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Today’s reviews both take a closer glimpse at cigars from Carlos Toraño. The brand is known to put out quality cigars, so let’s see if the Carlos Toraño Virtuoso Encore and the Carlos Toraño Single Region Serie Jalapa Robusto are worthy of their strong reputations.
Carlos Toraño Virtuoso Encore
The Virtuoso line from Toraño is just one of the brand’s many selections that have received high ratings from critics. The line is Toraño’s most full-bodied line, but it’s said to be far from a powerhouse as well. For this review, I’ll be lighting up an Encore, which is the smallest in the line. Let’s get started….
The Carlos Toraño Virtuoso Encore measures 4 ¾ x 52. There are three other sizes in the line: the 5 ½ x 56 Forte, 6 ½ x 54 Crescendo, and 7 x 50 Maestro. The cigar’s filler is a blend of tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. The binder is Honduran, and a Nicaraguan Sun Grown Pueblo Nuevo wrapper completes the composition. The wrapper is the highlight, as it marks the first time that brand has used a Sun Grown wrapper that is both made and grown by the Toraño family.
At first glance, the Virtuoso Encore is an attractive stick. The dark, oily wrapper has a plenty of small veins dotting its surface, but the overall texture of the cigar is smooth. An eye-catching band sits near the head which displays the Carlos Toraño logo and the Virtuoso name. The use of white and gold in the band really stands out against the wrapper’s dark color. The cigar feels firm to the touch and has no soft spots. The triple cap is neat as well. Before lighting, I sense a spicy aroma. The cold taste, on the other hand, is of wood.
The Virtuoso Encore lights with ease and provides an excellent draw. There’s plenty of smoke, and solid gray ash is formed. The burn stays even for the most part, but it does seem as if it wants to stray about halfway in. It corrects itself, however, so the lighter gets a rest for the duration of the smoke. No re-lights are needed.
