn't have me quite as enamored as the third sample, something I'm not sure was due to the cigars themselves or that I wasn't as plugged into the needed awareness of combining the sensations offered via the nose and tongue. For some reason, the two clicked best in the third sample, with that sample scoring the highest of the three and have me thinking this blend—at its best—might command placement on some end of the year lists. I'd love a bit more consistency of flavors between the second and final thirds, as each sample experienced some drop-off, but the lasting impression remained favorable: this is a well-balanced cigar that performs well and at its best, offers substantial depth and complexity, and as such, substantial enjoyment.

Score: 89

The Caldwell Long Live the King MAD MOFO Corona delivered a very good smoking experience. It’s a cigar that performed well on flavor, complexity, and construction. While sometimes I think smaller ring gauge cigars are overrated compared to their larger counterparts, I did find the Corona size of the Long Live the King MAD MOFO was one of the better ones. This is a cigar I could recommend to a novice or experienced cigar enthusiast. As for myself, this is a cigar I would smoke again – and it’s one that certainly garners box worthy consideration.

Value: Box Worthy Consideration Score: 91

I have to be honest, after smoking two cigars for this review, I cheated and sought out more. I believe it’s evident I really enjoyed the cigar, but I had to see if the middle of each cigar was just as differing—and they were. Despite it being consistent in the two samples and beyond, I have to say, the middle of the cigar affected the final score negatively. There’s something to be said about complexity, but when it’s so dynamic and abrupt, it leaves my palette jarred and wanting.