Blind Review: Micallef Herencia Habano Toro
The Micallef brand of cigars have released a new toro size to their Herencia Habano line. The wrapper and filler tobaccos are marketed to provide a flavorful medium bodied experience. I hadn’t smoked the Habano blend until this blind review, and I quite enjoyed the several Micallef cigars I have previously reviewed (like the 91-rated Experencia La Crema, reviewed here). I personally enjoy a Habano wrapper for the sweet balance it can provide to a blend. With this cigar I was certainly not disappointed.
Blend Specifics
- Cigar Reviewed: Micallef Herencia Habano Toro
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
- Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Filler: Honduran, Nicaraguan
- Size: 6” x 52 (Toro)
Appearance and Construction
The Micallef Herencia Habano Toro has a toothy mocha wrapper that is firm to the touch. The roll is solid on this large cigar and the foot has distinct floral and cedar notes. There are no soft spots noted and the amount of tobacco in the filler seems sufficient.
Flavor & Smoke Characteristics
A straight cut removes the cap and testing the draw reveals it has just the right amount of pull, with the floral notes from the foot along with mushroom and wood on the cold draw. I toast the cigar gently with my Lamborghini lighter and as the cigar lights up the first puffs give off flavors of graham cracker and cedar. Spanish cedar and floral notes also come through on the retrohale. At this point, the Micallef Herencia Habano is mild to medium body with a flaky grayish/white ash.
As the smoke evolves, the flavors start to assert themselves. Cashews, maple and savory notes envelope my palate in a pleasant medium profile. In addition, there is a caramel sweetness that works in harmony with a long creamy finish. An array of flavors such as coffee, cream and cedar hit all sides of my mouth, with the cigar producing ample smoke. The burn line on the Micallef remains straight and the draw continues to be excellent. Another retrohale is all cedar and cream as I release the smoke.
The last third of the Micallef Herencia Habano Toro does not deviate from its medium profile or its refined flavors. Peanuts and cedar with a hint of spice are a nice surprise that kicks up the style a bit. Then, the woody notes return with chocolate that leads to sweet and savory and another long finish. As the cigar reaches the nub, spice and nuts interplay which lasts even as the cigar goes out. A fine example of a flavorful medium bodied smoke.
Conclusion
The Micallef Herencia Habano Toro demonstrated just what you want in a cigar that is mid-range in strength. The flavors were plentiful with transitions from floral to graham cracker, nuts and chocolate that never overwhelmed, and lingered on the palate. Each puff of the cigar left me wanting more. Its not always easy to find this style with flavors that complement a blend so well. I would suggest you pick up the Micallef Herencia Habano Toro even if you enjoy fuller bodied smokes as I would think anyone could appreciate what they were going for here.