Benchmade Staff Review
Back by popular demand! I’m smoking the Benchmade brand in honor of its triumphant return to Holt’s vast bundle repository, where thousands of top-tier bundles sparkle in their sleek cellophane veneer under the fluorescent lights as far as the eye can see. Today, I’m firing up a glorious 6-by-50 Toro in a Natural wrapper, a fitting candidate as we head outdoors to golf, picnic, and trim the hedges in the warm, sunny weather.
Benchmade cigars have actually been around for years and have enjoyed a recurring role in my regular smoking rotation. But the blend has recently been revived and repackaged in shiny, new 20-count bundles drawn from 100% premium long-filler tobaccos harvested in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua. There are three pristine wrappers to choose from: Maduro, Sun Grown, and the Natural that I’m about to fire up. Talented rollers at one of Nicaragua’s top factories handcraft each blend in five popular sizes that start around a paltry $4 apiece, a perfect price for sharing with your pals while you’re tossing a frisbee around at the beach.
After voraciously tearing the packaging off a fresh batch of Benchmade Toros in the Natural wrapper and stripping the cellophane sleeve off a tantalizing specimen, a glorious bouquet of cedar, nuts, and fresh bread penetrates my nasal cavity with aplomb. A silky golden-blond wrapper glistens with a seamless complexion from head to foot. The Toro exhibits supple structure with ideal density as I gently pinch it in a few strategic points before slicing the perfectly applied cap between the blades of my double-blade guillotine cutter.
Inviting tasting notes of cashew, cedar, and cereal culminate in the cold draw when I spin the cigar between my lips to get acquainted with the latest incarnation of Benchmade. A soft spice comes to the forefront upon toasting the foot with my torch lighter. When I push the first plumes of smoke out through my nose, Benchmade mesmerizes my senses with its flavor and aroma in a series of pleasurable draws.
This casual and affordable Toro provides an exemplary profile for any time of day, including morning, when a stronger smoke may be too much. Benchmade is better than the average yard ’gar, but it’s priced in the realm of other utility smokes, making it a total treat to indulge in when you’re pushing the lawnmower around. I’m comfortable swigging a few sips of an everyman beer, like Michelob or Miller Lite, with a Benchmade in my mouth.
The Toro maintains a consistent burn through the middle, revealing a formidable ash as the cigar progresses. Delightful notes of coffee bean, white pepper, and cream create a marvelous impression, tempting me to devour the Toro faster than I should. However, I keep my composure and pause between draws, allowing the cigar’s gracious nuances to ruminate on my palate as long as possible.
After forty-five minutes, I’ve peeled the band off, fully embracing an easygoing sequence of nutty and rich notes throughout the nub. I’m prepared to singe my fingertips savoring every last puff if need be. However, I’m comforted by the fact that the inexpensive price point of Benchmade cigars affords me the luxury of firing up another without the worry of exhausting my budget.
As most of you know from perusing my extensive review archives, my copious cigar consumption compels me to focus my purchasing dollars on bargain brands first and foremost. As the final centimeters of the Toro gracefully expire in my ashtray, I attest that Benchmade fits my bill for performance, taste, and price with flying colors. Procure a bundle for your coolerdor without delay.
Until next time, long ashes to you!
