Let’s face it, due to FDA Regulations the influx of new cigars to check out has trickled down to a near halt. As a result, as new cigars come out we are going to review the different sizes to create content. We will also go back and review other sizes of some of our favorite cigars which should bring us to the end of the year. Today we review the 2nd of 3 sizes of The Wayfarer which comes to us from Serino Cigars and is blended by Tony Serino’s son, Carson alongside Luis Omar Gonzalez who is the son of Omar Gonzalez-Aleman; the owner of La Corona Factory in Esteli.
For those keeping score at home last week we reviewed the Corona Gorda Wayfarer, which we scored a 92.
Cigar: The Wayfarer by Serino Cigar
Wrapper: Ecuador Corojo ’99
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli, Jalapa)
Length: 6.25″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Toro (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 use to be synonymous with Cuban cigars but the size has become more popular in what Europeans refer to as New World cigars, or simply put cigar 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, and on a 109 I usually clip it at the first seam of the cap 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 with a touch of oak and earth. The sweet caramel notes linger into the finish with 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 of the cigar 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 loses a lot of the coarse pepper and it becomes cedar like instead.
The last third of The Wayfarer, sees the sweet notes return as an afterthought, with continues rye, earth and oak. The retrohale of the cigar sees the oak enhanced with a small amount of pepper present as well.
The Finish: I would assume that the 109 cap of the cigar plays into this, but the Toro has a dense feel it while smoking. I always refer to it as syrupy, as it reminds me of the slow pour of authentic maple syrup. Of the two sizes I smokes so far, this one has more strength to it, and while the sweetness is enhanced on this specific size, the Corona Gorda had a touch more complexity.
Score: 92
Price: $9.19 / $161.99
Wayfarer Toro
Wayfarer Toro Foot
Wayfarer Toro Burn
