If you’ve heard of Taboo cigars you’re probably from the DFW (Texas) area or you’re a member of one of the online cigar forums. They haven’t received wide distribution yet, but this brand’s reputation has spread by word of mouth, backed up by great customer service.
The Taboo line currently comprises several different blends that span the spectrum from mild-medium to full in body, but over time the one that has gotten the most attention is this one: the Taboo Twist. This is an easy smoking anytime-of-day sort of cigar that plays on the “barber pole” or dos capas theme — a two-toned wrapper composed of a claro shade wrapper and an alternating maduro. Ergo, Twist. The cigar is all Nicaraguan, with the exception of the claro wrapper which is Ecuadorian Connecticut.
Town and Country Cigars (the storefront for Taboo) offers several different samplers of the various blends, so after reading some good reviews on Club Stogie a couple months ago I picked up a Twist sampler. In my experience the barber pole cigar is one of two things: exactly the gimmick you thought it would be, or an intelligent blend of maduro sweetness and Connecticut creaminess. I’m happy to report that the Taboo Twist falls into the latter category.
The Twist is an attractive cigar — both wrapper leaves are top shelf. The roll is solid and the claro cap is integrated well. A pre-light draw is a little bit grassy but the draw resistance is just right.
It takes a half-inch or so for this smoke to get down to business — it’s a little grassy to start with, but it warms up to a nice earthy glow. The smoke starts out smooth and easy and stays that way for the duration. A smooth customer.
The next stage remains in earthy territory but gains some sweetness and a touch of spice.
The flavors are nicely balanced, but I’m finding that I have to correct the burn occasionally. The maduro leaf sometimes resists the burn, and if both sides are not burning in tandem the balance is lost. (This was the case with the churchill, but strangely not with some of the other sizes.) Keep your torch handy just in case.
The last third is nutty and creamy with a bigger dollop of spice — the overarching effect is like a peanut butter cup with sprinklings of cinnamon and white pepper (but not quite as sweet, of course.) The earthiness makes a return appearance near the nub, but the main theme of this cigar is smooth creamy spice with touch of sugar. If you can imagine how the sweet char of maduro might combine with the mild spice and creaminess of Ecuador Connecticut — that’s pretty much how it smokes. Flavorful and aromatic, but never overwhelming.
Retail prices run around 5 dollars a stick — the sampler is available for $24.99, but keep your eyes peeled for special deals and coupons offered on the cigar forums — the newly amalgamated puff.com or cigarasylum.com.
Final Score: 87
-cigarfan
Cigarfan.net 
If I saw this cigar at my tobacconist I probably would not give it a second glance. (I hate to admit it, but I am swayed by nicer looking cigar bands)But after reading your review, it sounds like a cigar I would enjoy. Thanks for profiling it.
Good point, Lisa. The band is not particularly refined. But the dots over the T and the B lend it a certain flair, don’t you think? There must be some esoteric significance there…
Could not agree more. It was well constructed, even burn but the draw was a bit tight creating some effort to enjoy. I would smoke and buy another.
The Customer Service from this Brand is the BEST I have EVER encountered from a Cigar Company. Although I think they are rather highly priced as there is no box/bundle discount. I Had run into hard times (i got laid off among other problems that stem from the lack of money that that caused) And The Prez. of Taboo Cigars “Rob” Sent Me a 10 cigar sampler. So I have gotten to try 10 Blends and as i said before the cost is rather high but all the cigars i smoked were excellently constructed and all tasted good no bad cigars in the whole line. One of the cigars i had that you never hear about is the Costa Rican Maduro Blend Its all Nicaraguan and Blended by Oliva, GREAT CIGAR esp if you like maduro. I would say its a good Med maybe a Med-Full to smokers who do not smoke full cigars. The Dominican Maduro is also VERY good. On the lighter side the Ecuadorian Connecticut is another great blend. Although each cigar they have is different and from different country’s and factory’s (the only one i know for sure is that the CRM is blended by oliva although i know nothing about the others it would be interesting to me to know) I didn’t get a single dud all great draw, all great construction, and overall i would give them all an above average rating most likely hovering in the high 80s possibly a 90 or 2 out of the line. One of the BEST House/Boutique Lines I have had. I see great things for this brand I hope it goes the way of the Buccanero A great unknown that has recently been (discovered by more people and have gained a larger distribution because of it) If I was the Prez I would overhaul the Band (possibly the name) and change the marketing campaign as the woman is beautiful but IDK i am not in advertisement or anything but its just my opinion.
anyone interested i would suggest you buy the 10 cigar sampler it includes the Twist and others so you can decide if you like the line at all. as far as I know the twist and the Special Forces are the Stars of the line the Prez said if your a twist fan and wish it was a little more spicy that if you put a fiver of the Special Forces in your main supply of Twists in his words it “adds a Twist to your Twist” which sounds like something to try.
-::Sorry for the LONG post::-
Lisa, I agree that the band is rather ugly, and I’m amused that you mentioned it. Women tend to buy packaging, as evidenced by a stroll through the cosmetics or shampoo aisles of your favorite store.
I’ve smoke two of these, and was fascinated by a citrus note in each. I really like ’em.