Some people would call me a cigar snob and some people would call me names I rather not type here. Hell, I’m sure our own Mr. Jonathan is mumbling a few of them under his breath. Anyway, the point is every now and there is a cigar that comes out that I believe is here for the long haul. But for whatever reason it takes a while to catch on or it doesn’t get the love it deserves fast enough to satisfy me. Such is the case with Wayfarer from industry newcomer Carson Serino and it serves as today’s review.
Cigar: The Wayfarer by Serino Cigar
Wrapper: Ecuador Corojo ’99
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli, Jalapa)
Length: 6.25″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: 109
The Look: The Wayfarer comes packaged in 20 count cedar boxes with the cigars laid out in 2 rows of 10. Like each size of the line, the toro features a different cap and in this case it is the famed 109. The size was once synonymous with Cuban cigars but the size has become more popular in what Europeans refer to as New World cigars, or simply put cigars that are not of Cuban origin. At a quick glance it is easy to confuse the size for a bellicoso with its tapered cap. The Corojo ’99 wrapper has a slight brindle effect and there is hardly a vein or seam visible on the cigar. The cigar is exquisitely rolled with no voids of tobacco present and a well packed foot.
The Notes: Once the cap is cut the cold draw reveals notes of earth and grass, and a touch of oak. The aroma off the wrapper and foot is slight sweet along the lines of cocoa with the addition of hay and earth. Once the cigar is toasted and lit the first note reminds of a perfectly toasted slice of home-made bread.
As we move into the first third of the Wayfarer, a fruity note begins to develop that reminds me of fruit stripe bubble gum. As the sweetness fades about an inch in a caramel like sweetness is present with a touch of oak and earth. The sweet caramel notes linger into the finish with a coarse pepper retrohale.
In the second third the caramel sweetness remains the primary focal point of the cigar for me, around the half way point a touch of rye develops with hints oak and earth. The rye provides an interesting note as I plan to pair this cigar with Bulleit the next time I light one up. I believe the two would be an excellent pairing. The retrohale becomes cedar.
The last third of The Wayfarer, sees the sweet notes return as an afterthought, with continued rye, earth and oak. The retrohale sees the oak enhanced with a small amount of pepper present as well.
The Finish: I bought a box when these first came out, and they are smoking even better now. The notes are more crisp, and the construction is spot on. It’s a cigar that should be getting a lot more love then it does. You owe it to yourself to try one of these and see what you are missing out on.
Score: 93
Price: $9.19 / $161.99
Wayfarer Toro Foot
Wayfarer Toro Burn
