Stogie Reviews: Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection Toro

17 May 2007

In February I published a Quick Smoke on an excellent cigar from Cuban Crafters, a purveyor of boutique tobacco that’s made in small batches from Cuban seed. Since then, I’ve made no secret of my affinity for their Cameroon Robusto and Don Kiki stogies, and their national sales director even graciously agreed to participate in one of our Ask a Cigar Insider articles not too long ago.

With all this in mind, I thought it was about time to try one of Cuban Crafters’ finest creations: the Cabinet Selection Toro.

Up front, this cigar makes a good first impression. Its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is dark and enticing, though not without its fair share of veins and splotches. A white metallic band serves as a bold contrast to the leaf. Box-pressed, the six inch by 52 ring gauge stick is topped off with a curly head cap – a salute to its Cuban heritage.

Right out of the cellophane, you can just tell this is going to be a powerhouse. As the foot is toasted, the sun-grown Habano seed filler and the Habano 2000 binder combine to produce a rich, aromatic smoke that sets the tone.

Not surprisingly, from the first puff these cigars exude full flavors of chocolate and leather. A fairly substantial spice kicks in shortly thereafter, and – in my opinion – thankfully never fades.

Like other noteworthy cigars, many of which cost up to three times as much, the Cabinet Selection balances these knockout flavors with a subtle sweetness. The taste is even on the palate and by no means harsh.

While the draw and ash are up to par, however, the only downside comes in the physical properties department. The burn requires some surveillance to stay even, and the stogie has a tendency to extinguish itself when left unattended for five minutes or more.

Overall, though, I am very impressed – a judgment that’s based on not one, but five, of these Toros. At under $4 a pop, they pack an outstanding flavor profile into a memorable, slow-burning smoke.

Not to be overlooked, I’m giving the Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection Toro four out of five stogies.