This cigar was enjoyed with Sparkling water
Pre-Light: 17 Points of 10 Possible
This big toro is solidly filled, with a few small lumps, and not especially heavy. It gives a little when pinched, just as it should. The caramel colored wrapper is glossier than I expect from a Connecticut shade leaf. I like it. I like the triple cap a little less, as it's sloppily applied and a bit crooked. It doesn't matter after I cut it, though, and doesn't give me any trouble while smoking.
When I sniff the foot I find some pepper, and the cold draw, which is a bit too easy, tastes a bit fruity -- like candied peel or light cherry. I'm intrigued.
Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible
My lighter ran dry on me, so I had to light with wooden matches. It lit pretty well, if a little unevenly, but it straightened out on its own. The burn was good, straight with a strong light gray ash that grew to an inch and a half. The easy draw resulted in gobs of smooth, buttery smoke. I liked that. The burn rate was good, and the smoke time was near 90 mins.
Construction: 27 Points of 30 Possible
Construction overall is very good: good looking wrapper, solid fill, good burn qualities, no real defects. I'll take off some points because of the slight lumpiness, sloppy cap, and too easy draw, but those are cosmetic issues.
Flavor and Aroma: 32 Points of 45 Possible
I liked the flavors of this smoke -- they were dynamic and more interesting than I expect from a Connecticut shade cigar.
The opening was peppery and the finish was dry, not as super dry as an Avo or Davidoff, but in the same part of the spectrum.
After about an inch or so, the flavors began to shift. The mouthfeel was softer, rounder, less dry on the finish, with hints of sweetness appearing.
These sweet notes continued to develop as I entered the second third, and there was a fleeting wisp of light cherry as the cold draw foreshadowed. By the midpoint of the cigar I was getting more richness and strength. The body of the smoke was great -- buttery, creamy, satisfying.
The last third of this stick was even better, with a lot of dynamic flavor action. I tasted butter, a touch of vanilla, some almond, some cinnamon. The finish was clean, without even a hint of dirty ash or tar.
I was enjoying these flavors and continued to smoke as long as I could, but as I started to get past the band, the smoke got too hot; chalk it up to the easy draw. I pitched it at that point, having taken everything this cigar had to offer.
Summary
Much more interesting than your typical Connecticut shade cigar, this fat toro offered a dynamic and complex smoke. It started dry, teased me with fruit, and ended with buttery cake-like flavors. I want to try a small vitola in the hope that it will concentrate these delicious flavors some more.
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(3 Review(s))