When I think of a vault I think of one of two things. First, an impregnable fortress or safe that armies of men crash upon with futility hoping to exploit non-existent weakness. Second, a competition in female gymnastics in which huge amounts of speed explode into a dazzling array of aerial tricks before rapidly finding ground again. Obviously a cigar is likely difficult to compare to either on of these perceptions, but they are what my oft wandering brain conjure at this point. For the purposes of the cigar I believe the Torano's intention was simple. They opened a vault containing some rare and tasty tobaccos and made a cigar out of it. Not as imaginative and only effective if the tobacco is in fact tasty.
The cigar presents well. The wrapper is enticing and contains a nice sheen with few veins. An examination leads me to believe that the roll may be too loose, but we will see what happens as the smoke progresses. The pre light aroma is of sweet fruit and light spice. The pre light draw is floral and sweet with some hints of raisin.
The cigar opens with a profile that is very sweet. The core profile has flavors of sweet berries and some light spice that I can't quite put my finger on. The complexity is fair and the depth is acceptable, but I am not sated with the presentations of flavor and feel like there could be more. At the back of the palate there is some more sweetness and some light wood character that is interesting, but not really adding to the experience at this juncture. The draw is a touch loose and I can already tell that there will be some heat in the draw if I don't slow this smoke down. The burn is wonky and the ash is a heavy gray.
The first half of the cigar does not really develop much. The profile stays sweet and reminiscent of berries, there are also some darker and more bitter fruit flavors here but they are not hurting the experience at this point. At the back of the palate there are some woody notes that hold on, but there are also some strange spice notes that seem a touch dry to me. The flavor is almost like what pot pourri smells like when Grandma puts it in the bowl in her living room. The draw is still loose, but I have slowed considerably to compensate accordingly. The burn is more even, but the ash is flaky.
The final half of the cigar develops nicely, but it is just a touch too late for me. The core profile loses the sweetness and takes on a more earthy and spicy presentation, but there is not much complexity or depth involved in this transition. The flavors leave me feeling a little too flat for this stage in a cigar. At the back of the palate a nice cedar tone has taken over and it provides some much needed oomph in the back end of the smoke. The draw stays too lose all the way to the end. The burn is still acceptable, but the ash continues to flake my shirt.
The finish was sweet and lingering earth and floral impressions hold on.
This is one of the better Torano offerings I have smoked, but that is not saying much as I don't usually smoke Torano anyway.
Appearance- 87 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 86 I just can't give it any more, to flat and lacking in depth
Construction- 83 a loose draw cost me time and caused some re-lights as I slowed it down
Strength- 86 a complementary mild/medium
Overall- 85.25 slightly above average, slightly below an acceptable enjoyment quotient
Showing posts with label Carlos Torano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carlos Torano. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Carlos Torano Master Robusto (5x52)
I march on in my smoking journey and continue to sample the singles that have been accumulating over time. This particular cigar has been in the humi for some months now and I had been hearing good things from fellow BOTL's. It appears as something that is very mundane. The band work is plain and the cigar's visual impact is nothing to jump and down over. The wrapper is dry to the touch and somewhat veiny. The cap is a bit lopsided and there is a flaw in the wrapper near the head. The pre light draw is showing some light cedar flavors and some grassy character that has a bitter quality. The pre light aroma is light and floral.
The cigar opens with a profile that is bitter, but showing signs of cinnamon and light wood. The depth and complexity are just not enough for me at this point and I would like some more profound flavors in this smoke. At the back of the palate there are some fleeting glimpses of pleasing sweet floral notes, but the bitterness from the front of the profile is fouling the back. The draw is too tight, not even mildly so, it is just plain too tight. The burn is solid and sharp.
The first half of the cigar shows multiple personalities. There are notes of bitter grass for the most part, but there are some really nice portions of cinnamon and wood. This erratic presentation makes me more frustrated than anything else. At the back of the palate there are some hints of lightly creamed coffee, but again the bitterness permeates the profile. The draw is still tight, but the burn maintains a nice performance.
