Wednesday, January 05 2011
Source: Toasted Foot.com
Size: 6×50, Toro
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Mexican
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium/Full
Price: Box of 20, $99.99*
Grade: 8.8
Another Famous Smoke Shop exclusive, the Famous Signature Series by Rocky Patel Cigars was also developed by Amilcar P. Castro. Amilcar is behind other Rocky smokes including one of my favorites, the 15th Anniversary, reviewed here, as well as The VUDU which we recently reviewed.
I was not able to find a lot of information on this cigar, but I do know the Maduro wrapper encases Mexican binder leaves and premium longfiller tobacco from Nicaragua. As with the VUDU, the Famous Signature Series is available in three sizes, Churchill (7×50), Robusto (5×50), and a Toro (6×50). Today we are reviewing the Toro that was graciously provided by Famous Smoke Shop.
Pre-light, 1.7:
The Maduro wrapper on the F.S.S. by Rocky Patel is bumpy in texture with a nice sheen of oils on the surface. The wrapper also has some
tooth to it as I roll it between my fingers. The Toro is well packed but is a bit lighter than expected in the palm. Lastly I noticed the
cap, which is constructed beautifully atop the
head of the smoke. The pre-light aroma is of earthy barnyard along the wrapper with very strong berry notes at the
foot. The cold
draw produces more berry notes that lean toward dark cherries. I am also picking up a bit of black pepper spice as well.
Burn, 1.7:
The cigar cut, toasted, and lit very well. The draw is very nice and the cigar produces a lot of smoke that fills the room nicely. The ash does not hold at all on this smoke, but the burn is even throughout, requiring no touch ups or re-lights. The smoke temperature is consistent and pleasant, right down to the nub.
Flavor, 2.7:
The first puff produces notes of earthy tobacco with a [tickle] of spice on the exhale; this is not what I expected. I fully expected a blast of spice similar to the VUDU. Moving into the first third, the cigar is somewhat bland until about one inch in, when it starts to show some good notes. The tobacco is rich on the palate and I am picking up spice that is in the pepper category. Into the second third, the cigar really opens up with tobacco and notes of berry and some mild sweetness that feels like dark chocolate to me. The finish at this point is very heavy and long. The last third of the cigar does not transition much from the second third. It seems to mellow a bit towards the nub, but other than that it stays the course.
Overall, 2.7:
This cigar, while similar to the VUDU, is not quote as spicy in my opinion; other than that, they could be identical twins. The samples I smoked were consistent, and had the same flavor profile as the VUDU with the spice dialed back a bit. This is a good smoke in the $5 a stick category, and is an even better smoke if you can find it on sale. As with the VUDU, this is not a typical Rocky smoke, but that is not a bad thing. If you want more spice go for the VUDU, if you want less go for this cigar.
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* Price shown is was the price at the time of posting and is subject to change.
