Short Torpedo, 5" x 48 ring gauge, approx. $2.30 (when purchased in a box of 60)The Omar Ortez line is a product of the Altadis conglomerate of cigar brands and by appearance and price, it is obviously designed to compete head-to-head with Rocky Patel's Edge. The Omar Ortez is sold in large wooden boxes of 60 sticks and features a small band on the foot, just like the Edge. This particular Ortez is called the Honduran Maduro, which is curious, because according to the Altadis website, it is a Nicaraguan puro.
The Omar Ortez is rough in appearnce, from its mottled, dark brown color to the lumpy, bumpy feel to several large, prominent veins. It's hard to complain too much about outward appearance, though, if the flavor is good, especially at this price point. The aromas from the stick were of barnyard, compost and manure. Even without a cello wrapper, there is a slightly oily feel.
Prelight draw brought flavors of chocolate and a sweet earthiness. After lighting, the cigar produced lots of smoke and the earthy flavor for dominant, along with a bit of a citrus tang on the finish. That faded quickly, though, leaving just a leathery and earthy flavor. That same flavor profile continued throughout and left the cigar feeling rather one-dimensional. Not bad, but not complex, either.
The ash fell off in neat half-inch chunks, not terribly long for a cigar that is billed as "long filler" so I have to guess that the long filler tobacco used is a lower grade. Other than that, the construction was very good with a great draw and even burn.
I can't say that this one would be a good relaxing smoke at the end of the day, but it might be fine if you wanted something to smoke while doing something else like mowing the lawn or playing golf. The price is right if you buy it in a large quantity, but I'm not sure if I could stand smoking a whole box of 60 myself.
Overall Grade: B
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