Fratello Oro Toro cigar review 

2/15/2023

 

This is my 4eth Fratello cigar review so far.  I think I have 2 more to review.  This is one of their higher priced smokes with a Connecticut wrapper, Cameroon binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers.  The wrapper looks alright, but is not shiny like some of the high dollar brand Connecticut wrapped cigars.  

But looks aren't always how to judge the content.  This one is supposed to be mild to medium, as most Connecticut wrapped smokes are.  Lots of competition so let's see what this one can do. These ain't cheap, about $7 to $8 a piece when you by a box. 

Starts off pretty mild.  So far it reminds me of some of good mild Dominican smokes I used to love a decade or more ago, like Aurora or Fonseca.  Has a slight toffee and cedar taste.  Really mild though, have to pull hard to pull these flavors out.  Draw is good and burning slow and good.  

An inch burned and it is still mild but has a spicy, smooth flavor that really leaves your palate with good flavor, even though it is pretty mild.  I'm not a blender, but seems it is a nice blend of Dominican tobaccos with slightly more flavorful but mild Nicaraguan tobaccos.  Stronger Dominican tobaccos seem to have a slight bite to them, but this one seems mellowed out with the Nicaraguan tobaccos.  And it is burning great and slow, so it is not just some mild tobaccos rolled loose to pull out some flavors.  It is well aged and refined. 

Developing some nutty and woody flavors on top of the mild sweetness and spice.  

So far it is a great any time of the day smoke.  

Not trying to sound like the generic catalogue advertisement, but it probably does satisfy most experienced smokers.  It gives some strong flavors that will keep anyone interested.  

Picking up some strength. 30 min in and I think I can feel it.  Pretty good for such a smooth smoke.  So far, it's up there with a Montecristo.  

All of the flavors are coming together.  More Nicaraguan flavors now.  I taste more wood, earth, and toasted oak and nuts now.  Still mild to medium.  Not creamy like a fine Dominican, but just overall smoothness of a mild Nicaraguan without any bite or harshness.  

Is it great? Well it's pretty good.  Am I gonna now shop for a box.  No, but if you like a mild one that transitions to a stronger medium, then you should try it.  It's definitely well made and refined.  As I said earlier, it would be great for a mid afternoon smoke after a birdie on the 15th hole. 

It's done me right on this Wed night and I look forward to smoking the 3 more I've got.  

Important to me is the finish.  It is getting a little bite on the finish.  Still good but not building to a great flavorful finish like I hoped.  Not bad but not great. Mostly earthy and woody flavors that are overtaking the smoothness of before.  It seems to have lost its good smooth flavors. 

Unfortunately it seems to have lost its smooth flavor and now is burning hot.  That's a shame as the first 3/4 was really good.  I've squeezed it tight to smooth it out.  

An hour and ten min in and it has delivered.  Just not a great finish.  Still a good overall smoke.  Still look forward to smoking again.  

Overall: 89

Flavor 90, complexity 90, , burn 91, experience 89, value 89.