July 2024 was the date that AGANORSA began shipping the AGANORSA Leaf Arsenio to retailers. The cigar is named after Arsenio Ramos a longtime blender for Casa Fernandez, which is now known as AGANORSA Leaf. Arsenio spent 40 years at Cubatabaco prior to his tenure at AGANORSA. If you ask the Vice President of sales and marketing for AGANORSA, Terrence Reilly, he will tell you that Arsenio was instrumental in creating the AGANORSA cigars signature flavor and aroma. This blend was the personal favorite of Arsenio himself, created from his favorite Aganorsa seeds grown on his favorite Aganorsa Farms and is the accumulation of Arsenio Ramos’ lifetime of experience in growing tobacco in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba and Nicaragua.
The full Nicaraguan Puro blend is described as:
- Capa (Wrapper) – Aganorsa Corojo, Nicaragua
- Banda y Capote (Binder)– Aganorsa, Nicaragua
- Tripa (Filler) – Aganorsa, Nicaragua
The Aganorsa Leaf – Arsenio is expressed in 3 different vitolas, each packaged in 15-count boxes:
- Robusto (5 x 54) – MSRP $15.95
- Toro (6 x 52) – MSRP $16.95
- Corona – Arsenio’s Favorite (6 x 44) – MSRP $14.95
For this review, I purchased two Arsenio Toros at my local brick and mortar – Execuative Cigar Shop & Lounge in Melbourne, Florida.
Pre-Light Examination
The Aganorsa Leaf – Arsenio is wrapped with a dark tan leaf that has some reddish hues. The wrapper is a bit veiny and bumpy. A decent amount of marbling runs through the leaf. The packing is solid with just a little give when pressed gently. A triple cap completes the construction.
There are two bands that adorn the cigar. The primary band uses a blue and gold motif and includes a golden silhouette of Arsenio Ramos in the center along with the name ARSENIO and AGANORSA Leaf wrapped around it. A second, large blue artistic sleeve covers 2/3 of the cigar.
Running the cigar along the nose I did not pick up much aroma along the barrel, but the foot presented pleasing fruity notes.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that I found to deliver enticing rich cinnamon notes and fruit.
Using my Xikar fan flame torch, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of cinnamon spice that awoken the nasals on the retrohale. Follow along as I burn the Arsenio to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- First puffs offer cinnamon spice hit to the nasals
- Touch of cream and fruit sooths the blend
- A light grey ash forms on top of a thick jagged burn line
- There is a honey nuance that adds to the early pleasure
- Nuttiness finds its way into the profile near the end of the first third
- Ash fell in a nice chunk revealing a flat and slightly inward burn cone
- Almond and coffee nuances moving into second third
- Cream notes continue to wrap the blend
- Spice increases deep in second third
- Woody and caramel notes bring it to the final
- Medium in strength
- Total Smoking time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The first puffs of the AGANORSA Leaf Arsenio Toro deliver a bold hit of cinnamon spice, tingling the senses with a warm intensity. A subtle touch of cream and delicate fruit notes smooths out the profile, adding balance to the blend. A gentle hint of honey lingers in the background, enhancing the early enjoyment. As the first third progresses, a wave of nuttiness emerges, weaving into the flavor profile with a rich depth. Moving into the second third, nuanced notes of almond and coffee begin to take center stage, their roasted warmth complementing the creamy undertones that continue to envelop the blend. Deep into the second third, the spice intensifies, adding a bold kick to the evolving experience. Finally, as the cigar reaches its conclusion, a refined combination of woody and caramel notes emerges, providing a smooth and satisfying finish. Grab a fiver of these. I rate this a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy/Jagged Burn; (-1) Touch up Required; (-2) Slight Inward Burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Nuanced and Pleasurable profile
