Ed note: I think this is our first cigar review here at Notes from Wine Country. Thanks to our guest blogger, Mike Talley.

Gusto de Oro – Toro

Origin:  Dominican Rep.

Format:  Torpedo

Size:  6x50

Wrapper : Connecticut

Binder:  Unknown

Filler:  Long, Dominican Olor, Cubano and San Vicente

Hand-made

Price $6.00 - $8.00

Cigar was purchased from a humidor in ABC Fine Wine and Spirits.  Brand is new to this market and will be rolled out in promotion in August, 2011.

Appearance:  Nice looking cigar.  Colorado-Claro wrapper seems to be of good quality with no large veins or blemishes.  Very firm to the touch; harder in the rear third.  Prelight  fragrance – some cedar and sweet leather.

Construction:   Very well made and held together throughout the smoke.  Wrapper was tight as was general construction.  Taper was executed seamlessly.

Flavor:  Draw was very good and burn remained uniform end to end with a firm gray ash.  Burn time was fifty minutes.

First third:  Started out strong, bold dark, bitter-chocolate present.  Medium to full flavored.

Second third:  Burn and flavor settled down & the taste of slightly sweet leather & wood came through.  Flavor seemed uniform throughout and only strength and heat varied.

Third third:  Finished hot.  Cigar became very firm.

Value and rating:  Physically smoked well.  This stick, if well maintained, would command the asking price.