Danli Honduras Catrina de mi Vida Maduro Toro
Posted on May 19 2021
Vitola: 6x52
Smoking Time: 78 Minutes
Cigars Smoked: 3
Body: Medium +
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro
Binder: Criollo '98 Viso & Seco
Filler: Nicaraguan, Estelí Criollo '98 Ligero & Seco
MSRP: $10
Danli Honduras is a fairly new boutique taking the market by storm with their colorful presentation, and bold bands. Produced at the Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. Cigar Factory in Danli Honduras, these cigars are a must try. The Catrina de mi Vida consists of 3 cigars, a Connecticut, Corojo, and Maduro.
Visual Inspection: Wrapped in purple paper, it compliments the dark brown color of the maduro leaf very well. While these cigars certainly grab your attention, I am curious to see if they can keep it. The wrapper leaf is smooth and oily, with present veins and almost invisible seams. The aroma is unbelievably sweet, notes of barnyard, cherry, chocolate and trace amounts of wood.
The cold draw is actually quite flat, but still has some light sweet notes of floral, and cherry. Ringing in at 60% RH, the cigar feels slightly brittle and when cut, the head cap peeled off. But it does not seem you hinder the draw at all.
First Third: After the cold draw I will admit, sadness was in the air. But immediately upon lighting, it is bursting with flavor. Strong notes of cherrywood, Brazilian nuts, and dry earth are ample, and sub flavors of cream, and bakers chocolate peak through. The smoke is very light, and smooth, which is nice, however I'd prefer it for the last cigar of the day.
The burn line has been questionable, but has cleaned up nicely after a touch up. After an inch, the ash jumped off my cigar, into the ashtray. It is loose, but not flaky, and is grey, almost white in color.
Second Third: Practically seeping oil from the burn line, flavors are still very bold. With consistent notes of bakers chocolate, dark roasted coffee, and Brazilian nuts, new sub notes of chocolate cake, and whipped cream appear after exhaling, and pondering lingering tastes. A retrohale reveals charred wood and black pepper.
The burn line is staying consistent and hasn't needed another touch up. Draw is ample, and produces the same light bodied smoke. While this has a very dark wrapper, it has been very well fermented, the smoke is smooth, and the flavors are “sweeter” and bold. I’m not convinced of the complexity yet, but I am on the way to making a decision.
Last Third: Slowly gaining a more peppery experience, the sweetness is starting to fade, and gives way to notes of baking spices, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mixed with the creamy finish, it is quite welcoming, and adds to the overall smooth body.
I touched up the cigar to make it look prettier, but it wasn't necessarily needed. Ash has retained its loose, but not flaky characteristics. As I progress through the Catrina, bitter espresso and cocoa nuts become more prevalent. The creamy undertones are fading, but have not ceased.
Final Thoughts: Despite losing the entire head cap after v cutting, it caused no problems. This particular Catrina does not have Honduran tobacco, but is rolled in Honduras. Somewhat common, even though Honduras has a great selection of quality cigar tobacco, they picked amazing leaves from Nicaragua and Ecuador to craft it. A slowly progressing experience, the Catrina was a nice smooth ride. I was leaning towards making it a good nightcap, but in the end, I would say it would make a great first-of-the-day as well. Keep an eye out for the DaHots sampler which has the whole Danli portfolio, I would recommend giving them your time!
-Sam