Well Rounded Budget Cigar

Cigar Reviewed: Cuban Rounds

Smoked at: Long Beach, Mississippi

I lit up a Cuban Rounds Toro at 11:50 AM with low expectations and ended up with one of the most enjoyable value smokes I’ve had in a while. The cold draw offered notes of nuttiness and fresh hay, Nothing fancy, just clean and smooth. The light was a little rough on my part, using a triple torch that toasted it deeper than necessary, but the cigar recovered quickly. The first few puffs were mild and earthy with a grassy undertone, and before long, the burn corrected itself to an almost razor-sharp line. The draw was near perfect, with great smoke output that gave the sensation of smoking something far more expensive.

The first third brought a soft cocoa note and a subtle peppery finish, almost like cayenne, not too distinct but it was there. The aroma while resting was soft and classic. Into the second third, I picked up a distinct woodsy flavor, probably cedar. The ash was firm and consistent, the construction excellent for a Cuban sandwich. There was no big flavor shift, but I didn’t expect one. The consistency alone made this cigar feel like a more premium experience.

At 12:35, I had my only relight. The foot had a slight tunneling burn (expected in mixed filler cigars), and though the relight scorched the wrapper a bit, the flavor held strong. Some people describe a doughy or baked bread note. I can see where they get that, even if I wouldn’t use that exact term myself. The heat started to rise near the nub, but I still didn’t want to put it down. I finished at 1:10, and if I’d had a roach clip handy, I might’ve gone even longer.

If someone had handed me this cigar unbanded, I would not have guessed a Montecristo or Oliva. However, it has all the enjoyable elements of a premium cigar at a tenth of the price. Cuban Rounds are nearly aptly named. Not Cuban, but certainly a well-rounded smoke. If someone wants to enjoy a good cigar more often without spending big, this is a great, affordable option that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Three stars isn’t because it’s unworthy of more but I just can’t give a mixed-filler cigar more than that. Bravo, Cuban Rounds. A job well done.