By Jeremy Hensley | April 15, 2016

Last week, in the middle of a family vacation, I had the privilege of reviewing the Old Henry by Holt’s Cigar Company. I found the cigar to be extremely enjoyable and even said it may be the best bang for the buck cigar that I have smoked all year. Following-up last week’s review, I bring to you a full review of the Old Henry Maduro in the Toro format.

Upon the passing of Holt’s mascot in 2006, a Bulldog named Old Henry, the Old Henry brand was created to remember the company’s best friend. Blended by Jose “Pepin” Garcia, Old Henry cigars have been available for the better part of a decade with four different wrapper options: Nicaraguan Corojo, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Connecticut, and the more recent Ecuadorian Sumatra (Pure Breed).

Available vitolas in the Maduro version include:  Corona (5 ½ by 44), Robusto (5 by 50), Belicoso (5 ½ by 52), Toro (6 by 52), and Bully (6 by 60). Thanks goes out to the Holts team for sending these our way to review. You can purchase your own by visiting their site here.

The Facts

Samples Provided by Holt’s Cigar Company
Price: $5.50 per single | $99.95 per box of 25
Vitola: Toro
Size: 6 by 52
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes

Pre-light

The Old Henry Maduro features an extremely dark brown wrapper full of oils and sugar-like crystals that glisten in the light. The exterior leaf has small to medium sized veins webbing the length of the cigar, a very fine tooth, and an aroma of dirt, cocoa, and some muskiness. Bringing the foot of the cigar to my nose, I find brighter notes of rich cedar, along with dirt and a deep red fruit note.

Gently pressing the cigar from head to foot, I find no soft spots and the Old Henry Maduro is firmly and evenly filled. A quick cut through the triple cap reveals an intriguing dry draw that has a hoppy flavor common in an IPA, maybe grapefruit-ish. Woodsy notes are also present, along with a spice that is warming my mouth and lips.

First Third

The Maduro version of the Old Henry opens with full flavors and body. A sweet cocoa flavor is matching up well with the spicy filler tobaccos and a similar earthiness that I found in the original Old Henry. The pepper is medium/full in both flavors and heat, warming my mouth nicely, and causing a minor itch in the back of the throat. Even so, the retrohale is manageable and adds to the profile every few puffs. For the most part, the burn is even and a beautiful light gray ash is being formed.  

Middle Third

Now in the second third, the sweetness is dialed back, but still hanging on enough to contrast the earth and pepper that are gaining ground. A toasted bread flavor that has joined the mix is working well with the rest of the profile. There is also a citrus and tartness that come across sharply every couple of puffs. I am already feeling a bit of strength from this Old Henry Maduro. A portion of the wrapper is burning slower than the rest of the cigar, but I am going to hold of and see if it will self-correct.

Final Third

Transitioning into the final third, the Old Henry Maduro develops in both richness and savoriness. The main profile is a combination of rich cedar, earth, cocoa, and a saltiness, followed by more subtle toasted bread and citrus notes. The citrus works well with the profile playing a minor role. The strength has built steadily from the second third as I am now feeling a bit of nicotine kick in the gut.The sweetness has jumped right back into the profile bringing a great finish to this stick!

Wrap-up

It always amazes me the impact the wrapper leaf has on a cigar. While some similarities were noted between the Old Henry and the Old Henry Maduro, for the most part, they offered up two very distinct experiences. Flavors of cocoa, earth, pepper, toasted-bread, and citrus were picked up on over the hour and half of smoking. The flavors evolved throughout the smoke and new flavors arrived in each third. While I would classify the Maduro as a more complex smoke than its counterpart, there were times when the flavors came across a bit unbalanced, mainly in the second third. With that said, Holt’s Old Henry Maduro ended on a very high note with a rich profile that was satisfying in flavors and strength. This is a great cigar for someone looking for an affordable, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro cigar that works wells with spicy Nicaraguan filler tobaccos.

Giveaway

We have partnered up with our great friends at Holt’s Cigar Company to bring you an exciting giveaway. Holts will be sending 1 lucky winner and 8-Ct Old Henry “Best in Show” Sampler containing 2 of each of the four Old Henry Blends.

Sampler includes:

• 2 – Old Henry Toro (6 x 52)
• 2 – Old Henry Gold Label Toro (6 x 52)
• 2 – Old Henry Maduro Toro (6 x 52)
• 2 – Old Henry Pure Breed Toro (6 x 52)

Simply follow the rules in the giveaway to enter. NOTE: You can do the”Tweeting a message” option once per day. You must be 21 or older and live in the US. A winner will be chosen at random on the morning of 4/22/2016 and announced on this blog. Good luck!

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