AshMap
Overview
There is a moment, about halfway through the Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro, when the smoke turns a corner. What began as a dusty, barnyard-laden overture has softened into something almost syrupy — a dark cherry leather note that threads through the retrohale like a memory of a saddle left in the sun. This is the 2020 iteration of Esteban Disla’s annual meditation on Honduran tobacco, and it is not trying to impress you with volume. It is trying to hold your attention with a story told in layers of earth, cocoa, and time. The Colorado-hued Corojo wrapper is the narrator — rustic, slightly unpolished, with a faint sheen that promises oil and delivers a leathery grip on the palate from the first draw. There is no pretense here, no glossy veneer; just the honest, slightly wild character of a leaf that has something to say about where it comes from.
The pre-light aroma is a quiet prologue: dried fig, a whisper of cedar shavings, and that unmistakable scent of a hayloft after a rain. Once lit, the first third lands with an assertive thump — rich barnyard funk, dark cocoa powder that coats the tongue like a baker’s accident, and a distinct almond-like nuttiness that grounds the profile immediately. A cedar note emerges within the first dozen draws, but it is not the polished, sweet cedar of a Connecticut wrapper; it is the darker, more resinous heartwood of a tree that has weathered storms. The retrohale carries a subtle peppery tingle — white pepper, not black — that feels like a gentle hand on the back of the neck, guiding rather than pushing. The smoke itself is dense and slightly dry, with a texture that reminds me of fine sawdust suspended in cream.
By the second third, the narrative deepens. The barnyard recedes into a supporting role, and the espresso bean arrives — not a bright, acidic shot, but a dark, almost bitter roast that lingers on the back of the palate. Toasted almond joins the nutty foundation, now more defined, and a dried fig sweetness begins to weave through the smoke, softening the edges. The pepper mellows into a warm baking spice — think clove and allspice, not cinnamon — and the dark cherry leather note threads through the center of the profile with increasing clarity. This is where the cigar reveals its architecture: the Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers are not competing; they are conversing, with the Corojo wrapper acting as the moderator. The draw opens fully here, and the smoke output thickens, carrying a creamy texture that coats the mouth and makes each retrohale feel like a small revelation.
The final third is a descent into darker territory, but it is a controlled descent — no freefall into harshness. Dark chocolate, the kind with 70% cacao and a hint of chili, replaces the cocoa powder of the opening. Charred oak emerges, not as a campfire, but as the inside of a barrel that has held aged rum for a decade. The earthiness that started the journey returns, but it is deeper now, more mineral, like the smell of turned soil after a long drought. There is a pleasant, controlled increase in strength — the medium-full body asserts itself without ever becoming aggressive. The finish is long, dry, and savory, leaving a persistent cocoa and leather aftertaste that begs for another sip of something aged. This is a cigar that rewards patience, and it does not apologize for demanding it.
In the context of the Las Calaveras EL series, the 2020 vintage stands as a quiet rebuttal to the Nicaraguan bomb blends that dominate the conversation. Disla’s work at Raíces Cubanas has always punched above its price point, but this iteration feels like a statement: Honduras still has something profound to say. The blend is not flashy; it is deliberate. It asks you to slow down, to pay attention to the way the smoke moves across your tongue, to notice how the fig sweetness gives way to charred oak. It is a cigar for the aficionado who has smoked a thousand sticks and is still searching for one that feels like a conversation rather than a monologue.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Corojo — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Honduran |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, aged tobaccos blended by Esteban Disla at Raíces Cubanas |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $14–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; limited edition release year 2020 adds further cellaring potential |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is assertive and earthy — rich barnyard, dark cocoa powder, and a distinct nuttiness that grounds the palate immediately. A cedar note emerges quickly, framed by a subtle peppery tingle on the retrohale. The Honduran Corojo wrapper contributes a slightly rustic, leathery quality that feels authentic and unpolished in the best sense.
Second Third
Complexity builds as the cigar opens up — espresso bean, toasted almond, and dried fig come forward with increasing definition. The pepper softens into a warm baking spice quality, and a note of dark cherry leather threads through the center of the profile. Draw opens fully and the smoke output thickens, carrying a creamy texture on the palate.
Final Third
The final third deepens into darker, more concentrated territory — dark chocolate, charred oak, and a lingering earthiness that ties the entire blend together. There is a pleasant, controlled increase in strength without harshness. The finish is long, dry, and savory with a persistent cocoa and leather aftertaste.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent out of Raíces Cubanas — the draw is open with just the right resistance, producing dense, cool smoke. The burn line is razor-even, and the ash holds firm and pale gray for an inch or more before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Honduran rum such as Zacapa 23 or a wheated bourbon like W.L. Weller 12 — the sweetness of the grain complements the earthy Corojo profile without overwhelming it
Wine
A Ribera del Duero Reserva or a Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley — wines with dried fruit, leather, and moderate tannin mirror the cigar's mid-palate complexity
Non-Alcoholic
Cold brew concentrate with a splash of cream, or a dark-roasted single-origin Ethiopian pour-over — the cocoa and fruit notes in both echo the cigar's second-third beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the smoker who has a humidor full of Padróns and Tatuajes but finds themselves reaching for the same notes — that familiar blast of pepper and cocoa — and wondering if there is something else out there. You are someone who has been smoking for at least five years, who has developed a palate for nuance, and who is tired of blends that announce themselves with a shout. You are sitting on a porch on a cool October evening, the light fading, a glass of Zacapa 23 in your hand, and you want a cigar that will not rush you. You already enjoy the earthy, leathery profiles of Honduran tobacco — maybe you have a soft spot for the old Camacho Corojo or the pre-2014 Punch — and you are looking for something that honors that tradition while adding a modern layer of complexity. This cigar will give you a 90-minute arc that starts with a barnyard and ends with a dark chocolate meditation, and it will leave you with the feeling that you have just had a proper conversation with a blender who respects your intelligence.
