The Rioja is the much anticipated second core-line release from the Somm Cigars. I just recently got these cigars in and have quickly sold through the majority of what I ordered - as I expected. This is a complete departure in blend from the inaugural core line release, BDX, and comes from Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera - the factory of famed master blender Eladio Diaz. This all has set the stage for an exciting release for myself and many consumers.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera
Wrapper: Dominican Corojo
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican Criollo ‘98, Criollo ‘99, Havana 2020, & Undisclosed
Vitola: 6 x 52 Toro
Price: $14.00 MSRP
Link to Purchase: The Cigar Farm (Use code “WW10” to save 10%!)
This 6x52 Toro is firmly packed and fairly heavy. The wrapper is milk chocolatey and has some character. The cigar smells like sweet fruit and cream. The cold draw is baking spices and a bit of a floral component. First light brings about medium body with medium-full flavors of toast, wood, and an earthy, floral note. Quickly it becomes full flavored and bodied with thick, oily smoke. There’s also a dark fruit note that has become prominent on the finish. The retrohale shows a lot of cream, soft fruitiness, and baking spices. Nearing the end of the first third the profile is holding fast. Construction has been good so far. Into the second third it’s settled into a nice medium body and flavor profile. The draw has become bready with subtle wood, earth, and spices. The retrohale still holds cream and fruit with just a touch of baking spices. Entering the final third it has come back up to full and there is a fair amount of tannic wood and earth present now. The retrohale also now has plenty of wood and a bit of pepper. Coming to an end at about an hour and a half the tannins subsided to leave a core of earth, baking spices, and a bit of pepper. The construction was solid to the end.
Overall Experience
Overall I thought this was a solid cigar that offered plenty of flavor with great construction, however, it wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea. At least not this vitola. I do look forward to smoking the robusto soon. There was NOTHING wrong with this cigar at all, but as we all know, taste is subjective and there was something that didn’t really align with my preferences - though on paper I would have bet on me really enjoying this cigar. You’ll like this cigar if you like dark fruit and baking spices. You may not like this cigar if you like earthy, peppery cigars or brighter fruitiness.
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