1888 from Villiger has undergone, in the last couple months, a complete restyling that, other the graphic aspect of boxes and bands (they changed from a chromatic combination of black/yellow to red/gold) also includes the blend.
▪ Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
▪ Size: 50 x 152 mm (6″)
▪ Capa: Ecuador Desflorado
▪ Capote: Mexican San Andres
▪ Tripa: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua
▪ Price: € 7.70
The line is made up of four sizes: Robusto, Corona, Torpdeo and Toro, the latter will be reviewed in the following lines.
Optically, the cigar is wrapped in a shiny Colorado Claro colored wrapper. The outer leaf is very smooth to the touch and free of veins. There are no defects of any kind. Draw is perfect.
Villiger 1888 Toro: the nose is reached my interesting aromas of citrus, dried fruits and, less accentuated, hazelnut.
The first third showcases a product with flavors that are just hinted at, mostly played between a weak and equal salti- and bitterness. The aromatic palette, albeit not very ample, can be figured out very easily: very pronounced spices, followed by wood and a light metallic hint. Strength is mild (2/5).
The middle section seems to be a long continuation of the previous third: flavors stay the same, with the exception of the metallic note, that makes room for a delicate hint of earth. Strength stays mild (2/5).
The last third, finally returns with a spin before the final puffs. The saltiness becomes very marked, while the acidity stays unchanged for the full smoking period. The aromatic palette undergoes a light evolution: next to the spices, that considerably fade in this third, appear balsamic notes and leather. Strength increases slightly, becoming mild – medium (2,5/5).
Overall, this Villiger 1888 Toro is an extremely balanced, simple, void of constructive defects. Also the flavors, in their simplicity, are well structured in intensity. What this product lacks is complexity and evolution, that can not be limited to a weak veer between the last two thirds. A simple cigar, that can be smoked without a problem, as long as you are not looking for a more structured smoke.
Rating: 85