Let's talk about this new kid on the block - the H. Upmann Hermans Batch Toro that's been making waves in cigar circles. Packing a 6"x52 parejo format, this medium-full stogie comes in boxes of 20 priced around $200. What really grabs attention? Its crazy 4-year fermented Ecuadorian Habano wrapper hugging Dominican binder and Nicaraguan/Dominican filler. Looks like Herman Upmann's legacy's getting a modern twist!
The cold draw hits with dry grass and walnut oil notes. Initial puffs bring heavy cedar sharpness that makes your tongue tingle - like chewing on fresh pencil shavings. The retrohale stings nostrils with white pepper, but settles into roasted almonds after 15 minutes.
Here's where that fancy fermentation shows up. The smoke turns creamy with caramelized banana sweetness, though the thick nicotine kicks harder than expected. Watch out for canoeing - mine needed two touch-ups. Ash holds solid inch-long chunks despite the tight draw.
Leather and espresso emerge through the nicotine wall. The wrapper starts glowing hotter than my ex's temper. Last 2 inches get earthy with unsweetened cocoa powder bitterness. Good rule: nub it before the band unless you're into charcoal flavors.
This Toro's like that friend who starts philosophical then gets too drunk - brilliant flavors derailed by occasional burn issues and aggressive nicotine. Best paired with sugary drinks to balance the strength. Not a daily driver, but worth keeping 2-3 in your humidor for those "I need complexity" nights.
