As I continue to get over a severe bout of bronchitis that still has me coughing from time to time, I’ve been trying to keep my cigars mild. Those who listen to The Cigar Authority podcast know that David Garofalo has an affinity for Connecticut shade cigars. To celebrate his 50th birthday; Nick Perdomo presented David Garofalo with his own line of cigars that he continues to produce for him that features none other than a Connecticut Shade wrapper.
Cigar Review: Garofalo
Size: 5 x 50 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli & Jalapa)
Strength: Mild
The Look: A slightly tan looking Ecuador Connecticut wrapper is oily to the eyes and is extremely well rolled. The slightly busy band suit David Garofalo perfectly for whom this cigar is made. Studying the wrapper there are a few thin veins and the foot of cigar is well packed with some darker tobaccos toward the center. In the hand it is firm and has a hefty weight for its size.
The Notes: Prior to cutting the cap we take the aroma in from the foot of the cigar where we are treated to the scent of honey and molasses. The cold draw serves up an abundance of molasses notes with a slight spice that lingers after the draw.
Using a Vertigo Twister lighter to toast the foot, and properly light the cigar the initial notes remain sweet with some maple, caramel and nuttiness. As we progress deeper into the first third the sweetness slides into the background as nutty notes become dominant on the finish. Through the nose the cigar develops some characteristics of butterscotch further enhancing the complexities of the Garofalo.
In the second third of the Garofalo Robusto the sweetness becomes a memory as the cigar become definitively nutty that border on almonds. On the finish there is some cedar notes and a little bit of pepper begins to emerge on the retrohale.
The last third continues to be nutty, but a butter finish begins to develop on the robusto vitola of the Garofalo cigar. Through the nose more pepper joins the mix but the cigar remains definitively mild with a slightly cedar finish.
The Burn: For me the one thing that stands out the most about the burn is how incredibly thin the combustion line is. The cigar burns straight and true all the way through with an almost white color ash that is firm and holds on for a third at a time. The cigar remained lit throughout the experience.
The Finish: Yes, I work for David Garofalo but he will be the first person to tell you I am opinionated to a fault and I don’t mince words when it comes to my thoughts of a cigar. With that said, the Garofalo Robusto is my favorite size of the line which is one of the most flavorful Connecticut cigars I have smoked to date.
Score: 91
Price: $6.49 /$109.99
Random Notes
- A lot of people look at Garofalo as a house brand, but it isn’t. The cigar is sold via United Cigar Group.
- While many of my co-workers have labeled me a leather tongue (enjoys strong cigar); it is nice to smoke something milder with an abundance of flavor.
- The Garofalo is mean to be smoked slow. The slower the smoking process, the sweeter the cigar. Smoking it hot, make it more nutty and bitter.
- I tend to lose interest in mild cigars just before we get to the cigar band if not sooner. This is a cigar I almost always smoke down to the nub.
- I paired the cigar with Cuban Coffee.
- Smoking time was 1 hour 50 minutes.
Garofalo Robusto
Garofalo Robusto Foot
Garofalo Robusto Burn
