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Cigar Review: Carlos Torano Reserva Selecta

Size: 5×50, Robusto

Wrapper: Connecticut

Binder: Indonesian

Filler: Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan

Strength: Mild

Price: Box of 20, $146.99

Grade: 8.4

Heralded as one the Torano family’s finest cigars, the Reserva Selecta comes in a Connecticut shade wrapper and Costa Rican Maduro, each employing a variety of tobacco in the binder and filler. Since they own and operate factories in the Dominican, Honduras, and Nicaragua, I guess they decided to represent each factor in the Reserva Selecta, evidenced by the tri-country filler.

I have enjoyed the cigars I’ve had from the Torano family, especially the Casa Torano, which ranks atop my list of mild, Connecticut shade cigars.

Now, let’s see how the more premium line stands up to the rest of the Torano’s offerings. On to the toast!

Pre-light, 1.6:
The meek almond colored wrapper has minimal veins, a couple stalks, spotty in color, and topped with a double cap; overall it is weathered in appearance. To the touch it is very firm and very well rolled, though both samples had splits toward the cap. The aroma is very sweet and woody, with notes of attic and oak barrel. The first sample completely unrolled and proved to be un-smokeable and both samples revealed some impressed dye behind the blue labels.

Burn, 1.8:
As with most Torano’s, the burn is spot on throughout. The draw is just right with the proper resistance and the ash stacks into an even colored wall. The smoke emitted is thick and the only fault is the requirement of two-three puffs to get the smoke flowing in between each rest.

Flavor, 2.5:
As with most mild smokes, the Reserva Select is more consistent than it is complex. The first inch or so is very bland and empty, but shortly some flavor arrives that matches the pre-light – a sweet oak and nuttiness that most resembles cashews. The creaminess does not arrive until around the halfway point of the smoke but it does remain for the duration. Though not complex, the flavor was consistent and clean. A major concern however was a harshness that remained in the background for most of the smoke, which competed with the creaminess that tried to break through.

Overall, 2.5:
Though the Reserva Select had a good burn, the construction did have some issues along the top seams and cap. The flavor was empty at times, and harsh at others, and priced at just under $7.50 a stick when purchased as a box, this is not a smoke I’d turn to again, and it was not nearly as enjoyable as the more moderately priced Casa Torano.

(Total: 8.4)

Question of the Day: What has your experience been with the Torano line of cigars?