Evil Twin?

Cigar Review: Foyle Toro Maduro

This is a cigar I could not figure out. I will explain my statement in the review.  There are cigars which almost off the bat you can get a handle.  That is, you immediately like it or not. For me even two weeks after I smoked it , the blend baffles me. Lets get to the nuts and bolts of this smoke and present my case or not.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua 
Size: 5.5 x 5.5
Wrapper: USA Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuador Sumatra 
Filler: Dominican/ Nicaraguan 

                                                                                   
                                                                                    Where and when smoked: Los Angeles Ca.  8/14/16  
I purchased this as part of a sampler from Cigarscity.com. I previously wrote a review about the Foyle Natural blend also purchased from Cigarscity.com. As always the review is my subjective opinion and suggest you make your own decision about any smoke but use my review as a guide. How or where I received the cigar does not impact my review.

Appearance/Construction : 

The cigar wrapper is  a very deep shade of brown, with some of the seams a bit off. Nice oily sheen to the touch and a good looking label giving it a good appearance over all.
Box pressed.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 

The smoke started out with a hot blast of spice with some hints of raisin, and nuts. It was a bit harsh to my palate but am hoping it will mellow down easy. Also in the mix was a medium coffee flavor.  My thinking is it's ok but hoping it will get better.
The second third was a nice interlude of smoothness, a pretty even burn with a cool after bite. The expectation for me is to  give me something more exciting  I can write about.
The last chapter lost it for me. The taste turned metallic, and bitter. I thought maduro cigars were designed for a smooth ride without any bumps.  It's not happening for me.
Conclusion/Overall impression:

This was a very confusing smoke. Maduro's are not a regular event for me but I expect the product to deliver a good overall experience.
Here is the kicker. Several days later I tried to robusto version of the Foyle maduro which was also part of the sampler. Sorry but it was pretty much the same result.

Final Thoughts: 

Appearance/Construction: 3 out of 5
                                                                                    Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 2.5 out of 5
                                                                                    Smoking Characteristics: 2.5 out of 5
                                                                                    Conclusion/Overall Impression: Final rating 2.5
                                                                                     out of 5 .

 Not a joyful smoke considering how much I liked the natural blend. I like to think the folks at Foyle might to rethink this blend and try to give it a tweak. It needs work.        

Keep Smoking

The Big Question/ not about the cigar

Cigar Review: Foyle Pudao

Before we start this review a few words about the impending FDA regulation changes.  The heavy hand of the FDA is about to come down hard on the cigar industry.
Much has been talked about , been written about but the real change is still open ended.  I am positive though business will be dramatically impacted.  My concern is  the newer and small boutique cigar companies will take the biggest hit. Companies such Alliance Cigars which distribute Foyle might not be around down the road. Cigar smokers must be on top of this by contacting their elected representative and let them know your thoughts. Do not stand silent and think someone will do it.  That is not going to happen.

I purchased a 4 pack sample from Cigarscity.com , an online seller.  My review as always is not impacted on where or how I received the products. It is my subjective opinion and thoughts. I suggest if what I write piques your interest , acquire the brand and make your own decision.

Where and When smoked:  Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, Los Angeles , Ca. 8/6/16
Price $21.89 , sample of four, sale price from Cigarscity.com.

Appearance and Construction:

Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Criollo Honduran
Binder: Corojo Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan and Honduran
Wrapper: Natural
Shape: Straight
Size: 7 x 52

Tight feel with a dark brown wrapper which looks powerful. If appearance if any indication of a strong smoke well watch out. The proof however is in the smoking. The cigar band is clean, direct and attractive.


Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:

Started with a nutty , chocolate infusion , very smooth . Tasted some oak , touch of spice but not over the top. Aroma of chocolate was very evident.  I would describe it as medium profile , sweet but not cloying.


Smoking Characteristics:

As we smoke the ash is dark grey with a even burn, gets a little bolder with a pepper hit.  It's a nice even kick with no strange developments happening. Even in the second third the combination of chocolate and nuts are still around.  We get a slight burn issue but this evens out as the smoke continues . The cigar stays cool.




Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

The Foyle holds it's own with most cigars I have had recently.  The issues are minor , the flavor is nice, not overwhelming with too much spice. Its definitely a medium blend.

Final Thoughts:

Appearance/Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 3.8 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics:  3.5 out of 5
Overall: 3.8 out of 5

I hope Foyle is around for a good long time.  I also purchased a Maduro Sampler from Cigarscity.com too. This is a good buy and suggest you catch a sampler.



Keep smoking