It’s a warm summer afternoon, and I’m thinking, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t moose hunting banned in the summer? Perfect time for this herd to roam free! I grabbed the recently released Chillin’ Moose Toro Sampler (2025 Edition), a $24.99 humidified five-pack of 6 x 52 Toros from Forged Cigar Company. With three blends to explore, I crank the car stereo, clip the first cigar, and light up, ready to review this budget-friendly moose parade.
Let’s hit the road and see what this herd’s got.
The Roots
A Moment in Time: July 2019
July 2019 hums with laid-back energy. A solar eclipse thrills South America, pulling crowds to Chile’s deserts. The U.S. Women’s World Cup win sparks global cheers. Streaming platforms drop binge-worthy shows, keeping folks glued to screens. Reggaeton beats dominate summer playlists, with Bad Bunny rising fast. Craft breweries boom, with IPAs flowing at backyard barbecues. This chill, vibrant scene echoes the Chillin’ Moose Sampler’s budget-friendly, flavorful kick, perfect for a summer smoke.
Cigar Playlist
Silversun Pickups – “Lazy Eye” (2006): Shimmering, gritty guitar for Chillin’ Moose’s spicy, earthy cinnamon burst.
Tool – “Forty Six & 2” (1996): Heavy, brooding riffs for Chillin’ Moose Too’s bold espresso depth.
The War on Drugs – “Under the Pressure” (2014): Dreamy, smooth layers for Shady Moose’s creamy vanilla smoothness.
Death Cab for Cutie – “I Will Follow You into the Dark” (2005): Intimate, melodic flow for Too’s cocoa and dried fruit shift.
Broken Bells – “The High Road” (2009): Uplifting, soulful alt-rock for the sampler’s balanced, creamy finish.
What the Pros Say
No reviews are available for the 2025 Chillin’ Moose Toro Sampler yet. Cigar Dojo shares brand manager Joe Krzyston’s preview: “This sampler lets fans experience the core of what makes Chillin’ Moose so great.” Retailers like JR Cigars praise its “complex, 5-country blend” for value. Social media posts highlight the pack’s affordability and fun, calling it a budget smoker’s dream.
??
The Smoke Stats
- Name: Chillin’ Moose Toro Sampler (2025)
- Vitola: Toro (6″ x 52)
- Blends: Chillin’ Moose (2), Chillin’ Moose Too (2), Shady Moose (1)
- Wrapper: Connecticut Habano Rosado, Connecticut Broadleaf, Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra, Nicaraguan, Mexican San Andrés
- Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican, U.S. Broadleaf, Mexican San Andrés, Colombian
- Origin: Tabacalera Carlos Sanchez, Honduras
- Release Date: June 26, 2025
- Price: $24.99/5-pack (~$5/cigar)
The Experience: From Start to Finish
First Look: Pre-Light Impressions
Rolling down the highway, I pull out the Chillin’ Moose Toro Sampler, a vibrant five-pack with three distinct 6 x 52 blends. The Chillin’ Moose sports a reddish-brown Connecticut Habano Rosado wrapper, oily with faint veins. Its foot aroma pops with earth, cinnamon, and toasted almonds, while the wrapper adds cocoa and spice. The Chillin’ Moose Too’s dark Connecticut Broadleaf is leathery, smelling of espresso and dried fruit. The Shady Moose’s Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, light caramel in hue, offers creamy vanilla and citrus peel. All have tight seams, firm rolls, and smooth cold draws, promising a budget-friendly but bold ride.
This is a first for me; I will be smoking all 3 cigars in a row with the help of my friend. We light up the first in the car, while on the way back home. Let’s begin!
Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey
The Chillin’ Moose Toro kicks off with earthy baking spices and toasted nuts, a medium-bodied burst with cinnamon and subtle chocolate. The smoke’s thick, aromatic, with a white pepper zip on the retrohale. The burn’s even, ash gray and firm, holding an inch, though it needs steady puffs. Compared to CAO Flathead, it’s spicier, less sweet, with Nicaraguan grit shining for 70 minutes.
