Blind Review: Davidoff Limited Edition 2022 Gran Toro

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Davidoff’s black band series has sought to capture the essence of three unique tobaccos to create a blend that stimulates the palate. The 2022 Edition is made up of Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Dominican tobaccos.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Davidoff Limited Edition 2022 Gran Toro
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian
  • Binder: Brazilian
  • Filler: Brazilian, Nicaraguan, Dominican
  • Size: 5” ½ x 58 (Gran Toro)

Blind Review: Davidoff LE 2022
Appearance and Construction

This cigar is large in its ring gauge and not the typical size I prefer. The wrapper is silky with veins running along the sides. It’s packed with tobacco as I squeeze the wrapper and rolling it in hand the construction is solid. The foot smells of leather, earth, and milk chocolate.

Taste and Smoking Characteristics:

I make a straight cut to the toro and take a dry draw that delivers salt and earth. With my torch lighter I toast the smoke and the first puff is leather and toast with a long finish. There’s chocolate and fruits moving in with leather on the back end. With a retrohale I pick up a vanilla sweetness and bakers’ chocolate with the exhale. The cigar is in the medium bodied range with a whitish gray ash. The burn line is excellent and I’m getting cedar and nuts as the cigar progresses.

Midway there’s peanut surrounded by toast and leather surrounding the insides of my mouth. There’s cinnamon and espresso coming through with a finish of leather that dries out the palate. Another retrohale where there’s more sweetness and nuts with cedar and cream on the end. The medium body remains right on delivering complexity without the strength becoming too overwhelming. Toast and cream permeate from the cigar as well as the smoke that is all around. Peanut and café au lait intermingle which gives a savory element to this toro as it burns through.

In the last third of this large smoke, graphite and oak develop with oolong tea on the finish. Creaminess returns with red fruits and leather which once again dries out the sides of my mouth. There’ a slight vegetal note that hits me which becomes bitter while the burn begins to get hot. I take a slow draw that gives some saltiness along with truffle and earth. The retrohale creates a contrast of spice followed by sweet with citrus that enlivens my sinus on the outro. More leather and wood keep this toro in its ever-consistent medium body. Cocoa powder, cream and peanut comes on strong with another draw. The burn line as the cigar finishes continues to be straight and my last draw closing out the smoke with a blast of chocolate, oak, and leather amongst the long finish.

Conclusion

Having smoked Davidoff cigars for over twenty plus years their quality has never been a question. At worst they can be uninspiring in a blend with little strength or taste. At best they can deliver nuanced flavors in an extremely well-balanced smoking experience with impeccable craftsmanship. The Davidoff Limited Edition 2022 Gran Toro brings medium bodied complexities with flavors of chocolate, cream, cedar, fruit, and leather. All the while the cigar’s notes were harmonious and satisfying. I only wish they were even more intense as the combination was enjoyable. For a person who does not love thick ring gauges, this gave so much that I didn’t mind the size. If you can afford to grab these, I would pick up one or more or a box as you will not be disappointed.

Final Rating: 91

Blind Review: CAO BX3 Gordo

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The CAO BX3 Gordo is manufactured by General Cigar Company in Nicaragua. CAO dates back to 1968 when Cano Ozgener began a pipe and humidor business in Nashville, TN, before venturing into cigar manufacturing in the 90’s.  A very popular brand during the last cigar boom, CAO received much acclaim for their multi-national blends and highly rated maduros. This popularity eventually lead to them being acquired by General Cigar Company, an umbrella that the brand  is still under today.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: CAO BX3 Gordo
  • Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
  • Binder: Brazilian Arapiraca
  • Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina, Honduran, Mexican, Nicaraguan
  • Size: 6 x 60

Appearance & Construction

The cigar is a very toothy maduro toro with a really thick ring gauge and a double cap.  The wide ring gauge makes the wrapper leaf more bespoke fitting and delicate compared to other maduro toros I’ve smoked.  Its almost as if there is a 3 dimensional visual experience to the cigar.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The body and foot of the cigar smell of honey, chocolate, and dried urine.  Don’t be offended or intimidated, its a compliment and par-for-the-course when dealing with well fermented tobaccos.

The cigar has a nice loose cold draw with spicy cedar on the breath.

It takes a while to toast the thick ring gauge with a soft flame as you can imagine, but combusts well with a few good slow draws.

The first puff is a flavor bomb of chocolate, cedar, raising, and pepper.  Its is spicy, hot, and toasty on the finish.  There is a leathery aroma to the smoke as well as on the retrohale.  It has phenomenal smoke production, and a nice thick ash build-up.  It handles the heat well. Two inches into the smoking experience, however, and the flavors get muted.

