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

DB,

Thanks for the great info.

db: thanks for the review! i'm full-on in love with this cigar, and the one i had was perfect in every way while also being unlike any cigar i've ever tried. i did a review on this a good while back, if anyone cares to read or top it; i'm off to bed soon).

i'm curious about how much humi time this one had. my experience differed considerably -- the burn was razor straight and perfect from start to finish; this is the ONLY cigar i've had where that's been the case -- i mean TRULY perfect. the construction was flawless, and the draw was just right -- not tight and not too loose. it just seemed to smoke itself. i held it up to my lips and sucked in just a BIT and had a mouthful of exquisite smoke and plenty of it. yet the draw didn't have a loose "feel" to it at all. trippy.

then again every toraño i've had seems to fit that profile -- great construction, perfect burn, perfect draw, LOTS of flavorful smoke. what set the tribute apart was the taste. there's just a kaleidoscope of flavors in there, and i didn't find one that i recall being truly dominant. interesting taste descriptions you gave though, and when i try my next trib i'll re-read your review and see if i can pick out similar notes. 🙂

I really enjoy this cigar, enough enough so, that I purchased 2½ boxes ...

... and only paid $137.50 for the two Robusto, and $165 for the Torpedo. I heard some were getting the Robusto for $120 to $126 ...

... right in line with a lot of other great cigars, and well worth it to me ... for an excellent limited release cigar.

When I opened the box and took that first wiff, I could have sworn I just opened a box of Cuban cigars!

A great cigar. I've got a box of the torps and another of the robustos and am fighting the urge to take down another one:-)

I have 2 boxes of these babies as well. Man are they a good cigar. I think that they are as close to a Cuban without being a Cuban but thats just my opinion.

What turnberry said...

I have the Torps and Robustos... mmmmm...

Low

CUBANS!!!!

Who the _____ smokes CUBANS!! YUCK!! them Island smokes are crap!!!


BTW, hey Low hadn't seen you in a while ......Howzitgoin'

Very nice review....dambit...now you've made me really want to try one. I've been able to read the other threads about them without feeling like I was missing all that much but now I'm gonna have to figure out how to get my hands on a couple.
Em

Mine was only in the humi for a few weeks.

So anybody have any info on where to get boxes of these at a reasonable price. I am interested in the Torps/Robustos. Is CI box prices reasonable? Is there a better place to get em. email at osuride at yahoo dot com. Thanks in advance for any information

OSU... e-mail me. I have a good source for ya where they can be had quite reasonably.

demersja at 702com dot net

I finally picked up one of these while in Tampa. I haven't tried it yet. I haven't been a big fan of Toranos but everyone has had so much positive feedback on the tribute, I just had to get one. Maybe this weekend.

I had a Robusto last night and I can close my eyes and imagine I'm smoking a PSD#4. X

Yep ... the 'torp' was like that for me tonight! But I could have sworn it was a Monte #2 ...

emgoldgolf send me your addy
gorob23 at
yahoo dot com

Dbguru you will soon be able to judge for yourself.
ROb

These are delicious and I love the silky wrapper they use. CT currently has one of the strongest lines on the market (right up there with CAO and Buc as far as I'm concerned).

Damn, yous guys eva going to stop bragging...


just jealous,
pablo.

what would you guys think of a tribute... with a sungrown maduro wrapper? 🙂