Cigar Review: Dante by M. Tobacos

Originally published at Tiki Bar Online

Canto VI: “Asmodeus” (Corona Gorda), 5.5” x 46 ring gauge 

It’s always fascinating to see what different parts of themselves people bring to the cigar industry when they decide to make cigars. Michael Huff brought his fascination with literature, specifically “Inferno” by Dante Alighieri to bear with the creation of this initial line from M. Tobacos. Dante is made in the Tabacalera Tropical factory in Miami and uses Aganorsa leaf Nicaraguan filler and binder, along with a San Andres Maduro wrapper. The 7 vitolas are called “cantos,” a reference to the different cantos in the Divine Comedy and each cigar is said to be “as temping as one of the seven deadly sins.” They are sponsoring this year’s Chattanooga Tweet-Up. I was given these cigars by Michael Huff and smoked 2 sticks in 2 sizes before settling on smoking another Corona Gorda for this review.

The band fits. That is, it has a somewhat old, faded look, almost like an old book (Inferno, perhaps) that has seen a hundred years of wear on the gilding of the cover. It’s a good example of how complex and fitting a simple-looking design can be if some thought is put into it. The exact same artwork on thin, glossy paper stock would give a very “bundle-level” look. So as a designer myself, I have to say, “Great job!” The wrapper leaf was oily, veiny and very dark. It had a dark chocolate hue that was almost, but not quite, perfectly even, and was finished off in a tight pigtail. The wrapper had a ripe earthy, barnyard aroma with a bit of leather mixed in. The foot had a rich aroma of earth, coffee and chocolate. Taking off the cap with my trusty Xikar Xi cutter, I got a very good draw that had flavors of dried fruit and chocolate, along with more subtle earth and pepper flavors.

Lighting up, I got dark earthy flavors right up front, specifically a deep, rich black coffee that came through on the tongue and nose. I also had some balancing sweet notes of dark chocolate and a little pepper burn in the nostrils. A very interesting start. If I was handed this cigar with no information, I would not immediately peg it as a Mexican wrapper. The look and smell doesn’t really give it away, nor does the flavor profile betray its origins, at least not overtly. If you pay close attention, there is definitely that Mexican bitterness there in traces, but the Dante is balanced so it works with the blend instead of against it.

The Dante started off in the medium-to-full bodied range, but by midway through the second third, it was definitely in the full range. I continued to get deeply earthy flavors including coffee, but also got some sour citrus notes and an underlying sweetness. Construction was proving to be extremely good; I saw a very even burn line that needed only one minor touch-up, a continuing good draw, and solid ash.

In the last third, the Dante got more earthy, but less bitter. I got more coffee, but it seemed a bit creamier, and there were still subtle sweet flavors, but not strong as before. Overall, I enjoyed the Dante Canto VI. I also have smoked the Robusto, called Canto III, and enjoyed it, but I prefer this Corona Gorda size. The body did end in the full range, but not overwhelmingly so, and the nicotine strength was medium-plus. Overall a very good first entry from M. Tobacos and the Dante line. I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Body: 8/10
Strength: 7/10
Complexity: 7/10

AFP Scale

Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10