I"ve been smoking a lot of the Kristoff Maduro in the Robusto size these days. Listed as a Robusto, this thing is sized more like a Toro. Anyways, I've enjoyed the Maduro so much that I have bothered to try the newer Sumatran wrapped version. Friends that recommended the Kirstoff have noticed how much I enjoy the cigar have said that the Sumatra wrapped version is even better and deserves a try.
I picked up a fairly priced, 8$, Sumatra Torpedo. Every Kristoff Ive smoked has burnt well and has great flavor. Surprisingly, these cigars are made with Dominican tobacco....usually I prefer Nicaraguan tobacco, but my recent Kristoff smokes have reminded me of why I love cigars so much.
Writing reviews and always thinking about the cigars as I smoke, I sometimes find myself focusing on details and different aspects of a cigar rather then just enjoying the experience. The Kristoff selections are so good all-around, that I stop focusing on details and just admire how much I'm enjoying the cigar. The flavors are complex and creamy. I'm not going to list the flavor profile because I never made the effort to label what I was tasting - but I was say that the flavor is damn good.
The Sumatran Torpedo weighs in at 6.25" x 52 ring. Wrapped in an earthy looking Ecuadorian Sumatran leaf, the cigar has a genuine feel to it. The unfinished "shag" foot and the band style give the cigar an old-school Cuban vibe. I don't know how to explain the feel you get from the look of the cigar, but you'll know what I mean when you pick one up to buy. Kristoff did a lot to give a cigar that is cubanesque, but maintains its own identity at the same time. The cigar has Brazilian binder and is a blend of mostly Dominican and a little Nicaraguan tobacco.
Tasty, aromatic and a bit sweeter then the Maduro selection, the cigar is an amazing smoke. I can't say it enough. I love these cigars. The resting smoke is sweet and smells of cinammon. I had pipe smokers in the shop telling me how good it smelled. The cigar is full of flavor but very smooth and medium bodied; a perfect example of full flavor doesn't have to be overpowering.
I can't say whether I prefer the Sumatra over the Maduro series; as they are different types of cigars.. The sumatra is medium, floral, creamy and has some spice in the last third. Where as the Maduro is beefy and thick; sweet in its own right, but a little more body than the Sumatra.
I highly recommend Kristoff cigars, expecially the "smaller"sizes. A lot of flavor. Smooth, well-made and hands-down amazing.
OVERALL - A
