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Old 06-13-2006, 07:33 AM   #1
CJ3
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: The hell called New York State
Posts: 2,899
Indian Tabac Ltd Reserve Toro - $1.75 net per cigar

PROLOGUE

I obtained these cigars as a CI internet special deal. The deal was a bundle of 20 Toros for 29.95 + shipping. CI lists the “regular” price as $49.95. My net cost per cigar was $1.75, well within my target price range of 1.50 to 2.49 each.

The CI Web Site describes these cigars as having an Ecuadorian grown Connecticut-seed wrapper with long fillers aged for 3 years. The text states that they are a “much milder” smoke than Indian Tabac cigars are usually known for. Made in Honduras by Nestor Placencia.

PRE SMOKE APPEARANCE & CONSTRUCTION

The Toros I received were 6.0 x 52 ring gauge. The wrapper was a smooth, clean looking tan with very little veining, although I did notice a small blue/green “blotch.” The cigar had a very light, barely discernable “tobacco” aroma before lighting.

I was impressed with the appearance of the packaging. Each individual cigar has a cedar wrap covering ¾ of the length, with a gold band at the foot. The cigar band is positioned just above the cedar wrap and bears a mirror image of a classic cigar Indian in full headdress. Each cigar is also wrapped in cellophane.

Score: 2.5

SMOKE - BURN and DRAW

The pre-light draw was just perfect for my tastes as I like a somewhat “easier” draw than many others seem to prefer. I lit the cigar with a butane lighter, being careful to obtain a full initial light on the entire foot. The cigar burned relatively evenly throughout, with what I can best describe as a “serrated” edge. At no time did I need a “re-light” or a “touch up” to keep the cigar burning smoothly.

The initial ash built to over a solid inch of compact, black and dark gray ash before I tapped it off, revealing a noticeably cone-shaped, glowing red coal. The cigar continued to burn with a cone shaped coal, although the ash subsequently became more “flakey.”

Score: 3

SMOKE – FLAVOR and TASTE

I smoked this cigar out of doors, in a light breeze, accompanied by a cup of cappuccino. The flavor was pretty one-dimensional and fairly bland, although I did enjoy the full, white, smoke from what I would refer to as an effortlessly “puff-able” cigar! About halfway through it began to develop a bit more strength, if not more flavor. At this point I removed the band. With about 2” left to go, the cigar began to smoke a “little hot” and I finished the cigar with about a 1” nub.

Score: 1.5

SUMMARY COMMENTS

The Indian Tabac Ltd Reserve certainly lives up to it’s billing as a mild cigar. Unfortunately, in this case, mild means without much body or flavor. I was a little disappointed as I seem to recall the Indian Tabac Ltd’s as having a bit more character. For the more experienced cigar smoker who prefers a full strength cigar, the draw, decent burn, and multi-layered packaging might make it a good decoy for the drunken relative or brother-in-law at the family cookout!

I did enjoy the mild smoke somewhat as a counterpoint to the strong taste of the coffee. Perhaps a lighter accompanying drink would be a better combination and allow the cigar to show more flavor. Being an admirer of milder cigars, I might consider picking up another bundle at this price point in the future, either for the un-initiated guest, or as the classic “lawn-mowing” cigar. Apparently I am not alone in this opinion, as the item was listed as “sold out” on the CI website!

All in all though, I’m afraid that I must carry on in my search for the best cigar that $2 can buy!

Overall Score: 2.3 (out of 5 possible)
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