I had been saving this one for a special occasion.
New Year’s Eve had passed, and the Super Bowl was a ways off yet. I’d just had one of those simple, relaxing perfect days that come around from time to time, though, and I decided that this was reason enough to enjoy a Tribute robusto.
The Carlos Toraño Tribute, a gorgeous rich-brown cigar that's double banded in the distinctive Toraño manner, certainly looks like a smoke for a red letter day. The band itself is pleasing to the eye with its midnight blue background, its gilded border and lettering. The pre-light aroma was subtle and enigmatic -- traits that would remain true of the cigar from this point until I reluctantly put it down. Some cigars are simply a pleasure to open, and this is one of them. My punch slid into the cap of this firm but supple cigar with satisfying ease and left a perfect hole for what would be an immaculate draw.
The Tribute lit very easily and segued from a cooperative toasting to a full, soft glow in just seconds. Its aroma unfurled with the first tendrils of smoke -- promising, subtle and a little bit of a tease. I had just finished listening to Ravel's "Bolero," and its echo played on while I sat down after dinner to enjoy this cigar that I had heard so much about. Like "Bolero," the Tribute began with simple beauty. Pleasant but intriguing, pure but seductive, the Tribute started out soft as a whisper that catches your attention and has you leaning in to know more. With the slightest touch of fruity sweetness playing off a subtle nutty note, indulgent creaminess and just a hint of spice, the Tribute offered a most tantalizing beginning. The smoke offered up by this cigar was as generous as it was flavorful. As good as this was, it continued to get even better.
If you're familiar with Ravel's piece, you know how it begins simply and progresses steadily along, picking up intensity as it goes; so it was with the Tribute. The promises made in the first few draws grew to fruition as the smoke progressed. Just as "Bolero" introduces a gentle rhythm that carries through to the end, so the Tribute began softly and built slowly in intensity while remaining consistent in strength. Unlike so many cigars that become overbearing, the Tribute maintained its core tastes and added layer after layer of intensity while refusing to cross the line into overwhelming strength. The Tribute's balanced and flavorful opening notes deepened and intensified throughout the smoke. I found a symphonic blend of tastes in this cigar, but the flavor remained perfectly harmonious. As with all the Toraño offerings, it also remained quite "fresh" tasting to the very last draw -- another quality that set the Tribute apart from any other cigar I have smoked.
While I would definitely call this a full flavor cigar, its strength remained an enjoyable and respectable "medium" throughout. Some cigars finish with distracting, jangling strength. But the Tribute, like Ravel's piece, builds slowly and consistently to an exuberant, vivacious conclusion without once becoming intrusive or brash. The Tribute is a triumphant smoke, and it is that quality that you'll notice from start to finish in this cigar. Add to its praises an immaculate draw, consistent and even burn, creamy and copious mouthfuls of smoke, and the Carlos Toraño Tribute offers the sort of bar-raising quality that will be very hard to beat.
While the Tribute is a triumphant, commemorative cigar, there's no need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy one. Settling in to smoke a Tribute, any old day can become a celebration.
-Sicilian Tony
