Notorious Cigars Toro Review - Cigar-Review.com

I’m excited about this one! Years ago, I wasn’t into MMA, but Conor McGregor’s swagger and knockouts turned me into a fan. Now, he’s dropped Notorious Cigars, and I’m thrilled to try the Toro vitola, a 6 x 50 stick launched in April 2025. At $14 a pop, this Dominican-made cigar with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper promises bold flavors. I clip the cap, settle into my lounge chair, and light up to see if it delivers the champ’s signature intensity.

Let’s dive into this bold smoke.

The Roots

Notorious Cigars, launched by UFC superstar Conor McGregor, is a bold venture crafted with MJ Frias Cigars in Santiago, Dominican Republic, a factory with over 30 years of artisanal expertise. McGregor, alongside blender Chris Frias, spent two years perfecting the Toro (6 x 50, $14 per cigar, $140 for a 10-count box), released in April 2025. The blend features a four-year-aged Ecuadorian Habano 2000 Rosado Oscura wrapper, a Mexican San Andrés binder, and fillers from Nicaragua’s Jalapa Valley and the Dominican Republic’s San Victor and Villa González regions. This medium-to-full-bodied smoke reflects McGregor’s brash persona, designed for celebration and refinement.

A Moment in Time: April 2025

In April 2025, as Notorious Cigars debuted, the world grappled with significant shifts. U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 10% universal tariff on most imports, with higher rates on EU (20%) and Chinese (34%) goods, sparked global trade tensions, impacting markets from North America to Asia. In Ireland, the General Election saw Sinn Féin gain ground, stirring debates about national unity, mirroring McGregor’s bold cigar launch. Globally, boutique cigars trended alongside artisanal whiskey, reflecting a taste for crafted experiences. As I smoke this Toro in July 2025, its spicy, rich profile echoes that vibrant moment, connecting me to McGregor’s legacy and Ireland’s spirit.

What the Pros Say

For the Notorious Toro (6 x 50), Cigars N Cigars notes “rich notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and pepper, with hints of leather and a subtle sweetness,” calling it “smooth and evolving”. London Cigar Smoker rates it 8/10, a “pleasant surprise… fantastic entry point… well worth the hype”. Luxury Cigar Club’s Double Robusto (5.5 x 54) review describes “clean spice-forward nose” with a “burst of cream in the final third,” rating it medium-bodied. Atlantic Cigar emphasizes “smooth spice, toasted earth, and natural sweetness—crafted with swagger”. No official rating yet from the big boys.—

The Smoke Stats

Name: Notorious Toro
Vitola: Toro (6″ x 50)
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000 Rosado Oscura (aged 4 years)
Binder: Mexican San Andrés
Filler: Nicaraguan (Jalapa), Dominican (San Victor, Villa González)
Origin: MJ Frias Cigars, Santiago, Dominican Republic
Release Date: April 2025
Price: $14/cigar, $140/box of 10

The Experience: From Start to Finish

First Look: Pre-Light Impressions

The Notorious Toro feels solid in hand, its Ecuadorian Habano 2000 Rosado Oscura wrapper gleaming with an oily, rosy hue. The roll is seamless, with no soft spots, and the championship-belt-style band, with metallic gold accents and McGregor’s 1988 birth year, exudes bold luxury. The wrapper aroma carries earthy spice, dark cocoa, and a hint of honey, while the foot offers cedar and roasted nuts. The cold draw is smooth, with white pepper, grass, and a touch of caramel, setting up a dynamic smoke.

I light it, eager for McGregor’s cigar to match his octagon intensity.

Foot to Cap: The Flavor Journey

The first third ignites with a burst of white pepper and crisp cedar, like a McGregor left hook. A subtle honey sweetness from the Habano wrapper balances the spice, with earthy undertones grounding the profile. The smoke is dense, the light grey ash holds an inch, and the burn is even. Compared to a Tatuaje Havana VI, it’s spicier but less floral, delivering a bold start that grabs attention.

