Baccarat Toro Staff Review

Baccarat is one of the many casino vices I’ve sworn off over the years. I never had the time or patience to pursue what would have undoubtedly amounted to a huge financial loss. Learn from my mistakes, friends, and visit holts.com for the only Baccarat worth discussing. You’ll thank me later. Today, though, I am reviewing Baccarat – the cigar brand – in a gleaming Toro format.

If you’ve never tried, or even heard of, Baccarat cigars, chances are you’ve been practicing social distancing for a lot longer than recommended. No worries. I’ll break Baccarat down to the lowest common denominator without loads of added fluff, verbose explanation, or garrulous adjective-laden product descriptions.

Smoking a Baccarat cigar can be a polarizing exercise in either pleasure or futility. The reason for the division is the brand’s sugar-dunked cap. While it doesn’t necessarily add to the flavor of the cigar, it influences the overall smoking experience. Speaking of experience, my first run-in with the legendary Baccarat cigar happened right here at Holt’s nearly 25 years ago. Then, just like now, I was drawn to the cigar’s rock-bottom price, first, and the appearance, second.

Way back then, Baccarat was manufactured and distributed by Camacho cigars. This lasted all the way up until 2008 when the entire Camacho portfolio was purchased by Davidoff of Geneva. Not much has changed with Baccarat and the brand remains true to its Honduran roots. 

The 6 x 50 Baccarat Toro I’ve procured for this staff review represents the best bang for your buck in the entire lineup. Keep in mind folks, the Baccarat collection is stacked deep with 15 sizes and two mouthwatering wrapper varietals. For a paltry $2.79 per cigar, it’s tough not to love the alluring, butterscotch-hued Connecticut Shade wrapper.

The cap is seamless with some mottling and slight color variations that do not detract from the overall appearance. The sample I’ve procured is perfectly humidified and uber-fresh, direct from our palatial climate-controlled humidor. The cap cuts clean and straight and offers perfect resistance on the cold draw. The cigar’s cap is sweetened and it accentuates the mild and mellow notes of freshly steeped tea, hay, and creamy caramel the profile offers.

The flame engulfs the foot of the cigar quickly and evenly, ensuring perfect combustion. The cigar’s sweetness intensifies as the mild smooth blend warms up. A recipe of Honduran and Mexican long-fillers rounds out the interior. Strength and spice are nearly undetectable in the first half of the cigar. The granite-gray ash is a bit flaky but holds on for nearly an inch.

As I progress through the mid-point of my Baccarat Toro, nearly 35 minutes have elapsed and I’m pleasantly surprised by the cigar’s consistency. Although its sweetness has subsided, there is no precipitation of strength or spice.

I reach the end of the cigar after about 50 minutes have elapsed. Although the finish was mild, it was indeed flavorful. I generally gravitate toward full-bodied cigars, but I’m able to appreciate the subtle nuances and consistency in this endearing, old-time brand. Try it for yourself as a change of pace, or introduce a friend to the wonderful world of Baccarat.    

Often on deal and always a steal, Baccarat is a true winner and worthy of a permanent spot in your humidor!

Until next time, long ashes to you!