Top 10 Cigars 2010
As I sit here earnestly smoking an Arturo Fuente Short Story I realize that now is the time to do another Top 10. It was just a year ago when I published my first Top 10 and much has changed in the world. Instead of getting philosophical and patter on about this or that I’m just going to present the list (you of course know that these lists don’t matter, right?).
10. Carlos Torano Casa Torano Toro
This is the only mild cigar that makes this list but it does make this list because the grassy and oak flavors are very good.
9. Nestor Miranda Collection Dominicano Robusto Grande Rosado
Medium-full bodied treat with a whole host of flavors ranging from maple, earth, cream and so on.
With this cigar you will get lots of flavor in the spice and leather mold. Full bodied and reasonably priced.
A full bodied cigar with some very good flavors ranging from spice to oak and some complexity.
6. Alec Bradley Family Blend T11
A delicious medium bodied smoke that delivers on flavor and complexity. The reason why it’s not closer to the top is because I have smoked more of these since I reviewed it last and my opinion of it has slackened off a bit.
Oak and spice and everything nice. This is one of my favorite Padilla made smokes.
Medium bodied cigar with loads of flavor and complexity. I love this cigar because it offers the right amount of wood and leather flavors without too much of a kick strength-wise.
Loads of spice and leather with some nuttiness acting in the background. Another awesome cigar that you must try (but you are going to have to act quick because this is only a limited edition cigar and once they’re out they’re out).
Leather, meat and spice make up the flavors for this cigar. I love this cigar, an absolute must try.
1. La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel Maduro
Insanely good cigar. Tons of flavor and complexity. Fits right into what I like about a cigar: spice, leather and some sweetness.
There was an Opus X that scored extremely well, but since the Opus X line had a representative last year I decided to disqualify it for this year’s Top 10. As you can probably tell this is not an exhaustive list but this is what I liked for 2010.
Carlos Torano Casa Torano Cigar Review
Casa Toraño appeals to all the senses. The Ecuadorian-Connecticut wrapper is delicate, silky, and smooth. The binder is especially selected from the Toraño farms in the hills of Nicaragua; and the filler is a combination of Honduran, Nicaraguan, and a family blend of Central and South American tobaccos. Originally the Toraño´s private family blend, the Casa Toraño was made available to the smoking public and has received an enthusiastic reception.
Honestly, I am looking forward to a treat with this cigar. If it really started out as the “family blend” then this must be something that is truly astonishing. Or, what they consider to be a good cigar differs from what I think is a good cigar. I hope that is not the case.
Anyway, the wrapper is light but I do have to say that it is rather veiny. Furthermore, the foot seems a little misshapen. Finally, there is a soft feel to the cigar. Other than that, all is well.
Cigar Stats
Toro
Length: 6 1/4″
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: Ecuador (Connecticut)
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Price: Box 25 – $128 | Single – $6.35
Lost Flame!
Creamy cigar smoke leads to a couple of strong flavors. First of all, there is a strong grassy flavor. No, scratch that, it’s more like bitter, leafy greens. Beyond that there are some cherry and oak flavors. It really is an intriguing mix of flavors that I’m not altogether convinced tastes all that great.
And then after the burn line crosses the one inch mark the flavors begin working in harmony. I guess since it is such a complex cigar that it takes a little while for the metaphorical engine to warm up but oh am I glad that it has warmed up.
Oddly enough, the flavors aren’t usually what I would go for. I like my cigars spicier than this one is. I also like leather and meat, neither of which is in this cigar. Even though the flavors present aren’t my normal cup o’ tea I find myself really enjoying this stogie.
In addition to the multitude of flavors I have already mentioned there is a milky flavor. It’s not as rich as cream but it’s definitely whole milk.
It burns well, the draw is great and it is a mild bodied cigar. Couple this with the great flavors and it’s a real treat of a cigar. Can’t say that I’m going to go back to it all that often but it is undeniably a great cigar.
91 points
Purchase as Part of a Torano Variety Sampler
