Cigar Review - Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 50 Years Box Press
Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 50 Years Box Press
Vitola: Robusto - Box Press
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Sun-Grown
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Esteli & Pueblo Nuevo, Nicaragua
Pairing: Macallan 12 yr single malt scotch
A few years back, when I first got into cigars, I found that Orlando is the world headquarters of the Corona Cigar Company. I had only been into a few small B&Ms at that time, and so when I found myself in Orlando I decided to visit CCC. I was blown away. A huge building, whole thing a giant walk-in humidor. Every brand I could think of and 90% of which I had never heard of. Turns out they were going to be having a Torano event in a couple of months and so they were hilighting the Toranos. I picked up an Exodus 1959 and loved it. A couple of months later I went to the event and picked up a box of the 1959 50 Years Box Press Robustos. They have been my main go-to cigar when I didn't have much time for the hobby (I'd have one every 3-4 months). Tonight I got home from a full day at work, saw the storms rolling in and decided that a cigar and a glass of scotch were exactly what I needed. Since I've been trying some new sticks lately I decided I'd like the comfort of an old friend. These have been aged about 3 years now at 65-70%, currently at 65% rh.
Fit and Finish: These were the first ever box press cigars I tried and I loved the presentation. Tonight is no exception. Removing it from the cellophane, it is deliciously dark with an oily sheen and no visible veins. The seam is nearly invisible and the cap is well-placed. On the nose I smell only sweet cedar. It's been resting for a while.
Draw: The draw is a little on the tight side (especially after the Perdomo Champagne) but not so tight as to be a problem. Standard v-cut (have I mentioned lately how much I love Xikar products? My keychain v-cutter gives me a perfect cut every single time. I can't say enough good things about it) and I get sweet cedar and a little nuttiness on the cold draw.
Toast/Light: Ah yes, now this is one of the things I love about this cigar. On the very first toasting an incredible smelling smoke begins to waft into the air. There are some cigars that just smell great with the resting smoke. They remind me of walking past a B&M where guys are smoking really great cigars. The light is great and the smoke is thick and wonderful. Pepper hits me right off the bat during the light.
First third: This cigar starts with a nice little spicy kick with earthy and cedar undertones and a wonderful creamy finish. The smoke pours off the foot and even out of the v-cut after my draws. It settles into cedar, spice and cocoa as I continue along. I use a rate of 1 puff every 40-60 seconds and I turn the box press one quarter turn every time I bring it to my mouth. The burn is perfect. I am remembering why I bought a box of these. They haven't lost a thing over time, if anything they've gotten a little sweeter (can the cedar of the humidor add this?).
Second Third: The pepper is coming and going as the smoke continues and the cedar and cocoa are mingling nicely with it. I'm finding again that how you pair things with your drink makes a huge difference. Each puff after a sip of Macallan's is distinctly caramelly. This is a wonderful discovery and allows me to constantly change the taste of the cigar, depending on how I time things. The burn remains consistent with excellent ash retention.
Final Third: As I finish this cigar, feeling my cares of the day go up in smoke, I am loving the complexity of this cigar. The cocoa and caramel and pepper continue to come and go, the cedar stays with me throughout, and the earthiness is coming back. The pepper builds toward the end - a nice little send off from Carlos. The creaminess has been there throughout. I did have to touch it up a little in the final third, but it did not affect the taste or my experience. Maybe I slowed down too much, trying to drag this one out and enjoying my Macallans.
Final Thoughts: I know why this was my first box purchase and why I will buy another box. I love this cigar. It never disappoints me and it has only gotten better over time. I can recommend this one to anyone who just wants a nice, tasty, relaxing smoke. It gives a little buzz but will not kick you in the head. It's creamy, it's delicious and it's one of my favorites.
On another note, is there a preferred size for photos in reviews for posting in the forum? And which hosting site are you guys happy with? Thanks for reading and for the great community here. :)
