2017 Cigar of the Year Countdown: #25: Protocol Themis Toro by Cubariqueño Cigar Company

Note: The Cigar of the Year Countdown will not publish on Monday December 25, 2017. There will still be regular daily content to enjoy on that day. The countdown resumes on Tuesday December 26th.

“The Protocol Themis Toro cigar is one I could recommend to both novice and experienced cigar enthusiasts…and it’s one worthy of a box purchase”

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (La Zona)
Toro: 6 x 52
Price: $9.89
Review: Protocol Themis Toro by Cubariqueño Cigar Company (10/26/17)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Brand): 2 (2016, 2017)

Coming in at #25 is the Protocol Themis Toro by Cubariqueño Cigar Company. The Protocol Themis is the third regular production line to be produced by Cubariqueño Cigar Company. Themis has added a Connecticut Shade wrapper offering into Cubariqueño’s portfolio, joining the Habano-wrapped Protocol and the San Andres Maduro-wrapped Protocol Probable Cause. Like all of Cubariqueño’s cigars, the Themis is being produced at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

The name Themis keeps to the company’s law enforcement motif as partners Bill Ives and Juan Cancel both serve as law enforcement officers. It also pays tribute to the Greek heritage of managing partner William Agathis. This is because Themis is the name of the symbol of the Lady of Justice who was the Titan goddess of divine law and order.

Themis puts Cubariqueño on the Cigar Coop Countdown for the second consecutive year. It is also the first Connecticut Shade wrapped cigar to make the 2017 Countdown.

In addition to the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, the remainder of the Protocol Themis blend consists of undisclosed Nicaraguan tobacco. The Toro size of the Protocol Themis we are talking about measures 6 x 52.

The Themis Toro delivers notes of cream, citrus, cedar, nut, bread, and even some black pepper. There is a very nice fusion of the cream and nut flavors. This is balanced by sweetness and spice from the citrus, cedar, and black pepper notes in the background. When you look at the Protocol line by Cubariqueño, the Themis is probably going to be the one offering that is considered to be a “milder” offering. However, when I look at the grand scheme of Connecticut Shade cigars, this is probably one that would be considered being on the bolder side with its medium-strength, medium-bodied profile.

Cancel and Ives give plenty of credit to Espinosa and his team at La Zona for their blends, but they have also done a great job at a go-to market strategy with all of their brands. With Themis, Cubariqueño offers an outstanding Connecticut Shade offering and one worthy of a spot on the Countdown.