Initial Thoughts
Though I often see the name Cuban Stock and hear people talk about them having some good cigars in their portfolio, I have only seen a couple of them in person. It’s not that they are a new start up that is trying to get off the ground, as they have been in business since 1995. They just aren’t one of the big names I guess. Nonetheless, I was excited to see the Triumph included in a recent package I received from the Furher, Eric Scism!
Cuban Stock Cigars are made at their factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. A visit to their website reveals about 18 different cigars that they offer. It also explains why a Dominican cigar company would have the word “Cuban” in their name. The tobacco used for their cigars is Cuban seed and they are fermented and crafted in traditional Cuban style.
The Triumph, released in 2012, is touted to be one that no other factory can duplicate. Why, I am not sure, but that’s what the website says (so it must be true!). The tobacco is aged ten years in oak barrels. The wrapper is a Dominican Maduro Special (DMS). It comes in three different vitolas, the torpedo, toro grande, and toro corto.
Looks
As previously mentioned, the presentation of the Cuban Stock Triumph is quite impressive at first glance. The wrapper is a very dark chocolate shade against an elaborate band. However, a closer look reveals a veiny wrapper with raised seams. The cap is more rugged than first thought as well.
The foot is also a little rugged. It appears that it was cut at a slight angle rather than the traditional even cut. There is also a slight tear on the wrapper on that end of the cigar. Lastly, the filler has some space at its center.
Back to the elaborate band, it really stands out in contrast to the dark wrapper. It is comprised of gold, black, white, and red. The design is rather ornate, especially with the use of gold ribbons. When it comes time to remove the band, I do have to peel it off, as it is on too tight to slide off without damaging the wrapper.
Function
The Cuban Stock Triumph Torpedo has been giving off mixed signals, as both attractive and rugged at the same time. The feel is much the same; feels well packed, but is also bumpy. There is only a very slight give when squeezed.
The aromas coming from the cigar are pretty consistent. Both the foot and barrel smell like earth and cocoa. The pre light draw is pretty much the same plus some hay. The draw seems a little tight.
I use a double guillotine cutter to clip the cap. I do so at a 45-degree angle, like I do most torpedoes/perfectos.
Smoking
I decided to use my single flame torch to light the Cuban Stock Triumph Torpedo. It lights up quickly and evenly. Thankfully, the draw is much better than it was on the pre-light test, open with only a slight resistance. While the burn stays even throughout most of the cigar, it does go out twice on me, once in the first third and in the final third. It is also during the final third where the burn finally gets a little uneven.
With a nice ring gauge and seemingly solid construction, I was expecting a solid ash. Though it held on for about an inch at a time, the outside of it was quite flaky. I would probably not wear black while smoking this cigar unless you want to look like you slid down the chimney!
Flavor
I have been neither disappointed nor impressed with the looks, functionality, and smoking of the Cuban Stock Triumph Torpedo. It just seems like an average cigar at this point. Let’s see if the flavors will take it to the next level.
The first third starts out a bit harsh with earth, hay, and spicy black pepper. It takes a few puffs, but the harshness subsides, leaving some much smoother and enjoyable notes of savoriness, cocoa, sweetness, and some black pepper on the finish.
In the next third, the savory notes take the forefront, standing out against the wood, cocoa, and slight pepper. The pepper has quieted down quite a bit, mostly noticeable on the retrohale and a little on the finish. As this section ends, the savory notes start to fade out.
The final third sees the wood notes take over, this time paired mostly with just earth. This section starts to get harsh again, tasting more and more like dirt. With about 1 inch left, it goes out. I decide to leave it as it has been almost 2 hours and it was not that good at this point.
The Cuban Stock Triumph Torpedo was medium in strength and flavor. The total smoke time was right at 1 hour 50 minutes. Though the majority of the cigar was enjoyable, there were definitely some parts that were not.
Would I Buy It Again?
Maybe. I was not wowed by it, but other sites have indicated a better cigar than what I experienced.
Is It An Everyday Smoke?
Not for me.
Would I Buy a Box?
No.
Conclusion
My first experience with Cuban Stock Cigars has closely mirrored my impression of them that I’ve gathered from what little I’ve heard about them; just an average cigar company that makes pretty good cigars. Though I would rate the Cuban Stock Triumph Torpedo as just “pretty good, nothing special”, I see that other review sites have rated it as a rather great smoke. Like any review, it is subjective and that should be taken into consideration when deciding on whether to try a cigar or not. But if you ask me, I say not bad, but not my cup of tea.
