The second sample I was given from Veritas Cigars is on the docket today for review.  The Connecticut blend was superb and I have been itching to get to the Habano one - but I have been pretty backlogged.  After a really rough day at work, what better way to decompress than with a good cigar?    Let's get to it!

Construction: The wrapper leaf is a tad rough at first glance.  I see a few minor spots and lots of tooth.  The foot is closed and the cap is pigtailed.  Very rustic.  Veins are minor and all seams are smooth...no soft spots either.

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: Out of the cellophane, the Torch Habano gives mild leather, hay, and citrus aromas.  The draw is spot-on as well.

Light and Burn: I had a minor wrapper split at the end of the smoke...be careful if you mess with the band.  The glue can be a bit heavy and mine was glued to the wrapper leaf.  The burn line was perfect from start to finish....and I am sitting in a breeze too!

Tasting: The start of the Torch Habano is leathery with a touch of oak sweetness.  Part of  the filler is Ometepe tobacco which usually has a nice sweet and very earthy flavor.  Blended with Jalapa does tone that note down to a background note with the smooth woody flavors of the Jalapa on top of the heap.  I get some coffee in there too along with a metallic mineral note.  I smoked two of these a few weeks apart and the second one is much better.  As usual they needed a rest after being shipped.

The middle third moves the earthy notes to the center and continues to offer up some new flavors mixing with that woodiness.  I get some black cherry, cedar, and roasted nut flavors that combine very well.  Strength so far has been a solid medium.  Things get really smooth and tasty and the mid-way point too.  More nuts and a creamy smooth coffee note sit atop that earthy Ometepe core.  Very nice!

The final third continues with the same notes as the first third while adding a nifty chili pepper note.  I am very glad I waited to review this cigar after some rest.  Terrific smoke!

Value: At $7.50 or so the Torch Habano is not super expensive.  I wish they were maybe a buck cheaper, but I can't have everything.

Final Thoughts: Veritas has a couple of winners with these lines.  They have a maduro listed on their site and I an itching to try that one out too.  If you have access to the Torch lines locally but have been on the fence as to buy one or not, I wouldn't hesitate.  My personal preference is still with the Connecticut blend, but the Habano will probably fit the bill for a lot of smokers out there.  Highly recommended.

Wrapper: Sun Grown Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan Jalapa and Ometepe

Strength: Medium

Size: 6 x 50

Very rustic looking - still like the propaganda style of the band too.

Closed foot!