I’m excited because Sumatra wrappers are one of my all-time favourites and I’ve never had a bad stick from Oscar!
New to NZ with a stack of other great sticks by Oscar Valladares this Sumatra covered Leaf looks just like the Leaf Maduro apart from the word Sumatra on the outer wrapper you wouldn’t know the difference by looking at it.
Let’s break it down and see how it looks.
| Brand | Oscar Valladares |
| Size | Toro 6×50 |
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Sumatra |
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Honduran |
All of the cigars in the Leaf by Oscar series are wrapped in a tobacco leaf as opposed to cellophane. The tobacco leaf gives a very rustic look to the cigar. Once the leaf covering is removed, the actual cigar is revealed. Contrary to what I have seen people say, you cannot use the packaging leaf as a spill…I have tried, it just smoulders, there is not enough flame to light the stick with.
Let’s light it up and see what we have.
| Construction | 10/10 |
| Draw | 10/10 |
| Burn | 10/10 |
| Strength | Mid-full |
| Complexity | 7/10 |
| Flavour | 9/10 |
| Pairing | Balvenie 12yr Doublewood |
Construction & Draw
As expected the construction of this stick was perfect. A great example of a Sumatra wrapper, smooth to touch and a hint of copper tone. The perfection in construction lead to the same in the draw with plenty of smoke available without it burning too fast.
Burn
I cannot fault the burn of this stick at all. It’s only been in my humidor a week and it is perfect. Even in this single digit temperature.
Strength
Mid-Full strength wise, maybe even the heavy end of that which sits nicely with the flavour and complexity.
It also pairs amazingly well with this Speyside.
Complexity & Flavour
A nice mellow smoke flavour wise, some natural tobacco with cocoa and a hint of citrus throughout. There is a great creamy tone coming in and out, most dominant in the first third. Not overly complex but a great aged smoothness to the blend.
Overall
As soon as this cigar was announced I knew it had a good chance of making my go-to list. For me this, and a nice strong beast from the likes of Saka would keep me happy as the only two options on hand! I can see this cigar as an anytime smoke, even though it is on the stronger side for some smokers the smoothness is there to stop it from blowing you away.
I give this a 94 points; box worthy buy.
