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Frank Correnti Maduro Robusto

JNT

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http://newcigarsmokerreviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/frank-correnti-maduro-robusto.html

Frank Correntti Maduro Robusto
4 3/4 x 50
Hand Rolled in Toronto, Canada
All Imported Cuban Tobacco
$11.50 CDN

Frank Correnti is the only make of Cuban hand made cigars. He's located at 606 King St W, Toronto. You have to walk down a laneway to the very back where you'll find the door leading up to his second floor factory. Like you're doing something illegal, and need to know the secret knock to get in.

The place is nice, and you can see where they hand roll, and store them. There is also a lounge. The cigars are unbanded, and unboxed, though you can purchase those option for extra if you want.

They sell each vitola in a Claro wrapper, or Maduro. In my opinion the Maduro is the best. I have not had good luck with the Claro's in consturction, and taste. Very Bland.

This Maduro Robusto you can see is not well constructed (I have a pic of the actual cigar in my link.) if that matters to you. I find all his cigars have an overall poor construction, and loose draw when compared to a brand name cuban. It's really hit or miss, however I don't smoke them for looks.

This cigar I got nice flavours of sweet wood, mild earth, pepper on the exhale, and a nice caramel creamy after taste. None of these flavours are overwhelming. The wood is really pronounced.

He claims all tobacco is aged five years, but occasionally I get a slight ammonia in the smoke. I find all his cigars on the mild to medium side of strength.

While I don't think these cigars come close to standing up to a cuban cigar like Hoyo de Monterrey, Montecristo, Partagas, etc... they are still really good, especially when you factor in the price. A single robusto from the afore mentioned brands will garner $20 and up in Canada. So not a bad trade off. I would certainly rank them well above the Guantanamera, and Quintero lines of Cuban cigars.

You can check them out online at http://www.correnticigars.com/, and if your in Toronto certainly take the time to visit. I like to go buy a few cigars every now, and then just to support the cigar business in general.
 

gibbleguts

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I have heard varying reports on whether they actually do use all Cuban tobacco. WHat I have been told before that Cuba does not export either wrapper leaf or Ligero. I guess they could be using only Volado and Seco for the blend but it wouldn't be a very well balanced cigar IMO.
 

Clint

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Nobody truly knows exactly what is exported from Cuba, either with or without the government's knowledge...It's a third world country, and the majority of the people are looking to make a buck anywhere they can.

Rule of thumb with any farmie: Go with what you like. They may be authentic, they may be knock offs, or anything in between...Go with your palate, or you'll drive yourself crazy with trying to determine authenticity.
 

gibbleguts

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Nobody truly knows exactly what is exported from Cuba, either with or without the government's knowledge...It's a third world country, and the majority of the people are looking to make a buck anywhere they can.

Rule of thumb with any farmie: Go with what you like. They may be authentic, they may be knock offs, or anything in between...Go with your palate, or you'll drive yourself crazy with trying to determine authenticity.
They are a legitiamte business here in Canada whinch means their tobacaao comes throug the proper government sources and is completely legal. Tobacco is a very controlled substance here in Canada so trying to sneak in back or grey market tobacco would not do well for them. I have heard nothing but good things about the cigars which is where the rumours of blends with other tobaccos has come from.

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Clint

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They are a legitiamte business here in Canada whinch means their tobacaao comes throug the proper government sources and is completely legal. Tobacco is a very controlled substance here in Canada so trying to sneak in back or grey market tobacco would not do well for them. I have heard nothing but good things about the cigars which is where the rumours of blends with other tobaccos has come from.

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First of all, meant no disrespect with my comments, Aaron :)

I know that Canada has much more strict regulations in place when it comes to tobacco import. I have heard that there are, let's say 'holes' in the system that allow for grey market product to exist.
 

JNT

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Yea, I don't think there is any doubt the tobacco is from Cuba...IMO. He's been in business forever (since 1956), and has a great reputation hear.

Here is an article from the national post a while back. http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2007/06/16/viva-la-havana-north.aspx

I thought there was another one from the Toronto Star or Sun where it had pictures, and a better interview, but I can't find it.

I see they have a facebook page to show your support. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6655739452
 
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