The Black Toro kicks off with wet rock minerality, being quick to back itself up with sharp black pepper through the retrohale on followup draws. This steep ramp up is what you’d expect from the theme at hand, but it’s not all fireworks; the cigar then moves on a gradual decline (in terms of stinging spice), adding clay and plenty of earth into the mix. Every few puffs seems to ignite a black pepper fire, giving a pinch through the nostrils. This is a welcomed sensation, livening up the senses without overwhelming them. With a bit more development, the toro paints a woodsy picture—a forest after a fresh rain. This early portion is comprised primarily of earth, wet hardwoods, and dark cabinet spices. The cigar is medium-plus (medium-plus-plus?) in flavor, medium-light in strength, and medium in body.