Revisited
The “Revisited” review concept allows us to perform a follow up review on a cigar we have reviewed previously. These follow up reviews will be performed when the cigar has a year or more of age on them to see if time has been kind or not so kind to the cigar. The same reviewers are participating in both the original and follow up reviews whenever possible. Today we are revisitng the Villiger | San’Doro Claro Toro.
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.
Cigar Info
Villiger Cigars launched the Villiger San’Doro line at the 2015 IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans. The San’Doro line was launched in three blends: San’Doro Claro, San’Doro Colorado, and San’Doro Maduro. San’Doro is positioned as a premium regular production offering in the Villiger product line.
The San’Doro name pays homage to the times of Christopher Columbus. The name San’Doro is actually derived from “Indorum Sana Sancta” which translates to “Sacred Herb of India”. During the time of Columbus’ expeditions, many thought he had found the route to India and when tobacco was brought back, it was referred to as “Indorum Sana Sancta”.
The San’Doro Claro and San’Doro Colorado are offered in a Robusto, Toro, and Churchill format in 20 count boxes. The San’Doro Claro features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler and is rolled at Tabacalera Oliva in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera Oliva
Blender: Roy MacLaren
Number of reviewers: 4 – Eric (smalls29) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Mickey T. (irratebass) Wes (SosaCub4Life)
Price: $12.00
Age: 1 Year 11 Months
Release Date: July 2015
Contributed by: Villiger Cigars
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 90
“This cigar had a very clean soft brown wrapper. Almost carmel-like in the sun, this cigar looked very appeasing from the beginning. There was a nice build and overall above average construction.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Aroma: 87
“Mostly cedar and light hay… not much to it.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)
First Third
Flavor: 95
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Wow!!! The appearance does not compare to the flavors I am experiencing. I am enjoying not only my favorite peppery tingle but wonderful coffee flavors with a hint of nuts. It is resembling a nice espresso with nutmeg. I am loving this from the get go.” –Eric (smalls29)
“This cigar started really well. It was a bit on the milder side, but had a nice soft floral finish that was leadoff with a nice green grass and mineral. The retrohale was crisp and tgere was a real nice amount of smoke coming off the cigar. The aroma was very soft and not putrid or overpowering.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Second Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“This cigar is kicking my butt right now. Not in strength, but in flavor and enjoyment. I stepped away from the computer to really concentrate on it, and it’s so good I forgot I was reviewing it. The honey is back in the retro and mixed with grass…very interesting and delicious. I will have to seek these out when I find out what they are….so good.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“The spice has continued to mellow out during the 2nd third but is still there and nice. The cigar is also creamy and for a Connecticut there is a lot of flavor and body.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)
Final Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“I am the type of person who craves coffee, even a latte. I am finding this cigar is resembling a good latte where you have come to the bottom of the cup and just the coffee. It is becoming very strong, yummy, and still no bitter after taste. The peppery tingle has waned some and the nutty flavors are almost gone. Still enjoying it.” –Eric (smalls29)
“After raving about this stick, I have to admit it got a little boring….maybe the length was too much (Toro) a corona gorda or petite corona would have been perfect for this. Not dissing it, it’s a great smoke, and I would like more. No transitions on the flavors it stayed with the grass/honey and a bit of wood in there for good measure.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 98
“No effort needed in the draw. This is a plus to me. The draw did get a little harder near the end but not a drawback to me.” –Eric (smalls29)
Burn: 96
“There was a very nice burn on this cigar. The charring of the wrapper countered the soft brown wrapper and made for a nice view. Clean lines coupled with a nice dolid ash were all I got and it was very nice.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
Construction: 96
“No problems here. The cap punched nice and clean. Even though the wrapper appeared to be ready to crack, it held together very well. The end between my thumb and forefinger held up well. This is a plus to me.” –Eric (smalls29)
Overall Strength: Mild-Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 93
“I feel like the flavors intensified and grew more enjoyable over time. Overall I found this to be an enjoyable smoke. The flavors were very similar to a nutty latte that you enjoy. The flavors were well represented through the first two thirds only to give way to the nice strong coffee flavors at the end. To me the add bonus was the almost numbing feeling from the pepper flavor. I would definitely enjoy some in the humidor” –Eric (smalls29)
“I am not a big fan of overly mild to mild-medium cigars. This one made me change my outlook. From the initial appearance and feel to the smoke throughout each third, this cigar was definitely one for everyone. Whether smoking in the morning with coffee, lunchtime with a soda or lemonade, or after dinner with some scotch or bourbon, this cigar will deliver a tremendous experience to enjoy. Grab these and just sit back and relax.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)
“I can’t hype this cigar anymore than I already have. I highly recommend you pick up a few and try them. Would like to see how they age as well…not sure how much better they can get though. This has been an excellent smoking experience, and I am glad to have been a part of it.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)
“I am not a big fan of lighter Connecticuts, but this cigar was not your normal Connecticut. It started off with quite a bit of spice and lots of body… as the smoke went along the spice faded some but it was always there and was very nice to have. I am very interested to find out what this cigar is.” –Wes (SosaCub4Life)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 78
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Reviewer
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Appearance
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Aroma
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1/3
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2/3
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3/3
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Draw
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Burn
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Constr.
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Overall
Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric | 85 | 85 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 93 | 90 | 90 |
| Steve | 90 | 87 | 95 | 90 | 90 | 95 | 90 | 93 | 95 |
| Mickey T. | 95 | 78 | 95 | 97 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Wes | 90 | 87 | 95 | 92 | 92 | 97 | 100 | 100 | 92 |
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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.