Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) Provide a re-assessment and re-score of a previously assessed/score cigars. Today, we provide an assessment rating and score to the Cuenca 5 Anniversary in Toro size. This was a cigar we did an assessment for in the box-press torpedo format back in January 2013 and the Robusto size back in April, 2014.
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| Cuenca 5 Anniversary Toro |
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Jalapa Ligero
Binder: Criolla Cubana 2010
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Tabacalera Fernandez)
Toro: 6 x 54 (Box-Pressed)
The Cuenca 5 Anniversary is a collaboration between Hollywood, Florida retailer Cuenca Cigars and blender A.J. Fernandez. The cigar was originally made to commemorate the retailer’s five year anniversary. It was originally sold in the Cuenca Cigars store, but is also being distributed to sell elsewhere. The line was launched in early 2013 in a box-pressed torpedo and since then there are two additional sizes that have been added. Today, we take a closer look at one of those sizes – the 6 x 54 box-pressed toro.
While the cigar features a Nicaraguan Jalapa Ligero wrapper and a mix of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers, it is the binder that is this cigar’s most interesting concept. According to Cuenca Cigars, the binder is considered an experimental one with Criolla Cubana 2010 seeds. The binder is said to add strength and sweetness to the blend.
Out of the gate, there definitely is some pepper from the ligero wrapper. This soon gave way to the notes of chocolate and cherry that I have become accustomed to this line. The sweetness from the chocolate and cherry will dial back in the second half leading to a more earthy profile. Three is an underlying pepper spice that remained present throughout this cigar. I found the Toro to be a little more dialed back strength and body-wise, but this cigar had over a year of age on it, so it could be a product of it.
Overall, while I’d still put the box-press torpedo and box-pressed robusto ahead of this cigar, this is still a fine size for this blend. The Cuenca 5 Anniversary line proves to be a rock-solid line by A.J Fernandez.
Summary
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium
Finish: Excellent
Assessment: 3.0 – The Fiver
Score: 89
References
Original Assessment: Cuenca 5 Anniversary (Torpedo), Cuenca 5 Anniversary (Robusto)
News: n/a
Price: $10.00
Source: Sample Provided by Manufacturer / Retailer (*)
Stogie Geeks Podcast: n/a
Stogie Feed: n/a
