Carlos Torano 2004 Tribute Robusto +pics Review

[omowasu]

Price - 8.00 USD (B&M), Ring - 50, Length: 5", Style - Robusto

I am finally going to smoke my Carlos Torano 2004 Tribute Robusto. I have to confess that I had high expectations of this cigar. This stick has about a month and a half of humi-time, so it should be ready for a one-man herf!

The 5-year Costa Rican wrapper is almost black (thanks to a triple fermentation), and has a satin oily sheen. It is heavy for its size, and rolled rather tightly. When I tried to squeeze the cigar, there wasnt much give - this one may have a hard draw to it. The foot of the cigar also shows a LOT of filler crammed into this one. The labels are perfectly aligned, and the cigar itself is very appealing. This is not a surprise, however - the Toranos I have seen and tried before were always well presented! Initial smells were sweet - almost like smelling a Virginia pipe tobacco (non-aromatic) and somewhat woodsy.

Picture 1: The Carlos Torano 2004 Tribute Robusto:


After the cut, a test draw required a pretty good amount of effort, as predicted above. An additional 1/4" of cut didn't help much here - but I could at least draw something, so I proceeded with the light. It took a few good pulls to get this one going. Initial flavors were mostly wood and leather with some bitter coffee in the background. Much to my surprise, the spicy kick I found in the Carlos Torano Reserva Selecta was completely absent for the first third of this cigar. I was expecting this one to go off like a firecracker, but it turned out to be more mellow than anticipated. This may have been related to the tight draw. I was glad to see some spice hit after the first 1/4 to 1/3 of the cigar - a peppery background that complemented the leathery flavors well. Tongue feel was good for the second 1/3 of the 'gar, the spiciness contributed to this. If the spicy flavors hadn't arrived, the experience would have been incomplete. As smoking progressed past half, the draw loosened up a bit. Finish on this one was woody with some tang and bitter flavors. There is about 45 minutes of smoke time on one of these puppies.

Picture 2: The cap


I really need to smoke another of the 2004 Tributes and see if the draw problem is persistent (and I will!). However, my initial impressions are that while this was a very good cigar, my money is better spent on the Reserva Selecta series, which costs less and has more spicy overtones. I'm a sucker for a spicy stogie. This cigar would be well suited to a dedicated maduro smoker. Im going to pick up one more (larger RG, maybe the Torpedo). I also have the 1916 Cameroons and Virtuoso's on the list, and have my eye out for the new Noventas!

[TechMetalMan]

Originally Posted by omowasu

I really need to smoke another of the 2004 Tributes and see if the draw problem is persistent (and I will!). However, my initial impressions are that while this was a very good cigar, my money is better spent on the Reserva Selecta series, which costs less and has more spicy overtones. I'm a sucker for a spicy stogie. This cigar would be well suited to a dedicated maduro smoker. Im going to pick up one more (larger RG, maybe the Torpedo). I also have the 1916 Cameroons and Virtuoso's on the list, and have my eye out for the new Noventas!

If you want a spicy cigar then I would stay away from the 1916- I don't remember the one I had as being spicy in any way.

I assume you like the signatures?

[txdyna65]

Excellent review, have a few of these that I havent tried yet, guess its about time

[omowasu]

Originally Posted by TechMetalMan

If you want a spicy cigar then I would stay away from the 1916- I don't remember the one I had as being spicy in any way.

I assume you like the signatures?

Hey there Trent, the Torano Signatures are next on my list. Unfortunately, I havent had one yet but I am looking forward to it. Ill pick one up this weekend from the local B&M. Overall, I am still really impressed by the Torano lines!

[TechMetalMan]

Originally Posted by omowasu

Hey there Trent, the Torano Signatures are next on my list. Unfortunately, I havent had one yet but I am looking forward to it. Ill pick one up this weekend from the local B&M. Overall, I am still really impressed by the Torano lines!

Ah yeah- I think you posted in my review of it http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=33589

But there it is just in case you forgot.

I think you will really like the signature since you said you really like spice in your cigars!

Let us know what you think after you smoke one!

[doctorcue]

I have a Tribute in the humi, just relaxing. Seems like you had a tight stick.

I LOVE the Signature in the perfecto size. The Virtuoso is a great stick also. With the exception of the Cameroon, I enjoy Torano's entire line.