Today we will be reviewing another new release from the 2010 IPCPR trade show. Many of you are very familiar with the Carlos Toraño name as well as their Exodus 1959 50 years line. There are currently 3 vitolas in the line….

• Robusto (Box-Pressed) — 5 x 50
• Short Churchill — 6 x 48
• Torpedo — 5 1/2 x 52

This year the Toraños have decided to add a fourth vitola to the line, a 5 x 50 box-pressed Robusto. This cigar is the exact same size as the Robusto already available, but with a box press shape to it. I have heard good things about this cigar and am excited to try it.

Here we go….

• Cigar Reviewed: Toraño Exodus 1959 50 Years Box-Pressed Robusto
• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Factory: STG Estelí
• Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Sun Grown
• Binder: Hondura
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Size: 5 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Vitola: Robusto
• MSRP: $6.80 (Box of 25, $170)
• Release Date: August 2010
• Number of Cigars Smoked for Review: 1

The cigar is covered in a very dark Maduro wrapper. It’s got a very smooth wrapper with a bit of an oily sheen and small amount of tooth in different areas. One thing you notice right away is the almost seamless construction of the wrapper. It looks like one uniform leaf. It’s very much box-pressed with a spongy feel to it. It’s not really under packed but it does feel quite soft. I get a nice chocolate and spice note on the pre-light and some chocolate, coffee and a touch of leather on the draw.

As I begin the First Third I am hit with a solid chocolate flavor as well as some coffee and a bit of leather. There is a nice pepper note on the tongue and a spice kick through the nose, a nice start.

Coming into the Second Third the coffee note has become the leading flavor. The chocolate has settled a bit into more of a cocoa flavor. The profile has turned a bit woody at this point and I am also getting a leathery licorice note on the finish that is quite pleasant. The finish is average and has a dry feel to it but it doesn’t leave me parched or anything.

Finishing up in the Final Third the flavors have not changed much from the last third. I am still getting a solid chocolate, coffee, leather profile with a bit of wood and pepper. The licorice note has left. The cigar is full-bodied with a thick smoke feel but is only medium in strength. There isn’t much of a nicotine kick at all.

Final Notes:

• I found this to be an enjoyable cigar with a solid profile. It changed up just enough each third to keep it interesting.
• The construction and performance were perfect. It had a perfect draw and a great burn.
• Final smoking time was 1 hour 15 minutes.

Bottom Line: This was my first Toraño exodus 1959 50 Years, and I thought it was a pretty good cigar. I would certainly buy another that’s for sure, and it is a very reasonably priced cigar for flavors and great construction that you get. I have tried many cigars that have been much more expensive than this cigar that had quite a bit less to offer.

Final Score: 86