A dark chocolate colored wrapper with only a couple of visible veins and tight seams. It has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
Aroma
Earth, cedar and a very distant spice on the wrapper.
Earth, faint raisin, cedar and a hint of spice at the foot.
Prelight Draw
Earth, faint raisin, cedar, dark chocolate and a hint of spice.
1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and a distant spice. About half a dozen draws in some mild raisin notes join the profile. The draw and burn are spot on. Unsalted, creamy cashew notes join the profile. Strength & body are at mild/medium. Smoke production is at low end of high range. The spice, still not fully developed is kind of like allspice(think jerk chicken). Cocoa powder notes join the profile. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The burn is off 7*at 1.75” into the 1st/3rd. The ash held firm but was beginning to lean to one side at removal.
2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a short but wide tunnel causing the uneven burn line. The burn line self corrects immediately. Smoke production is at the high range. A half inch into the 2nd/3rd some black pepper notes join the allspice. Halfway into the 2nd/3rd the burn goes off again. After ashing & inspection I find a 1/4” diameter tunnel. Brown sugar notes become noticeable. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, brown sugar, creamy cashews, cocoa powder, brown sugar and an allspice/black pepper spice combo.
Final/3rd
The well balanced and flavorful profile continues into the Final/3rd. Espresso notes join the profile. Strength is at medium. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.
Overall
The Rocky Patel Cigar Smoking World Championship Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.
