Connecticut Valley Reserve Toro by Flores y Rodriguez

07/04/2022
COVID-19 Day 834
Every time I smoke this Connecticut Broadleaf wrapped Connecticut Valley Reserve Toro by Flores y Rodriguez, I have to keep pinching myself in disbelief that I don’t see these around very often… as a matter of fact, I think I’m the only one that I know of who smokes these in Portland, Oregon.

As a matter of fact, I just found out this morning that PDR Cigars is releasing these with a tweaked blend this Fall per Half Wheel

“Both the core Connecticut Valley Reserve (Red) and the Connecticut Valley Reserve (Azul) blends are part of the revamping. The cigars are being branded “A. Flores 1975” and feature packaging more consistent with the rest of the portfolio. The blends are now being called Connecticut Valley Reserve Roja and the Connecticut Valley Reserva Azul.” – Half Wheel

I can’t wait to spark the new blend. I hope it delivers like this “Original” Connecticut Valley Reserve Maduro cigar. In the meantime, I’m grabbing any that I see on the market for the TupperDor.

These cigars are rare gems. Buy them if you see them.

Until next time…
Stay Smoky
Stay Chill

03/01/2019
Ahhhhhh, Earth, Cocoa, Spice, Coffee, Wood, Earth, Nutty, Charred Meat, Chocolate, and Cherry Sweetness.

This is my third Connecticut Valley Reserve by Flores y Rodriguez and I’m rejoicing because I know I can sit back and enjoy those flavors I just described.

I’m totally in my comfort zone with this cigar that hits pretty much all my flavor checkboxes.

These can be hard to find at the correct price, so either spend the dough or look for these to go on sale. I think they’re normally around $15-bucks… Ouch!

Stay Chill
Stay Smoky

01/29/2019

This was my second Connecticut Valley Reserve by Flores y Rodriguez and so far, I love what this cigar has been providing.

I kept pulling on my cold draw; I kept getting more chocolate and more chocolate. I didn’t want to stop. I think this was the theme this morning with my other cigar that I brought along (Tatuaje 10th Anniversary Bon Chasseur).

I made sure to snip enough of the cap this time and was rewarded with rich chewy earthy, leather, and cocoa with some black coffee arriving soon on my palate.

At the halfway point and I’m cruising along with this Connecticut Valley Reserve by Flores y Rodriguez. The rest I gave this is paying off. It’s a good thing I found a 5-Pack to purchase. I just hope it gets here one of these days (back ordered).

Stay Smoky
Stay Chill

01/02/2019
I think I’m beginning to learn to keep my expectation is check. This cigar came with high accolades from Ralph Sumo, so let’s get this cigar started.

I decide to straight-cut this morning’s Flores y Rodriguez Connecticut Valley Reserve with my Perfect Cutter that as you know comes with a backstop so you can’t chop too much off the cigar. I’m mentioning this because… Later.

There wasn’t much that I could detect on the initial cold draw. This is a very firm cigar that reminds me of the rustic feel of the Arturo Fuentes 858. Once lit, lots of airy salty charcoal and tobacco flavors. The smoke is pouring out when I want it to.

At the end of the first third and the oily smoke is coating my mouth for long-lasting finishes of each puff. My draw was getting a little tight so… a clip and a snip and all is good. I’m getting volumes of smoke and earthy chewy flavors now.

I’ll have to learn how to cut enough of the cap off these cigars better. The additional clip of the cap made a huge difference. I should have done this sooner. The next time I smoke the Flores y Rodriguez Connecticut Valley Reserve, it will be great! I think this needs a little rest in the TupperDor.

A couple of these were gifted to me by Raph Sumo. I have since ordered a 5-pack and they should be here sometime this month. Yeah, these are hard to find.

Stay Tuned
Stay Chill
Stay Smoky

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The Cigar