Monday, November 29 1999
Q. I recently decided to give Conuco cigars a try based on the catalog writeup. I bought a box of Toro and a Robusto 5-pack. I liked the Toros. They had some of the characteristics of Padron cigars; kind of a chocklaty, espresso nuance at a much lower price point. I expected the same taste in the Robusto in a smaller size. But they were terrible! Harsh, almost sour. It was like a completely different company made them. I have never experienced such a difference in flavor just changing shapes. Am I nuts, or have you experienced something similar?
- Joe O. in La Quinta, CA
A. You’re not nuts, but I’m surprised at such a wide variance in flavor between the two sizes when all that separates them is an inch. However, the bouquet, flavor, strength, etc. will vary from size to size among many premium blends. Moreover, I've found several favorite cigars in sizes outside of my regular Toro shape that tasted much better than others in the same selection.
As one of my new personal favorites, I've smoked a lot of Conuco Toros and Robustos, and I believe the robustos you smoked were funky for some reason other than size. My guess is they may have been a little "young." If you have any left from the 5-pack, leave them in your humi for a few months and see if they improve.
