Carlos Toraño Virtuoso Crescendo

The Carlos Toraño Virtuoso is the fullest-bodied line made by the legendary cigar family, who for generations has been growing some of the world's best tobacco. Making their start in Cuba, the Toraños now grow tobacco in virtually every tobacco growing region in the world. Their unmatched access to the finest crops is the secret behind the complexity of the Virtuoso collection. A virtuoso is defined as one with masterly skill or personal style. This stick, the most powerful in their line of premium handmades, was created for experienced smoking virtuosos–"seasoned smokers," as the company states. Debuting in 2005, the Virtuoso was called "a cigar fanatic's dream." Made in Honduras, this intoxicating cigar sports a dark Nicaraguan Colorado Oscuro shade wrapper that's oily, smooth and oh-so pretty. It covers an aged three-country blend of long-fillers from Nicaragua, Honduras and Panama. Look for relaxing hints of wood and spice, complemented by a mouthwatering espresso-like character and capped off with a robust, full-bodied and long finish. With an outstanding '89' rating from Cigar Aficionado, the Virtuoso outscored the Partagas Edicion Limitada of Cuba and was the highest-rated cigar in an issue of Cigar Insider magazine. Pair with a pumpkin ale or a full tawny port.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.