Bottom Line
The Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro is a masterclass in Honduran restraint — a blend that builds its power through depth rather than volume. It is a limited release that deserves a place in any serious collector’s rotation, and it will reward those who give it the time it asks for. Buy a box if you can find one; this is the kind of cigar that will make you miss it when it is gone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5), which means it has a noticeable nicotine presence that builds gradually through the smoke. You will feel it in the back of your throat and a slight warmth in your chest by the final third, but it never becomes harsh or overpowering. It is not a nicotine bomb; it is a steady, controlled strength that rewards a full stomach and a relaxed pace.
What does Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro taste like?
The flavor progression moves from an opening of rich barnyard earth, dark cocoa powder, and almond nuttiness, with a cedar note and white pepper tingle on the retrohale. The second third introduces espresso bean, toasted almond, dried fig, and a dark cherry leather note, with the pepper softening into warm baking spice. The final third deepens into dark chocolate, charred oak, and a lingering mineral earthiness, finishing with a dry, savory cocoa and leather aftertaste.
How long does Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro take to smoke?
As a Toro measuring 6 x 52, you should budget approximately 90 minutes for a relaxed smoke. If you are a slower smoker who likes to let the cigar rest between draws, you may stretch it to 100 minutes. The draw is open with just the right resistance, so you will not be fighting the burn, but the density of the smoke means you will want to pace yourself to fully appreciate the flavor arc.
What is the best pairing for Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro?
Aged Honduran rum such as Zacapa 23 is the ideal companion — the rum's natural sweetness from the sugar cane and its vanilla and dried fruit notes complement the earthy Corojo profile without overwhelming it. The rum's slight oakiness also mirrors the charred oak that emerges in the final third, creating a harmonious finish. If you prefer bourbon, a wheated option like W.L. Weller 12 works beautifully, as the softer grain sweetness allows the cigar's cocoa and leather notes to remain the focus.
Is Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro good for beginners?
Honestly, no. This is a Medium-Full strength cigar with a flavor profile that leans heavily on earthy, leathery, and slightly rustic notes — characteristics that can be challenging for a palate still learning to identify nuance. Additionally, at $14–$18 per cigar, it is an investment that a beginner may not fully appreciate yet. If you are new to cigars, start with something milder and more approachable, and come back to this after a year or two of smoking experience.
Where can I buy Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro?
Because this is a limited edition release from 2020, your best bet is to check with premium cigar retailers that specialize in hard-to-find and aged stock. Online retailers like Small Batch Cigar, Neptune Cigar, or Corona Cigar Co. occasionally have older EL releases in their inventory. You may also find it at high-end brick-and-mortar shops in major cities, particularly those with a strong focus on Honduran tobacco. Be prepared to pay a slight premium over the original $14–$18 price point due to its age and scarcity.
What is the price of Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro?
The original retail price was $14–$18 per cigar, which places it in the premium tier. However, because this is a limited edition from 2020 that is no longer in production, you can expect to pay more on the secondary market — often $20–$25 per cigar depending on the retailer and how well it has been stored. At the original price, it was an exceptional value; at the current market price, it is still worth it for the experience.
Is Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro worth aging?
Yes, absolutely. The tobaccos were already aged prior to rolling, which means the blend is well-integrated from the start, but the 2020 release has further cellaring potential. The Honduran Corojo wrapper has enough oil and structure to develop additional complexity over time — expect the pepper to mellow further and the dried fruit notes to become more pronounced. If you have the patience, aging this for another 3–5 years will reward you with a smoother, more integrated profile that leans even more heavily into the cocoa and leather territory.
What wrapper does Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro use?
It uses a Honduran Corojo wrapper in a Colorado shade, which gives it a medium-dark reddish-brown appearance with a slight natural sheen. This wrapper is known for contributing a rustic, leathery quality and a subtle earthy sweetness to the blend. It is not as oily or spicy as a Nicaraguan Habano, nor as mild as a Connecticut Shade — it sits in a middle ground that adds character without dominating the filler tobaccos.
Where is Las Calaveras LC EL 2020 Toro made?
It is rolled at the Raíces Cubanas factory in Danlí, Honduras, under the supervision of blender Esteban Disla. This is the same factory that produces several other highly regarded Honduran-focused brands, and Disla is known for his meticulous attention to tobacco selection and blending. The combination of Honduran binder and filler, along with the Honduran Corojo wrapper, makes this a true expression of Honduran tobacco craftsmanship.