You may have read my past coverage of Tabacalera Caballeros cigars and news. If not, let me at least introduce this relatively new brand that was founded by two cigar enthusiasts with a combined 50 plus years of cigar experience. One is a fourth generation cigar man who worked every area of the cigar production process. The other smoked his first cigar in 1996 and dove headfirst into the industry, opening several retail establishments. Once these two met, the mission was simple – Produce Great Cigars – and Tabacalera Caballeros was born.
Today, I would like to offer my review of the company’s newest introduction, the Tabacalera Caballeros “The Knight” Toro.
The Tabacalera Caballeros The Knight blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuador Connecticut
- Binder – Ecuador Sumatra
- Filler – Undisclosed
The Knight is expressed in a single (6 x 54) toro vitola and comes packaged in 20-count boxes with an MSRP of $9.00/cigar. They are handcrafted at the company’s Tabacalera Caballeros factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic
For this review, I sampled 3 of the Tabacalera Caballeros The Knight Toros, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Tabacalera Caballeros The Knight is draped in a smooth and golden tan wrapper that has a light oily sheen. The cigar is firmly packed and well rolled with no discernable soft spots. A simple cap completes the construction.
The cigar provided for review did not have the band artwork on them. In fact, because the company is based out of Canada, the cigars had the required Canadian olive-green band and white lettering on it instead. The company did send me photos of the artwork as it would appear in the US market. I am also intrigued by the dark filler leaf when looking at the foot.
Running the Tabacalera Caballeros The Knight along the nose, I quickly was greeted with fresh baking spice aromas along the barrel and slight floral and pepper notes off the foot.
I sued my double blade HASO cutter to slice the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give the Knight some cold draw puffs. I found the restriction to be spot on and the draw offered a mild grapefruit note along with a growing, stingy pepper on the lips.
Using my single flame lighter, I warmed the foot, bringing it to an even orange glow as I drew in the initial light notes of cracker and fruit with a peppery retro-hale. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Initial notes of toasted cracker and fruit grace the palate
- The first retro-hale opens the nasals with a hefty peppery note
- A white ash forms on top of a thin and mildly jagged char line
- Thick rich creamy smoke fills the mouth
- Pepper tones down as the pre-light grapefruit starts to evolve
- The ash fell in good chunk revealing a decent burn cone
- The profile is mouth-watering deep in the first third
- There is a slight papery aroma wafting off the foot
- Continued grapefruit notes moving into the second third
- A touch of natural sweetness adds to the pleasure
- Dark chocolate notes add to profile with the ever present grapefruit tantalizing the palate
- There is a touch of growing spice down in the final
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Mild to Medium in Strength
Final Analysis
The initial sensations delivered to the palate by the Tabacalera Caballeros The Knight are marked by the delicate interplay of toasted cracker and fruit notes. Upon retro-haling, a robust pepperiness awakens the senses. The mouth is enveloped in thick, opulent smoke, exuding richness and creaminess. As the peppery essence subsides, hints of the pre-light grapefruit emerge, gradually evolving. The grapefruit notes add a mouth-watering sensation on the palate. A slight papery aroma drifts from the foot of the cigar.
Moving into the second third, the grapefruit notes persist, accompanied by a subtle natural sweetness that enhances the enjoyment. Dark chocolate undertones emerge, intertwining with the persistent grapefruit, offering a tantalizing experience. Towards the finale, a gentle crescendo of spice emerges along with a bitter note completing the journey. This is worth a fiver. A rate this a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild Jag; (-1) Papery Aroma Early in the Journey; (-1) Bitter in the final third
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasurable and Consistent across multiple samples
