Review Oscar Valladares 2012 Sumatra Toro Boxpressed - 91 points

Review Oscar Valladares 2012 Sumatra. Cocoa, umami, a Sumatra wrapper from Ecuador and a wonderful balance - the Oscar Valladares 2012 Sumatra Toro Boxpressed was an experience for me. Read my review with all my impressions and why I ended up with 91 points.
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Table of contents

As soon as I lit it, it was clear that it was going to be an exciting journey. This cigar has character, shows very small rough edges, but above all: it delivers a very balanced and pleasant smoking experience. In the end, I couldn't help but 91 points to give.

Draught and combustion
The Train was somewhat light - This is an advantage for some, as the flavors flow into the mouth without much resistance. I liked it because it made the cocoa and umami notes directly present. With the Burn-off I had to help, however: It ran wavy and demanded Fire corrections. Such details are part of the honest smoking process, they are usually not disturbing, but they make the difference to a perfect line.
Tobacco and composition

The tobacco blend is remarkable:
- Wrapper: Ecuador, variety Sumatra
- Binder: Honduras
- Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua
This combination is not commonplace and provides a certain depth and complexity. The Sumatra wrapper from Ecuador in particular gives the cigar its very own character.

Aroma profile
The aroma wheel showed it clearly: Cocoa was the defining note - dark, tart-bitter and in perfect balance with the other nuances. In addition, there was a pleasant Umami feelingwhich made the cigar appear particularly full and round. Also Earth, Leather and a trace Coffee made themselves felt and brought structure to the aroma.

In the Retrohale the cigar gained additional expression with a large portion of coffee beans. The bitterness of the cocoa became even clearer, and the balance between depth and elegance was revealed most strongly at this moment.
Strength and effect
With a Strength of 2.5 out of 5 the Toro Boxpressed is in the medium range. It has enough power to satisfy experienced smokers, but remains accessible. No excessive nicotine, but a well thought-out level that allows the aromas to work without overloading the palate.
Overall impression
What remains is the image of a cigar that does not put on a glossy marketing show, but is characterized by honest character and balance convinced. Small weaknesses such as the wavy burn and the fire corrections are part of it - they even give it a certain authenticity.
Conclusion: The Oscar Valladares 2012 Sumatra Toro Boxpressed is a wonderful smoke, which is 91 points more than deserved. It is a must for lovers of cocoa notes and balanced complexity.

Picture credits
- Vasilij Ratej
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