5. Highclere Castle Victorian Toro
Foundation Cigar Co.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
- Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano)
- Binder: Brazil (Mata Fina)
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Length: 6 Inches
- Ring Gauge: 52
- Vitola: Toro
- MSRP: $15 (Box of 20, $300)
- Release Date: August 2019
- Number of Cigars Released: Regular Production
- Original Score: 92
It’s not unusual for a company to follow up a line that uses a natural wrapper with one that uses a maduro wrapper; some might say it’s even expected. While the results vary, in the case of the Highclere Castle line, it was a big win.
Dubbed the Highclere Castle Victorian, the blend was changed to utilize a higher priming Ecuadorian habano maduro leaf to not only provide a darker color but also a stronger flavor. While added strength can sometimes lead to a reduction of balance, that wasn’t the case here.
Yes, this is a more robust profile, and certainly more of an intense habano profile than that of a run-of-the-mill maduro with its companion sweetness. That means pepper and wood, with sweetness reserved for the final third, which is where things really come together for the flavor profile, progressing into full intensity with a hearty amount of pepper to be found whether you retrohale or keep the smoke solely on the taste buds. This is a cigar that delivers big flavor and plenty of enjoyment. — Patrick Lagreid.
