Carlos Torano Dominico Robusto

Carlos Toraño makes classics! In fact, the Toraño family is one of the unsung stars of the cigar industry. They are folks with a storied heritage who consistently make quality premium blends; although, they remain largely behind the scenes and under the radar. Each Toraño cigar represents four generations of family tradition which began in 1916, shortly after Don Santiago Toraño arrived in Cuba from his native Spain. In the mid 1960’s, his son Carlos made a significant contribution to the industry when he introduced the concept of growing Cuban-seed tobacco plants in the Dominican Republic. Today, Don Santiago's grandson and great-grandson continue his family heritage with this handcrafted robusto of unmistakable Toraño quality. The family produces 20 million cigars annually for themselves as well as other major labels. Among their jewels are their eponymous Carlos Toraño Tribute, 1916 Cameroon, Exodus and Virtuoso brands, but also literally dozens of other high-class contract brands such as CAO, Alec Bradley, 5 Vegas Series ’A’, and Gurkha. You can’t make this kind of cigar without starting with the best tobaccos, and Toraño goes out of its way to ensure that this criterion is met; selecting choice tobaccos from the Dominican Republic’s Cibao Valley, Nicaragua’s lush Esteli Valley and Valley of Jamastran in Honduras. The Carlos Toraño Cigar lines have all been highly rated, achieving scores consistently in the high 80’s and low 90’s in Cigar Aficionado, Smoke and other industry trade magazines. The Dominico Robusto offers something unique: Costa Rican, Mexican, and Honduran tobaccos are cloaked in a seamless Criollo leaf. Expect a mellow smoke with an earthy core, notes of wood, and a pleasant citrus element. The finish is soft, and disappears shortly to never out-stay its welcome. Also unique is the quality for the price point—in a blind taste test, you would be hard pressed to tell this cigar from some of Carlos Torano's most expensive premium blends. Try it with a smoky single malt scotch—Laphroaig and Lagavulin, for instance.