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Welcome to another Cigar Geeks Critique of a vitola provided to us by our friends at Rocky Patel Cigars. Up for review this time is the new Patel Brothers Toro. A special thanks to CG member Akira for setting this one up with Rocky Patel.
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Length:
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6.5
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Ring Gauge:
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52
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Country Manufactured:
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Nicaragua
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Filler:
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Nicaragua
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Binder:
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Nicaragua
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Wrapper:
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Pennsylvania
United States
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Color:
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Maduro
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Strength:
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Full
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Shape:
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Toro
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| This cigar was enjoyed with Miller Lite 1st Half / Cabernet Sauvignon 2nd Half
Pre-Light: 19 Points of 20 Possible
This cigar had a very rich leathery prelight smell. The wrapper was an oily and dark maduro, and had only 1 large vein. I thought that the band was tasteful, and used a straight guillotine cut. One thing I noticed immediately was that this stick felt very heavy in your hand.
Light & Burn: 6 Points of 15 Possible
The burn started out pretty good with just a little unevenness, which touchups handled well. However, it became worse as the cigar progressed to the point that it wouldn't stay lit or draw by the time I reached the last 1/4. Basically, way too high maintenance in the 2nd half with constant relights and touchups.
Construction: 25 Points of 30 Possible
This robusto had a nice draw up intil the end, which was primarily due to a runner in the burn. The wrapper and cap seemed to be of good quality. The wrapper looked very similar to other PA Broadleaf cigars that I've tried.
Flavor: 31 Points of 35 Possible
This cigar started off with a slightly sweet taste and a pleasant smoothness. There was a subtle black licorice taste as well. The midpoint is where the cigar became interesting, as some nice dried fruit flavors creeped in. It remained consistent in the 2nd half with a little added earthyness developing toward the end. I was surprised by this cigar's pleasant aroma and would describe its strength and body as medium. I also thought the cab paired much better with this cigar than the Miller Lite.
Summary
This cigar was a pleasant surprise for me, as I don't smoke Rocky Patel cigars too often. It was certainly better than your average maduro with impressive smoothness and complexity. Unfortunately the constant relights and touchups became too tedious to really enjoy this cigar. Hopefully, this is the exception not the norm, but I have only tried this one sample so I don't know.
Nevertheless, I think this is a cigar that beginners and more seasoned smokers can both enjoy and despite its construction problems I recommend it for a try.
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