Welcome back fellow smokers! Today let's take a peek at two different selections: the Hoyo de Tradicion Toro and the Don Lino Africa Duma.

Hoyo de Tradicion Toro

The Hoyo de Monterrey brand was founded saw its start in Cuba in 1865 by Don José Gener y Batet. Translated from Spanish to English, the brand's moniker is “the Hole of Monterrey.” “The Hole” is a reference to the characteristic areas of agricultural land that have been historically used by many tobacco growers to cultivate their prized crops. The Hoyo de Tradicion line is one of the newer creations from the Hoyo de Monterrey brand. The line boasts proprietary tobacco blends that should appeal to those who enjoy smoother cigars as well as beginning smokers trying to break into the hobby.

The Hoyo de Tradicion Toro measures 6x52. Other size offerings in the line include the following: the 5.25x50 Epicure, the 5.75x45 Corona, and the 6.25x54 Toro Grande. The line's Toro Grande size received acclaim from the Cigar Aficionado magazine as one of the top 25 cigars of 2008. The Hoyo de Tradicion Toro's filler is a blend of Honduran San Agustin, Nicaraguan, and Dominican Piloto Cubano tobacco. It also has a Habano Connecticut binder and a Viso Rosado wrapper from Honduras' Jamastran Valley. Strength-wise, it is considered to be medium-bodied and it is handmade at the Honduras American Tabaco factory in Cofradia, Honduras.

The first thing that pops out at you when looking at the Hoyo de Tradicion Toro is its nice box-pressed shape. The Viso Rosado wrapper has an oily sheen that covers its medium-brown colored surface, and some large veins dot the cigar's body. Near the head of the cigar is a decorative band with more of an old school look. Red, gold, and white in color, the band displays the Hoyo de Monterrey brand name, the Hoyo de Tradicion line name, and the brand's logo. The cigar feels firm to the touch, and it has a scent and cold taste that are both sweet.

After lighting, there were some burn issues experienced. Some touch-ups were needed, as well as the occasional re-light. The draw was good at least, and a solid gray ash was produced. A nice combination of flavors are present. Some sweetness is apparent at first, which is followed by notes of cedar and nuts. Eventually more of a fruity flavor persists, as well as some cinnamon. The final flavors experienced are some peppery spice and coffee.