Cigar Review: Don Tomás Maduro Robusto
25 Jan 2012
Don Tomás is one of many brands produced by General Cigar, which is either the largest or second largest cigar company in the world, depending on who you ask.
Being a label in the General Cigar portfolio carries both advantages and disadvantages. As far as disadvantages go, Don Tomás is often overshadowed by the more visible General brands, including Macanudo, Cohiba, Punch, Partagas, and La Gloria. And I think it’s safe to say that many cigar veterans tend to snub their noses at mass-produced cigars like those made by General, no matter how good they may be.
As for the advantages, Don Tomás can thank General for both its wide distribution and its affordable price. For example, the subject of today’s review, the Don Tomás Maduro Robusto, can be found at many online and brick and mortar retailers, and it can be purchased for as little as $2 to $3 when bought by the box of 25.
This cigar measures 5.5 inches long with a ring gauge of 50. It has a smooth Connecticut broadleaf maduro wrapper around Honduran and Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos. Made at the Centro American Cigars factory in DanlÃ, Honduras, the Robusto makes a better impression than its price might suggest, with its firm feel and pre-light aroma of light cocoa and coffee.
Once lit, the initial profile is mild and sugary with hardly any spice. The syrupy texture tastes of raisin, dark chocolate, marshmallow creaminess, and some typical maduro sweetness. The draw is a tad tight, resulting in less smoke production per puff than I’m accustomed to. Aside from the draw, the construction qualities are outstanding—particularly for such an inexpensive smoke. The burn line is very straight and the white ash layers nicely off the foot, where it holds strong for over an inch.
I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by the Don Tomás Maduro Robusto, and I wasn’t. The flavors are just OK with little complexity and hardly any variance from start to finish (the only major change is the introduction of some woodsy spice at the end). That said, if you’re looking for an everyday maduro that won’t break the bank, you could do a lot worse. That’s why this smoke earns three out of five stogies.
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photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
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I agree that this cigar is so-so. You don't pay a lot, and you don't get a lot either. For me, spending a few bucks more to get a better smoke is worth it.
I am new to cigars, but I had this one as part of a monthly cigar club. I found this to be the most enjoyable cigar I have ever smoked(out of about a dozen total). I was wondering what cigars people would recommend if I found this one enjoyable, but also want to spend the extra bucks.
I have smoked this exact cigar for years. It's my "everyday" cigar. Always a box on hand in the humidor, and it's like that old comfy sweatshirt that you will never part with, no matter how frayed the seams become. It's economical, I don't fret about sharing these with a visitor, and I always know what to expect when I light one up. I still treat myself to better cigars, but to work on my Harley in the garage, or enjoy after yard work, you can't beat this stick!
i love this cigar… the spice in it its really really good especially near the end of it…