Bahia Gold Toro

Since Bahia Gold cigars debuted in 1997, these rich, full-bodied Nicaraguan handmades have become Tony Borhani's flagship cigars. The strongest of the Bahia line, the Gold blend is also the line's smallest production, totaling only 300,000 cigars a year. This is a well aged cigar—let's review: the filler is comprised of four- to five-year aged Dominican Ligero, Seco and Viso leaves; the binder is four-year aged Dominican leaf, and the wrapper is a four-year aged Ecuadorian sun grown, Sumatran-seed leaf. So, four years or more of aging on every leaf in this cigar might seem enough, but after rolling, they're laid down for another full year to mature! With its slight box-press and its oily wrapper, the Bahia's construction and presentation impressed our panel. They found the burn and draw consistent from one cigar to the next. Amidst clouds of thick, hearty smoke, spicy flavors predominate, complemented by rich coffee and dark chocolate overtones. Note the firm white ash, a clear sign of not only age, but properly aged tobaccos. While this cigar is already older than most kids starting their scholastic careers, it will keep in your humidor for years to come. Bahia Gold stogies' rich, complex and full-bodied flavors will appeal to more seasoned cigar aficionados. A couple of suggestions to complement this versatile smoke: a moderately peppery 100% Blue Agave Tequila or a bold imperial stout such as Stoudt's Fat Dog.