Nicaragua is home to some of the most well known cigar brands produced in the world; recognized for rich tasting tobacco grown in volcanic soil. However, Duran Cigars might not be a name you recognize at the moment, so I suppose this is where I start telling you about it.
What am I smoking?
Cigar Review: Roberto Duran Signature
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Nicatabaco S.A.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habana Criollo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan and other undisclosed fillers
Size: 5 Inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Robusto / Rio Toa
Packaging & Design
Duran Cigars come in small cedar boxes of 20. The brands color scheme is interesting but not eye-catching, sporting a dark navy blue and gray theme on the box and bands. The name of the cigar is cleanly embossed in silver, which I feel is a high-end touch to a simple design.
First Impressions
The Rio Toa is a robusto which is the smallest of multiple vitolas. This particular one is light in color, just a few shades darker than Connecticut, and has minimal veins. It is a very well-packed cigar, showing no signs of soft spots, and sits heavy in the hand. The caps are well placed one over the other on a rounded head. I’m using my new Colibri S Cut cutter before I ultimately misplace it forever at some point soon, as usual.
The pre-light draw of the cigar offers up a sweet draw with a touch of pepper right off the bat, which surprised me due to the mild appearance of the wrapper. It also has a slightly firm draw, but allows for a decent amount of air flow.
The Smoke
After a few puffs, this Roberto Duran Signature Rio Toa is off to a great start. All signs are pointing to a medium-plus bodied smoke with the flavor to back it up. Rich tobacco, coffee and nuts are up front, leaving a complex and slick mouthfeel behind. Getting into the cigar a couple more inches brings out some brown sugar, walnuts and salt. The sweetness and strength build up slightly towards the middle accompanied by more pepper and dry earth. The final inches wrap it all up with notes of toast and beach wood while still maintaining a raisin like sweetness and progressive finish.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed the Roberto Duran Signature Rio Toa, finding it to be another flavor bomb to add to my regular rotation. The flavor was always changing throughout the cigar, and that’s something I always look for. I can get bored easily, and this smoke kept me entertained until I let it go out.
Construction was exceedingly good, only requiring a touch up on one side to even things out a bit. Like Uncle Tonoose says, the ash was “strong like bull”, falling in solid one-inch chunks onto the floor because I talk too much with my hands. This could be a cigar that many people could enjoy. Duran should be on your list of cigars to try.
Rating: 92
Price: $10.29 / $184.99
Roberto Duran Signature Box
Roberto Duran Signature Cigar
Roberto Duran Signature Burn
Roberto Duran Signature Nub
