AshMap
Overview
The Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro is not merely a cigar; it is a landmark in the modern premium landscape. When it claimed Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year in 2011, the announcement sent a seismic shift through the industry—a Honduran puro, rolled at the Toraño family’s HATSA factory in Danlí, had bested the Nicaraguan and Cuban heavyweights that typically dominated the list. That accolade was no accident. The Prensado, especially in its commanding 6 x 60 Double Toro vitola, demonstrated that Honduran tobacco, when aged and blended with discipline, could deliver complexity, power, and finesse on par with any origin. For aficionados who remember the pre-2011 era, the Prensado remains the cigar that put Alec Bradley on the global map and redefined expectations for what a full-strength Honduran could be.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Corojo — Trojes, Honduras — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran Jamastran |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos, aged a minimum of three years |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras — produced at Toraño's HATSA factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Double Toro |
| Size | 6 x 60 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling; recommended additional rest of 3–6 months post-purchase |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with sweetened cedar, toasted almond, and a hint of dried fruit. Once lit, the first third delivers dense cocoa powder, roasted coffee bean, and a grounding earthiness. Pepper is present — white pepper and a touch of red — building gradually without overwhelming the palate.
Second Third
Complexity escalates considerably; dark chocolate transitions to bitter espresso, and a leather underpinning firms up. Subtle notes of dried fig and fermented tobacco emerge mid-stick, adding an almost vinous richness. The box-press construction channels combustion evenly, keeping smoke delivery consistent and flavors focused.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with roasted nuts, tar-touched earth, and a sustained black pepper spice. Hints of dark cherry and molasses resurface briefly before giving way to a long, dry cocoa and cedar finish. Strength ramps to full by the nub — not harsh, but commanding.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary for a 6x60 box-press — burn line is razor-even, draw is open with moderate resistance, and ash holds firm in thick, charcoal-grey columns past the inch mark before dropping cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Honduran or Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18-Year or Ron Zacapa 23; alternatively a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12-Year to complement the chocolate and cedar profile without clashing with the pepper
Wine
A bold Malbec from Mendoza (e.g. Catena Zapata Adrianna) or a Zinfandel from Lodi — something with ripe dark fruit and enough body to stand up to the cigar's full-throttle earthiness
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or dark French-press Colombian coffee — the roast mirrors the cigar's cocoa and coffee core perfectly
Who Should Smoke This?
The Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro is built for the seasoned aficionado who appreciates a full-bodied, structured smoke and has the patience for a 90-minute session. It rewards experience: the layered transition from cocoa and coffee to leather, dried fig, and black pepper demands attention and a palate that can parse complexity. This cigar is ideal for a weekend afternoon or a post-dinner occasion when time is unhurried and the moment calls for a cigar that commands respect. Beginners may find the strength and intensity overwhelming; this is a cigar to grow into, not to start with.
Bottom Line
The Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro is a benchmark full-strength Honduran that earned its place in history with the 2011 #1 ranking. Its box-press construction, aged tobaccos, and bold yet balanced profile make it a must-smoke for anyone serious about the category. A powerful, deliberate cigar that still stands as one of the finest expressions of Honduran Corojo.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Alec Bradley Prensado cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro a strong cigar?
Yes. The Prensado Double Toro is rated a 4 out of 5 on the strength scale, placing it firmly in the full-bodied category. The strength builds steadily from the first third, culminating in a commanding finish that is robust but never harsh.
What does Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro taste like?
The flavor profile is complex and shifting. The first third delivers dense cocoa powder, roasted coffee bean, and a grounding earthiness with white and red pepper. The second third evolves into bitter espresso, leather, and dried fig with a vinous richness. The final third intensifies with roasted nuts, tar-touched earth, black pepper, and fleeting notes of dark cherry and molasses before a long, dry cocoa and cedar finish.
How long does Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro take to smoke?
Expect a dedicated smoking session of approximately 90 minutes. The 6 x 60 box-press format, combined with its dense construction, requires a leisurely pace to fully appreciate its evolving character.
What is the best pairing for Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro?
An aged Honduran or Nicaraguan rum—such as Flor de Caña 18-Year or Ron Zacapa 23—complements the cigar's sweetness and depth. A wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12-Year matches the chocolate and cedar notes without clashing with the pepper. For wine, a bold Malbec from Mendoza or a Zinfandel from Lodi stands up to the cigar's full-throttle earthiness. A double espresso or dark French-press Colombian coffee mirrors the cocoa and coffee core perfectly.
Is Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro good for beginners?
No. This is a full-strength, complex cigar best suited for experienced smokers. Beginners may find the intensity and the 90-minute time commitment challenging. It is recommended to build palate experience with milder offerings before approaching the Prensado Double Toro.
Where can I buy Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro?
Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro is available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists and through authorized online retailers. Given its premium status and limited production, availability may vary; it is worth checking with high-end cigar shops or established e-commerce platforms specializing in luxury cigars.
What is the price of Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro?
The price typically ranges from $18 to $24 per cigar, reflecting its premium tier, aged tobaccos, and box-press construction. Pricing may vary by retailer and location.
Is Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro worth aging?
Yes. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of three years prior to rolling, but an additional rest of three to six months post-purchase is recommended to allow the flavors to harmonize further. Aficionados report that the cigar evolves gracefully with time, softening the pepper and deepening the earthy complexity.
What wrapper does Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro use?
It features a Honduran Corojo wrapper grown in Trojes, Honduras. The shade is Colorado—a medium-dark earth tone—and the leaf is slightly toothy with a subtle natural sheen. This wrapper is a key driver of the cigar's distinctive flavor profile.
Where is Alec Bradley Prensado Double Toro made?
The cigar is produced in Danlí, Honduras, at the Toraño family’s HATSA factory. This facility is renowned for its craftsmanship and is the birthplace of many highly regarded Honduran cigars.