Second third begins with the flavor profile still dainty for what appeared to be a flavor bomb.  It turned into a genuine smooth smoke though, and I’m very impressed with how well it takes the 36 degree Fahrenheit November morning temps. There is a little bit of wood on the finish of each puff.  There is cedar on the retrohale and a sweet confectionary aroma in the air.  In frustration trying to get back to my first high, I take full liberty to puff away on the stick trying to stoke up a return to flavor-ville. The cigar is burning hotter then it should, but I can make out leather, earth, and wood with a nice sweetness on the finish.

The last third opens up with black coffee and espresso.  There is a sweet leathery aroma in the air, but nothing on the finish of my puffs.  Before I call this cigar a dudd, this lingering sweetness I’ve been getting throughout, picks up the lead and I can taste sweet straw bales.  I have to admit, the last third really saved the cigar review for me.  Even as it approached the nub, and the flavors tried to be harsh, the cigar stayed smooth and enjoyable.  I also have to admit, that smoking this cigar with very little food in my stomach, could have made a turn for the worse, but the fact that this cigar displays an awkward self control made it a very enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CAO BX3 Gordo wasn’t that bad of a smoke.  I am not a fan of big ring gauges, long vitolas, or cigars that take a 2 hour or more commitment- So, my final score is really just based off my own bias.  This should by no means dissuade those of you who like cartoon shaped cigars from trying the CAO BX3 Gordo.  I would actually hand this off to anyone looking for something new and interesting, just perhaps in the robusto size CAO also offers in this blend.  The CAO BX3 scored the highest for me in the construction, smoke production, flavor nuances, heat control, and  smoking experience categories.  Give it a shot, and let us know what you think. Enjoy!

Final Score: 86

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Blind Review: H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Toro

3 1 2.4k

Master blender AJ Fernandez released his second interpretation of the H.Upamnn line, this time utilizing a dark Brazilian mata fina wrapper with Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. I’ve had many blends from AJ, and I’m always impressed that he can create such distinct and varied profiles.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Toro
  • Wrapper: Brazilian
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Nicaraguan
  • Size: 6” x 54 (Toro)

Blind Cigar Review: H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Toro

Appearance and Construction

This cigar has an extremely dark somewhat molted wrapper. It is very hard in its roll and there is no give when I put pressure on it. I notice the filler tobacco is much lighter than the wrapper which creates a contrast in color. There are some slight veins and the foot smells charry without much else to offer.

Taste and Smoking Characteristics

I make a precise cut with my guillotine blade and the cold draw delivers an overwhelming blast of red pepper. As I toast the cigar and take a puff I am hit with full flavors of earth and pencil lead upfront. A dark wrapper on a cigar does not always mean that it will be strong however this blend is doing just that. Taking a more cautious draw, there’s cocoa, raisin, and a barnyard finish. The retrohale on this toro stings my nostrils a bit with red pepper flakes, cumin, and earth.  The burn line is razor sharp and the quality in the construction is evident.  Chocolate begins to intermingle with oak leaving a short woody finish. The body is in the full range from the start.

The toro begins its journey midway with salt and leather toning down some of the more direct and intense flavors than previously. There’s gingersnap, coffee, and charred oak on the back end. The billow of smoke clouds in front of me as it burns is creating a dense setting. Another retrohale and the fullness returns with wood and earth dominating the flavor profile and leaves a bitter finish. I’ve picked up some more raisinated notes again which become more pronounced which each puff. Leather, oak, and cumin proceed with a slow draw that ends bitter. The short finishes seem to be commonplace with this toro.

The burn line remains even on the final third which is a nod to the construction of the cigar. There are more charry notes along with salt and oak that remains pervasive throughout. I’m picking up leather and burnt espresso bean which is intense and bitter. The retrohale has hay, toast, and an acidic finish. Spice adds to the profile picking a stronger end to the toro. The flame go es out on its own and I’m putting the cigar to rest.

Conclusion

AJ Fernandez has created an expansive profile of cigars and blends. This Heritage toro came on strong with pepper which was a little much to start off. There was some nice notes of cumin, earth, oak and hay although the finish remained consistently short not allowing a lot of lingering on the palate. The chariness also became acidic which left bitter taste on my tongue. I would suggest trying another of AJ’s blends however if you want a full-bodied cigar, A spirit pairing would help to round out this smokes rougher edges.

Final Rating: 88

Platinum Nova Personal Reserve Leo X

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The Platinum Nova Personal Reserve Leo X is manufactured by Platinum Nova Cigar Company at their factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic.  Platinum Nova Cigar Company is owned by Amer Rustom and headed by two cigar retail veterans Leonor “Leo” Abzaradel and Aurelio “Ari” Riego. Their website states that their cigars use 10-15 year aged tobaccos and the cigars then stay in an aging room for a minimum of three years before being released.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Platinum Nova Personal Reserve Leo X
  • Wrapper: Ecuador Habano 2000
  • Binder: Dominican HVA
  • Filler: Dominican 
  • Size: 5.75 x 50

Appearance & Construction

Triple cap rosado wrapper.  Very lightweight in my hands.  Packed not too loose, and not too tight either. The cigar has a nice chocolate and cedar aroma.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The cold draw is on the looser side.  Sweet cedar on the breath.

