Timeout Cigars are a new brand of cigars based out of Texas. The company was founded by Neil Ylanan. He reached out to Ryan Frank Rodiguez the owner of Ohana Cigars to craft the company’s inaugural blends – the Maduro and the Habano. The name Time Out and the bands are all a play on the theme. It kind of works however the person sees it, some hear the name and think they are taking a break, or making the call to take the time they need. Time Out is also where bad kids go so there’s also that.
Neil briefly explained his journey:
“It’s been a dream and passion project of mine to start a cigar company. I’ve been smoking for over 30 years! Things I’ve come away from cigar smoking it’s really about time, time for yourself or time with your friends and family but the time is important. When I think back on memorable smokes it’s almost always first about who I was with or what I was doing. The other thing I believe is the quality and the construction of the cigar is really what I enjoy! Great draw, good burn, tons of smoke all make for an enjoyable time.“
For this review the focus is on the Maduro blend which is described by the company as:
- Wrapper – Madura Sumatra
- Binder – Ecuadorian Habano
- Filler – Nicaraguan Condega/Jalapa
They are expressed in 3 vitolas, each packaged in xx-count boxes.
- Robusto (5 x 52) – MSRP $13.00
- Toro (6 x 52) MSRP $14.00
- Box Pressed Torpedo (6.5 x 52) – MSRP $15.00
For this review I sampled 2 of the Toros which I received from Ryan. for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Timeout Maduro has medium to dark brown wrapper with an excellent construction and seamless roll. The cigar is well packed and feels firm to the squeeze. There is a slight oily sheen on the wrapper. A simple cap finishes the construction.
A single band adorns the cigar using a silver, blue, and black motif. The company logo is prominently displayed in the center.
Neil Explains the band design:
“The band is an homage to high end watches. I was at a cigar bar with a friend, and I thought “it would look really cool if that cigar matched his watch. So, I patterned my bands to simulate those high-end watches. The watches all have nicknames like “batman” and “pepsi” so some refer to the cigars by those nicknames.”
Running the cigar across the nose, I picked up a baking spice note while the foot exuded a pungent citrus note with just a sprinkle of cocoa.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the cap perfectly and gave it some cold draw puffs. The palate was treated to delicious natural sweetness joined with a warming peppery spice on the lips. The draw itself was spot on with restriction.
I reached for my Xikar single flame torch and warmed the foot to an even orange glow as I drew in the first puffs of pepper and caramel notes.
Cigar Review Notes
- Pepper and caramel notes begin the journey
- A medium grey ash forms on top of a thin slightly jagged char line
- The ash dropped in a small chunk revealing a centered but slightly pointed burn cone
- The pre-light cocoa notes join the profile with an added citrus component moving into the second third
- Spice notes develop midway
- The profile stays fairly consistent (spice and cocoa) down to the final
- Medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The Timeout Cigars Maduro Toro journey commences with the emergence of delicate hints of pepper and caramel sweetness, setting the tone for what lies ahead. In the second third of the experience, the initial pre-light cocoa notes make a reentrance, accompanied by a delightful infusion of citrus, expanding and enriching the flavor profile. As the journey progresses, spice notes gracefully come into their own, making their presence felt midway through the experience. Throughout the remainder of the journey, the flavor profile maintains a degree of consistency, with the harmonious interplay of spices and cocoa enduring right through to the final stages, leaving the palate satisfied. Though not overly complex, this is one that I would suggest grabbing a fiver of. I rate this a 91.
Point Deduction: (-1) Medium Grey Ash; (-1) Pointy Burn Cone; (-1) Slightly Jagged Char Line
