BACKGROUND: Back in 2004, the Toraño family unveiled a “mystery cigar,” which had been appearing at events around the country for some time. Toraño rollers at the events would hand out these unbanded, freshly-rolled cigars to attendees, and always to enthusiastic response.

Eventually, President Charlie Toraño revealed that this had been the family’s private cigar for some years, and that they were now bringing it to the smoking public. It was introduced as “Casa Toraño,” and the original blend was a mild-bodied but very flavorful cigar that appealed to smokers who prioritized flavor over strength.

Subsequently, the company brought forth the Casa Toraño Maduro. The Maduro marks the first time that the Toraño family has made a cigar using a Connecticut-broadleaf wrapper.

The blend includes a different binder and filler from the natural-wrapped Casa Toraño line. And it sports a maduro wrapper that is naturally fermented, for a richer, sweeter flavor profile and aroma.

Though the Casa Toraño Maduro has been around for quite some time, the family recently announced the newest size in the portfolio and its our featured cigar of the week. It is the 7-inch by 48 ring Casa Toraño Maduro Churchill.

TASTING NOTES: The Casa Toraño Maduro starts out with hardy flavors of cocoa bean and a huge dose of espresso and pepper on the retrohale. The flavors are rich and they coated my palate with a long finish. The sweetness of the Maduro wrapper was enough to balance the slight bitterness of the cocoa and coffee bean, while also lending a touch of creaminess to the overall experience.

On the performance side, one sample developed a tunnel and that led to a hard ash on the opposite side of the tunnel and a slightly uneven burn line. The draw was otherwise unaffected and I burned through the tunnel by the 1/3 mark. The medium gray ash was inconsistent during the first third, but became more solid after I burned past the tunnel. The second sample showed no ill effects or burn issues and performed in excellent style.

During the first half, the cigar was medium in strength and medium to full in body and flavor.

FINAL THOUGHTS: During the second half the Casa Toraño Maduro Churchill provided more of the same flavors and body. The burn in the second half was great and draw was still even and smooth. The Casa Toraño Maduro is an excellent Maduro at a fair price. You can pick these up for less than $5 per stick. This is a cigar that is chock-full of rich flavors and has a flavor and strength profile that is easily accessible to most cigar smokers. I can recommend this cigar to those who like a juicy and flavorful Maduro.

~Doc