The final half of the cigar continues it's eclectic journey. The bitter grass notes give way to strange spice quality that leaves the palate puckered and dry. There are still some ideas of cinnamon and wood, but they are overwhelmed by the strange spice flavors. At the back of the palate there are some grassy notes that are coming in, but overall there is a very mild presentation of light wood. The draw stays too tight throughout, but it never causes and issues. The burn stayed solid all the way to the end.
The finish is short and bitter with some odd mint flavors. Overall this is another must miss experience.
Appearance- 83 not visually stimulating all
Taste- 80 too erratic and for the most part poor
Construction- 82 the draw was too tight, but the burn was nice
Strength- 85 a very average medium that was stretching for full
Overall- 82 a below average smoke
The cigar opens with a profile that is bitter, but showing signs of cinnamon and light wood. The depth and complexity are just not enough for me at this point and I would like some more profound flavors in this smoke. At the back of the palate there are some fleeting glimpses of pleasing sweet floral notes, but the bitterness from the front of the profile is fouling the back. The draw is too tight, not even mildly so, it is just plain too tight. The burn is solid and sharp.
The first half of the cigar shows multiple personalities. There are notes of bitter grass for the most part, but there are some really nice portions of cinnamon and wood. This erratic presentation makes me more frustrated than anything else. At the back of the palate there are some hints of lightly creamed coffee, but again the bitterness permeates the profile. The draw is still tight, but the burn maintains a nice performance.
The final half of the cigar continues it's eclectic journey. The bitter grass notes give way to strange spice quality that leaves the palate puckered and dry. There are still some ideas of cinnamon and wood, but they are overwhelmed by the strange spice flavors. At the back of the palate there are some grassy notes that are coming in, but overall there is a very mild presentation of light wood. The draw stays too tight throughout, but it never causes and issues. The burn stayed solid all the way to the end.
The finish is short and bitter with some odd mint flavors. Overall this is another must miss experience.
Appearance- 83 not visually stimulating all
Taste- 80 too erratic and for the most part poor
Construction- 82 the draw was too tight, but the burn was nice
Strength- 85 a very average medium that was stretching for full
Overall- 82 a below average smoke
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Carlos Torano Single Region Serie Jalapa Robusto (5x52)
This is a new cigar from Torano, in the interest of full disclosure I should tell all of you that I seldom like anything from the Torano clan. This cigar has had a lot of scuttlebutt recently and I finally succumbed to the pressure and gave one a smoke.
The cigar itself is nothing spectacular to look at. The wrapper is mottled, the band pedestrian and the over all visual seemed very dry to me. There are some prominent veins in the wrapper, but the overall construction seems to be acceptable. The pre light aroma is odd, but shows some hints of ginger and clove. The pre light draw is sour and I can't detect anything that makes me feel otherwise.
The cigar opens with a profile that is thin and lacking in zest. There are some strange spice characteristics, but the overall impression is that the smoke is scorched and acrid. At the back of the palate there are some harsh tinges of dry vegetation and the smoke is also very dry causing some discomfort in the throat. The burn is slightly askew but not in need of touch up at this point. The draw is acceptable, but a bit too tight for me at this point.
The first half of the cigar continues to be lackluster. The main profile is scorched and acrid, with some fleeting ideas of spice and tobacco, but the overall presentation is very onerous. At the back of the palate the dryness continues and there are no real flavors that can be detected at this point in the cigar. The burn has deteriorated further and I begin the process of what will become several touch ups. The draw remains tight, but passable.
The final half of the cigar is the death knell for this experience. The main profile shows scorched and acrid flavors, plus an odd chemical flavor that is horrific. At the back of the palate I am trying to control my gag reflex, as this cigar ramps up the putrescence. The burn continues to be inferior and the draw is passable, but I wish it was obstructed so I can launch this rocket.
The finish was fetid, with essence of dry vegetation and acrid flavors that were bordering on acidic.
I would recommend some fine machine made fare if you have a choice between this and a King Edward.
Appearance- 85 an average looking cigar
Taste- 70 my lowest possible mark for a cigar
Construction- 77 the burn was horrible and the draw barely passable
Strength- 85 an average medium
Overall- 77.25 don't waste your time.
