Journeys Toro

The Journeys Toro is made exclusively for Famous Smoke Shop by Flor De Gonzalez. It has a filler blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan and Sumatra tobaccos aged for five years. The well-aged Connecticut wrapper is a very smooth, khaki brown, and has minimal veins with perfect seams. The cap is well applied and cuts cleanly. The whole stick feels firm and medium in weight, while the bunching is even and clean.

During the pre-light inspection I found this smoke to have slightly fruity flavors and notes of earth. The aromas were of well aged tobacco with a clean, fresh top note, like the smell of a tobacco field on a breezy day. The mouth feel was pleasant, the draw was slightly firm but not excessive. There is a lot of tobacco in this stick, let's try it out...

At light up, the Journeys began with a sweet honey like flavor wrapped around a rich, big tobacco taste, the mouth feel was creamy; not surprising for a well aged stick with a Connecticut wrapper. The smoke had a velvety feel to it. These flavors lasted through the first third or so. The burn was spot on and the cigar ash was light gray and firm. The aromas were soft and easy going. Pleasant notes of oak and light tobacco were present with a slight hint of brown sugar.

In the second third the flavor shifted around a bit, becoming lightly sweet as notes of almonds appeared. There was a background of light leather and delicate notes of clean earthiness. The burn was still even and the cigar tasted cool and fresh.

The last third of the Journeys Toro it picked up in intensity a bit; not aggressive or bitter, just a little more fullness of flavor. I paired this with a hoppy golden ale. It was the ideal match for the light bitterness of the hops, and the malty sweetness of the ale resonated with the sweetness in the Connecticut wrapper.

Overall, I found it quite nice for a medium-bodied cigar. I gave it very high scores and would easily recommend it to my friends.