Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a very light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
Aroma
Cedar with a touch of sweetness on the wrapper. Cedar, graham cracker and a hint of spice at the foot.
Prelight Draw
Cedar, vanilla, leather, bourbon and a bit of cinnamon spice.
1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, charred oak and cinnamon spice. The draw is a bit snug(feeling it in my cheeks right away). The burn has a slight wave. The ash is medium gray and mostly tight. The profile is very sweet. After removing the ash and inspecting the working end, I notice a tiny tunnel at the center.
2nd
The draw opens up immediately and with it comes increased smoke production now at the high end of medium range. Strength is a solid medium+. The ash gets a little flaky. The finish is long and sweet which no doubt comes from aging the wrapper in bourbon barrels. Smoke production is at the low end of high. Burn line is nearly perfect. The profile becomes a little more leathery than sweet just past the midway point of the cigar.
Final/3rd
The sweetness comes back into balance with the cedar, charred oak, leather and cinnamon spice. A 1/2” into the final/3rd the cinnamon spice becomes warm. Profile continues well balanced right to the nub.
Overall
The Pappy Van Winkle Tradition Toro by Drew Estate provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful and well balanced profile with a good burn and draw.
An interesting story behind this blend. When Willy Herrera was interviewing for the “Master Blender” job he created 3 blends. The Herrera Esteli blend was chosen and he got the job. This blend was one of the other 2 that they set aside for future release.
The folks at Pappy Van Winkle wanted a cigar to launch to pair with their Bourbon. This is the blend they chose.
Well done Willy!
It is a bit pricey at $26.00 per cigar but it is right in line with the Pappy Van Winkle brand.
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