The Chillin’ Moose Too Toro dials up the intensity, medium-full with espresso and cedar leading, followed by cocoa nibs and dried fruit. Black pepper hits the retrohale, and the voluminous smoke coats the palate. The Broadleaf wrapper holds a solid ash. Against Diesel Grind, it’s richer, less earthy, with a chewy draw for 75 minutes.
The Shady Moose Toro is the mellow star, offering creamy graham cracker and citrus peel, with vanilla and light pepper rounding it out. The smoke’s fragrant, the draw silky, though the ash flakes early. Compared to Ashton Classic, it’s more complex for a Connecticut, with a mild-medium body lasting 65 minutes. The sampler’s diversity keeps the ride engaging, each cigar a unique moose.
Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship
The Toro Sampler’s construction impresses for $5 a stick. The Chillin’ Moose’s Habano Rosado wrapper is oily, seams tight, with a firm roll. The Too’s Broadleaf is leathery, with occasional wrapper cracks but solid packing. The Shady Moose’s Connecticut wrapper is silky, though its ash flakes. Draws are open, smoke output robust across all, with burns mostly even, needing minor touch-ups. Each cigar delivers 65–75 minutes of consistent, budget-friendly performance.
Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking
The Chillin’ Moose Toro starts with earthy baking spices and toasted nuts, with cinnamon and chocolate weaving through a medium body. The Chillin’ Moose Too ramps up to espresso, cedar, and cocoa nibs, its medium-full profile enriched by dried fruit and black pepper. The Shady Moose offers creamy graham cracker, citrus peel, and vanilla, its mild-medium body smooth yet complex. Compared to CAO Mx2, the Too is bolder; against Davidoff Connecticut, the Shady is zestier. This sampler’s range delivers a flavorful, budget-conscious ride.
 |
Strength & Body: The Power Within |
The Chillin’ Moose Toro’s medium strength delivers a steady buzz, balanced with earthy spice. The Too’s medium-full punch hits harder, like Diesel Grind but smoother. The Shady Moose’s mild-medium body is creamy, ideal for beginners or morning smokes, akin to Ashton Classic. All offer thick, aromatic smoke, with the Too’s fuller body standing out. Perfect for a summer drive with varied vibes.
 |
Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Experience |
These pairings amplify the sampler’s 65–75-minute ride:
- Chillin’ Moose: Spiced chai (matches cinnamon), amber ale (earth), chocolate biscotti (nuts).
- Chillin’ Moose Too: Elijah Craig bourbon (espresso), porter (cocoa), salted caramel brownie (dried fruit).
- Shady Moose: Cappuccino (cream), Viognier white wine (citrus), macadamia cookies (vanilla).
Grab these for a chill summer session.
Value: Worth the Price?
At $24.99 for five Toros (~$5 each), the Chillin’ Moose Sampler is a steal, rivaling pricier sticks like CAO Mx2 (~$7). Its diverse flavors—spicy, bold, creamy—deliver premium quality for budget smokers. Minor wrapper cracks on the Too and flaky ash on the Shady don’t detract from the value. With nationwide availability and a humidified pouch, it’s a no-brainer for casual smokes or gifting.
Our Rating:
 |
|
The Chillin’ Moose Toro Sampler (2025) earns a Pleasant rating. Its earthy spice, bold cocoa, and creamy vanilla deliver a 65–75-minute ride for $5 a stick. Minor burn quirks don’t dim its budget-friendly brilliance, perfect for summer drives or casual smokes. |
Final Thoughts
The Chillin’ Moose Toro Sampler’s last nub glows, wrapping a fun day with earthy spice, bold espresso, and creamy vanilla. This $24.99 five-pack from Forged Cigar Company delivers premium flavor on a budget, with each Toro a unique ride. Despite minor wrapper issues, the herd’s diversity and value make it a summer win, perfect for chilling with the windows down.
Own the Smoke: Make It Yours
The Chillin’ Moose Toro Sampler suits smokers craving variety—spicy, bold, or mellow—at $5 a stick. Its 65–75-minute burns are ideal for road trips or backyard chills. Available nationwide, this humidified pack is a must for budget-conscious fans or gifting. Grab one, crank the tunes, and let the moose herd run.
