First time I had a maduro I damn near passed out.

I just had a "fresh" Vegas Gold robusto, from my CI brownbag, and it was a world of difference. I can say with certainty that all reviews about the Gold being overly mild and tasteless refers, to a fresh stick. It was a bit on the dry side, but all it gave me was a buttery aftertaste, with no flavor to boot. With a little bit of faith and resolute, and unyielding puffing, it gave off a tiniest bit of spice around the second third. After that I just had to give up and toss it.

I like the sticks I have sitting in the humi for 4-5 months; the 5 Vegas Gold absolutely needs humidor time to be a good nild smoke.