Robusto, 5" x 56 ring gauge / approx. $5
Starting in 2010, Toraño has worked to revamp and renew their cigar line, the latest example of which is the Loyal, another value-priced cigar that is said to promise full flavor for the discriminating cigar enthusiast. It features Nicaraguan and Dominican filler, a Nicaraguan binder, and an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Toraño was very generous in their support of the 2011 Chattanooga Tweet Up and I was able to get a couple cigars from what they sent. I smoked one during the Tweet Up and saved one until afterward when I could smoke it on a clean palate.
The initial appearance stands out more from the crowd than last year's Master and Single Region band designs, which were extreme exercises in minimalism. The Loyal's silver, black and burgundy is classy with retro-looking type-styles. The wrapper leaf was a light to medium brown with mostly light and some medium veins, a little bit of tooth, and a mild box press. I got notes of leather and freshly spread manure on the wrapper, more earth with hints of chocolate on the foot. I used my go-to Xikar Xi cutter to out a clean, even cut on the head and got a nice open draw that had a light flavor of earth and leather. I must note that I did not see this referred to as a box press anywhere else, so the mildly boxy shape on mine may have been a result of handling either before or after I got it and not the normal state you will find them in.
On lighting, I got graham cracker and a little earthiness on the palate, along with a good punch of wasabi spiciness on the retrohale. After a few minutes went by the earthiness became more prevalent on the palate and I started getting notes of rich, sweet tobacco as well. The spice on the nasal passages died down a bit, allowing a roasted nuttiness to come through.
Construction was proving to be fantastic so far...through almost a full half of the cigar I had not ashed and it seemed to be holding on strong. The burn line was straight enough to not worry about as well. In the second third the earthier flavors continued to take the lead role with a nice sweetness backing them up. I got notes of black coffee and a bit of baker's cocoa and a continued nuttiness on the nose.
The last third had more graham cracker notes on the palate with an increase in spice on both the tongue and the nasal passages. In the end, I really enjoyed the Loyal; in fact, it is probably my favorite Toraño cigar since the Exodus 1959, surpassing last year's Single Region Jalapa in that regard. It combines a medium body with very good flavor and a price tag that is very accessible, making it an easy recommendation for new or experienced smokers.
Body: 6/10
Strength: 5/10
Complexity: 6/10
AFP Scale
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10
Starting in 2010, Toraño has worked to revamp and renew their cigar line, the latest example of which is the Loyal, another value-priced cigar that is said to promise full flavor for the discriminating cigar enthusiast. It features Nicaraguan and Dominican filler, a Nicaraguan binder, and an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Toraño was very generous in their support of the 2011 Chattanooga Tweet Up and I was able to get a couple cigars from what they sent. I smoked one during the Tweet Up and saved one until afterward when I could smoke it on a clean palate.
The initial appearance stands out more from the crowd than last year's Master and Single Region band designs, which were extreme exercises in minimalism. The Loyal's silver, black and burgundy is classy with retro-looking type-styles. The wrapper leaf was a light to medium brown with mostly light and some medium veins, a little bit of tooth, and a mild box press. I got notes of leather and freshly spread manure on the wrapper, more earth with hints of chocolate on the foot. I used my go-to Xikar Xi cutter to out a clean, even cut on the head and got a nice open draw that had a light flavor of earth and leather. I must note that I did not see this referred to as a box press anywhere else, so the mildly boxy shape on mine may have been a result of handling either before or after I got it and not the normal state you will find them in.
On lighting, I got graham cracker and a little earthiness on the palate, along with a good punch of wasabi spiciness on the retrohale. After a few minutes went by the earthiness became more prevalent on the palate and I started getting notes of rich, sweet tobacco as well. The spice on the nasal passages died down a bit, allowing a roasted nuttiness to come through.
Construction was proving to be fantastic so far...through almost a full half of the cigar I had not ashed and it seemed to be holding on strong. The burn line was straight enough to not worry about as well. In the second third the earthier flavors continued to take the lead role with a nice sweetness backing them up. I got notes of black coffee and a bit of baker's cocoa and a continued nuttiness on the nose.
The last third had more graham cracker notes on the palate with an increase in spice on both the tongue and the nasal passages. In the end, I really enjoyed the Loyal; in fact, it is probably my favorite Toraño cigar since the Exodus 1959, surpassing last year's Single Region Jalapa in that regard. It combines a medium body with very good flavor and a price tag that is very accessible, making it an easy recommendation for new or experienced smokers.
Body: 6/10
Strength: 5/10
Complexity: 6/10
AFP Scale
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10
I got one of these at the Tweet Up, as well. I'm looking forward to giving it a try.
ReplyDeleteHaving enjoyed the Master and Exodus lines this is another Torano I look forward to trying...
ReplyDeleteI've never had a torano but ill try anything new, cigar wise. I heard this line was an aquired taste.
ReplyDeleteI love Toranos I think they are a good stick for the price thanks again
ReplyDeleteI’ve heard some mixed reviews about this one. Like you said, though, I too like some of the other Torano’s – Exodus 50 Years, Single Region – so I will definitely give it a try. Thanks. JohnG
ReplyDeleteThis flavor profile sounds like it is right up my alley, have to pick one up to try.
ReplyDelete