Anthony Muñoz No. 78 Torpedo Review

Overview

There is a moment, about an inch into the Anthony Muñoz No. 78 Torpedo, when the initial tightness of the tapered head gives way to a warm, open draw, and the cigar’s true character emerges. It is not a cigar that announces itself with fanfare; rather, it settles into the palate like a familiar handshake from an old teammate. This is a blend built on the sturdy, sun-baked earth of Estelí and the slightly sweeter, more floral leaf of Jalapa, and it speaks in a language of honest, unpretentious tobacco. The pre-light draw offers a whisper of dried hay and a faint, sweet raisin note, hinting at the dark fruit that will surface later, but the initial light is all about the cedar — a dry, aromatic woodiness that carries a mild black pepper bite, sharp at the tip but softening with each successive draw as the ember catches its rhythm. By the time the burn line passes the torpedo’s shoulder, the pepper has receded to a warm hum in the background, and the profile deepens into a core of dry cocoa powder and roasted almond, grounded by a gentle, loamy earthiness that never turns bitter or harsh. It is a first third that feels like a slow, deliberate warm-up, promising more than it delivers immediately, but doing so with a confident patience that rewards the smoker who doesn’t rush. The middle third is where the No. 78 finds its stride and its identity. The cedar softens into a richer, more rounded wood note, while the cocoa deepens into a full espresso shot — dark, slightly oily, and robust. What elevates this section, however, is the emergence of a subtle dark fruit sweetness, reminiscent of dried plum or a raisin left too long in the sun. It is not a sugary or candied note, but a deep, concentrated fruitiness that interplays beautifully with the leathery texture that now coats the palate. The pepper, once a forward presence, has transformed into a background spice that tingles on the retrohale, adding a layer of white pepper and dry oak that extends the finish pleasantly. This is the heart of the smoke, a comfortable, medium-full plateau where the blend’s complexity is on full display without ever feeling demanding. As the final third approaches, the cigar makes a decisive turn toward strength and earth. The espresso notes intensify, becoming more pronounced and slightly bitter, while the leather gives way to a more direct, tobacco-forward character that is both satisfying and grounding. The cedar lingers, but it is now a supporting player to the more dominant earthy, almost savory profile. The dark fruit sweetness fades, replaced by a light, bittersweet cocoa that clings to the finish. The retrohale in this final stretch reveals more white pepper and a dry, oaky astringency that cleanses the palate, leaving a lingering impression of toasted wood and rich soil. It is a finish that is more robust than elegant, but it is honest, delivering a final push of strength that confirms the cigar’s medium-full rating. The burn throughout is a study in reliability — even, cool, and firm, with ash that holds in solid grey columns to about an inch before needing a gentle tap. The torpedo cap requires a precise cut, but once lit, the draw is firm and cool, offering little resistance. This is a cigar that performs its duties without complaint, a working-man’s smoke that respects the ritual without demanding undue ceremony.