Luciano Dalay Istanbul Toro – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Last year, Luciano Cigars and Dalay Zigarren forged a new distribution agreement, debuting their collaboration at the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Convention & Trade Show with the release of two distinct cigars: the Dalay Istanbul and Dalay Nicaragua.

The Dalay Istanbul is a homage to the Turkish roots of Salih Dalay, blending Turkish tobacco with Dominican and Kentucky air-cured tobaccos. This intricate mix is bound with a Pennsylvania leaf and wrapped in an Ecuadorian habano corojo 99, aimed at delivering a rich and complex flavor profile. The Dalay Istanbul was made available in three sizes: the Principe at 4 1/2 x 46, the Robusto at 5 x 50, and the Toro at 5 1/2 x 54, with each size limited to 1,500 boxes to enhance its exclusivity.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 5 1/2″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo 98
Binder: USA
Filler: Turkey, Dominican Republic, USA
Factory: Tabacalera Zauberberg
Blender: Salih Dalay
Number of reviewers: 5 – Fred L. (Fred L.) Jason A. (Jason A.) Bradlee W. (Brad W.) Mickey T. (irratebass) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $20.00
Age: 8 Months
Release Date: July 2023
Contributed by: Luciano Cigars

Initial Impressions – Luciano Dalay Istanbul Toro

Appearance: 86

“The cigar has a nice milk, chocolate wrapper, but it’s very dry almost like handling some dry yard leaves.” –Bradlee W. (Brad W.)

Aroma: 89

“The aroma of the cigar is dominated by a heavy dose of earth. But not just your typical earth, I’m talking about almost like a freshly tilled garden, or when you pull roots out of the ground. A much stronger note, but not in a bad way at all.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“This cigar has notes of cafe macchiato, sweet cream, whipped vanilla and toffee. Super complex and flavorful. The retrohale reveals a browned butter note. The sinuses feel with a creamy texture and the retro is super smooth. Like smoking a well layered desert in the first third. ” –Bradlee W. (Brad W.)

“On the first light getting a light sweet tobacco note with a touch of coffee. Wonky burn to start but evened up after about 10 minutes. Once the ash dropped I gave it a slight touch up and the burn improved. No flavor transitions in the first third. ” –Jason A. (Jason A.)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Some leather and cedar come along to help ease the licorice into a more palatable level for me. I’m glad about this change as it creates harmony.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

“The bread, and coffee note continue in this third. The nuts have subsided and a new flavor has arrived and that is caramel….very interesting and welcomed. I am still getting that floral note on the retro. The strength is still at a mild to medium.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Final Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The final section of this cigar marks a noted uptick in black pepper spice. While not overly complex, the buttery notes combined with the smokey sweetness.” –Fred L. (Fred L.)

“This is where the cigar shifts gears into a much better direction altogether. I’m getting some nice changes going into the end of the cigar reminiscent me of Mexican chocolate.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Overall Impressions – Luciano Dalay Istanbul Toro

Draw: 93

“Great open draw with a v-cut that gives me so much smoke that surrounds me at times.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Burn: 94

“The cigar started out with a wonky burn for the first several minutes then evened out to close to razor burn for the rest of the smoke time.” –Jason A. (Jason A.)

Construction: 91

“Aside from the peculiarity in the foot, this cigar is well-packed and expertly crafted.” –Fred L. (Fred L.)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 89

“All in all, a very interesting cigar. While its main characteristics are smokey, peppery, and buttery, its construction puts the nail in the coffin for a truly exceptional smoke. ” –Fred L. (Fred L.)

“As far as flavor notes the cigar was underwhelming. Not much if any transitions. Notes of sweet tobacco, a touch of coffee and bitterness on the finish. Otherwise, great burn, smoke and construction. ” –Jason A. (Jason A.)

“This cigar knocked my socks off. Blind reviewing cigars can be challenging as you don’t have any point of reference except the cigar, cutter and lighter. This stick is a prime example of a transitional, flavorful stick. The nuances and notes are an example of excellence in the world of cigar duds vs true craftsmanship. I’m beyond impressed and want a box of this stick! ” –Bradlee W. (Brad W.)

“Overall this was a very good cigar with plenty of flavors to tantalize my senses. Starting out with bread, cream, floral notes, and sweet coffee as well as some caramel. Then shifting to more earth, and salt notes and black coffee notes. I would like to smoke more of these.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“If I were to take a positive from this cigar, it would be the fact that it offered up legit transitions and complexity, along with the easy smoking experience via good burn. On the flip side, the profile notes really were not for me with licorice being the lead character. I’ll leave it to you to decide if that’s your jam.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 85

To view the complete scores and notes, click here

Dalay Istanbul Toro – Blind Cigar Review