Everyone who knows me knows how much I love Toraño cigars. I have to be honest here. This one didn't impress me. It was a fine cigar and I would choose it above many other figurados out there but it was not the best Toraño I've smoked.
As I looked at the stogie I saw beautiful construction, a gorgeous medium brown wrapper and a good tobacco aroma. The cap was flawless. I used a Xikar and the cut was very good. As I lit the foot with a tri-flame torch I was happy with the smell of the smoke. The wrapper started almost immediately to crack. A problem that continued throughout. The burn was good but tended to get lopsided toward the end at which point I had to use my lighter often to bring it back. I kept waiting for the flavor to kick in as with a Sig. or Virt. but it never came.
All in all it was an average cigar. I much prefer the Signature and Virtuoso lines.

A lot of people tend to expect that the most expensive, most "special" cigar in a given manufacturer's range is always going to knock your socks off. I think Opus X and VSG set this precedent but it's not always true, as you've found out.

In the case of the Noventa, it may be the most refined Torano but not the biggest blockbuster.

Part of the problem (in terms of dashed expectations) is that Torano makes a lot of very flavorful, well-made and well-presented cigars at great prices. You'd expect their highest-priced cigar to be twice as good as, say, a 1959 or Virtuoso, but that's simply the law of diminishing returns kicking in.

BTW -- The Noventas I've smoked burned and drew flawlessly and I had no issues with cracking.

I say, instead of feeling let down by their most expensive cigar, feel lucky that they offer so many "tastes more expensive than they really are" cigars.

And never -- ever -- go into a cigar with too-high expectations. You'll always be let down.

quote:

Originally posted by Extensioncord:
I say, instead of feeling let down by their most expensive cigar, feel lucky that they offer so many "tastes more expensive than they really are" cigars.

I completely agree Cord. Torano makes some great cigars at very affordable prices. In addition to the Signature and Virtuoso, I also really like the Exodus 1959 and the Cameroon 1916 lines. All have very distinct flavor profiles as well.

I'm a Torano fan too. I haven't tried the Noventa but I'm sure it's a good cigar and like all products that are made there is always one that is made not up to par.

Exodus 1959 has been my favorite.

I've had a couple of the Noventa robustos and I loved them. Perfect draw, burn and great flavor. I just ordered 10 robustos and 6 torps.

Another Toraño fan here also. The Exodus 1959 and 1916 Cameroon are favorites of mine. But I like all their smokes just fine. I even keep The Brick as a humidor filler. IMO its one of the best bundled cigars along with the FDOs.

Haven't tried the Noventa yet, but I did notice my B&M stocks them now so I might have to grab one next time I swing by.

It's nice to see that other people enjoy Torano's. They are well made cigars and are at a great price.they don't get as much hype as other brands, def. an underated brand.

I've been wanting to try the Noventa but I have not found anywhere either online or a B&M that carries them. I haven't looked that hard honestly but I would like to try one based on the fact that I like Torano cigars.