K. Hansotia Symphony Series Toro

With an MSRP of $10-12 per cigar, we’re not really sure how the heck we managed snagging this incredible cigar for this month’s lineup. But thanks to the “strictly legal” maneuverings of our industry savvy vendors (and the invocation of a few Jedi mind tricks), we got ‘em for ya. The Symphony Series is a gorgeous cigar, which is to be expected from K. Hansotia, creator of Gurkha Cigars—one of today’s most prestigious and sought after boutique brands. Working side by side with the Toraño family, Mr. Hansotia has ingeniously crafted yet another stunningly beautiful masterpiece that's often compared to the AVO Signature Series. Note flawless construction, with a noticeably thick wrapper. After lighting it up and letting it burn a bit, take a closer look at the profile of the ash; you’ll see that the wrapper is exceptionally thick. The Symphony opens with a smooth, mellow flavor, with a medium body to start. It gradually builds to a delightful, creamy, rich flavor filled with complexity, presenting a distinct cognac note and leaving a peppery spiciness on the palate. Notice how the pepper is understated, restrained until the finish when it is fully delivered. Enjoy with cognac and soda over ice (2-oz. liquor, 5-oz. soda out to do it).