Not long before our Second Annual Super Bowl Cigar Giveaway, we awarded three fine cigars to the winner of our College Football Bowl Contest: a La Aroma de Cuba, a Graycliff Grand Cru, and a Bahia Gold. I had never tried the latter of the three, so I recently embarked upon this review with two Bahia Gold Toros.

This particular stick measures in at six inches with a 50 ring gauge and consistently retails around $8 apiece. CigarsDirect.com – the retailer that graciously provided the cigars for this review – sells five-packs for $39.95.

Bahia is a relatively new brand, which debuted out of Costa Rica in 1997. Production moved to Nicaragua seven years ago, and the Gold series is considered to be owner Tony Borhani’s flagship line.

Based on appearance, it’s easy to see why. The dark, reddish-brown Ecuadorian sungrown wrapper is four years old and sports a few elaborate veins. It is adorned with a bright orange Miami Vice-style band that is as flashy as it is unique.

Pre-light, I noticed the cigar is rock hard to the touch, but surprisingly has a fairly easy draw. A strong floral aroma that is quite similar to an El Tiante makes its presence known right out of the cellophane.

Establishing an even burn is relatively effortless, and the Dominican Cuban-seed filler tobaccos (a combination of liegro, seco, and viso) immediately produce a smooth, flavorful burst of dark chocolate and floral notes. The smoke is cool, abundant, and savory. The slightest bit of black pepper spice adds some complexity, and the full flavor never turns harsh.

If you’re into cigars with changing tastes, though, Bahia Gold probably isn’t for you. The flavors I identified remained consistent into the second and final third of this 90 minute smoke. During that time, the burn remained reasonably even, the draw moderate, and the white ash stable.

This cigar would earn high marks in my book if its price were closer to the $5 range. Still, its aromatic smoke and trustworthy construction won’t leave you disappointed. I give the Bahia Gold Toro a reputable three and ½ out of five stogies.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. Cigars for this review were provided by CigarsDirect.com, and can be purchased here.]

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys