The CAO FASA Sombra Toro was not a bad cigar, but it was lacking. The flavor profile never took off, and I felt it was underwhelming for a modern Connecticut. I think it’s a cigar that a lot of new smokers could smoke, nice introductory cigar, but at the same time not a brand or line that is going to speak to those smokers. I don’t see retailers pushing this cigar. I also don’t know many CAO smokers that are going to go out and grab this cigar.
What the heck happened between the first third and the latter two thirds? It felt like smoking entirely different flavor profiles. If the Cavalier Genève Project Broadleaf Boartamer tasted more in line with the first third, this would have been a winner without a doubt. What a shame.
This Stolen Throne Castle 919 Belicoso is another winner created at Rojas. The combination of barnyard funk and meatiness was a delight and wins my palate 10 out of 10 times. Fans of Noel Rojas blends as well as appreciating balanced flavors should definitely check this out.
The Perla del Mar Corojo Double Toro had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around the toasted cedar and earth. There were some nice supporting notes, but nothing that really elevated the profile. The cigar smoked smooth throughout, and the press really helped with a good mouthfeel for the larger ring gauge. While I wouldn't see myself coming back to this frequently, I could see some really enjoying this based on the smooth smoking experience and the low price point for a larger cigar with a long smoking time.
The Illusione Epernay Tuonela Le Monde is a good cigar. The cigar delivers a complex profile that is balanced from start to finish. It is more earth, cocoa and coffee focused with the Mexican offering, but it is a balanced and complex blend. Lovely burn, draw and construction as well. I am interested in smoking the blend in other vitolas, but it is a blend I would come back to the in the future.
The Asylum Split Personality 40x4 opened with some intrigue given the unique vanilla and banana aromatics, but the smoking experience struggled with balance and consistency. While the draw and burn performed admirably, the profile leaned heavily toward cloying vanilla and hay bitterness, with little evolution. A novel concept, but the overall delivery was underwhelming. I appreciated there wasn't a sweet cap, but the overall profile isn't something I'd reach for.
The Micallef Black Toro had an average flavor profile throughout, focused around earth and toasted oak. The cocoa powder in the first third was nice, but it mellowed out and couldn't elevate the profile. This Toro vitola wasn't at the same level as the Robusto reviewed previously and I wouldn't see myself returning, but for those that like really earthy profiles, it's definitely something to check out.
The Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin 2025 is a fantastic release. The construction was perfect from start to finish. Draw and burn top notch. It was a balanced cigar, and it had a great level of complexity and transitioning throughout. The flavor profile delivered strength and richness and was a great example of Connecticut Broadleaf over Nicaraguan tobacco. This is a cigar that smokes great now but will age wonderfully. I should have bought a bundle when this cigar was released. Fantastic blend.
Monthly, we will put together a list of all of the cigars that were released, or announced to be released, in the previous month. This should give you an easy way to stay in tune with new releases.
I really liked this OZ Karatoba Robusto until the final third. I am not sure if it would smoke better in a larger blend or smaller blend, but I am interested in trying further vitolas. I loved the Sumatra offering on the cigar in the first two thirds, and it had that dark Sumatra profile I enjoy. The burn and draw were great from start to finish, and it had a nice body and strength level. I am very happy OZ teamed up with NACSA on this release. I like this direction for the company.