Kristoff Kristania Toro cigar review

1/28/23

Criollo Nicaraguan wrapper with Dominican binder and fillers. this one is cheaper than the regular blends, about $5 to $6 when you buy a box.  I bought a few Kristoff samplers and every one has been great.  I think this is the 2nd Kristoff that I've reviewed.  The Corojo I gave a 94 and was great, although priced a little higher.  I think the Corojo is no longer available, but I remember it was very sweet and smooth. 

First few puffs are, so far, not that great.  Not plugged, but seems green, have to really pull to get some flavor.  But it's only the first few puffs.  Can taste some cedar and a little  sweetness, but not much going on.  

No wind tonight.  Lucky for this cigar.  I've had some cigars that I couldnt tell was lite, as the wind blew away the smoke.  Let's hope this one strengthens.  

The cigar feels kind of spongey and a little loose, but doesn't really smoke like it.  I can get some good flavors if I pull on it hard.  I do taste some toasted graham crackers and slight marshmallow flavors, but it is subtle.  

It is burning great, no touch ups, but lost the ash quickly.  Slight cone remains.  Picking up some earthy flavors, slightly rough finish on my palate. 

Getting spicy now.  Kind of bites the sides of your tongue.  It's not a bad cigar, just not the smoothest.  

If you like a earthy Nicaraguan flavors with a spicy bite, this is the cigar for you.  A little too raw for me.  But it is an interesting profile that keeps me intrigued.  

For such a spongey cigar, it is burning slow, got 25 min and not half done.  It may just be green. I have one more.  I think I'll wait 6 months before I smoke it.  Will re-review.  

I guess I'm already feeling it.  Satisfaction factor is high.  Not the best flavors, but no bad flavors and it is smoking great.  Definitely worth $5 or more.  Better than many big brand $5 smokes. 

47 degrees out, fire is too hot.  I'm actually kind of hot out tonight.  Had to take a break and get a taste of some Cazadores tequila.  Slight relight and the cigar is still medium with strong flavors of cedar, spice, and earthiness.  Maybe it's the tequila, but I taste some subtle sweetness.  I think this one is just a little green.  Criollo is usually spicy and sweet, which this is starting to resemble.  

For $5 this is a winner.  I've been smoking some really great cigars recently and this one doesn't compete, but it is good and worth it to smoke again.  I've definitely not a cigar snob.  This one is almost up there with the great ones, just not as smooth and refined.  Can't always smoke the best.  It is kicking in strength and I'm fully relaxed.  If I get distracted, I might think this is one of those high dollar ones.  

It's Saturday night and this cigar has me totally relaxed and fully enjoying it.  For $5, I'll smoke it again and again.  I'll say Kristoff don't make no bad smokes.  I look forward to smoking more from them.  

An hour in and it has been pretty complex and all around good.  We'll worth the price. 

I think they could have marketed this one as some kind of strong Habana something and raised the price, but it is exactly as it should be: a great $5 smoke.  Keeps me interested in the Kristoff blends.  I can't wait to try some of their other smokes.  

Smokes great til the end.  Totally satisfied, feeling it, and always pretty good flavors, finishing medium to full.  Strong spice and earth with some toasted caramel nuttiness.  Slight bite, but overall a great flavor.  It's a great blend.  

Overall: 91

Flavor 90, complexity 92, burn 92, experience 93, value 93