Torano Loyal Churchill
Ever since its release at IPCPR last year, I have really enjoyed the Torano Loyal. Now typically, I would reach for the robusto size but several months ago, I was gifted a churchill from my favorite rep, Brian McGee. Since, I have a little extra time on my hands lately. I decided to take the extra time and enjoy this cigar for this weeks review.
This 7×47 Churchill has an Ecuadorian Sumatra seed wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and filler from the Dominican and Nicaragua. The wrapper is a beautiful medium brown, slightly toothy with a light sheen of oil and a few small veins. It gives off an aroma that is sweet, woody and smoky. Once cut, the cold draw brings notes of sweet, rich molasses and oak to my palate.
When I first light the Torano Loyal, I immediately experience a hint of spice, followed by oak, leather and coffee. As I continue to smoke further into the first third, the spice increases and I begin to pick up more molasses. The notes on the back of the palate alter from spice to oak and back to the initial pepper. As the first third reaches its finish, the pepper and leather intensify, mingling with the molasses. The retrohale is medium in spice strength, having a warmth more like cinnamon than a peppery spice.
Immediately into the second third, the spice takes center stage and for awhile it almost masks the other notes completely. However, after a bit, leather, oak and cinnamon pick up on the back of the palate, finishing each puff. At about the halfway point, notes of mocha become more noticeable and the molasses returns. The retohale picks up more spice and it smells absolutely fantastic.
In the final third, the spice becomes almost an after thought as the leather, oak, molasses and coffee linger on the palate. The spice in the retrohale even calms down quite a bit but it still has a wonderful aroma. The cigar finishes with coffee and the rich sweetness of molasses and leather.
In the future, I may have to reach for the Churchill sizes of the Torano Loyal more often. This “size upgrade” was a great recommendation for my palate. It definitely had a depth and richness on a different level than the robusto. It did maintain a medium strength but it was fuller in complexity. The notes were constantly changing. I really think for an average of 5 dollars and change per stick, it can’t be beat.
June 29, 2012 at 10:31 AM
nice, nice review short and sweet
June 29, 2012 at 2:17 PM
Always enjoy your reviews. sounds like a good stick
June 29, 2012 at 7:01 PM
I enjoyed the torpedo I had; not as much as the Master, though. I need to get hold of a Vault to try. A fine review, as always.
June 29, 2012 at 8:15 PM
I recall you mentioning and liking the Loyal on your site as well. I will make a point to try it. JJO, though, mentioned a cigar that I think is one of the best cigars I have smoked…..The Masters. I say I think because I still need to smoke it a few more times to really decide but, regardless, it is a very creamy and tasty cigar. Thanks for the review. I will try the Loyal in the very near future.
June 30, 2012 at 12:43 PM
I recall you mentioning and liking the Loyal on your site as well. I will make a point to try it. JJO, though, mentioned a cigar that I think is one of the best cigars I have smoked…..The Masters. I say I think because I still need to smoke it a few more times to really decide but, regardless, it is a very creamy and tasty cigar. Thanks for the review. I will try the Loyal in the very near future.
July 2, 2012 at 9:37 AM
Thank you for the review. I am very much enjoying your reviews and thank you for putting up with these other losers on this sight. I am heading out right now to get me some of these sticks! Keep up the great work!