Up for review today is the Aging Room Sungrown Solera Fantastico (Toro). The Solera line was released at IPCPR 2016 and since then has gained significant traction in the U.S. and international market. This line is particularly visible on social media because the large double-bands make this line impossible to miss on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Blend specs
Wrapper: Dominican Republic Sungrown
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Size: 5.6″ x 54 (Toro)
Appearance & Construction
A beautifully constructed cigar in just about every way. The brown wrapper has a marblized texture, and veins are minimal. The draw is perfect, with just a bit of restrictiveness. The branding is also extremely well done, both from a practical standpoint (it stands out on the shelves) and also aesthetically.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
This cigar opens with mild to medium bodied smoke. Initially, there are touches of pepper and strong woodiness, but at about 3 – 4 minutes in, additional floral notes and touches of peanuts are present. The rest of the first third is dominated by round, smooth smoke and soft floral, peanut, and oak notes. Strength increases to a solid medium.
The second third changes dramatically, with the smoke becoming more dry, with notes of black and white pepper, spices, dry wood, with a touch of the peanuts from the third before.
In the final third, the smoke remains more dry than the first third, but the smoke becomes smoother than the second. Notes include dry cedar and bitter espresso. The smoke gets a bit hot near the end so I put the cigar out.
Conclusion
For under $9, this cigar is a must-smoke. It has what many $10+ cigars don’t have: clear, distinct notes, complex aromas, great construction, and a great look.
Final Grade: A-
Buy the Aging Room Solera Sungrown from Famous Smoke Shop (our preferred retailer) here.