Hoyo La Amistad Black Toro (6 1/2 x 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Cigar-Coop.com website)

At the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show, General Cigar Company introduced a third collaboration with AJ Fernandez under its Hoyo de Monterrey line with the Hoyo La Amistad Black.

This release features an Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro wrapper over a Mexican San Andres binder, and Nicaraguan filler. It is available in three sizes: Rothschild (4 1/2 x 50), Toro (6 1/2 x 52), and Gigante (6 x 60). The Gigante is a box-pressed offering, the first box-pressed in the Hoyo La Amistad line. The Rothschild is presented in 25-count boxes while the Toro and Gordo are presented in 20-count boxes.

“For this, the third La Amistad release, we challenged AJ with crafting a cigar that bears the essence of Hoyo, while also embodying the spirit of his tabacalera in Nicaragua. The result is the boldest expression in the La Amistad partnership and we’re very pleased with what AJ has delivered,” commented Ed Lahmann senior brand manager for Hoyo de Monterrey.

All three releases of the Hoyo La Amistad have been blended by AJ Fernandez. The previous two releases Hoyo La Amistad and Hoyo La Amistad Silver were released in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Because the packaging of these releases was similar, General Cigar has introduced new box designs for those offerings. The original Hoyo La Amistad has now officially been re-branded as Hoyo La Amistad Gold, while Hoyo La Amistad Silver keeps the same name.

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro

Binder: Mexican San Andres

Filler: Nicaraguan

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Tabacalera Fernandez)

Vitolas Available

Rothschild: 4 1/2 x 50 (SRP $7.29/cigar)

Toro: 6 1/2 x 52 (SRP $8.09/cigar) REVIEWED TODAY

Gigante (Box-Pressed): 6 x 60 (SRP $8.49/cigar)

I have previously reviewed the original Hoyo La Amistad, which is now knows as the Gold and I reviewed the Silver last year. Both received good ratings.

The cigar is very dark and well made. The name "Black" fits this cigar perfectly. It has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was very good. The initial flavors at light up were a nice, sweet orange citrus, brown sugar, cinnamon, caramel, and massive amounts of espresso and dark chocolate. There was nice black pepper which I rated at an 8 and it's even nicer when you retro hale. The cigar comes across like it will be very full bodied due to the heavy, dark notes.




At the first third (27 minutes) the dark chocolate and espresso are going strong. But, the sweeter notes are keeping up. Although the cigar tastes very dark and powerful it is in fact only medium to full bodied. It would seem the cigar would elevate to full bodied soon. The black pepper is still very good. The finish is cream with a touch of dark chocolate and nice lingering black pepper. The first third is rated at 92.




At the second third (57 minutes) I noted nutmeg notes. They appeared during the second third. They are not intrusive but actually add nicely to the overall scope of the cigar. The sweet notes in this cigar are very nice. They contrast well with the heavy dark notes. The finish is still cream with dark chocolate but now some of the nutmeg notesThe have drifted over. The lingering black pepper remains very good. The second third was also rated at 92.




The Hoyo La Amistad Black toro lasted 1 hour 23 minutes. I found this to be a very consistent cigar. Not much changes but that's ok because this is a pretty good cigar. This is a very dark noted cigar with plenty of sweetness. Oddly, it finished medium to full bodied. I thought it would surely reach full bodied but it remained just shy of that mark. The finish is unchanged. This is another good addition to the Hoyo La Amistad series. With nothing really changing the final third score is also a 92. You can purchase these fine cigars HERE.

Overall Score: 92