Carlos Torano Noventa

Country: Handmade in Esteli, Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Santiago (Robusto) 5 x 50

Price: Purchased a box of 25 from local shop for around $210. Individuals are $9.



Pre-Light:
I purchased a box of these anticipated cigars back in November 2006. These have been "sleeping" for about 6 months now and I am excited to do this review.Looking at this cigar, I seen some small veins present. A very firm cigar as well. After I clipped, flavors present on the pre-draw were a pleasant earthy flavor. Aroma presented to me a nice tobacco smell and the draw was as good as I expected it to be.



1/3:
The initial first couple of puffs produced a fair amount of smoke. Not too thick and not too thin. Flavors picked up were: Nutty, toasty and creamy. Draw was good and the finish was short. The strength on this cigar was a bit strong. Burn happend to be a bit uneven, but not too bad. Ash was a light gray colored ash. Construction so far so good.


2/3:
Getting into the 2/3 of this cigar, it was leaving a tingling sensation in the back of my throat. However, the cigar did tend to mellow out a bit, but it still produced a punch to it. The burn happened to even out as expected, which is always a plus in my book. The ash seemed to hold on forever on this cigar, that was until it fell on my lap. Otherwise, so far so good.


3/3:
Coming down the home stretch, I knew this was going to be a winner. That punch I described earlier had dissapated. I did pick up a small flavor of chocolate towards the end. What shocked me was this cigar did not once get too hot. The ash was still holding strong as was everything else. I did not want this to end.

Conclusion:
I happend to smoke one of these back in November and let me tell you that this cigar has changed drastically for the better. When I tried this in Nov. it was really harsh, had a really bad burn and was just not good at all. I rolled the dice and took a chance on a box hoping they would get better. Well, I am not dissapointed one bit. These cigars need rest. It is kind of tough to say that for a $9/stick cigar, but believe me, they get better with age. If you have the patience to age them, please do it. You will not be let down. If you can find these, pick a couple up and you will see what I mean. A definite must have in your humidor. If you can pony up the extra dough to buy a box, go for it. I am glad that I got my box, it is worth every penny plus more.

Rating: A

Padron 1964 Anniversary

Country: Handmade in Danli, Honduras and Esteli, Nicaragua

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Exclusivo (Robusto) 5 1/2 x 50

Price: Paid around $12 at local smoke shop.



Pre-Light:
Since today for me is a special day. It is me and my girlfriend 5 year anniversary together. So, I figure I would smoke something "special". I decided to smoke this 1964 Padron Anniversary. Just looking at the cigar, especially around the cap area, it looked a little wrinkled. No big deal though. Besides that, there were minimal veins, construction was very firm, and I did not see one other wrapper flaw. After I clipped with my Xikar cutter, the draw was just perfect. Picked up a nice tobacco flavor that was apparant. Aroma was weak however. So far so good.



1/3:
The first couple of inital puffs, I picked up a rich coffee and toasty flavor. Please remember I have no PhD in flavors. That is best as I can describe it, so please bear with me. The smoke was very creamy and thick. Draw was superb and the finish was short and pleasant. A nice light gray ash was present as well. As I neared the end of the 1/3rd I happened to pick up a chocolate flavor which blended well with the other flavors.



2/3:
As I was smoking the ash happend to fall all over me. Probably because I was going for the longest ash contest. I dusted my self off and continued to enjoy this fine primo smoke. A pleasant aroma filled the garage. The burn did happen to get un-even a tad bit, but self corrected a few puffs later. I still was recieving the same flavors as mentioned above, but the toastiness did kick up a notch. Still a very smooth smoke and draw was still right on.





3/3:
As I entered the last third, I was waiting for maybe a wrapper to start to blister and crack, or the burn to all of a sudden get un-even, but no. This stayed perfect all the way thru. The strength did happen to pick up a little bit, but did not have a negative effect on the cigar. The cigar did get a little warmer, but not hot. Ash was still holding on great. I was hoping at this point that this cigar would never end. I was in heaven.



Conclusion:
If you never have tried this cigar, please do yourself a favor and go pick one up. Sure, they are a bit pricey, but at $12 or so a stick it is well worth it plus more. I consider these "special occasion" cigars as they should be. This cigar was perfect all the way thru. I enjoyed this so much that I wish it would of never ended as I stated above. I am just glad that I have 2 more left in my humidor. You will not be disappointed in this cigar and I can guarantee you that.


Rating: A