The cigar itself is nothing spectacular to look at. The wrapper is mottled, the band pedestrian and the over all visual seemed very dry to me. There are some prominent veins in the wrapper, but the overall construction seems to be acceptable. The pre light aroma is odd, but shows some hints of ginger and clove. The pre light draw is sour and I can't detect anything that makes me feel otherwise.
The cigar opens with a profile that is thin and lacking in zest. There are some strange spice characteristics, but the overall impression is that the smoke is scorched and acrid. At the back of the palate there are some harsh tinges of dry vegetation and the smoke is also very dry causing some discomfort in the throat. The burn is slightly askew but not in need of touch up at this point. The draw is acceptable, but a bit too tight for me at this point.
The first half of the cigar continues to be lackluster. The main profile is scorched and acrid, with some fleeting ideas of spice and tobacco, but the overall presentation is very onerous. At the back of the palate the dryness continues and there are no real flavors that can be detected at this point in the cigar. The burn has deteriorated further and I begin the process of what will become several touch ups. The draw remains tight, but passable.
The final half of the cigar is the death knell for this experience. The main profile shows scorched and acrid flavors, plus an odd chemical flavor that is horrific. At the back of the palate I am trying to control my gag reflex, as this cigar ramps up the putrescence. The burn continues to be inferior and the draw is passable, but I wish it was obstructed so I can launch this rocket.
The finish was fetid, with essence of dry vegetation and acrid flavors that were bordering on acidic.
I would recommend some fine machine made fare if you have a choice between this and a King Edward.
Appearance- 85 an average looking cigar
Taste- 70 my lowest possible mark for a cigar
Construction- 77 the burn was horrible and the draw barely passable
Strength- 85 an average medium
Overall- 77.25 don't waste your time.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Carlos Torano Tribute Robusto (5x50)
This robusto seems small to me, but I measure and find it to be correct, however the 50 ring gauge might be a bit generous as I found it to be closer to a 48. Anyway, size parameters aside, the cigar appears to be well made and the construction passes the tests I perform. The wrapper is a deep, dark, black coffee colored beauty that is full of oils and has very few veins. The pre light aroma has heavy earth tones and some hints of strong coffee. The pre light draw shows some chocolate character.
The cigar opens with a profile that is all coffee; deep, rich, black coffee that might be a little over brewed. The strength of the smoke is a surprise as Torano offerings usually show more nuance up front. At the back of the palate there are some very hearty earth presentations and shafts of dark wood bolt through the experience here as well. The draw is above average, but still a bit loose for me and I worry about heat later in the smoke. The burn is on point and the ash is bright white.
The first half of the cigar shows very little development and the complexity and depth are lacking. What is here is a straightforward presentation of coffee and light chocolate notes that are interesting, but not particularly rewarding or deep. The strength mellows out, but I would still characterize this as medium/full. At the back of the palate there are still heavy earth notes, but the dark wood flavors have disappeared detracting from the balance of the smoke. The draw is still performing well, but is still to loose for me. The burn has continued to perform well and is spot on.
The final half of the cigar leaves me disappointed, not in the smoke, but in the fact that I thought it could have been so much more. The core profile shows more chocolate and the balance with the coffee notes is excellent, but the depth and complexity just aren't here. At the back of the palate I detect some fleeting notes of black pepper, but the main flavor continues to be an earthy presentation that is pleasing, but lacking in character. The draw and burn stay consistent throughout.
The finish is smooth and shows some fine notes of coffee and chocolate.
Appearance- 91 a nice looking cigar with a wrapper that makes the mouth water
Taste- 88 lacking in depth and complexity, but what was there was good
Construction- 89 the draw was a bit loose for me, but it did not affect the smoke in a negative way
Strength- 87 a nice medium/full experience that I thought could use more power in the back end
Overall- 88.75 an above average experience and nothing to be ashamed of smoking
The cigar opens with a profile that is all coffee; deep, rich, black coffee that might be a little over brewed. The strength of the smoke is a surprise as Torano offerings usually show more nuance up front. At the back of the palate there are some very hearty earth presentations and shafts of dark wood bolt through the experience here as well. The draw is above average, but still a bit loose for me and I worry about heat later in the smoke. The burn is on point and the ash is bright white.
