Initial Thoughts:
The Charter Oak Connecticut marks the beginning of my search for the perfect breakfast cigar. While I used to shy away from adding a cigar to my morning coffee routine, I've slowly come around to the idea that the two might go well together.
So, today, I'm lighting up the Charter Oak Connecticut Natural Toro. Despite some visual oddities and an area where the rollers might've tried to cover up a flaw in the wrapper leaf, the cigar lights easily. The initial flavors were like those of Wheaties cereal, and perhaps a touch of honey.
CigarScore:
Brand: Foundation
Line: Charter Oak, Connecticut
Size: 6 x 52
Cut: Guillotine
Light: Torch Matches
Price: $5.70
Wrapper: United States Connecticut Shade
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua
Smoke Time: 129 minutes
Final Thoughts:
For the most part, the Charter Oak Connecticut Natural Toro that I smoked had an even burn. However, I didn't like how the roller hid the dime-sized hole in the wrapper behind where they knew the paper label would go. Instead of making this stick a “factory second” for the bargain bin, they packaged it as a perfect first-run.
Additionally, in the final third of the cigar, the flavors became harsh, there was a patch of bitterness, and I just didn't love how it tasted. It's too bad because the flavors in the first third were pretty good.
Because I wouldn't smoke this cigar again, and I think there are much better cigars for just about a dollar more in cost, I give the Charter Oak Connecticut Natural Toro a CigarScore 2.
