Kristoff Tres Compadres Toro

Today, we review the Kristoff Tres Compadres in the Toro size. This is a cigar that made its debut at the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. The name Tres Compadres means “three friends.” In this case, it is a tribute from Kristoff owner Glen Case to two of his close friends, Chuck Finch and Rolando Villamil, who recently passed away. Case would often refer to the three of them as the three amigos. Rolando Villamil is a name that may be pretty familiar if you cover the cigar industry, as he ran Tabacalera Von Eicken, where all of Kristoff’s cigars are produced.

In addition to being a special tribute from Case, the Tres Compadres marks an essential step in the evolution of the Kristoff brand. The Kristoff portfolio did not have puro blends – namely, blends with tobacco from a single country. All of that would change in 2023 when Kristoff released two puro blends containing 100% Nicaraguan tobacco: Kristoff Tres Compadres and Kristoff Nicaragua. These are the first installments of Kristoff’s Heritage Series.

The packaging is another noticeable thing about the Kristoff Tres Compadres and Nicaragua. For many years, Kristoff has been known for its “rustic elegance” look – namely rough-cut cedar boxes with loose tobacco. When Kristoff Guardrail debuted in 2022, it moved away from this with more sleek boxes and bands. Kristoff Tres Compadres and Kristoff Nicaragua continue this trend. Kristoff has also announced the whole portfolio will be moving away from rustic elegance. This has already started with the Kristoff Vengeance.

Without further ado, let’s turn our attention to the Kristoff Tres Compadres Toro:

Kristoff Tres Compadres Toro – Cigar Review

SPECIFICATIONS

Blend and Origin

As mentioned, Tres Compadres is a Nicaraguan puro. The blend is highlighted by a Habano wrapper and includes tobaccos from Nicaragua’s three main growing regions (Condega, Estelí, Jalapa). The cigars are made at Kristoff’s long-time manufacturing partner, Tabacalera von Eicken, located in the Dominican Republic.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan (Condega)
Filler: Nicaraguan (Condega, Estelí, Jalapa).
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera von Eicken

Vitolas Offered

Tres Compadres comes in three sizes – each in a 20-count box.

6 x 60: 6 x 60
Toro: 6 1/4 x 54
Robusto: 5 x 50

Appearance (*)

The Nicaraguan Habano wrapper of the Tres Compadres Toro looked like medium-brown wood. There wasn’t much oil on the surface of this wrapper, but there were some visible veins and wrapper seams.

PERFORMANCE

Pre-Light Draw (*)

Before lighting up the Tres Compadres Toro, a straight cut was used to kick off the cigar experience. Once the cap was removed, it was time to begin the pre-light draw experience. The cold draw delivered notes of cream, natural tobacco, and a sweetness reminiscent of berry. Overall, the pre-light draw experience was satisfactory. At this point, it was time to toast up the footer of the Tres Compadres Toro and see what the smoking phase would have in store.

Tasting Notes

The Tres Compadres Toro picked up where the pre-light experience left off, delivering more cream, natural tobacco, and berry notes. In addition, some cedar notes emerged. The cream and natural tobacco moved into the forefront, with the berry and cedar settling in the background. The retro-hale delivered another layer of berry sweetness along with some cedar notes.

The second third of the Tres Compadres Toro started with the natural tobacco notes in the forefront. The cream notes receded into the background, joining the natural tobacco, cedar, and berry. Earth notes emerged as the cigar experience progressed, with natural tobacco at the forefront. Black pepper surfaced on the tongue and took over the retro-hale. At the same time, the berry notes fused with the natural tobacco. Toward the end of the second third, the natural tobacco and earth were primary. The cedar and pepper were secondary notes, with some cream touches.

The final third saw natural tobacco and earth remain as primary notes. Cedar and pepper increased in presence in the background. By this point, the cream notes had dissipated. This is how the Tres Compadres Toro came to a close. The resulting nub was soft to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn

The Tres Compadres Toro scores very nicely when it comes to burn. This cigar maintained a straight burn path and a relatively straight burn line. At the same time, it did not require excessive touch-ups. The resulting ash was firm and light gray in color. The burn temperature was ideal. The cigar seemed to burn quickly—averaging about 79 minutes for the three smoked. This didn’t result in any adverse effects on the cigar experience.

Burn of the Kristoff Tres Compadres Toro

Draw

The Tres Compadres Toro scored really well when it came to draw. This cigar had what Ben Lee terms a “milkshake draw”—meaning it had a touch of resistance, which was ideal in my book. In addition, this cigar also produced nice layers of smoke.

Strength and Body

In terms of strength, the Tres Compadres Toro started out in the mild to medium range. An uptick just before the midway point pushed the strength into the medium range, where it remained for the duration of the smoking experience. The flavors of the Tres Compadres Toro started out medium, and while there was a slight increase in intensity, they didn’t push past the medium range of the spectrum.

In terms of strength versus body, the body held the edge from start to finish.

BANDING AND PACKAGING NOTES (*)

As Kristoff has been rolling out its new packaging, I’ve been on the record saying that while I was a fan of the rustic elegance, it was time to change as well. Both the blue and gold bands and the blue, gold, and white packaging work quite well.

Packaging of the Kristoff Tres Compadres

The “Tres Compadres” are represented quite well on the packaging. The initials of Chuck Finch, Glen Case, and Rolando Villamil adorn medallions on the bands and boxes. In addition, the front of the band has the text “CHUCKY MY FRIEND MAJO.” The back of the band also has a short tribute from Glen Case.

Front and back of Kristoff Tres Compadres band

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

This cigar is a home run for Kristoff Cigars. While Nicaraguan tobacco is known to be bold and spicy, Glen Case goes in the opposite direction here. He delivers a unique flavor profile that is elegant and refined. Simply put, this is not your cookie-cutter Nicaraguan puro. Add excellent construction and enough complexity to satisfy, and this cigar delivers the perfect storm. This is a cigar that I could easily recommend to any cigar enthusiast. The $10.50 price point is also beautiful, so not only am I inclined to smoke this again, but I’m also inclined to make a box purchase of these. Coming in at 91 points, this cigar exceeds the Cigar Coop Standard of Excellence.

Summary

Key Flavors: Natural Tobacco, Earth, Berry, Cream, Cedar, Pepper
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium Plus
Strength: Mild to Medium (1st Half), Medium (2nd Half)
Body: Medium
Finish: Very Good