By Patrick A. (StogieGuys.com)
You’d think cigars produced by an industry superstar would display his name prominently. But there’s no trace of the Rocky Patel name on the Cruz Real black and gold band, a not-quite-value, not-quite-premium brand that’s sold exclusively by Famous Smoke Shop.
Launched early this year, Cruz Real is handmade under the supervision of Nestor Plasencia in El Paraiso, Honduras. “We worked long and hard on getting it just right, and finally came up with a decadent, creamy blend that’s still affordable,” says Rocky. “You’re really gonna enjoy this cigar.”
The five Connecticut vitolas—Corona, Lonsdale, Churchill, Robusto, and Toro—sport a U.S. Connecticut wrapper, a Mexican binder, and longfiller tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican. Each size is also available in a darker Sumatra wrapper.
The classically sized five inch by 50 ring gauge Robusto is smooth and clean with a crisp prelight aroma of sweet hay. Soft to the touch, it sells for $104 per box of 20 and is supposed to be a toasty, medium-bodied smoke for those with an eye for quality and value.
The initial blast of salty spice is enough to catch me off-guard. I just don’t expect such power from this delicate, unassuming stick—at least not from the very get-go. The flavor quickly mellows, though, to take on a mild profile of oak, butter, and onion. Smooth and gentle.
The dry saltiness diminishes significantly after the first third, leaving a well-balanced taste. This is where the Cruz Real Connecticut is at its best, before an unwelcome bitterness creeps in during the last inch or so.
With an excellent burn, a great ash, and a clear draw, this 50-minute smoke has physical properties that far exceed those of many pricier sticks. If only the taste offered more of the complexity or character I was hoping for.
Still, if this young cigar doesn’t improve with age, it remains an affordable, reliable golf course companion.
I give the Cruz Real Connecticut Robusto a respectable rating of 3.5 stogies out of 5.
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