This 4-cigar sampler from Tabacalera de Garcia packs serious value at $39.55 - you're getting four Dominican-made Toros (6"x50) from legendary brands: Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, H.Upmann and VegaFina. Think of it as a greatest hits album rolled into one humidor-friendly box. The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrappers glisten with visible oil, promising a clean burn when properly humidified.
Montecristo's entry leads with baking spices - cinnamon-dusted almonds and cedar cabinet notes dominate. The VegaFina surprised me with a creamy coffee base that cuts through the pepper better than their standalone lines.
H.Upmann's earthy core emerges - damp soil and molasses sweetness. Watch for subtle shifts: Romeo y Julieta's blend introduces roasted nuts around the halfway point. Smoke production remains medium, no chimney effect here.
Strength ramps up courtesy of H.Upmann's ligero. Leather and black pepper overtones appear, though never crossing into harshness. Stopped at 1.5" nub - decent nicotine kick for medium-bodied fans.
Three of four samples burned straight with minimal touch-ups. The VegaFina's wrapper peeled slightly at the foot - probably storage-related. Box-pressed format makes these Toros more comfortable to hold than traditional parejo shapes.
New smokers wanting to sample iconic brands without commitment. Veterans might find it too safe, though the H.Upmann blend intrigues. At under $10/stick, it's solid for golf course smokes or sharing with friends who appreciate consistency over adventure.
