La Gianna Havana Natural Toro is a cigar built on sentiment and legacy—originally created by David Garofalo in 1994 to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Gianna. This cigar carries with it not only decades of tradition but also a commitment to approachable, flavorful craftsmanship. Rolled in Honduras, it features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over Honduran binder and fillers.
The cigar presents beautifully with a butterscotch, sandy brown hue. Its wrapper is smooth with a gentle oily sheen and visible veins that give it character. The construction is solid and firm throughout.
From the start, the La Gianna Havana opens with a surprisingly dessert-like profile. Notes of blueberry pancakes and cashew butter set the stage with sweetness and doughiness, supported by lighter touches of unsalted peanuts, cedar, and a touch of pepper. There’s a zesty brightness from citrus rind and a delicate note reminiscent of white wine that keeps things fresh.
As the cigar transitions, the sweetness holds steady with added layers of ginger snaps and graham cracker. A creamy texture begins to develop, while the pepper note lingers gently in the background. Hickory enters the mix, offering depth, and the faint fruitiness of Cherry Coke and citrus adds a playful twist without overwhelming the palate.
In the final stretch, the cigar shifts into richer, more savory territory. A buttery, umami character dominates, complemented by warming spices like clove and nutmeg. Honey and caramel weave in, offering a soft sweetness as the pepper fades. A subtle mustiness—almost like a cool, earthy basement—rounds out the flavor journey.
The draw remains consistently easy with excellent combustion. The cigar burns clean and evenly, with a razor-thin burn line from start to finish. No touch-ups required. La Gianna Havana Natural Toro is a cigar that impresses without needing to be bold. It delivers a flavorful, aromatic experience with plenty of nuance and no harsh edges. Mild in strength but complex in flavor, it’s ideal for new smokers or those who enjoy a mellow cigar that doesn’t sacrifice character.
Overall Score: 91.37 out 100
Overall Strength Score: 4.00 out of 10
This blind review (Cigar #22-D) was conducted by the Cigar Review Team comprising of: Sam Frishman, Tyler Ceola, JB Smith, Rob Brown, James Elliott, Bret Curry, Mike Conklin, George Hillman, & Hassib Abou-Zaki
