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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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 flavours flow into the mouth without much resistance. I liked it because the cocoa and umami notes were immediately present. With the Burn-up I had to help, however: It ran wavy and demanded Fire corrections. Such details are part of the honest smoking process, they usually do not disturb, but make the difference to a perfect line.

Tobacco and composition

The tobacco blend is remarkable:

• Cover sheet: Ecuador, variety Sumatra
• Cover: 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.

Flavour profile

The flavour wheel showed it clearly: Cocoa was the defining note - dark, tart-bitter and in perfect balance with the other nuances. Added to this was a pleasant Umami feeling, which made the cigar appear particularly full and round. Also Earth, Leather and a trace Coffee made their presence 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 revealed itself 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 flavours to take effect 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 characterised 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 marvellous smoke, which 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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