The opening matchup brings Alec Bradley Project 40 Natural Robusto and Diesel Uncaged Robusto to the same counter—and puts the decision in the hands of participating smokers.
Both blends use Nicaraguan filler, but their wrapper and binder combinations differ. Their manufacturers also describe different body levels. That creates an interesting comparison: will you prefer Project 40’s medium-bodied approach or Uncaged’s medium-to-full profile?
The answer comes from completing both evaluations and deciding which experience you enjoyed most.
The Cigars Side by Side
| Detail | Alec Bradley Project 40 Natural Robusto 05.50 | Diesel Uncaged Robusto |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 5 inches × 50 ring gauge | 5½ inches × 52 ring gauge |
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan | Habano Criollo |
| Binder | Brazilian Habano | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan | Nicaraguan |
| Manufacturer-described body | Medium | Medium to full |
| Background | Part of Alec Bradley’s original Project 40 line | Produced by AJ Fernandez; introduced as a regular-production release in August 2026 |
These are published blend descriptions. Your experience may differ from the manufacturer’s description.
Alec Bradley Project 40: Watch the Balance
Project 40 combines Nicaraguan wrapper and filler tobaccos with a Brazilian Habano binder. Alec Bradley positions the original blend around everyday enjoyment and describes it as medium-bodied.
As you evaluate it, notice how the experience comes together. Does one sensation dominate, or can you distinguish several elements? Does the cigar stay comfortable and enjoyable as you move through it?
Follow the experience beyond the opening few minutes. Record whether the cigar develops, remains pleasantly consistent or begins to lose your interest. A cigar does not need constant changes to be enjoyable; consistency can be a strength.
Diesel Uncaged: Watch How the Intensity Develops
Diesel Uncaged entered the brand’s regular-production lineup in August 2026. Produced by AJ Fernandez, it uses a Habano Criollo wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.
Diesel describes the blend as medium- to full-bodied. That makes the relationship between intensity and enjoyment a useful point of comparison with Project 40.
Does the fuller sensation add to your enjoyment? Can you distinguish the flavors as the cigar develops? Does the finish leave you looking forward to the next draw?
What I Want Participants to Notice
For this opening round, my focus is on three questions.
Does the cigar deliver a complete experience?
Consider the beginning, middle and finish together. One excellent moment matters, but your final choice should reflect the whole cigar. Use the same construction standards for both entries, recording draw resistance, burn behavior and any corrections.
Can you separate body, strength and flavor?
Body describes the weight and texture of the smoke. Strength concerns its nicotine impact. Flavor is what you perceive while smoking. These can develop differently, so consider each separately.
Would you choose it again?
After evaluating both cigars, ask yourself which you would most look forward to smoking again. Consider the actual price at your participating store when answering questions about value and repeat purchases.
Make the Comparison Your Own
Use the exact cigars designated for the tournament. Give each enough time, and keep conditions reasonably similar where practical. Record your observations before discussing scores with other participants.
You do not need to recognize every flavor named in a manufacturer’s description. Clear notes such as “the draw became tighter,” “the second half was more enjoyable,” or “the finish lasted longer” help explain your experience.
Your Palate. Your Choice.
You may prefer a different cigar than your friends, your retailer or the Master Ashologist. That is completely fine.
Complete both evaluations honestly, then cast your preference vote for the cigar you enjoyed most. A familiar brand, a higher price or someone else’s praise does not have to determine your preference.
You do not have to agree with the crowd for your opinion to count.
Your prediction is a separate choice: which cigar do you think will receive the most qualified participant votes? Your personal favorite and your predicted winner may be different.
Related reading: Why Your Favorite Cigar Doesn’t Have to Be Everyone Else’s
Which Cigar Advances?
The cigar receiving the most qualified participant preference votes advances under the official tournament rules.
Complete both required evaluations, cast your preference vote and submit your prediction before the matchup closes.
Alec Bradley Project 40 Natural Robusto or Diesel Uncaged Robusto—which earns your vote?
For adults 21 and older. This is a matchup preview; it does not present completed tasting results.
