The Expert Review Library
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Bryan - Hoyo de Tradicion11/06/2007
Corona (5.7"x45) Preferred size. Burns very smooth and even, but the draw is not too tight for a 45 ring gauge. The flavor seemed a bit more consistent from start to finish and there were very few hints of sweetness in the aftertaste.
Toro (6.0"x52) Excellent burn, even from start to finish. Wrapper had no imperfections and the ash held on for almost two full inches. This size seemed a bit richer than the others and definitely had an underlying sweetness in the finish. Actually did taste some woodsy flavors as well, almost like cedar.Epicure (5.2"x50) Noticed a lot more earthy flavors after the first inch, in comparison to the Corona size. This cigar was very easy to puff on and the smoke was milky white, but not excessive. Great aroma.
Toro Grande (6.2"x54) Without a doubt the most complex of all the sizes, probably due to its ring gauge. The flavor was a bit more intense during the first inch in comparison to the others and the cigar was significantly stronger about halfway through. Did burn very cool but was lacking the subtle, pleasant aftertaste present in the other sizes. -
Bryan - Oliva Serie 'V'09/18/2007
Torpedo (6.0"x56) This is the most preferred size in this blend. The stick is very easy to light and draw. It burns cool and the strength is very consistent from start to finish. The ligero qualities are not noticeably dominant until the last three inches. The finish contains many hints of pepper, but is very rich as well. Perfect balance.
Churchill Extra (7.0"x52) Again, very easy to light. The draw was not as loose, but this stick is pleasantly complex. The finish is very strong and hints of cocoa and espresso are evenly experienced throughout most of the smoke. These nuances then transform into strong hints of pepper and earthy undertones which can be easily noticed lingering in the back of the palate. A well constructed cigar producing lots of creamy smoke, this size is only second to the Torpedo.
Double Toro (6.0"x60) Noticed more cedar notes and chocolate nuances in comparison to other sizes. As expected, the draw is very smooth but the strength contains very little bite for being a 60 ring gauge. The smoke is very creamy and has an excellent aroma.
Double Robusto (5.0"x54) This size begins with some intense strength and flavor from the first puff. The nuances of coffee and earth seem accented in comparison to the other sizes. Noticeable spicy nuances are prominent throughout and this cigar has a strong, but pleasant finish.
Special V Figurado (6.0"x60) The shape is unique but causes a hassle when lighting. There is almost no flavor for the first couple of puffs and it gradually increases until the first inch is reached, then this stick really gives off some strength. It is well constructed, like the other sizes, but drastically mellows out after the first 2 inches are surpassed. Coffee flavors are very dominant on the palate and this size did burn very evenly.
Belicoso (5.0"x54) Noticed this stick burns very slow, even, and is incredibly smooth for the amount of peppery flavors it produces. Leaves a subtle taste of wood and cocoa on the lips, but the smoke is not as milky as expected. Burns a bit hotter in comparison to other sizes.
Lancero (7.0"x38) Due to its small ring gauge, the draw is very tight. The stick does burn even and slow but the heat can be felt on the fingertips. Tastes a lot stronger than the other sizes and the spicy notes are more noticeable over the coffee-like flavors.
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