Oz Family Maracana Toro

Ozgener is a hoursehold name in the cigar industry. From the work at CAO to Ozgener Family Cigars under Crowned Heads, Tim Ozgener has experience and legacy in the world of cigars. One of his most recent blends, the Karatoba, was a huge success in the cigar community. His new blend, the Maracana, seeks to live up to expectations. Read the review, and consider smoking the Ozgener Maracana the next time you have a craving for Brazilian tobacco.

The Maracana has an identical band to the Karatoba. The main difference being the overall green and gold color palate. The Ozgener logo is prominent in the center of the primary band, with gold-metalic accents. "Maracana" can be seen bodly at the bottom of the primary band, as well. The foot band is a simple green band. The cigar itself is light-medium brown. The cigar looks a bit rough around the edges, with veins and seems showing throughout the body of the cigar. However, the tobacco is smooth to the touch. The cigar also comes as a regular parejo in a soft box press.

The Maracana is constructed with Nicaraguan and Honduran Fillers, Nicaraguan and Honduran Binders, and a Brazilian Arapiraca Wrapper. The cigar provides a smooth draw, and a decent smoke output. The ash is light-medium gray, and falls around the inch and a half mark. The burn line can be a bit jagged, but is consistent throughout the smoke, limited the amount of touch-ups needed.

The Maracana's blend has some consistent notes throughout the smoke, with a few accents to keep the experience interesting. The cold draw may provide notes of fig and cashew, while the first light gives strong notes of espresso, black pepper, and subtle notes of dry hay.

The first third may provide front notes of dark chocolate and espresso. These are accompanied by notes of black pepper and toast. There is also an underlying meatiness to the cigar. Notes of earth and subtle fig can also linger on the palate. The retrohale of the first third may provide notes of black pepper, earth, and cinnamon. The second third of the cigar may have front notes of dark chocolate, with the earthy notes coming to the forefront of the palate. The black pepper notes become more subtle as notes of espresso and toast still linger. There is also a subtle creaminess in the second third, which dissipates halfway through. The retrohale on the second third may have notes of espresso, earth, and black pepper. The final third may have black pepper and espresso on the forefront, with undertones of cashew and molasses. The earth and dark chocolate notes are still present, though a little more subdued. The underlying meatiness also comes back to linger on the palate. The retrohale of the final third may have espresso, earth, and black pepper.

The Maracana is reasonably priced, especially for today's market. A single toro can go for around $12.95, while a box of 21 can go for around $271.95. Given the flavor profile and construction, this cigar is priced perfectly. This cigar is medium-full, and probably not suitable for the newer cigar smokers. However, those who have been enjoying cigars for a while will enjoy the subtle flavors and aromas, and appreciate the smoke time.

GC Rating: 91

Thanks to the Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop for sponsoring this review of the Ozgener

Maracana Toro. If you'd like to try the Maracana, or anything else from the Ozgener catalog, visit woodenindiantobacco.com, and use the coupon code for 10% off your order plus free shipping.