The draw, burn, and smoke output on this toro were all superb on both samples. The wrapper leaf was very delicate looking, with a brown paper bag feel. Other than the rather dull color of the wrapper the cigar was very nice looking and well constructed. The first sample tasted overly washed out and unbalanced, leaving me feeling none too satisfied. However, the second sample was markedly better in that department. The smoke texture was remarkably smooth and fluffy, though sometimes a little on the dry side. I get the feeling that these were cigars with a lot of age on them (I’m thinking more than 8 or 9 years) perhaps accounting for the washed out nature of the flavor in that first sample, but maybe not. It was undoubtedly an interesting smoking experience, and though not my favorite, it did grow on me the longer I smoked it.
The nicotine strength was very gentle, so this could be a good morning or early afternoon smoke. I would be really interested in trying this with a single malt Scotch to see how the peaty notes on the finish interact. A rich espresso would also go well with this one.
Rh: 62%. Smoke time: 80 minutes
C.L.E. Cigar Company was founded by Christian Eiroa in 2012. Born in Honduras, Eiroa began his career in the cigar industry at a young age – said to have been brought to visit the fields in Jamastran just days after being born. His Father, Julio Eiroa started to grow tobacco in Honduras as early as the 1960s. Growing up working on his family’s tobacco fields and in their factories, Christian knew that if people could see what he saw every day they would appreciate the process – and the products – in a way that they simply wouldn’t have the capacity to otherwise. For 7 years straight, Eiroa hosted in-depth explorations of the operation’s entire cigar-making process. This immersive experience allowed his customers to connect with the product on a deeper level and fostered a loyal following that continues to grow more than 20 years later.
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo
Binder: Honduran Corojo
Filler: Honduran Corojo
Vitola: Toro/ Size: 6″x54
Factory: C.L.E. Country of Origin: Honduras
Barnyard/manure, cocoa, mulch
Dried figs, natural tobacco, earth
Dark dried fruit, tootsie roll candy
Retrohale: Red cinnamon candy, dry oak, very musty cedar and mossy notes
Blanched almond, foresty notes, cocoa powder, phantom notes of banana nut bread, peaty notes on the finish
Retrohale: cinnamon, cocoa, mossy notes, musty cedar, touches of mocha
Cinnamon rolls, walnut, oak barrel wood, pie crust, musty cedar, phantom chocolate notes, tannic finish
Retrohale: musty cedar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, soft black pepper
