INTRODUCTION
Micallef has recently introduced the Micallef Red to stand next to its successful Black and Blue blends as part of its new color series. With a San Andres Habano wrapper, the Red closes the gap in the trio’s portfolio by introducing a natural habano wrapper alongside the Blacks San Andres maduro and the Blues San Andres Sumatra.
UNDER THE LID
Upon removing the Micallef Red Toro from the cellophane its prominent crest shines gold by the light’s reflection off the band. The red background surrounding the gold crest compliments the slightly velvet hue of the San Andres Habano wrapper. The wrapper is veiny with a slight rustic feel. The pack is consistent throughout the entire cigar with a slight give to the tobacco upon pressure. All three samples smoked for this review were consistent under the lid.
- Wrapper: San Andres Habano
- Binder: Nicaraguan Pennsylvania seed Broadleaf
- Filler: Nicaragua and Mexico
- Vitola: 6 x 52 Toro
- Factory: Micallef Cigars S.A.
- Released: September 5th, 2024
- Box Quantity: Regular Production
- MSRP: $8.00 ($200 for a box of 25)
A straight cut across the cap of the cigar unveiled a smooth draw with a preferred amount of airflow. The cold draw offers notes of hay, cocoa, and a mild savory breadiness. The foot of the cigar offers similar notes with a slight zest of red pepper. All three samples have consistent construction.
PERFORMANCE NOTES
FIRST THIRD
On the first draw an earthiness dominates center palate with a leather following along the sides. A bitter espresso appears late in the finish covering the roof of my palate. The initial profile of the Micallef Red leans toward a savory bitterness, similar to the flavors a black coffee drinker like myself enjoys. After the first few puffs the initial retrohale presents a warming red spice that is blended together with clove and a small touch of sweetness that lingers with the espresso on the finish. The second sample had a more robust sweetness and a blast of mint which was absent in the first and third samples. Performance wise, the cigars are burning at a notable evenness which allows a tight bleach white ash to remain intact which lets the cigars stay lit during the pauses between draws to ensure the tobacco burns cooler to which allows its aromas to truly be presented. As the first third starts coming to an end, the bitterness takes the background and the spice comes forward. This allows the sweetness to stand out which develops to a rich dark cherry all while the clove moves back and lingers towards my throat through the finish
SECOND THIRD
The second third stays true to the core aromas from the first third but increases in body allowing a more full profile. A savory sweet toffee coats the palate with a further development of a toasted oak wood that leaves a finish that mimics that of a double barrel aged bourbon. The spice on the retrohale has increased but is not hostile to the senses since the fullness of the toffee prevents it from overpowering the blend. The second sample’s mint and sweetness still stands out from the others. So far my experience with the Micallef Red Toro can be simply defined as a blend of tobaccos that would compliment any American whiskey or bourbon.
FINAL THIRD
As my first review under Smokin Tobacco I would like to share that the final third of every cigar is where I put the most focus. Since it’s natural for an average consumer to not smoke past the band, I find it interesting to see how manufacturers blend and if the right efforts are put into the completeness of the cigar. The Micallef Red Toro does not disappoint in this department. The final third starts with a tick above medium full with the Nicaraguan fillers coming forward to dominate the profile. A dark leather and espresso absolutely covers the palate leaving a dense finish. The Pennsylvania seed filler can be distinguished by presenting a vegetal aroma which I commonly classify as Pennsylvania seed tobacco. The spice breaks off the palate profile on the retrohale and takes dominance through my nasal sensories developing into a dark pepper corn allowing room for a slight saltiness towards the back of my throat which is followed by a long finish of toasted oak, leather and espresso which lingers on my palate all the way to the next puff.
Core Flavors: Earth, Leather, Espresso, 97% Dark Cocoa, Red and black spice.
Strength: Medium+
Body: Medium Full
Complexity: Medium
Smokin Experience
Micallef has certainly made a prominent appearance in humidors following their rebranding efforts and introduction of an industry leading ambassador program allowing consumers to really identify with the brand. Before this review I was wondering how Micallef would follow up their successful Black series. I feel the Red touched on the foundations desired with the Black by being an affordable premium smoking experience, but expands the companies portfolio by adding a complex cigar which blending allows a consumer to enjoy the bitter notes Nicaraguan and Mexican tobacco offer. It’s important to note that “bitterness” on the flavor wheel is viewed as a negative to most consumers due to its hostilities to the palate. However, when blended correctly, bitterness can be used to enhance the nuances of aromas offered and elevate the mouthfeel of the experience. The Micallef Red Toro is the first cigar released in Q4 where bitterness was done right and I highly suggest consumers try it to expand their palates in a not often charted area of flavor.
Purchase recommendation: I would suggest purchasing a five pack and experimenting with different whiskey and bourbon pairings since the Micallef Red Toros profile is on point for a spectacular complementary pairing. Specifically, I would recommend trying this with a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked neat, since the subtle sweetness of the blend will do wonders to cut the bourbon bite in substitute of having ice.
Smokin Facts
- Micallef has a spectrum of colored releases with the Red following the Blue which was released in March of 2024 and the Black released in June of 2023.
- All three of the aforementioned cigars are priced between the $7 to $8 range.
- You can follow this link to sign up for the Micallef ambassador program which is open to all consumers located within the United States.
Smokin Wrap
Cigars Smoked for the Review: Three
Average smoking time: Two hours and fourteen minutes
