My Father The Judge Toro, Cigar Review

Time for another honest cigar review, and this time we are smoking the My Father The Judge Toro. This is one of My Father's most highly regarded blends and has received plenty of praise over the years. In fact, the Grand Robusto vitola was named Cigar Aficionado's Cigar of the Year in 2024 with an impressive 98 point rating. For some smokers, that may well be a perfect cigar.

Both of us came away with very similar impressions. It is undoubtedly an excellent cigar with beautiful construction, great balance and plenty of flavor. Still, as always, taste is subjective, and while we thoroughly enjoyed it, it didn't quite deliver the same "wow" experience that some of My Father's other cigars have given us over the years.

Cigar overview

Name: My Father The Judge

Vitola: Toro, 152 mm, ring gauge 56

Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Strength: Medium to full

Price: Roughly 18€ in Europe / 13usd-15usd in USA at the time of writing

Construction and draw

Construction was excellent on both samples. The box pressed shape feels fantastic in hand and the wrapper has a rich, dark appearance with beautiful presentation. Draw was effortless with excellent smoke output, while the burn stayed even throughout the smoke. This is exactly the level of construction we've come to expect from My Father. Burn time about 1h 20 minutes.

Flavor

Flavor wise, wood, leather, earth and espresso make up the core profile from the first draw. Gentle pepper and spice slowly build throughout the smoke, adding depth without becoming overpowering. We both found the cigar very well balanced. It never became overly creamy, but it also avoided any bitterness, making it an easy cigar to enjoy from beginning to end.

Compared to some other cigars in the My Father range, this one felt a little more restrained. Rather than chasing bold transitions, it focused on consistency and balance, which we both appreciated.

Pairing

I (Alex) enjoyed mine together with an Aperol Spritz, which, as usual, worked very well. That said, for this particular cigar I still felt that something richer, like a quality rum, bourbon or coffee, would have complemented the deeper flavors even better.

Overall, this is a cigar that pairs nicely with richer drinks, allowing the woody, earthy and slightly spicy profile to really shine.

Who will enjoy this

If you enjoy medium to full bodied Nicaraguan cigars with leathery, woody flavors and refined spice, The Judge is an easy recommendation. It is particularly suited to smokers who appreciate consistency and craftsmanship over dramatic flavor transitions.

Our rating

Average score: 91 out of 100.

Accessories used

Storage: Cigar Tube

Lighter: Sisuman Torch Cigar Lighter

Cutting: Forged Cigar Scissors (Unreleased)