The second third deepens, with bold espresso and toasted hazelnuts joining the mix. Earthy leather and a hint of dark cocoa from the San Andrés binder add richness, while cedar steadies the profile. The retrohale brings clean white pepper, and the draw remains smooth, producing creamy smoke. It’s more complex than a Macanudo Inspirado Black but smoother than a Liga Privada No. 9, keeping me hooked through the 75-minute journey.

In the final third, rich dark chocolate and dried fruit emerge, with caramelized nut sweetness rounding out the profile. The pepper softens, leaving a long, smooth cocoa-nutty finish. The burn stays consistent to the nub, delivering a refined yet powerful close. Bold but less intense than a Davidoff Nicaragua, it’s a fitting tribute to McGregor’s flair.

Build & Burn: The Craftsmanship

MJ Frias’ craftsmanship shines in the Toro’s firm, even roll and glossy Habano wrapper with minimal veins. The cap is clean, though slightly rough, and the draw is balanced with medium resistance, producing thick, cool smoke. The burn is sharp, with light grey ash holding 1.5 inches, requiring no touch-ups. At $14, the construction rivals pricier sticks like the Oliva Serie V, delivering premium quality with McGregor’s bold swagger.

Flavor Deep Dive: What’s Cooking

The Notorious Toro opens with vibrant white pepper and crisp cedar, accented by honey and earthy notes. The second third layers in bold espresso, toasted hazelnuts, and leather, with dark cocoa and cedar adding depth. The final third delivers rich dark chocolate, dried fruit, and caramelized nuts, with a smooth, lingering finish. Bolder than a Macanudo Inspirado but less heavy than a La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse, it’s a medium-to-full smoke with dynamic complexity, perfect for fans of refined intensity.

Strength & Body: The Power Within

The Toro’s medium-to-full strength delivers a steady nicotine kick, potent yet approachable, ideal for McGregor fans seeking intensity. The medium-to-full body produces thick, creamy smoke carrying pepper, espresso, chocolate, and nutty notes. The Habano wrapper drives vibrant spice, while the San Andrés binder and Nicaraguan-Dominican fillers add balance, making this 75-minute smoke a bold yet refined choice for a celebratory evening.

Perfect Pairings: Elevate the Experience

These pairings enhance the Toro’s bold, 75-minute profile:

Drinks: Irish whiskey (Proper No. Twelve, matches McGregor’s heritage); espresso (amplifies coffee notes); aged rum (enhances chocolate and sweetness).
Foods: Dark chocolate truffles (echoes cocoa); smoked almonds (complements nuttiness); grilled ribeye (pairs with leather and earth).

Ideal for a fight night or post-work unwind, best enjoyed with whiskey or a bold dessert on a summer evening.

Value: Worth the Price?

At $14 per cigar ($140 for a 10-count box), the Notorious Toro holds its own against the competition. MJ Frias’ impeccable craftsmanship and the complex flavor profile—pepper, espresso, chocolate, and nuts—justify the price. It offers strong value compared to $15-$18 sticks, delivering quality and McGregor’s bold persona.

Our Rating:

The Notorious Toro earns a Refined rating. Its vibrant white pepper, espresso, and dark chocolate notes deliver a 75-minute, medium-to-full smoke with MJ Frias’ stellar construction. At $14, it’s a bold, balanced winner, though a slightly rough cap keeps it just shy of perfection.

Final Thoughts

The Notorious Toro lives up to McGregor’s hype, delivering a 75-minute smoke with pepper, espresso, and chocolate that matches his octagon intensity. MJ Frias’ craftsmanship ensures a smooth, complex experience, making it more than a celebrity gimmick. It’s a cigar for fans and aficionados alike, perfect for celebrating or unwinding with bold flavors and Irish pride.

Own the Smoke: Make It Yours

The Notorious Toro is for smokers craving a medium-to-full, 75-minute smoke with bold yet balanced flavors. Ideal for fight nights or reflective evenings. Pair it with Irish whiskey or dark chocolate and channel McGregor’s swagger.