Southern Draw Firethorn Toro

Southern Draw Firethorn Toro 1April 24th, 2017

Vitola: Toro (6 inches long by 52 ring gauge)
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano Rosado
Binder: Mexican San Andrés
Filler: Nicaraguan

I am conducting my first review of a cigar. It will be based on the Southern Draw Firethorn. This cigar was developed at the Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez, and blended by Robert Holt. The price point on this cigar is around $10. In my opinion, however, it should be around $8.

When I first took the cigar out of the cellophane, I noticed the subtle scent of a good Habano cigar. The Toro displayed a mocha chocolate-like color with nice light veins. It had a covered foot, and the construction was fantastic.

When I placed the cigar under my nose, the smell was somewhat sweet, mixed with coffee and baking chocolate or cocoa. I then used a V-cut and took a cold draw. The taste was not overwhelming at all. In fact, it was very light – not exactly what I would have expected from the Habano Rosado wrapper. I proceeded to light the cigar, and it started off very nicely.

Southern Draw Firethorn Toro 2

The first third

The body and strength of the cigar were both a straight medium. I perceived a little bit of spice and rich boldness at first. The draw was fantastic throughout the early stages. I enjoyed the light flavor of black pepper along with the cocoa and creamy flavor of the smoke. The Firethorn showed a hint of sweetness, which blended nicely with the other flavors.

Southern Draw Firethorn Toro 3

The second third

As I continued onto the second third, the boldness and spice tended to fade, but the cocoa flavor stayed consistent. I now started to get a nice earthy tone, and the draw was amazing. A nice plume of smoke filled my mouth, and was not overpowering. The burn itself was razor sharp. The cigar did not canoe or tunnel, and never needed fixing. As I approached the final third, I could sense the A.J. Fernandez feel to it – much like a New World or San Lotano Habano.

Southern Draw Firethorn Toro 4

The final third

During the last part of the cigar, the draw was just as great as in the first and second thirds, and the ash was still a nice rich grey color. The notes changed just a little, and became earthier, while the cocoa and hints of sweetness started to fade. I was able to get down to two inches left before the Toro became hot and started to display more of an ashy taste.

Overall, this was a fantastic cigar. My only issue with it remains the price-point. But if I am able to get it for less, I will definitely put some more in my humidor.

Rating scores

Pre-light – 8.5
Light – 9 (the covered foot is awesome)
Draw – 9.5/10 (a fantastic draw the whole way through)
Construction – 8.5 (I thought it was well done)
Flavor – 8.5 (it was pretty earthy throughout, but with a hint of spice at beginning)
Strength and body – 9 (a consistent medium body and strength / not included in the average)
Average – 8.8 (an overall good to great cigar)

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Michael D'Agostino (Stogiemike) resides in the Jacksonville, FL area.