Pre-light Experience

The wrapper is milk chocolate brown and has a network of smooth but visible veins. The wrapper is folded over to cover the foot of the cigar that has a soft box press. The seams are smooth but easily visible due to some color variations. The head carries a well applied triple cap that is finished off with a tight pigtail. The band is black with gold and silver borders and carries the brand and line name. The aroma from the wrapper and the covered foot is that of cocoa, earthiness and wood. The pre-light draw is primarily wood with a slight cocoa note.

First Third

The cigar begins with wood, light cocoa and baking spice. At a half inch in, the cocoa is very faint while the wood is up front and the earthiness has become a bit dry. At an inch in, the retrohale is showing the same combination of wood and dry earthiness. As the third comes to a close, the profile remains with the wood, dry earthiness and faint cocoa. The strength in this third was slightly below medium.

Second Third

The second third continues on with the mix of wood, dry earthiness, baking spice and the cocoa which has slightly increased. At a half inch in, a slight creaminess joins in to relieve some of the dryness from the earthiness. At an inch in, the wood gains some char as the baking spice, light cream and earthiness are in the background. The cocoa has left the profile. At an inch and a half, the char picks up as some bitterness joins the profile. The retrohale is primarily charred wood with a slight cream in the background. The strength in this third bumped up to medium.

Final Third

As the final third begins, the charred wood along with some bitterness dominates the profile. At a half inch in, the char reduces a bit, but the profile is still pretty much the same. At the one inch mark, the char increases again as some cream joins the profile to create a creamy charred wood profile. This profile is maintained through the remainder of the cigar. The strength in this third bumped up to slightly above medium.

Burn

The burn was slightly wavy at times but never needed any attention. The ash held on in one inch increments.

Draw

The draw was slightly tighter than I prefer but didn’t cause any issues with the smoking experience.

Overall

The profile started with some cocoa, wood and baking spice and as things progressed added some earthiness and finally some char which overtook the profile. Construction was very good. The flavor profile through the first two thirds seemed a bit hollow and thin. The final third was much fuller even though it wasn’t really desirable. Nothing here in the Sindicato Maduro Toro really to capture my attention or want to revisit this cigar, but people should give it a try to determine their thoughts.

Aaron Loomis

SCORE

5.33

Cost/Point

$2.25

Scoring System

Personal Cigar Review: Sindicato Maduro Toro