AshMap
Overview
The Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro is a masterclass in no-nonsense Honduran power—a cigar that refuses to whisper when it can roar. Introduced in 2011 as the brand's bolder expression of its Honduran heritage, the Black Market line has become synonymous with aggressive pricing relative to quality, a reputation the Doble Toro upholds with conviction. Hand-rolled at FINCA Tobaccos in Danlí, Honduras, this 6×60 vitola wraps Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos in a lush Honduran Habano Colorado Maduro that presents a deep reddish-brown foundation with subtle oily sheen—the visual promise of what lies beneath.
What distinguishes the Doble Toro from its more compact siblings is the 60 ring gauge's generous architecture, which creates an expansive draw and allows the smoke to remain remarkably cool even as flavors intensify toward the finish. The opening announces itself without apology: dark chocolate, roasted espresso, and cedar emerge alongside a peppery retrohale that speaks to the cigar's full-bodied (4/5) construction. The middle third is where the blend finds its rhythm—the initial pepper settles into warm baking spice as dark cherry and dried fruit complexity emerges, framed by persistent cocoa and creamy, dense smoke. The final third doubles down with charred oak, dark molasses, and a return of bold pepper spice that never tips into harshness, a feat made possible by the cigar's thoughtful gauge and consistent construction.
Burn and draw remain reliable throughout the 90-minute experience, with the draw effortless and the ash holding firm in impressive salt-and-pepper columns. The burn line wavers slightly but self-corrects—a minor cosmetic consideration that never compromises the smoking experience. For the aficionado seeking serious Honduran muscle without the boutique-tier price tag, the Black Market Doble Toro punches aggressively above its $12–$16 MSRP. It is a cigar for those who understand that value is not about compromise; it is about recognizing when quality exceeds expectation.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Habano — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-filler tobaccos, aged |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras — produced at FINCA Tobaccos |
| Vitola / Shape | Doble Toro |
| Size | 6 x 60 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $12–$16 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to rolling; no extended post-rolling aging formally noted |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a bold punch of dark chocolate, roasted espresso, and cedar with a peppery retrohale that announces the cigar's Honduran muscle. Underlying earth and leather provide a grounded foundation from the first draw.
Second Third
The mid-section is where this cigar earns its reputation — the pepper settles into a warm baking spice, while dark cherry and dried fruit emerge alongside a persistent cocoa note. Body is firmly full and the smoke grows creamy and dense.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with charred oak, dark molasses, and a return of bold pepper spice. Rich and satisfying without turning harsh, though the large ring gauge helps maintain coolness through the finish.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently reliable — the draw is open and effortless given the 60 ring gauge, the burn line is slightly wavy but self-corrects, and the ash holds firm in inch-plus columns with a salt-and-pepper appearance.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Honduran or Nicaraguan rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Flor de Caña 18; alternatively a high-rye bourbon like Bulleit 10-Year or a peated Scotch such as Laphroaig 10
Wine
A bold Malbec from Mendoza or a Zinfandel from Lodi — the fruit-forward darkness in these wines mirrors the cigar's cocoa and dark cherry notes
Non-Alcoholic
A cold-brew concentrate or a double espresso with dark chocolate notes — the coffee amplifies the cigar's roasted core beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Doble Toro appeals to intermediate and experienced smokers with a genuine appetite for full-strength Honduran character. This is a cigar for the seasoned aficionado who views strength as a feature, not a flaw—someone who appreciates bold earth, leather, and spice without the financial commitment of premium boutique lines. It is best suited for weekend afternoons or relaxed evenings on the patio when time is not a constraint; the 90-minute minimum demands a deliberate pace and undivided attention. Relative beginners drawn to fuller profiles may find it rewarding, though its intensity is not engineered for mild-preference smokers. Perfect for the collector who values honest construction and aggressive pricing over marquee-name prestige.
Bottom Line
The Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro is one of the most genuinely excellent values in full-strength cigars, delivering complex Honduran character, reliable construction, and a commanding 90-minute experience for under $16. Smoke it without hesitation if you demand power, complexity, and authenticity over marketing.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Alec Bradley Black Market cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro a strong cigar?
Yes. It is rated 4/5 in strength—a full-bodied cigar with bold Honduran muscle. The dark chocolate, espresso, and peppery retrohale announce its power from the first draw, and intensity persists through the finish without becoming harsh.
What does the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro taste like?
The opening delivers dark chocolate, roasted espresso, cedar, and peppery spice with earthy leather undertones. The mid-section introduces warm baking spice, dark cherry, dried fruit, and cocoa. The final third intensifies with charred oak, dark molasses, and bold pepper spice. The overall profile is rich, complex, and creamy.
How long does the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro take to smoke?
Plan for a minimum of 90 minutes. The 6×60 vitola and generous ring gauge create an extended, leisurely smoking experience best suited for unhurried afternoons or evenings.
What is the best pairing for the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro?
Aged rum such as Ron Zacapa 23 or Flor de Caña 18 complements the cigar's Honduran character beautifully. A high-rye bourbon like Bulleit 10-Year or peated Scotch like Laphroaig 10 are excellent alternatives. For wine, a bold Malbec from Mendoza or Zinfandel from Lodi mirrors the cigar's fruit-forward darkness. Cold-brew coffee or double espresso amplifies its roasted core.
Is the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro good for beginners?
Not ideally. Its full strength (4/5) and bold Honduran profile are engineered for experienced smokers with established tolerance for full-bodied cigars. Beginners seeking introduction to the Black Market line might explore the standard Toro (6×52) for a slightly tighter, more refined experience.
Where can I buy the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro?
This information is not provided in our data. We recommend consulting established cigar retailers and authorized Alec Bradley distributors in your region.
What is the price of the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro?
The MSRP is $12–$16 per cigar, making it one of the most aggressively priced full-strength cigars on the market relative to its quality and construction.
Is the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro worth aging?
No formal extended post-rolling aging is noted for this line. The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. Additional aging is not a documented consideration.
What wrapper does the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro use?
A Honduran Habano in Colorado Maduro shade, presenting a deep reddish-brown to dark espresso color with smooth texture and a subtle oily sheen.
Where is the Alec Bradley Black Market Doble Toro made?
Hand-rolled at FINCA Tobaccos in Danlí, Honduras. The blend features Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos and a Nicaraguan binder, complemented by aged Honduran long-filler tobacco.