It takes a while for the cigar to toast and light.  At combustion I can make out the presence of a tiny pinhole tunnel. Hope this doesn’t effect anything.

The first third is bold with lots of jalapeno pepper, espresso, and hay bale sweetness.  It is a very pleasant smoke on first introduction.  I find the cigar to be a little delicate, even with my notorious slow smoking pace.  I recommend babysitting the heat factor.  However, there is still lots of flavor development throughout the first third, such as chocolate, hazelnut, wood, and earth with a black coffee finish.  Leathery retrohale. I like it!

The second third finally reigns in the heat.  I don’t have to tip-toe around my puffs.  The cigar is more nuanced with pencil shavings and leather and a strawberry hard-candy finish.  The smoking experience is definitely on the creamy side. There is still leather on the retrohale as well as in the smoke aroma.

The last third is very leather forward.  The cigar is very creamy, but begins to burn hot again.  Harsher flavors begin to develop like espresso and hazelnuts.  The retrohale and aroma are still leathery.  The cigar finishes fairly bitter with notes of raw garlic!

Conclusion

What can I say?! The Platinum Nova Personal Reserve Leo X was a bit of a roller coaster ride.  I love heavily nuanced cigars and flavor bombs.  The cigar blend also concealed some tobacco varietals I had never tried.  To me its worth being curious over, minus the heat problems and nasty finish.  It’s a $22 stick with not as much clout as a Davidoff, but if you feel like being a big spender for the weekend- why the hell not?!  If your a fan of leathery flavor notes, or just want to to swap out your usual Ecuadorian shade wrapper cigar for a change-of-pace, I wouldn’t hesitate recommending the Platinum Nova Personal Reserve Leo X.  I’m a picky smoker, with picky habits and I usually classify cigars into tow categories: “Boring!,” and “Not Boring!” The Platinum Nova Personal Reserve Leo X falls into the “Not Boring!,” category. It’s also more affordable and more flavorful then the Limited Edition Platinum Nova Toro I had previously reviewed. Enjoy!

Final Score: 84

Limited Edition Platinum Nova Toro

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The Limited Edition Platinum Nova Toro is manufactured by Platinum Nova Cigar Company at their factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic.  Platinum Nova Cigar Company is owned by Amer Rustom and headed by two cigar retail veterans Leonor “Leo” Abzaradel and Aurelio “Ari” Riego. Their website states that their cigars use 10-15 year aged tobaccos and the cigars then stay in an aging room for a minimum of three years before being released.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Limited Edition Platinum Nova Toro
  • Wrapper: San Andres
  • Binder: Dominican San Vicente
  • Filler: Dominican Piloto
  • Size: 6×50

Appearance & Construction

Triple cap maduro wrapper.  Air-tight, seamless construction.  Reeks of chocolate and hay bales.  Its packed fairly well.  A delicate beautiful foot. If you have a foot fetish, forget how this cigar scores at the end, and just go and buy the stick NOW!

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The cigar has a tight cold draw.  Very faint bitter spice on the breath.  My lips and tongue actually feel like I just licked hot sauce.  I’m intrigued.

It takes a while for the cigar to toast and light, but it eventually combusts beautifully.

The first third is faint in flavor like the cold draw.  I can barely make out flowers and mesquite.  It has a chili pepper finish. There is almost no smoke production, unless you take deep double puffs. I also find myself having to babysit the smoking heat as a consequence of this.  The cigar gives off a very nostalgic hot chocolate aroma.  After I auger myself a better smoking port by employing my trusty drill bit, the flavors are still hollow. However, I can now taste a very nostalgic nuance- NYC deli coffee in the blue and white Greco-Roman cups! The retrohale is non-existent.

The second third is more of the same- BORING!  There are faint hints of chocolate with some spice on the finish.  The aroma is still hot chocolate with some added cedar.  Some chili pepper on the retro.

The last third gives off a chocolate habanero aroma.  The retrohale is MIA again.  The cigar is very wood polish forward on the palate with the same chili pepper finish. The cigar gets a little stronger as it dies down with earth, black coffee, and hazelnuts on the tongue. Nothing to write home about.

Conclusion

The Limited Edition Platinum Nova Toro retails for approximately $350 for a 12 count box.  If this sample I received was just a flawed stick, I still couldn’t see myself risking the hard cash in hopes of the other 11 cigars in the box to be outstanding.  Spicy-sweet is normally my go to when it comes to cigar shopping.  The Limited Edition Platinum Nova Toro seemed promising with its solid construction upon initial inspection, and the tight draw didn’t scare me one bit as a veteran smoker.  However, when a cigar opens up with that mesquite intro that gets my tastes buds going, but then fails to deliver, I don’t get sad, I get angry.  The Limited Edition Platinum Nova Toro was a waste of time. Enjoy!

Final Score: 76

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