Country of origin: United States
Color: Maduro
Length: 6"
Ring gauge: 52
Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
I had never seen or heard of these cigars in any brick & mortar tobacco shop - but after becoming a Twitter follower, and learning how personable Lilo Santiago (company founder) is, I had to place an order to give them a try. I placed my order for the Classic sampler; however, my order was modified by Lilo after he learned that I prefer Maduros. After resting in the humidor for about 6-7 weeks, I just couldn't wait any longer to give these a try.
This toro has a pretty milk chocolate color wrapper that is not silky or oily and has a rough texture, but has minimal veins and no obvious imperfections. The cigar has a triple cap and has a shiny silver band with the simple Crémo logo embossed in black. Although the wrapper is not very aromatic, the foot gives off a rather hay-like aroma. The cold draw taken after a guillotine cut of the cap was a bit tight and revealed the same. The cigar lit very easily - and despite the relatively tight draw, it burned evenly throughout the entire smoke, producing a firm ash without any need for touch-ups (even while highway driving with the windows partially open).
After smoking two of these cigars on two separate occasions, I felt that this was a medium-bodied smoke with mild-to-moderate strength. The cigar starts with earthy tobacco flavor with some mild bitterness and mild spiciness that sits on the palate. About halfway through the smoke, the spiciness was lost and gave way to more creamy flavor with subtle sweetness (enhanced with each retrohale), which was consistent until I was left with an inch-long nub after a burn time of one hour. Although not complex, the flavor just continues to improve and the body becomes fuller throughout the smoke. Very nice smoke - ready to try the Classic...