Casa De Oro Maduro Torpedo

Introducing the 'House of Gold', a brand spankin' new cigar that has just hit the market. In fact, members of the club are among the first in the world to try these beauties. Casa de Oro cigars are produced at the Tabacalera Fernandez factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, home of many well-respected cigars brands. The vision behind the blend was admirable: to produce a cigar of superior quality, taste and appearance while still maintaining a moderate price range. In two words: affordable luxury. After two years of blending efforts, our panel members agree that their work has paid off nicely. The Casa do Oro brand was introduced at the RTDA in the summer of 2006; at present, it's in its infancy and is available in two shapes, Torpedo and Toro, both 6 x 52. Each is ensconced in either a Connecticut shade or Broadleaf Maduro. While both are quite tasty (not to mention eye-catching), our panel especially enjoyed the dark, rich, oily maduro torpedo. The wrapper is not only attractive, it's been painstakingly aged for three years. This gorgeous exterior is bound to the complex blend of Nicaraguan Viso, Ligero and Seco filler leaves by a Nicaraguan Habano binder. Expect a medium-bodied cigar with booming smoke volume. The flavor profile begins with mild spiciness, but this builds toward more firm peppery qualities as you get past the first inch, and is then mellowed by a leathery smoothness that takes hold near the finish. Note the firm, brilliant white ash—a clear sign of properly aged tobaccos. A warm woody spice in the finish makes this a great cigar to enjoy with a floral Pale Ale, like the Saranac Pale Ale being featured in this month's Beer of the Month clubs.