The first half of the cigar shows very little development and the complexity and depth are lacking. What is here is a straightforward presentation of coffee and light chocolate notes that are interesting, but not particularly rewarding or deep. The strength mellows out, but I would still characterize this as medium/full. At the back of the palate there are still heavy earth notes, but the dark wood flavors have disappeared detracting from the balance of the smoke. The draw is still performing well, but is still to loose for me. The burn has continued to perform well and is spot on.
The final half of the cigar leaves me disappointed, not in the smoke, but in the fact that I thought it could have been so much more. The core profile shows more chocolate and the balance with the coffee notes is excellent, but the depth and complexity just aren't here. At the back of the palate I detect some fleeting notes of black pepper, but the main flavor continues to be an earthy presentation that is pleasing, but lacking in character. The draw and burn stay consistent throughout.
The finish is smooth and shows some fine notes of coffee and chocolate.
Appearance- 91 a nice looking cigar with a wrapper that makes the mouth water
Taste- 88 lacking in depth and complexity, but what was there was good
Construction- 89 the draw was a bit loose for me, but it did not affect the smoke in a negative way
Strength- 87 a nice medium/full experience that I thought could use more power in the back end
Overall- 88.75 an above average experience and nothing to be ashamed of smoking
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 50 Years
This is the 50 year anniversary cigar of the family's exodus from Cuba. It presents with a dark brown wrapper the color of strong coffee. The wrapper has some prominent veins and is ruddy in appearance. The cigar feels toothy, but also a little bit dry. The pre light aroma is of coffee and earth, but there is some sourness on the nose. The pre light draw shows strong notes of coffee and rich tobacco.
The cigar begins with a profile of coffee and light earth flavors, the flavors are somewhat shallow. At the back of the palate there are strong notes of tobacco, but some bitterness hurts the overall impression. The draw is a bit tight and leads to a thin smoking experience. The burn is nice, and produces a light gray ash that is a bit flaky.
The first half of the continues to show coffee and earth flavors, but there has been little development. The back of the palate shows tobacco and light spice notes, but the bitterness persists. The draw opens slightly and produces more smoke, but it is still not satisfactory. The burn continues to be solid.
The final half of the cigar shows more depth and character with a profile of coffee and spice. At the back of the palate there are still notes of tobacco and some light cocoa has begun to show through. I am still disappointed with the bitterness in the presentation, and the complexity is just not there. The draw is still a bit tight and that detracts from the experience as well.
The finish is short and has some bitter notes. The final impression is of charred coffee and stringy tobacco notes.
Appearance- 84 the ruddy, dry impression hurts the score
Taste- 82 constant bitterness and lack of depth and complexity leave a negative impression
Construction- 83 a below average draw
Strength- 86 a nice medium that could have used more strength
Overall- 83.25 a below average and disappointing experience
The cigar begins with a profile of coffee and light earth flavors, the flavors are somewhat shallow. At the back of the palate there are strong notes of tobacco, but some bitterness hurts the overall impression. The draw is a bit tight and leads to a thin smoking experience. The burn is nice, and produces a light gray ash that is a bit flaky.
The first half of the continues to show coffee and earth flavors, but there has been little development. The back of the palate shows tobacco and light spice notes, but the bitterness persists. The draw opens slightly and produces more smoke, but it is still not satisfactory. The burn continues to be solid.
The final half of the cigar shows more depth and character with a profile of coffee and spice. At the back of the palate there are still notes of tobacco and some light cocoa has begun to show through. I am still disappointed with the bitterness in the presentation, and the complexity is just not there. The draw is still a bit tight and that detracts from the experience as well.
The finish is short and has some bitter notes. The final impression is of charred coffee and stringy tobacco notes.
Appearance- 84 the ruddy, dry impression hurts the score
Taste- 82 constant bitterness and lack of depth and complexity leave a negative impression
Construction- 83 a below average draw
Strength- 86 a nice medium that could have used more strength
Overall- 83.25 a below average and disappointing experience
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