Retro Smoke: Rafael Gonzalez Robusto

A few weeks ago, I picked up a box of Vueltabajo Toro, and with it came a free 9-cigar sampler. One of the sampler cigars was a Raphael Gonzalez Robusto, a delightful little stick that I hadn't smoked in many a moon.

I was looking for a good morning cigar to have with my coffee and fired it up. I'm happy to report that this cigar has remained consistent through the years in terms of its construction, burn and flavor. The wrapper is buttery in appearance and silky to the touch. The smoke was creamy, nutty, earthy and laced with notes of sweet cedar and nutmeg on the finish. A perfect mate to my morning jo with a sweet aroma, to boot.

The blend consists of Honduran, Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos rolled in a perfectly-cured U.S. Connecticut shade wrapper. The cigar burned clean, and although it's listed as a "medium-bodied" cigar, experienced palates will most likely consider it a mild smoke. At least it was to moi. Even more impressive was that it never turned bitter on me, making it just as enjoyable through the last inch as it was in the early and middle stages.

Coincidentally, I received an email this morning from a reader who was just getting into cigars, and asked for some good recommendations, so I included the Rafael Gonzalez Robusto among my suggestions. Not only is it a great "starter cigar," it's a trusty change of pace from the heavier fare that seasoned cigar smokers are more often drawn to.

If you've smoked a Rafael Gonzalez Robusto and want to compare notes, please leave a comment.

~ Gary Korb