Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 '50 Years' Review

[Laynard]

11/3/2014

Cigar: Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 ’50 Years’
Size: Robusto, 5.0”x50
MSRP: $6.80
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Brazilian
Origin: Honduras/Nicaragua



Prelight: The wrapper, which is as dark as a moonless night, has a sweet, floral aroma to it, while the foot and cold draw is extremely chocolaty. The pull on the draw is great – not too loose or too tight. However, the overall appearance of the cigar is ugly, lumpy and looks hastily made. But, I’m trying not to judge this book by its cover.



1/3: There is some pepper at the onset of the cigar, but soon I get strong notes of coffee with some slight chocolate. The pepper increases through the first third, and with the edition of cedar, is seeming to take on more of a Nicaraguan profile. But, as I reach the transition to the second third, the sweet chocolate flavor increases, rounding out the cigar.



2/3: The second third is a battle of chocolate and cedar. Both increase in body, but the cedar flavor seems to have an edge. So far, I am enjoying the profile, as the evolution of flavors has been subtle and sensible. The burn has been near perfect: cool and straight. The ash is fairly dense and stays on for about an inch and a half at a time.



3/3: The final third is a victory lap for the cedar flavor. Chocolate has conceded and its sweetness is gone. However, there is now a slight earthiness to the profile which keeps the cigar from tasting like a twig. It’s a very nice profile, albeit not complex.

Overall: A great cigar, especially when one considers the price. Don’t go into this cigar thinking that flavor complexity and evolution will blow your mind; the transition are there, but refined to a point of being almost unnoticeable. The cigar definitely performed better than it looked, making it a sleeper for those looking for a good yard or everyday cigar.

[Cardinal]

This is one of my all-timers. I got my first one of these in a CI sampler, and I avoided it because I equated the dark wrapper with a super-strong cigar. It was almost the last cigar in my humidor when I finally tried it, and I've been in love since.

Definitely not the prettiest cigar, but on that first one I smoked the ash hung all the way to the band and I've never gotten an unsmokable one yet due to draw or poor construction.


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[Indyhp]

I like the box press vitola but, yeah, it's on my short list to buy by the box.

[Tman]

This cigar has been in my rotation for a while. It's a solid smoke that doesn't break the bank. Highly recommended!

[Jordan23]

I've smoked about ten of these. My feelings range from it's good to it's incredible. I've found them to be a bit inconsistent (or that could just be me). I've found the last few I smoked to have some caramel in addition to what you tasted. I'll probably always keep at least 5 on hand.

Thanks for the review.

[ChiefIlliniwek]

Yeah, these things rule. Especially when you get them for $3 on CBid. Has anyone had the Cuban Toro vitola of these? Are they any good?

[dinoa2]

saw these today at B & M and thought about picking one up. will on my next trip but what I really want to know is what the dog think of it? nice looking fella or lady

[Laynard]

saw these today at B & M and thought about picking one up. will on my next trip but what I really want to know is what the dog think of it? nice looking fella or lady

The hound is Ruth, my little princess. (Not really little, 109lbs.) She's indifferent about the cigar. The paws you see poking in from the left belong Michelob, my Aussie. He loves cigar time.

Ruth does love the camera though and ends up in review pictures every now and then. She's pretty and she knows it.

[fiddlegrin]

Thanks for the great review!

Ya, these are certainly in the vein (pun intended) of an "ugly schtick", but if a person enjoys a cedar/ pepper influence and has patience for somewhat inconsistent Q.C. and doesn't mind a toothy wrapper, they represent a great value.

Rock on!

[StogieNinja]

Curious... did this leave you with cotton mouth at all? Last two I smoked I got it something terrible.