Scott Zucca launched Cavatina at the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show. This was the first release from Emilio Cigars after Gary Griffith left. Cavatina is rolled at James Brown’s Fabrica Oveja Negra factory in Nicaragua.
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.
Cavatina is a musical reference to a simple song or melody that does not have a second part. The Cavatina comes in three sizes: Rothschild (4 1/2 x 48), Toro (6 x 50), and Gran Toro (6 x 60). All come in 20 count boxes. Emilio Cigars is a part of Boutiques Unified, the distribution company owned by Scott Zucca. Boutiques Unified was called House of Emilio and wasrun by Gary Griffith until 2015 when he retired.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Ecuadorian
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: Fabrica Oveja Negra
Blender: James Brown
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H.(Ryan H.) John A.(John A.) Mickey T.(irratebass) David F. (dfafjf) Jason H.(Jokey Smurf)
Price: $9.50
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: July 2016
Contributed by: Emilio Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 93
“Toro in size with a very dark maduro wrapper. I can’t see any veins or seams to speak of. There are a few bumps., but it’s nice and oily. This cigar has a nice little “nipple” cap. Just a beautiful looking cigar. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Aroma: 92
“The primary aroma prior to lighting is very sweet compost with a honey note in the background. This may be the first time I’ve detected honey in a cigar…. I’m intrigued!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
First Third
Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Milky sweet creaminess with a mild amount of black pepper flood the tongue on the initial burn. Perfect draw on this as plumes of smoke exude from the ash. A darker honey like sweetness developed alongside an increased black pepper presence. Top notch. ” –John A. (John A.)
“The first few puffs and I get lots of wood (cedar). Great start. A bit of spice present but primarily on the tongue. Very mild retro hale. Already a nice bit of cream mixing into the flavor profile as well. This really reminds me of some Drew Estate Liga cigars I have smoked before. ” –David F. (dfafjf)
Second Third
Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium
“So far the flavor profile of honey sweetness and black pepper have remained current into this third. Linear, but solid delicious flavors. ” –John A. (John A.)
“The wrapper continues to heckle me. There is a chocolate like sweetness that is trying to bury the sourdough, it’s not really working ha.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Final Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The final portion of this cigar has the flavor becoming deeper and more pronounced. The chocolate is richer and the espresso fuller… Really its like I’m smoking a well made mocha. Through the nose the smoke is smooth and the retrohale serves to enhance the predominant chocolate flavor. This is really good!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
“The nic kick is still here but the strength has lightend quite a bit still medium. Burn is starting to suffer. Profile is that of earth and coffee. Just a little spice” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 93
“I’m not a fan of large ring cigars because the draw is often wide open and airy. Not so in this case… The draw was practically perfect.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 91
“I def liked the cigar. Like i said is pretty strong newbies beware that nic kick and strength are something else. Definately a cigar you have to be in the mood for. The profile is very nice though. I would smoke more” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)
” The Cigar was so delicious out the gate. However, the lack of complexity and linear flavor profile of the Cigar could easily bore most people. I thoroughly enjoyed the flavors the tobacco provided as it was very delicious and the construction, burn and especially the draw was a top notch. A good cigar if you don’t want to be thrilled but enjoy a nice moderately peppery sweet smoke. ” –John A. (John A.)
“This was a very nice smoke with lots of sourdough bread flavors and hints of chocolate and spice. It’s a shame the wrapper started to unravel and continued unraveling. The cigar did give me some spice & sweetness as well.
I would like to try this again, but in a corona size. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“I enjoyed this cigar. Although there was some construction issues, the flavors were nice and I enjoyed the progression overall. ” –David F. (dfafjf)
“This one was a real pleasure to smoke. Its rare that a cigar hits a near perfect for me in all areas but this one does… From the initial glance to the aroma to the final puff this was certainly my best cigar of the year. I’d recommend everyone buys a box of these…. After I get mine of course!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
Blind Cigar Review: Emilio | Cavatina Toro
Overall Score – 92 – Great
Blind Cigar Review: Emilio | Cavatina Toro
Summary
" The Cigar was so delicious out the gate. However, the lack of complexity and linear flavor profile of the Cigar could easily bore most people. I thoroughly enjoyed the flavors the tobacco provided as it was very delicious and the construction, burn and especially the draw was a top notch. A good cigar if you don’t want to be thrilled but enjoy a nice moderately peppery sweet smoke. " -John A. (John A.)
