Stogie Reviews: 262 Paradigm Toro
9 Jun 2010
It shouldn’t surprise you when I say that my colleagues and I aren’t fans restrictive smoking bans and excessive tobacco taxes. Many cigar producers, as we are, have become outspoken advocates against anti-tobacco zealotry. But few wear their freedom flag on their sleeve like Revolution Cigars.
Revolution Cigars is the maker of 262 Paradigm, a blend that honors the date (February 1962) that JFK hypocritically bought a shitload of his favorite Cuban cigars before signing a trade embargo against the communist isle. “Now you can smoke the legacy with 262 Cigars, post-revolution seed with pre-revolution flavor,†says Revolution’s website.
The website also comes complete with a “262 Manifesto†in defense of the freedom to smoke cigars. “Our voices must be heard,†it reads. “Our goals must be accomplished, not solely for the sake of our immediate cause, but for the many other liberties which are, even now, hanging in the balance.â€
What better way to strike a blow against tyranny than to manufacture a cigar with the capability to captivate? That, it seems, is the goal of Revolution Cigars, and the reason for launching 262 Paradigm. This blend features a Brazilian wrapper, Honduran binder, and a filler blend of seco and ligero tobaccos from Estelà and Jalapa paired with Cuban-seed cubito leaves from Colombia.
Three vitolas are available: Torpedo, Robusto, and a box-pressed Toro that measures six inches long. I sampled three of the latter for this review. Handmade in Honduras by Alec Bradley, each Toro included a white band across the foot, a dark and toothy wrapper, and potent, mouthwatering aromas of espresso and dark chocolate.
With such a delightful pre-light fragrance, I am thankful the foot lights easily and evenly with a single wooden match. Soft flavors of creamy nut and milk chocolate follow for the first several puffs. Then, after about an inch, these classic Brazilian tastes are augmented by a heartier backdrop of leather, black coffee, and spicy wood. Mighty delicious.
As the white ash continues to layer sturdily off the foot, I can’t help but draw comparisons to some of Padrón’s higher-end cigars. Sue me. Before you do, though, I challenge you to smoke a few Toros and tell me that you don’t notice striking similarities: a dark box press, a profile reminiscent of moist chocolate cake, subtle woody spices, and superb construction.
So all politics aside, I am very impressed with this savory newcomer. It tastes great to the nub, smokes like a champ, and is priced fairly at less than $9 apiece. I love cigars that look and smell great only to completely live up to or exceed pre-light expectations. The 262 Paradigm Toro from Revolution Cigars does that in spades, earning a well-deserved four and a half stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys