This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro

Length: 6″

Ring Gauge: 52

Country of Origin: Honduras

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo

Binder: Honduras

Filler: Honduras

Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Company

Blender: Jim Robinson & Oscar Valladares

Number of reviewers: 5 —– Milton (mjohnsoniii) Gregg (McGreggor57) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Emmett (rhetorik) Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

Price: $9.00

Age: 2 Months Rest

Release Date:

Contributed by: Puros de Ballard

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 92

“This was a very nice looking Toro-sized cigar. It’s by far my favorite vitola. Its color is a deep chocolate and is firm with a few small veins.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Aroma: 91

“From the wrapper I get a slightly sweet smell, and from the foot slightly spicy. The cold draw reveals a caramel flavor.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

First Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Mild-Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“A woodsy start with peppery retrohale are the initial flavors, quickly followed by some ground coffee beans. The spice is short lived. Oak and leather join the coffee with a hint of muskiness. The flavors are pretty mild and work well together.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Right off the bat I noticed a white pepper zing, especially through the nostrils. The smoke was very oily, and coated my palate well. I picked up a lot of woodiness as the cigar heated up. The wood flavors, primarily oak, were pleasant and surprised me considering the sweetness I initially experienced.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Before lighting, the cold draw presented itself with a sweet cedar flavor. Bakers spice and roasted coffee started from the beginning. It was a smooth smoke that had a slight nuttiness. Towards the end those flavors stepped back from a sweet cedar taste with slight bitterness.” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

Second Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“This cigar really opened up flavor wise for me during the second third. A creaminess developed, with less of the oak and some leather notes. The pepper also faded a bit, but a spiciness developed, carrying hints of clove and cinnamon. I noticed a slight tanginess in my throat during this third, and the oily characteristics of the smoke deepened. I also noticed a little nicotine kick in this section…surprising since I rate this as medium strength to this point.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“The spice has picked up in this third with some pepper flavors. It is balancing nicely with the chocolate and caramel flavors that are still hanging around. Towards the end of this third, the flavors shift to a more woody taste, which is a very nice change.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Final Third

Flavor: 94

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“A small crack opened up as I drew close to the final third but ultimately didn’t affect the smoking of this cigar. The strength kicked it up a notch but wasn’t overwhelming. The spiciness of ginger had taken over at that point with cedar and the bitter chocolate creeping back in.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“As the cigar progressed into the final third, the pepper returned and the baking spice flavors faded away. The wood flavors also returned, staying with me for 30-60 seconds after each puff. A creamy leather note also came and went from puff to puff…I like this! Surprisingly, the nicotine kick faded as the cigar drew to a conclusion…there was just enough present during the middle section to remind me that this wasn’t a mild cigar, and it demanded my attention.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 93

“The draw was on point throughout the entirety and enabled me to taste every nuance this cigar offered through its rich, creamy smoke.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Burn: 95

“Great tight ash that held on an inch or more at a time. Very good burn line.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Construction: 96

“My first ash lasted beyond the halfway point of this cigar, and the ash never fell again until I ended the smoke. The ash was bright white and heavy…even after falling to the concrete floor it remained in one large chunk and I was able to easily pick it up with my fingers. Very well done!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Strength: Medium

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium

Overall Experience: 94

“Overall, this was an excellent smoke and one that I’d love to try again. I would have hoped for more of the strength earlier in the cigar that kicked in during the final third but was happy with what I got nonetheless.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“A very enjoyable smoking experience. While mild in flavor, there were enough changes to keep it interesting throughout. This might not be a cigar for special occasions, but smoking one in the morning with a cup of coffee is sure to start your day off right.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“This was a pleasure to smoke. No real effort was needed to have a great experience, and trouble free performance. The flavors were interesting and pleasurable…with enough change to keep me guessing. This cigar burned slow and cool from light to nub…I hope to smoke another soon!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“The cigar started out very well and I was excited about it until the final third. The plug I hit really took it’s toll on the whole experience, but I do want to try it again to see what the final third is like as I am sure my construction issues were isolated. I really enjoyed the first two thirds and I am curious to see what this is.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

“Overall, this cigar was very good. I would smoke it again, most likely in the morning or early afternoon with a nice cup of coffee or espresso. I think it’s 5 pack worthy and would recommend to someone else.” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 92

Total Score: 94 (Excellent)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Puros de Ballard | The Leaf by Oscar Corojo Toro