Boutique Wednesday Cigar Review: Falto Prominente Gran Reserva Especial
Posted by toasted on Mar 3, 2010 in Reviews | 12 comments
Size: 4 ½x42/47, Perfecto
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Strength: Medium-Full
Price: Box of 25, $125
Grade: 8.8
Made from a mold dating back to 1923, Luis Falto won this in an auction and quickly put it to use. Utilizing a Cameroon wrapper and Dominican binder and filler, this is a medium-full bodied cigar is intended for a quick after dinner smoke. Unique to boutique brands is the attention to detail; on this box you’ll find three dates on the production card – when the cigar began its cedar aging, when it was packaged, and when it left the factory.
This cigar is a part of the La Garita Cigar Company line, which is also a sponsor of Toasted Foot. You can view more information about them online or on their Twitter account. Also be sure to check out our other reviews, including the Falto Robusto (here) and the El Josco (here).
Now, on to the toast!
Pre-light, 1.7:
This non-banded perfecto was flawlessly rolled from head to foot with a very rustic appearance and prominent veins both horizontally and vertically. The naked wrapper is neither here nor there and I think the lack of band actually enhances this tiny smoke. The aroma on the perfecto is of sweet tobacco and peppermint. The draw is medium to loose and there are no soft spots on the cigar.
Burn, 1.8:
This Falto has a great draw with a slight bit of resistance, which is favorable considering the petite size. The burn was slow and even through the perfecto foot and into the body of the cigar. The ash held well with a slight flake through the first inch. The thin smoke never burned hot and remained cool throughout.
Flavor, 2.7:
The first third of the smoke had some subtle creaminess but was overshadowed by a very strong roast. There was no harshness to the smoke, but the flavors were very smoked, almost burnt like. The second third provided some of the peppermint noted on the pre-light draw which was a welcomed transition. Some body also arrived in this portion and the dominate profile is still roasted and leathery. The final third resembled the first very closely, with some earthy notes that are again dominated by a strong roast. Though this smoke did not possess my ideal flavor profile, the transitions were smooth and presented some great complexity to the smoke.
Overall, 2.6:
When short in time and after a nice meal, this is a good reach to, but not quite a go to for my flavor interests. Quality is definitely evident in this Falto, with a beautiful roll and a superb burn. The transitions and complexity were interesting but ultimately it lacked that bursting power that wowed you and remained stuck in unentertaining flavors. At $5 a stick, it’s not going to beat out a Short Story or an Oliva G perfecto, but it is a nice change of scenery.
(Total: 8.8)
Question of the Day: How often do you to try new brands over your regular favorites? What is it that attracts you to a new cigar?
12 comments
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Thanks for the review!
I try to keep up with new releases from my favorite companies & blenders. I’ll always try at least a few sticks. I’m attracted to new cigar if it fits my taste profile, if it is the product from one of my favorite blenders or companies, or if it receives good reviews or word of mouth.
Nice!
I have no “go to” ‘gars; I am a *wicked* novelty-seeker, and love samplers of all types.
As a cigar novice I am trying new cigars all the time. Trying to find out what I do and don’t like. I am in search of a regular favorite.
Thanks for the review!
I haven’t seen these, will need to look for them more.
I buy a few that become my go to, but I am always on the hunt for new cigars. Just reminded me I need to invest in a few new ones….
Thanks for a review of a tasty smoke.
I often try new cigars in addition my stable of regulars, just for the “thrill of the hunt” to find the next great cigar to add to my rotation. I’d say about 25% or more of what I smoke is new to me.
What attracts me to a new cigar? Shiny labels….j/k. Recommendations by my BOTL’s primarily, certainly not slick advertising or retailer spiels. And certainly NOT what Cigar Shillficianado has to say.
I usually just try what friends suggest. Hard to beat my normal Brickhouse though!
Oftentimes, it is the reviews that get me back to the B&M.
Very nice review!
I often try many new cigars for the sense of adventure it brings. Once I’ve decided that the adventure needs to be put on hold for a smoke I know I will enjoy, I’ll pull out my old standbys.
Nice review!
I try new cigars as often as I can. That is the beauty of this hobby, there is so much to choose from. Variety is the spice of life, right?
Thanks for the review!
I try new cigars as often as money allows. Sometimes reviews like these inspire me to try something and sometimes I will go with smell, sight and touch. Sometimes it is a shop owner that I trust recommending me something or possibly a friend.
It is difficult for me to try something by senses alone as I have been disappointed with sticks that smelled and looked beautiful so normally I want to read a few reviews or get an opinion from someone I know before putting my money towards something new.
Those things look like lil sausages… must be lunchtime.
I try to taste everything new at least once. How do you know what you like if you don’t try everything?
Another great review.