This Dominican Toro from La Galera brings a storm of flavor in a 6⅜" x52 frame. At $264.45 for 20 sticks, it's positioned as a premium daily smoker with enough complexity to keep seasoned enthusiasts engaged. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper glistens with oily potential, hiding a blend of Dominican-grown Piloto Cubano and Criollo 98 tobaccos underneath.
The first inch serves up black chocolate notes with wet earth undertones, supported by white pepper that tingles the sinuses. Smoke production surprises with dense plumes despite the seemingly tight draw. As the burn line crosses the band, charred oak emerges through a developing leather core - classic Dominican earthiness dialed up to 11.
Mid-section shifts gear with burnt caramel sweetness balancing the tannic bite. Watch for momentary draw tightness around the midpoint, a common Broadleaf characteristic that usually opens up after gentle purges. Final third delivers baking spices - think nutmeg and cinnamon - with lingering raw sugar on the lips that prevents the finish from turning bitter.
Pre-light inspection shows minimal vein presence under the thick Broadleaf. The triple cap holds firm through multiple relights. Burn requires one minor correction per third on average - better than most maduros in this price bracket. Ash clings stubbornly in half-inch increments, showing textbook alternating light/dark layers.
