JULY 27, 2023 - PHIL KURUT, COMEDY - CIGARS - MUSIC
WEST TAMPA TOBACCO CO. BLACK TORO (6 x 52)
WRAPPER: HABANO DARK
BINDER: OMETEPE HABANO
FILLER: CONDEGA VISO, ESTELÍ LIGERO
Black’s smooth draw pulls in dark earth, coffee, leather, and subtle toasted graham cracker. Coffee and smooth earth drop through the nose. Lingering leather, dark chocolate, and fruit coat the palate on the finish.
Smooth and balanced. Nice.
Solid ash hangs on well, breaks off easy. Excellent smoke output.
Fruit fades away as a core of Hershey’s chocolate syrup fades into the draw and slowly fades out through the finish. It’ll probably end up at the bottom of the cup. No matter how much you stir the milk, spoon clanking against the glass, some of the syrup always seems to find its way to the bottom. Anyway.
Black doesn’t kill the palate. In fact, it leaves the palate feeling quite clean between draws. There’s something to be said about a cigar that can provide some relaxation and goodness without obliterating everything for its duration. While Black doesn’t quite focus on power, it does somewhat remind me of drummers who can play with power without bashing away on a crash cymbal through every chorus. It’s all about finesse.
SMOKE TIME: 1 hr. 42 mins.
RATING: 3 / 4 - It’s all about finesse.