Cigar Geeks - Cuba Aliados (Core Line) Toro Extra

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Cuba Aliados (Core Line) Toro Extra
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Anthony D. (Anthony)

84
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Cigar Geeks Critique of a cigar sponsored through the generosity of our own member Peter Kozo (AKA junglepete). Up for review this time is the Cuba Aliados Toro Deluxe Maduro.

Cuba Aliados (Core Line) Toro Extra

Brand:: Cuba Aliados
Name:: (Core Line) Toro Extra
Length:: 6
Ring Gauge:: 53
Country of Origin:: Honduras
Filler:: Dominican Republic
Nicaragua
Binder:: Ecuador
Sumatra
Wrapper:: Corojo
Nicaragua
Color:: Colorado Maduro
Strength:: Medium-Full
Shape:: Toro
Average Member Rating:: (4 Review(s))

This cigar was enjoyed with Green Tea

Pre-Light: 17 Points of 10 Possible

Oily colorado/maduro wrapper, some fine-medium viens, a little bumpy. Firm feel, but not hard, with a nice bunch pattern at the foot, and a neatly applied cap that cut cleanly. The band is conservative yet attractive brown and white with red and gold embossed lettering. Prelight aroma is rich sweet tobacco with a touch of cocoa. Good medium draw, flavors of cedar and sweet spice.

Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible

Toasting the foot provided and easy and even light, and the burn remained relatively straight and even throughout the length of the stick until about the last 1/3 where it went a bit to one side. Nice tight medium gray ash that holds on firmly until knocked off. Smoke is abundant but not very 'thick.'

Construction: 26 Points of 30 Possible

Good medium draw - not too light or to firm. Construction is nice, if a little "rustic" in appearance. Nice firm feel, no soft or hard spots. Wrapper is nicely applied with a neat, even cap. Holds up well between the teeth, without falling apart in my mouth.

Flavor and Aroma: 28 Points of 45 Possible

Initial smoke isn't overwhelming, providing a woody flavor profile with a leathery aftertaste and a small hit of pepper on the palate.
Throught the first 1/3, the flavor profile is earthy with hints of cedar and leather, with a peppery aftertaste.
Into the second 1/3, flavors remain similar, but the spice has picked up somewhat, and I also detect a faint toasted almond flavor. Progressing further, the peppery and leathery flavors really begin to dominate the smoke.
In the final 1/3, the burn started to get a little crooked and required a touch-up. Flavor profile is woody and leathery with a pepper finish, and there is some hint of a tinny, harsh aftertaste.

Summary

Overall, this is a decent average cigar. The appearance,construction and burn are very good, but it loses points in the flavor department. Flavors remain fairly consistent throughout the smoke, albeit somewhat one-dimensional. It also started to get a little harsh toward the end.