This Editor’s Pick can be summed up with two words: HERSHEY BAR. As many have already found out for themselves, the Torano Exodus 1959 is gorgeous. Dark, sharply boxed-pressed cigars that seem to leak natural oils, causing me to froth at the mouth every time I reach into the humidor to grab one. In my opinion, this is the best Torano to date, and as an added bonus, it’s perfectly stackable for easy storage!

I’ve smoked more Exodus Torpedos and Toros than I could ever begin to count, so I could probably write this in my sleep. But that would just make me want one, so I might as well grab another from the humi. As usual, Torano is right on key in quality. The Habana 2000 wrapper is prime – smooth, dark, oily and nary a blemish in sight. Construction is solid – the torpedo cap is perfect, there’s no soft spots to be found and the square-press is impeccable. What more can you expect from Carlos Torano? The man knows how to make a stogie! Now it’s time to sit back and relax as I enjoy this super-slow burning Honduran cigar. To say it features an assortment of flavors is an understatement. It’s made with a 5-country blend of long-leaf tobaccos: Honduran, Dominican, Mexican, Nicaraguan, Costa Rican. Amazingly, the Torano family managed to pinpoint the best nuance from each of these tobaccos to create a wonderfully complex smoke. I notice a rich, chocolatey character from the Nicaragua leaves. The robust earthiness must be derived from the Honduran leaves. The spiciness that lingers on my palate is a combination of premium Mexican and Costa Rican tobaccos. All while the mellow and smooth Dominican tobaccos tame the smoke a bit, keeping things on the medium-bodied level. A 90 minute, 5-country tour for my palate that I’ve revisited many times before, and will probably never get bored of. Open up any of my humidors, on any given day, and you will find at least one Exodus 1959 waiting for me. Just make sure it’s still there when you close the humidor, ya mooch.