Cigar Reviews: Spring 2017

by Steve Rowbottom
Torano

Torano Exodus Robusto

Honduras   5.0 x 54   Medium

92-Rated

Torano. No stranger to unique blends, has whipped up something special with this new Exodus. Complexity is an understatement, as this 54-ring Robusto dishes out layers of chewy flavors with each puff. Tobaccos from five countries were utilized, and smoothly combine beneath a dark and toothy Honduran wrapper. Oak, earth, leather, sweet spices, cedar…and so much more. All delivered gracefully throughout the medium-bodied bouquet. Cuban-esque from head to toe, this pretty handmade delivers.

Aging-Room

Aging Room Small Batch Fortissimo M20

Dominican Republic    5.75” x 47   Full

92-Rated

I love this size. A little salomon-shaped figurado, softly box-pressed and finished with a pigtail cap. A Mexican wrapper from the famed San Andres wrapper glistening with oils. A powerful blend of Dominican long-leaf ligeros inside a feisty Dominican binder. Upon lighting, you know this cigar has spent some time in the aging rooms. The palate is instantly greeted with creamy notes of cedar and toast. Every few puffs a peppery blast reminds me of the ligero within. So smooth, so creamy, and the burn is gradual, enabling me to savor every little nuance.

Oliva-Melanio

Oliva Serie ‘V’ Melanio Torpedo

Nicaragua   6.5” x 52   Medium-Full

95-Rated

Chocolate bar. You’ll agree once you grab a Melanio for yourself. The pre-light aroma ignites visions of a warm loaf of bread. The initial light offers a blast of black pepper, but quickly tames to showcase a wide range of rich flavors. Leather, coffee and cream first, then cedar, cocoa, and toast upon reaching the midway point. Towards the end, the pepper returns to deliver a robust finale that’s downright delicious and exceedingly satisfying, despite surprising. Get ready for a treat, my friend.

Nat-Sherman

Nat Sherman Timeless Nicaraguan 749

Nicaragua   7.0” x 49   Medium

91-Rated

Dark and toothy, this Churchill is solid from head to toe. Comprised entirely of aged Nicaraguan tobaccos, Timeless is a departure from the Nat Sherman you may know. Dense nuances blanket the taste buds throughout the burn. Notes of cocoa and cedar are prominent, while a lingering hint of dried fruit sits long after the exhale. The bouquet is mellow yet sophisticated, gradually evolving into a creamy core of coffee and earth tones. Expect big flavor delivered elegantly, and a slow-burning experience made complete by a fancy white ash.

Alec-Bradley

Alec Bradley Tempus Quadrum

Honduras   5.5” x 55   Full

94-Rated

For this review, I burned four of them. Not because I needed to, but because I love them. So yes, the Tempus Quadrum earns an easy ’94,’ and is something you can burn one after the other. You can stop reading here and go find one, or you can stay, and I’ll tell you about the robust notes of rich flavors this box-pressed beauty emits. Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers mingle inside a Habano wrapper to deliver gobs of richness, including oak, cedar, nuts, coffee, and sweet pepper. The burn is slow and true, and the profile grows stronger with each smoke-filled puff. Enjoy!

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