Cuban Stock Royal Selection Toro

Origin : Dominican Republic
Format : Toro
Size : 6 x 50
Wrapper : Ecuador
Filler : Dominican Republic
Binder : Dominican Republic
Hand-Made
Price : ~$5-7 each
More info about purchasing Cuban Stock cigars...

Many thanks to Cuban Stock Cigars for providing this sample for review!

These cigars are made at the company's own factory in Santiago, Dominican Repulic. Rumor has it that the tobacco used in Cuban Stock cigars is grown in soil that was imported from the Pinar del Rio province of Cuba. I don't know about the validity of this rumor, but it is out there... According to the Cuban Stock website, the Domican tobacco in the Royal Selection line is aged in wine barrels for 6 years.

Appearance :
This stick looked like a cross between an Ashton VSG (label) and a Padron 1926 (shape). It had a dark oily wrapper and a rectangular box press. I would say the wrapper was just shy of a maduro shade. It had a musty/earthy smell at cold that was rather offputing.

Construction :
Cigars just don't come made any better than this. The draw was and burn were perfect. This stick smoked slowly and evenly, and stayed lit very well.

Flavor :
The Royal Selection was very peppery and earthy during the 1st inch. Then this toro smoothed out with the pepper dissipating, leaving an earthy smoke that had hints of leather and a slight anise flavor on the finish. The smoothness of the smoke was impressive, which I assume is attributable to the tobacco's aging in wine barrels. This cigar stayed consitent past the midpoint, then developed some nice complexity with some dried fruit flavors creeping in during the last 1/3. I would say it was medium-full in body.

Value :
It looks like these cigars can be found in a price range ranging from $5-$7, which in my opinion is very reasonable. They don't seem to be too widely available yet, but I was able to find a couple of online vendors for them.

Overall Rating :
Does this cigar taste Cuban? Could I tell the tobacco was grown in Cuban soil? No and no... but that's ok, because this is a very good cigar in its own right. It was well made and you could tell the tobacco was of a high quality. I was especially impressed with its complexity and smoothness. Definitely pick one up, if your tobacconist carries them.