Worth the Hunt for the 1502 XO 2016 Toro Cigar

Enrique Sanchez Icaza knows quite well how to tease us on Twitter with his marketing of the 1502 XO. Like his other blends, the XO is from Nicaragua, but the Wrapper, Filler and Binder are all a secret -- It's like smoking a cigar blind -- and this particular blend is so fun to smoke. But you will want to sit alone and truly enjoy this beauty, like I did over two consecutive afternoons.

The 1502 XO is a yearly limited production line where each year will feature a different size (vitola) cigar. The 2016 1502 XO is a Toro and this cigar has 18 year old aged tobacco in the blend. Sounds enticing right? Well, you better go find it because the total production for this cigar is ONLY 1502 boxes, which means there is only a little more than 15k cigars available complete with a Serial Number for each cigar !

So ... I begged a little on Twitter and the cigar fairy delivered 1 to try ... and the other 2 found! OMG I need more of these XO cigars.

Is it possible that the box pressed build of this cigar is what draws me in to loving the 1502s each time. No, I think it's the promise of experiencing a little bit of Nicaragua ... I felt enraptured with this blend in hand. This cigar makes you take notice -- immediately! Just like well-manicured hands on a man or a snazzy suit, I feel that the XO has a prestigious look to it. I was excited to spend the evening with XO... and WHAT a night it was !

The LOOK of the 1502 XO has small seams, and a beautiful sleekness, but veiny medium chocolate wrapper appearance. It is BOX PRESSED, with an the wrapper overlaying edges of the foot.

The COLD DRAW yields COCOA and WOOD with a Natural TOBACCO scent.


The FIRST THIRD begins with some muted flavor notes of CEDAR and TOBACCO with LEATHER. There is a hint of RED PEPPER and SWEETNESS coming through, but in the background. Then further into the Third, a COCOA flavor and a hint of COFFEE rounds out the flavors as the PEPPER kicks in more prominent. .

The SECOND THIRD still has the CEDAR and musty TOBACCO in the forefront, with some COCOA and PEPPER secondary. Then about half way into the cigar the COCOA moves further into the background and the PEPPER increases dramatically. Then there is a hint of a CREAMY NUT  flavor, but it dissipates quickly.

In the LAST THIRD, the PEPPER, CEDAR, LEATHER are in the forefront with a DARK CHOCOLATE lingering on your palate. It's not a sweet cigar at this point, but there are a few flavors tucked in the background that reminds me that this is a complex smoke with aged tobacco.

I smoked 2 cigars for this review and both needed retouching during this time. The profile was smooth, rich with flavor in every puff. The body was medium to medium plus, with the RED PEPPER strongest in the Second and Last Thirds. Strong, but not overwhelming. The cigar smokes slowly with lots of smoke and relatively even burn.

In my opinion this is a cigar for the trained palate. Someone who LOVES FLAVORS, enjoys detecting them with each puff and looks forward to determining what nuances this AGED TOBACCO cigar holds for you. This is the cigar you want to savor and love with every puff.

I loved it and I hope you get an opportunity to find 2016's XO release. I look forward to trying future cigar sizes -- this XO is definitely worth the hunt ! The XO is an intriguing and delicious addition to one of my favorite cigar companies.

Wishing You Long Ashes --

Robusto Cigar Babe @RobustoBabe

Will the Ruby 1502 Cigar Turn You On Too ?

At least once a week, I will meet an old friend to relax, sit back and enjoy each other's company. It's usually a lunch or late afternoon date at a local lounge, and it leaves me with a  fabulous feeling that stays with me ... long after the cigar smoke has dissipated. I love my smokey daytime interludes. A couple of weeks ago I met Ruby ...

When Gary Griffith of Emilio Cigars sent me the 1502 Ruby to try, little did I realize that this beautifully constructed cigar would become my new old friend. 

The moment I lit the 1502 Ruby I was treated to a mix of sweet grass & pepper that increased prominently as I continued to smoke. And just when I thought I was getting intimate with the early flavors, an undertone of citrus emerged -- tho I can't put my finger on whether it was a tart tangerine or grapefruit, but it made the cigar all the more interesting ... I gazed closer at my new friend. I love surprises and this was unexpected. 

Deep in conversation with my cigar, with pepper, citrus and grass still present I started to detect a slight sweet coffee in the background. And halfway through the earthiness,  a touch of coffee and cocoa emerged, building with a deep tobacco flavor that caught my attention.  

Even though I was relaxed, involved with my new cigar luvr, I could tell everyone at the Stogie Cigar Lounge in Rockville Center was staring at me and my Ruby. And I don't blame them. Ruby was attractive, sleek, gave off a beautiful scent that turned heads. Everyone wanted to have my Ruby, but I refused to share my new luv. I did however talk about Ruby--  shamelessly flaunting him to the guys in the lounge. 

I was getting into the final third of the Ruby when the flavors began to develop and become more earthy & peppery. A little spicy to my palate, but very delish to the last puff. Thank you Gary for introducing me to a new friend. I just know Ruby & I will be seeing each other again, real soon. 

Will 1502 Ruby cigar be your new cigar luvr ? It's pure enjoyment & fun finding out ... Let me know what you think of my new friend. 

A portion  of this review first appeared on the CigarTipsters.com website - http://www.cigartipsters.com/#!1502ruby/c41y

For more information about 1502 Cigars:   http://www.globalpremiumcigars.com/cigars or  go to http://houseofemilio.com to purchase and ask your local B & M to stock these beauties.

Wishing You Long Ashes ... 

Robusto Cigar Babe 

Find me on twitter @RobustoBabe
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