Stogie Reviews: Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection Toro
Thursday, May 17th, 2007In 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.
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Good to see the review based on 5 cigars and not one. Helps validate the experience when they are consistently good smokes.
Sam,
You’re right. Reviews based on more than one experience with the same cigar are more accurate and reliable.
Just so you know, most of our reviews are the end result of smoking the same stick two, three, four, or more times. We don’t always mention that, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Thanks for your comment. We take great pride in our honest reviews, and we’re glad you enjoy them.
Overall, I have been quite impressed with most of the Cuban Crafters line. I especially like the La Carolina, which is the successor to the Cupidos. Maybe a review in the near future??
Good Review. I always heard some good things about this smoke and I have always wanted to pick some up. Maybe now is the time. Thanks fellas.
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