AshMap
Overview
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo represents a quiet triumph in the premium maduro category—a cigar that has long deserved greater recognition than it has historically received. Rolled at the respected MATASA factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, this torpedo embodies General Cigar's commitment to consistency and craftsmanship, yet it remains overshadowed by more celebrated brands in its price tier. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, with its deep espresso-brown patina and subtle tooth, announces itself as a serious dark-wrapper experience from the first light. What follows is not mere strength for strength's sake, but a methodical unfolding of complexity that rewards the patient smoker.
The flavor journey of the Black Diamond Torpedo is where its true merit emerges. The opening delivers a balanced triad of dark cocoa, cedar, and black pepper—grounded, inviting, and free from any harshness that plagues lesser maduros. As the cigar progresses into its second third, the wrapper's natural sweetness reveals itself through notes of espresso, raisin, and fig, enrobed in a creamy texture that speaks to the quality of the aged Dominican long-fillers beneath. The leather that emerges here is not aggressive but refined, a hallmark of properly aged tobacco. The final third concentrates these elements into dark molasses and roasted coffee, building smoothly to medium-full without ever becoming overwhelming—a difficult balance that many manufacturers simply fail to achieve.
For the seasoned aficionado or the ambitious newcomer seeking to graduate beyond Connecticut shade wrappers, the Black Diamond Torpedo occupies a genuinely undervalued position. It possesses the depth and seriousness expected of a true premium maduro, yet its $18–$24 price point positions it well below comparably complex Dominican offerings. The 90-minute smoke duration makes it accessible for unhurried afternoons without demanding an evening commitment. This is a cigar that performs consistently, burns cleanly, and delivers genuine satisfaction—qualities that should command more attention than they currently do in a market often distracted by buzz and limited editions.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic long-fillers, aged |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed by General Cigar |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw and first light deliver dark cocoa, cedar, and a hint of black pepper at the retrohale. The maduro wrapper opens with rich earth and baking chocolate, supported by a creamy texture that signals well-aged tobaccos.
Second Third
Complexity deepens with notes of espresso, dried fruit — specifically dark raisin and fig — and a pronounced leather character. The sweetness from the Connecticut Broadleaf becomes more dominant here, balanced by subtle toasted oak and a mild creaminess on the finish.
Final Third
The final third concentrates flavors into dark molasses, roasted coffee bean, and a pleasant woody bitterness akin to dark baker's chocolate. Strength builds to medium-full without becoming harsh, finishing long with lingering espresso and earth.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistent with General Cigar's MATASA production standards — the draw is slightly firm but effortless, and the burn line is even with a firm, charcoal-grey ash that holds well past an inch. A well-made cigar that rarely requires touch-ups.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — specifically a 12–15 year Barbadian rum such as Mount Gay XO or Appleton Estate 12 Year — or a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller Special Reserve to complement the natural sweetness of the maduro wrapper
Wine
A ripe, full-bodied Zinfandel from Lodi or a Petite Sirah with dark fruit intensity to match the chocolate and espresso notes
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a dark roast cold brew — the bitterness and roasted character mirror the cigar's core flavor profile beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo is ideal for experienced smokers seeking maduro depth without premium pricing, though it welcomes serious newcomers to dark wrappers who are ready to move beyond beginner vitolas. The torpedo format and 90-minute duration suit the aficionado with an unhurried afternoon or evening ahead—not a quick session, but not an all-day commitment either. Those who find the core Diamond Crown line too mild and polished will discover genuine complexity here. Equally, smokers who appreciate aged rum or bourbon will find natural synergy in the cigar's sweetness and roasted character. This is a workhorse for the refined palate that values consistency and craftsmanship over marketing.
Bottom Line
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo is a understated masterpiece that delivers genuine premium maduro complexity at a price point that seems almost generous. For any aficionado tired of paying inflated prices for inferior construction or thin flavor, this is a clear-eyed recommendation that rarely disappoints.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Diamond Crown Black Diamond cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo a strong cigar?
Yes—it carries a medium-full strength (4/5), building steadily through the final third without becoming harsh. The strength is well-integrated into the flavor profile rather than dominating it, making it approachable for experienced smokers but not ideal for beginners.
What does the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo taste like?
The cigar opens with dark cocoa, cedar, and black pepper. The second third introduces espresso, dried fruit (raisin and fig), and leather. The final third finishes with dark molasses, roasted coffee bean, and woody bitterness reminiscent of dark baker's chocolate. Throughout, the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper imparts natural sweetness and creaminess.
How long does the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo take to smoke?
Expect approximately 90 minutes for a leisurely, unhurried session. This is not a quick smoke and rewards deliberate puffing rather than aggressive draws.
What is the best pairing for the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo?
Aged rum (12–15 year Barbadian varieties like Mount Gay XO), wheated bourbon (W.L. Weller Special Reserve), full-bodied Zinfandel, or Petite Sirah all complement the maduro's chocolate and espresso notes beautifully. For non-alcoholic pairing, double espresso or dark roast cold brew mirror the cigar's roasted character.
Is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo good for beginners?
It can be, provided the smoker is ready to graduate beyond mild Connecticut shade wrappers and has some experience with medium-strength cigars. The maduro wrapper's sweetness and complexity are welcoming, though the medium-full strength may challenge true novices.
Where can I buy the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo?
As a General Cigar product, the Black Diamond Torpedo is widely available through premium cigar retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar. Availability varies by region; reputable retailers should stock this established line.
What is the price of the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo?
The Black Diamond Torpedo typically retails between $18 and $24 per cigar, positioning it as an exceptional value within the premium maduro category.
Is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged prior to rolling, and General Cigar does not publicly disclose specific aging durations. The cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase, though additional aging in a proper humidor may deepen complexity for those with patience.
What wrapper does the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo use?
The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper in Colorado Maduro shade delivers a deep espresso-brown color, lightly oily appearance, and subtle tooth. This is the defining visual and flavor characteristic of the Black Diamond line.
Where is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Torpedo made?
Hand-rolled at the MATASA factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The binder and filler are both Dominican long-fillers, aged prior to rolling, ensuring consistency with General Cigar's premium production standards.