Just when I was ready to give up on the Carlos Torano line of smokes, I fired up two gems that have given me new hope for the brand. The first was the Virtuoso Forte and last night I fired up the Carlos Torano Signature. Both smokes surprised the heck out of me given the fact that my previous Torano smokes have left me disappointed. I can now say that I have found two winners in the Carlos Torano line of smokes.

The Carlos Torano Signature is a full-bodied smoke that was very pleasant on the palate. It had traces of coffee and chocolate which went well with my glass of merlot. The Signature smoke is constructed of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. It has a Connecticut binder and finished with a Sun-Grown Brazilian Maduro wrapper. I fired up the toro size stick which measures the standard 6 x 50. It was well crafted with an easy draw which held a two inch ash. It was easy to light and keep lit throughout the night's conversation. It was an effortless smoke. With my low expectations, it was an enjoyable surprise to the evening. For less than four bucks a stick, it maybe worth trying. A box of 25 runs for about $89 which is a fair price for these babies.

MonkeyDan Rating: 88