Casa Magna Gran Toro 6X56
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Received as a gift and aged approximately 2 years Price is about $5
Smoked June 2010
(Skip the next paragraph if you want to get straight to the review)
This cigar comes to us from two legends in the cigar industry Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plascencia. I had never even heard of it until I received it as a gift, and I didnt even know who made it until after I smoked it!
I know, I must be living under a rock since I shouldve known about it as it won Cigar Aficionados 2008 cigar of the year. I am always a bit leery of cigars that win that honor because I cant say I always believe CA, since IMO many of their smokes receive good ratings for advertising.
Anyway, it is an all Nicaraguan puro, which makes it already a cut above in my book. I found out this year that MANY Cuban factories have been using Nicaraguan tobaccos for years.
Enough about the cigar and on to the review.
Pre-light
This cigar looks and feels the part of a 90+ rated cigar, with a nice reddish brown Colorado wrapper, having small yet beautiful veins. It is nicely packed with only one soft spot that I could notice. It had a nice pre light draw that wasnt too tight and had some nice earthy tobacco flavors.
First Third
This cigar threw me for a loop from the start, since it was so smooth and had such a nice chocolate and nutty flavor. I am very used to tons of pepper on the finish from most Nicaraguans at the start. This cigar had a very long rich and creamy finish with just a hint of pepper.
Second Third
As I started to move into the second third, the intensity definitely increased and did remind me of some of the Pepin cigars(Blue label) that I have smoked.
It was very bright on the palate and definitely caught my attention! I noted some nice sweet wood, cherry, graham cracker and strong almond flavors on the finish which was dry and short.
All I could think was WOW through the whole second third and wondered what was in store for me in the next third!
A small correction for the burn was needed, but nothing major.
Last Third
In this third, the chocolate notes returned, along with earth, sweet cinnamon and a nice tobacco flavor. It returned to the nice smooth character of the first third, along with a rich and creamy finish with just a hint of pepper.
Closing
This cigar was the best cigar I have ever smoked, and I nubbed it with no harshness whatsoever. I would rate it a 98 out of 100 and HIGHLY recommend you get one and try it if you like medium to full bodied cigars. However, I would recommend you age it at least 1-2 years to fully enjoy it.
Other cigars that are similar but NOT as great: Partagas Black Label(another sleeper cigar that will impress you), Oliva Master Blends III (aged 1-2 years), and the Cohiba Maduro(Habana) which is a close second to this one.
Please email me with any questions.
________________________________________
Received as a gift and aged approximately 2 years Price is about $5
Smoked June 2010
(Skip the next paragraph if you want to get straight to the review)
This cigar comes to us from two legends in the cigar industry Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plascencia. I had never even heard of it until I received it as a gift, and I didnt even know who made it until after I smoked it!
I know, I must be living under a rock since I shouldve known about it as it won Cigar Aficionados 2008 cigar of the year. I am always a bit leery of cigars that win that honor because I cant say I always believe CA, since IMO many of their smokes receive good ratings for advertising.
Anyway, it is an all Nicaraguan puro, which makes it already a cut above in my book. I found out this year that MANY Cuban factories have been using Nicaraguan tobaccos for years.
Enough about the cigar and on to the review.
Pre-light
This cigar looks and feels the part of a 90+ rated cigar, with a nice reddish brown Colorado wrapper, having small yet beautiful veins. It is nicely packed with only one soft spot that I could notice. It had a nice pre light draw that wasnt too tight and had some nice earthy tobacco flavors.
First Third
This cigar threw me for a loop from the start, since it was so smooth and had such a nice chocolate and nutty flavor. I am very used to tons of pepper on the finish from most Nicaraguans at the start. This cigar had a very long rich and creamy finish with just a hint of pepper.
Second Third
As I started to move into the second third, the intensity definitely increased and did remind me of some of the Pepin cigars(Blue label) that I have smoked.
It was very bright on the palate and definitely caught my attention! I noted some nice sweet wood, cherry, graham cracker and strong almond flavors on the finish which was dry and short.
All I could think was WOW through the whole second third and wondered what was in store for me in the next third!
A small correction for the burn was needed, but nothing major.
Last Third
In this third, the chocolate notes returned, along with earth, sweet cinnamon and a nice tobacco flavor. It returned to the nice smooth character of the first third, along with a rich and creamy finish with just a hint of pepper.
Closing
This cigar was the best cigar I have ever smoked, and I nubbed it with no harshness whatsoever. I would rate it a 98 out of 100 and HIGHLY recommend you get one and try it if you like medium to full bodied cigars. However, I would recommend you age it at least 1-2 years to fully enjoy it.
Other cigars that are similar but NOT as great: Partagas Black Label(another sleeper cigar that will impress you), Oliva Master Blends III (aged 1-2 years), and the Cohiba Maduro(Habana) which is a close second to this one.
Please email me with any questions.
