This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Boris Wintermans, CEO for Royal Agio Cigars, stated, “I am honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside Ernesto on this very special collaboration project for Balmoral. I want to push the boundaries of what can be discovered in premium cigar blending, and it is this desire that inspired the creation of the BalmoralSerie Signaturas. The resulting blend for DUETO, behind Ernesto’s blending genius, makes this first release nothing short of exceptional.”
Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo commented, “It has been a pleasure to work with Boris and his team at Royal Agio on this special project, especially because we share a fundamental, common exploratory philosophy as cigar makers. I feel that we’ve created something very special here and that this release will be one of the most exciting introductions of the year.”
Dueto uses an exclusive stalk-cut Brazilian Mata Norte tobaccoin the filler with AN Esteli Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan wrapper from Jalapa. Shipments to U.S. retailers started in October of 2018. Dueto comes in five vitolas: Robusto 5 x 50 – $9.75/cigar, Ovación (Figurado) 5 1/2 x 50 – $10.25/cigar, Gran Toro 6 x 52 – $10.50/cigar, Gordo 6 x 60 – $12.50/cigar, Churchill 7 x 49 – $11.50/cigar. All come in boxes of 10.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Gran Toro Length: 6″ Ring Gauge: 50 Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Nicaragua (Jalapa) Binder: Nicaragua (Esteli) Filler: Nicaragua, Brazil Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza S.A. Blender: Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. Number of reviewers: 5 – Alan(Eulogy) Eric (smalls29) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Adam B. (Bushboy) Derek (StogieNinja) Price: $10.50 Age: 4 Months Release Date: October 2018 Contributed by: Royal Agio
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 89
“Nice medium brown Toro shaped cigar. Vein’s present but minimal. No noticeable imperfections. Perfectly applied cap that is symmetric and even. Looking forward to putting a flame to this cigar.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Aroma: 88
“The wrapper has a very mild dry leaves scent to it. The foot on the other hand has that rich barnyard and pepper smell that most good cigars have. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“There are a multitude of flavors from the git go. I am tasting nice flavors of leather, hard wood, and peat. There is a nice flavor of scotch in this one. I am tasting a nice after-taste like a glass of sinlge malt scotch. Very nice start.” –Eric (smalls29)
“Absolutely effortless draw, even the thought of taking a pull is producing smoke. Touch of spice on the back of the tongue definitely a white black pepper on the retro hell very spicy and delicious so far. Bread-like warmth on the short finish. Very toasty and delicious so far. Looking forward to seeing what develops. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Flavor: 91 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The things that impressed me in the first third are still around in the second. The quality of smoke is still super impressive. Rich, creamy smoke on the draw and retrohale. There’s still a subtle nuttiness. Almonds, maybe? Mild level of pepper with cedar and a super rich leathery finish. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“The second third was a lot more pleasant and easy to deal with while driving. The aroma notes were heavy and thick with barnyard and smoke. The profile began to settle and lose its overpowering spice. More of a cedar note came through that paired decently with a slight wet grass finish. It was a big change from the first third.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Flavor: 89 Strength: Medium Body/Complexity: Medium
“The flavors haven’t changed from the first two thirds. Amazing smoke output, solid flavors on the draw, and a great retrohale really make this a great stick. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“Final third delivered. Fantastic cigar with flavors that blended perfectly. Freshly baked bread, spice cabinet, and overall warm and enjoyable. Earthy and incredible. Burn line has stayed almost perfect and the ash hold on fantastically. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 89
“A nice, easy draw with no effort need.” –Eric (smalls29)
Burn: 91
“The burn met my expectation of a well made cigar. It was a very easy light up process and only needed a few touch ups throughout the cigar experience.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Construction: 94
“No flaws from beginning to end this thing was rolled tight from the initial inspection and performed flawlessly. This is how the best cigar in a box burns. No complaints and a nod to the roller and master blender.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
Overall Strength: Medium Overall Body/Complexity: Medium Experience Overall: 90
“I immensely enjoyed this cigar. The quality of flavors, smoke, and construction make this one of the highlights of the year for me. I usually would have to smoke another to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, but on this single experience I would highly recommend this cigar to anyone. ” –Alan (Eulogy)
“This had a wonderful start that ended in a bitter finale. There were nice flavors mixed with leather, wood , and peat. A flavor that reminded me of a yummy single malt scotch. As time moved forward the flavors began to blend into a burnt wood flavor with a bitter after taste. The only thing missing was the tingle of peppers and a smooth after taste that gave way to a burnt flavor. Except for the ending this was a nice cigar. Too bad they can’t find a way to keep the flavors consistent throughout the entire smoke.” –Eric (smalls29)
“My overall takeaway from this cigar was okay. The flavor profile was middle of the road with notes of dry grass, barnyard, and cedar. They balanced well during most of the cigar, but the final third just sputtered out. I did not dislike this cigar, but I also did not take away any lasting memories from it. ” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
“I enjoyed the cigar immensely. Start to finish this thing had no complaints from me. All flavors and it perfectly to enjoyable smoke. Aroma was amazing and performance was second to none. But definitely smoke this one again and recommend to all. I am hopeful this doesn’t pack a punch on the wallet so I can pick up a stash once the cigar is revealed. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“There’s not much to say about this one except that this cigar never gets beyond the slightly sour, overly syrupy finish. There’s nothing in the flavor profile to redeem it, and it only manages to avoid being offensive by being so mild. ” –Derek (StogieNinja)
Blind Cigar Review: Balmoral | Serie Signaturas Dueto Gran Toro
Summary
"I enjoyed the cigar immensely. Start to finish this thing had no complaints from me. All flavors and it perfectly to enjoyable smoke. Aroma was amazing and performance was second to none. But definitely smoke this one again and recommend to all. I am hopeful this doesn't pack a punch on the wallet so I can pick up a stash once the cigar is revealed. " -Adam B. (Bushboy)
