Cigar Review: Fratello Arlequin Toro

Initial Thoughts:

While we have reviewed the Fratello Arlequin Robusto before, today we're going to go sample the Toro vitola, and see if it's as good (or better) than the early production sample we got in the middle of 2020.

Visually, the Fratello Arlequin Toro is a good-looking cigar. It looks just like a larger version of the robusto, and both have a slight box-pressed look to them. The wrappers are medium brown in color.

As soon as I removed this cigars' cellophane, I could immediately smell something wonderful. The aroma of the cigar is like a sweet, musty leather.

After giving the cigar a cut with my deep-v cutter, there was an enormous stem right at the smoking end that was a cause for concern. I hoped this cigar wouldn't have a terrible draw.

Once I'd lit the Fratello Arlequin Toro and we got going, the first flavors were a little harsh, but also of smokey smoothness. An interesting start, so let's keep going.

Regarding the flavors, I could taste spice, leather, and quite a bit of cedar.

CigarScore:

cigarscore 4 cigar rating

Brand: Fratello
Line: Arlequin
Size: 6 1/2 x 54
Cut: V-Cut
Light: Torch
Price: $10.50 – CigarClub

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Ecuadorian Habano
Filler: Nicaragua, Peru
Smoke Time: 100 minutes


Through the first half of the cigar, the burn was uneven. However, I never had to retorch it or relight the cigar.

Final Thoughts

For the most part, the Fratello Arlequin Toro is a great cigar. But, it does have its problems. Oddly enough, this cigar had the same issues as the robusto we reviewed over a year ago.

For the first half of the cigar, the burn was uneven. Then, for about 20 to 30 minutes, the burn evened out and the cigar performed well. However, in the final third, the burn basically stopped on one side, and I had to retorch it to even it up.

While both Arlequins were good cigars, and I'd recommend them, they both suffered the same burn problems. But this blend is a good cigar, it's very enjoyable, and the price point isn't too high, so the Fratello Arlequin Toro earns a CigarScore 4.

The CigarScore Rating System Explained

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