Cavalier US Regional Exclusive — Cavalier Genève US Regional Exclusive Toro

Today, we review Cavalier Genève US Regional Exclusive in the Toro size. As the name indicates, this cigar is meant to be a regional product for the United States market. Regional products for a particular country or region are nothing new. The most popular example of regional products has probably been produced through Habanos S.A. However, it’s not uncommon for new-world cigar makers to do the same thing, with companies such as Regius and Davidoff doing the same.

The Cavalier Genève US Regional Exclusive story goes back to 2016 when Cavalier announced a San Andres-wrapped cigar called the Black Series. The Black Series became exclusive to the U.S. market, and Cavalier created another San Andres cigar called Black Series II, which became regular production on a more global scale. Fast-forward to 2022, and Cavalier decided to revamp its US Exclusive program. The US Exclusive would receive an upgraded blend, packaging, and branding as the Cavalier Genève US Regional Exclusive. It’s also intended to be part of Cavalier’s larger plan with a global regional program.

Without further ado, let’s turn our attention back to the US Regional Exclusive Toro and see what this cigar brings to the table.

Cavalier Genève US Regional Exclusive Toro – Cigar Review

SPECIFICATIONS

Blend and Origin

In addition to the San Andres wrapper, the US Regional Exclusive uses a Connecticut binder and filler tobaccos from four countries (USA, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic). Production comes from Cavalier’s FCT factory located in Danlí, Honduras

Wrapper: San Andres
Binder: Connecticut
Fillers: U.S., Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic
Country of Origin: Honduras
Factory: Fabrica Centroamericana de Tabaco S.A. (FCT)

Vitolas Offered

The US Regional Exclusive is available in four sizes. Each is presented in 20-count boxes

Petit Robusto: 4 x 50
Robusto: 5 x 50
Toro: 6 x 54:
Double Corona: 7 1/2 x 52

Appearance (*)

The San Andres wrapper of the US Regional Exclusive Toro had a medium coffee bean color with a rosado tint. There were some oils on the surface of this wrapper. Upon closer examination, some minor mottling was visible. The surface of the wrapper had some thin, visible veins. Any visible wrapper seams were minimal. The cigar is also highlighted by a 24k gold foil diamond affixed to the wrapper. This signature gold foil diamond is found on Cavalier’s eponymous branded cigars.

PERFORMANCE

Pre-Light Draw

Before lighting up the US Regional Exclusive Toro, the cap was removed using a straight cut. After the cap was detached, it was time to commence the pre-light draw experience. The cold draw delivered a mix of cocoa and citrus. Overall, this was a simple and satisfactory pre-light draw. At that point, it was time to toast up the US Regional Exclusive Toro and see what the smoking experience had in store.

Tasting Notes

The US Regional Exclusive opened up with cocoa, nut, citrus, and earth notes. Early on, the cocoa and nut combination moved to the forefront while citrus and earth settled in the background. Some black pepper notes emerged in the background and on the retro-hale. Toward the end of the first third, the earth notes morphed into a mineral note.

As the US Regional Exclusive moved into the second third, the nut notes dissipated and were replaced in the forefront by citrus notes. Meanwhile, the mineral and pepper notes remained in the background. The pepper notes slightly increased but remained very much a background note.

The last third didn’t see much change. Cocoa and citrus were still at the forefront, with mineral and pepper in the background. This is the way the US Regional Exclusive came to a close. The resulting nub was slightly soft to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn

For the most part, the US Regional Exclusive Toro maintained a straight burn path and straight burn line; however, it did require several touch-ups. The touch-ups kept things on track. The resulting ash wasn’t overly firm, but it wasn’t loose either. This was a silver-gray ash. There was also some minor flaking along the way. As for the burn rate and burn temperature, both were ideal.

One note on the gold diamond – do not overstress when the burn line reaches it. The gold will not burn like tobacco; the leaf behind it will burn. You do not need to overarch or excessively touch up the cigar when it reaches the gold.

Draw

The draw of the US Regional Exclusive Toro had a touch of resistance to it, which I like. At the same time, this was a low-maintenance cigar from which to derive flavor.

Strength and Body

The US Regional Exclusive started out with mild to medium strength and mild to medium strength. By the second half, both the strength and body progressed to medium territory, where it remained for the duration of the smoking experience. Both the strength and body balanced each other nicely, with neither attribute overshadowing the other.

BANDING AND PACKAGING NOTES (*)

The box’s base is wood-grain, and the lid is gray. Overall, I liked this color combination. The lid has white Cavalier Genève logos on the inside and outside. The band will be reminiscent of Habanos’ Ramon Allones band. It contrasts nicely with the San Andres wrapper and the gold-foil diamond.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

Overall, the US Regional Exclusive Toro is a very nice offering from Cavalier Genève. In terms of strength and body, the cigar has more of a European flair, but I can also see the flavor profile being favorable for the American audience. The US Regional Exclusive Toro is not an overly complex cigar, but the flavors produced are smooth and tasty from start to finish. Ultimately, this is a cigar I would recommend to any cigar enthusiast. As for myself, this is a cigar that I would buy and smoke again. This is a blend I look forward to smoking in some of the other sizes offered.

Summary

Key Flavors: Cocoa, Nut, Mineral, Earth, Pepper
Burn: Very Good
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium Minus
Strength: Mild to Medium (1st Half), Medium (2nd Half)
Body: Mild to Medium (1st Half), Medium (2nd Half)
Finish: Very Good