OK Everyone is talking about the numbers on their boxes and I wasn't quite ready to take that plunge considering we're talking $200 a box. However I was fortunate to score one in a trade (I think it was from Smelly4tay) so tonight I decided it was time to try it and give this attractive robusto a review.
The pre smoke aroma was rich, sweet and pleasing. The Ecuadorian sungrown is really a winner of a wrapper beginning to become a major flavor component in many fine cigars. The first few puffs had similarities to the Exodus 59 Silver with earthy leather flavors but also some sweetness coming from the distinctive wrapper. The draw was fine, only slightly tight to my taste (I like an easy draw). The smoke was medium to full bodied, the flavor was smooth and medium in intensity. Very soon the flavor evolved into something more complex and pleasing. I would characterize it as similar to a vanilla cola flavor with a slight leather and licorice finish. Very smooth and distinctive. This different from any cigar I could remember except perhaps a Gurkha Legend. The burn was a bit uneven for a premium cigar but not enough for me to wet the faster burning side. No major issue here but not the perfect burn I would expect from a 10 dollar cigar. Nevertheless the complex flavor was pleasing and consistent to the last third of the cigar when the vanilla and licorice overtones diminished and a stonger cola flavor started to dominate more along with a bit of spice and leather finish. I really wanted this cigar to last a bit longer as it was very pleasing to the end even though the flavor complexity gave way a bit.
In conclusion, I think this is a nice medium strength cigar with good body and flavor complexities that I'm sure will get more interesting over time. To my taste buds the vanilla cola flavor was most dominant but I liked the other overtones in the flavor profile. There are several cigars in this price range that I would probably prefer, most notably PAMs or VSGs, but not a bas effort at all from the guys at Torano. Because of the smoothness and moderation in strength, I think this cigar could be enjoyed almost any time of day, for any situation and with just about any accompanying beverage. I would think about scoring a 5 pack perhaps but not sure if I'd invest in a box of these. But for those of you who did, you'll probably enjoy them a lot.
DB
