The Leaf by Oscar Valladares Corojo Toro delivers a medium-full Honduran punch in its distinctive tobacco leaf packaging. This 6x52 Toro comes 20 to a box at $189, offering decent value for a cigar that's equal parts rustic charm and flavor bomb. Let's peel back that literal tobacco wrapping to see what's inside...
Initial puffs kick with black pepper and cayenne heat - classic Corojo territory. The earthy core of damp forest floor emerges underneath, paired with faint raisin sweetness. Medium smoke output that's slightly dry on the palate.
Spice mellows into toasted almond territory as the Honduran filler shows its muscle. Coffee grounds and bitter chocolate dominate, with cedar notes poking through the dense smoke. Watch the burn line - needs minor correction here.
Nicaraguan ligero in the blend creates late-game espresso bitterness. Leather and cinnamon spice resurge as nicotine strength builds. The cigar wants to go full barnyard but stays reined in by that creamy Corojo finish.
Peeling off the outer tobacco leaf wrapper reveals a slightly toothy Corojo skin underneath. The roll feels semi-firm with no soft spots. Cut cleanly with minimal wrapper flaking. Burn required two touch-ups but stayed largely even - typical of Honduran leaf's oil content.
Most smokers dig its unapologetic Honduran character, though some find the earthy profile too "agricultural." The novelty packaging works as great bar conversation starter, but serious smokers care more about the 90-minute consistent performance. Not a first-date cigar, but perfect for when you want bold flavors without pretense.