Ozgener Cigars, more commonly known as Oz Family Cigars, has made a great resurgence in the cigar world in recent years. They have crafted some great cigars in the last few years, including the Firsat and the Aramas. Their newest cigar, the Karatoba, has become a new fan favorite among cigar smokers. Check out this review, and consider adding it to your smoking rotation.
The Karatoba has a very striking and unique appearance. The band is black with bronze accents, which immediately gives it a premium look. The OZ family logo is prominently displayed on the band, along with the name of the cigar itself. In addition to the main band, there is a plain brown footband on the cigar. The cigar itself is a medium brown, and smooth to the touch. There are no protruding veins, and the cigar has a very light oily sheen to it.
The Karatoba is an excellent blend to say the least. It's blended with Dominican and Nicaraguan Fillers, a Nicaraguan Binder, and an Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro Wrapper. The draw is smooth and easy, allowing your palate to enjoy it with every draw. The cigar provides excellent smoke output, giving off great flavor notes and a nice aroma. The burn line is consistent and even, needing little to no touchups throughout the smoke. The ash is a light-medium gray, and falls around the one inch march. The ash is relatively sturdy, but doesn't flake after ashing.
The Karatoba's flavor profile is complex and delicious. The cold draw may provide notes of toffee and cedar, while the first light provides strong notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, and earth.
The first third of the cigar may provide strong notes of dark chocolate and earth, with subtle notes of cedar, toffee, and black pepper. There are also notes of espresso and toast, along with a touch of orange zest, adding some variation to the semi-sweet flavor profile. The retrohale on the first third may provide notes of black pepper, toast, and baker's chocolate.
The second third of the Karatoba may have prominent notes of dark chocolate and espresso, pushing the earthy notes to the background. Minor notes of cedar and black pepper remain present, with the black pepper notes coming more to the forefront towards the middle of the cigar. Other notes of dark brown sugar, walnuts, toffee, and also hit the palate. The retrohale on the second third may had notes of toast, black pepper, and espresso.
The final third of the cigar has a lot of power and flavor behind it. With prominent notes of walnut and earth, the palate is given a bit of a break from the upfront notes of dark chocolate. Undertones of black pepper and dark brown sugar stay on the palate. Notes of orange zest and toast continue to linger on the palate as well. The retrohale of the final third may have notes of toffee, espresso, and toast.
The Karatoba is priced pretty reasonably for what it provides. A single toro can go for around $12.25, while a box of 21 can go for around $257.25. This price is perfect what this cigar offers: great flavor and an enjoyable experience.
The Karatoba is definitely a must try for those who have enjoyed cigar smoking for years. While it is on the stronger side as far as strength goes, this cigar would also be a good choice for a newer cigar smoker getting into the fuller bodied smokes. It's flavor profile and construction alone make it worth the price, and should definitely be put into your rotation as the perfect after dinner smoke.
GC Rating: 94
Thanks to the Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop for sponsoring this review of the Oz Family Karatoba. If you would like to try the Karatoba, or anything else from the Oz Family Catalog, visit www.woodenindiantobacco.com, and use the Great Cigars Coupon for 10% off and free shipping.
