Origin: EstelÃ, Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size Name: Toro
Length: 6.00
Ring Gauge: 50
Strength: Medium – Full
Not all that long ago you may remember hearing Me, Jerry, and Brian on The Dog Watch Social Club reviewing the Perdomo Lot 23. For that show Bob was generous enough to pick up cigars for all of us to smoke on the show. Included with the Perdomo was an American Stogies Toro for me to try.
A week or so ago I received an email request from a student asking me to review some bargain level cigars. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do a mini series on budget level cigars due to the holidays being right around the corner.
At first glance this is a very rugged and unpleasant looking stick. The wrapper is littered with heavy veins and the color pattern varied from light to dark brown. When pinched the cigar felt very firm with a light spring to it.
I pulled out my Palio cutter and began to clip the end. I started to worry after hearing a loud crunch. After inspecting the cut I found it to be clear of any cracks or splits. After a quick toast and light, the cigar was producing a good amount of smoke.
The initial puffs produced a dry and harsh flavor. I think this was one hundred percent user error, as I was not paying enough attention to the cigar while toasting. After a few puffs the harshness went away and I was left with a classic Maduro base. The body was medium and the finish was a little on the dry side for my liking.
As I smoked into the stick I began to pick up a faint tea like flavor that was a nice added flavor. The ash was loose and crumbly while the body, flavor base, and finish stayed very consistent.
After a short period of time I worked my way to the two thirds mark. The tea like flavor faded and a peppery taste began to pick up. At this point some of the dryness in the finish started to fade. The base flavor was still that of a classic Maduro and the body was still in the medium range.
The final third of the cigar continued to produce a very consistent smoke. After leaving the room for something to drink, upon re-entering the room I was pleased with the mild and attractive room aroma. The ash was off and on as far as an even burn is concerned, but nothing drastic enough to be worried about.
Overall the cigar was a decent smoke but just did not do anything for me. I put it out prematurely (for me anyway). I would smoke another if it was given to me, but I would not set out to purchase one.
For some reason I kept thinking back to the Arturo Fuente Curly Head Deluxe Maduro that I smoked many months ago. It has been a long time since I had one, but from memory this cigar reminded me of the Curly Head Deluxe.
If you have the chance to smoke an American Stogies Toro, I would say to give it a shot. It may be a better fit for you.
Walt,
You may want to pick up some Montesino Maduros for a bargain level cigar, JRs has them fairly cheap and even in their 5-pk section… basically a $2-3 cigar, Fuente made.
Cigar family guy,
Thanks for the recommendation. The only Montesino I have had was the Napoleon Grand in a Natural wrapper. At the time (about a year and a half ago) I thought it was a decent cigar, but about 6 months later as my tastes changed I really didn’t care for the taste.
I’ll give the Maduro a shot. I normally like a Maduro over a natural wrapper, so I should have better luck with it.
I didn’t know Montesino was made by Fuente.
Thanks for the info and suggestion.
-Walt
Plasencia makes the best cigar under three bucks, period. American Stogies, Mayorga, Maria Mancini — all great everyday cigars at an affordable price. No hype, just great taste and a nice price. Viva Nestor!
Walt,
Just going back and watching some of these older reviews and had a quick comment about a “bargain” cigar. The Sol Cubano by Oliva is a my bargain cigar of choice. The maduro and sumatra wrappers are my favorites. Nothing extremly complex, but solid and tasty. At CI a box of 25 is around $60, but I pick up 5 packs on cigar bid for $7 or $9. Add shipping and your looking at a $2, or $2.50 a smoke. Well worth the money, and worth a try if you have not had one. Keep up the good work, I’ll keep watching.
Hey Walt
I enjoy most of your cigar reviews, but notice something about your tone of voice when trying bargain cigars.
You sound like you are being punished.
Those of us smoking cheapies don’t expect too much-you get what you pay for in most things-but if you truely dislike the cheap ones,stay away from bargain smokes.
Please dont bother doing a review unless you find one you like. I am able to find crappy cigars on my own.
Bill
Bill,
If I have a change in my tone of voice then it is purely unintentional.
I would suggest you check out some of the other reviews, I think you’ll find that there are just as many non “cheap” cigars that i did not enjoy as compared to the value cigars.
Also, cigars are reviewed and honest opinions are stated. Due to this practice, we do not review a cigar then determine if it is good enough for a review. We review the good and the bad.
Thanks for the comment.
-Walt