Stogie Reviews: Cuban Crafters Cameroon Toro
Monday, May 19th, 2008I’ve smoked over a dozen of these over the past six months and, during that time, this stick has become my hands-down favorite Cameroon. The reason? It consistently delivers what I consider to be exceptional taste and wonderful physical properties at a bargain price.
Just like Cupido, La Carolina, J.L. Salazar, and Don Kiki – both Brown and White – the Cameroon Toro is made by our friends at Cuban Crafters. Alberto Noguera, national sales director for the Miami-based boutique manufacturer, was nice enough to send up plenty of these cigars for our Smoke Out in March, and the overwhelming feedback from our guests was very positive.
The six inch by 54 ring gauge Toro sports a seamless Cameroon wrapper with a sungrown Cuban-seed habano binder and long filler, each fermented five times. You can pick up a box of 25 for less than $100 – a great price given the cigar’s status as a favorite among Cameroon fans and its impressive 8.9 rating in Smoke Magazine.
The firm-feeling stogie clips cleanly and starts with a burst of earthy spice and rich cedar. Subtle sweet notes complement the experience, a characteristic that’s typical of Cameroons, and each puff produces tons of thick, pleasant smoke. The flavor tends to mellow as the cigar progresses, but its medium body is enough to keep you on your toes.
Construction is admirable with a white, sandy ash that holds well and a draw puts up just the slightest resistance. While I remember the burn on the first few requiring some touch-ups, lately it has been as straight as any cigar I’ve smoked. This suggests that you’re better off locking these away in your humi for a month or so after a purchase.
In all, this is a terrific smoke – every bit as good as the Robusto, which George E named one of his Gold Star Smokes in March. I always have a few on hand, especially since seasoned cigar veterans and newbies alike are quick to tell me how much they enjoy it. That’s one of the many reasons I give the Cuban Crafters Cameroon Toro four and ½ out of five stogies.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
I have really enjoyed most of my purchases from Cuban Crafters; however, I was quite unsatisfied with a recent box purchase of 1999 Don Kiki White Label robustos. Very bland and mild with zero flavor development. For $40 a box via email special, I suppose I shouldn’t be too upset. I agree with Patrick A that the Cameroon is one of the best sticks made by Kiki Berger.
I love this cigar! Exactly as you describe, and one of the best Cameroons out there.
For the record, I enjoyed the Kiki White Labels as well. Creamy and mild, and wonderful on the golf course early on a Saturday or Sunday.
Wonderful cigars…simply outstanding for the price. Bravo!
Be sure to check the Cuban Crafters Web site — just click on it under Recommended Retailers at the left — for some great bargains, including a Cameroon sampler.
[...] The Stogie Guys have a Cuban Crafters Cameroon Toro [...]
Just got a box of the cameroon toros the other day. These cigars look great and have a nice pre-light aroma. I’ve lit two and both have been outstanding. Great flavor, nice even burn. A bit tight on the draw at first, but it both loosened up at the halfway mark. Nice smoke at a great price.
[...] only complaint is the price. Two of my favorite Cameroons, one from Cuban Crafters and the other from H. Upmann, sell in the $4-5 range; this Robusto goes for about $7.50 apiece or [...]