What does David Garofalo and I, Barry Stein have in common? We have both had our own cigar on the market. That is where the comparison ends as my cigar is no longer on the market and his cigar outsold mine by a HUGE margin. Garofalo cigars are made by Nick Perdomo and ongoing 50th Birthday present for David G. Originally released as a Connecticut Shade, the cigar eventually made its way to the market in a Sungrown version that we reviewed a few weeks ago and as a Maduro which we are reviewing here today.
Cigar Review: Garofalo Maduro
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Robusto
The Look: Like the other wrappers in the Garofalo line, the Garofalo comes in a cabinet style boxes with a big gothic looking G on the lid. That same G in front and center on the band which denotes the name Garofalo. It’s a classic looking band utilizing colors of white, black and gold. The Maduro wrapper is meticulously applied and is even in color. Finding a seem or a vein on this cigar is almost impossible. It’s firm to the touch with a well packed foot and no soft spots.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar has notes of wild cherry that creates and abundance of sweetness. Lurking int he background is some hints of graham, leather and subtle spices. The real star of the show here is the aroma off the foot of the cigar where the wild cherry notes really shine. Prior to breaking out my Veritigo lights I am hopeful some of the sweetness will translate to the cigar.
After we toast and torch the bottom of the Garofalo Maduro there is a subtle spice that coats the palate. Moving into the first third of the cigar some elements of graham crackers take hold as the primary note of the cigar with a touch of leather and red pepper notes. The wild cherry note experienced on the cold draw of the cigar is dominant on the finish of this cigar which is long and flavorful.
The second third holds on the graham cracker note with hints of dark chocolate. As the cigar progresses so does the notes of leather which dominate around the half-way point. On the finish of the cigar, some of the sweetness of cherry remains but it begins to fade as mocha and leather take hold. The retrohale has hints of pepper and dark chocolate.
The last third of the Garofalo Maduro sees notes of dark chocolate and mocha take over as the dominant note. The leather remains in the background and the finish as the cigar ramps up in strength and becomes medium-full in its last pulls. The retrohale still has some red pepper and leather makes it way on to the aroma of this Perdomo made cigar
The Finish: The Garofalo is a cigar that is worthy of humidor space in either all three wrappers or the wrapper of your choosing. Let’s face it Perdomo doesn’t make a bad cigar and this is one smoke that is worthy of their name, as well as the name Garofalo. It’s winner from first light to last puff and something I enjoy smoking on a regular basis.
Score: 91
Price: $6.99 / $118.99
Garofalo Maduro
Garofalo Maduro Foot
Garofalo Maduro Burn
