GTO Dominican Cigars debuted at the 2024 PCA a new line extension to their acclaimed 33 Oaks Atlanta Reserva line. The company debuted 3 blends, each expressed in a special (6.5 x 54) Toro Esplendido and packaged in 24-count boxes. The blends are Maduro, Corojo, and US Connecticut. Like all GTO Dominican Cigars, this one is hand crafted in the family owned and operated Tabacalera GTO Dominicana in the Dominican Republic.
For this review, I will be discussing the Maduro that has a unique blend described as:
- Wrapper – Dominican San Andrés
- Binder – Corojo
- Filler – San Vicente, Criollo and Piloto Propietario
What is interesting about the leaf used in the blend is that it is all grown at 2000ft above sea level and aged 10 years in aging room, then 2 years in Oak Bourbon Barrels. This is the only Dominican Puro that the tobaccos were grown at this elevation giving it the most different smoke experience than regular valley grown tobacco in el Valle del Cibao.
The company has set the MSRP at $11.99/cigar.
For this review, I sampled 2 of the GTO Dominican Cigars 33 Oaks Atlanta Reserva Maduro Toro Esplendidos which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The GTO Dominican Cigars 33 Oaks Atlanta Reserva Maduro Toro Esplendido is a very attractive cigar with its toothy oily dark brown wrapper. The c rustic looking dark brown wrapper. The cigar has firm packing with just the right give. A simple cap completes the construction.
Three bands adorn the cigar. The primary band is the standard 33 Oaks band presenting an orange oak leaf in the center with the number “33” on it and “GTO” om top and “OAKS” on the bottom. Below the leaf the declaration “2 Yr Oak Barrel Aged 10 Yr aged” is printed. A secondary black and gold band is placed just below and decalres it as the Atlanta Reserva. Finally, a golden yellow, satin footer band is applied.
Running the barrel along the nose, my senses were awoken with enticing baking spice aroma and further intrigued with notes of butter cracker off the foot.
Using my double blade Xikar cutter, I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and gave it some cold draw puffs that were spot on with restriction and offered notes of butter cracker, malt and a growing cinnamon – quite an introduction!
My dual flame lighter did the trick to fire this one up. I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of rich cinnamon notes to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Rich cinnamon notes kickoff the journey
- Buttery undertones add to the initial pleasure
- Fruit notes enter to further entice the palate
- Slight off centered burn cone
- Dark chocolate nuances develop near the end of the first third
- There is a sweet fruit aroma midway
- Touch of malt joins the mix adding an interesting dimension to the profile
- Dry fruit notes swirl in, deep in the second third along with a tasty, toasted cracker note
- Transitioning to into the final third there is an increased spice note
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 35 minutes
Final Analysis
The GTO Dominican Cigars – 33 Oaks Atlanta Reserva Toro Esplendido journey begins with rich, aromatic cinnamon notes that immediately captivate the senses. As the experience unfolds, buttery undertones enhance the initial pleasure, creating a velvety smoothness. Soon, hints of ripe fruit make their entrance, enticing the palate with their sweetness. Dark chocolate nuances gradually emerge towards the end of the first third, deepening the flavor profile. Midway through, a sweet fruit aroma envelops the senses, accompanied by a touch of malt that introduces an interesting new dimension. As the second third progresses, dry fruit notes swirl in, mingling with the rich, toasted cracker flavor that adds to the already delightful experience. In the final third, the complexity intensifies with a noticeable increase in spice, rounding off the experience with a satisfying crescendo. This is most definitely worthy of a box buy. I rate this a 94.
Point Deductions: (-1) Off-Centered Burn cone; (-1) Slight Jag in burn but no touch-ups required
Bonus Points: (+1) Box Buy; (+1) Pleasurable and Balanced experience across multiple samples;
